An automated testing system and testing method for a QSFP28 interface optical module

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, comprising a computer, a QSFP28 test board, a standard optical module, an optical module under test (DUT), an optical attenuator, an optical power meter, a bit error rate analyzer, an oscilloscope, and an optical splitter. The computer runs a host computer program to receive user commands and sends corresponding commands and data to the DUT via the QSFP28 test board. The standard optical module provides optical signals and transmits them to the receiving end of the DUT. The DUT receives the commands and data from the QSFP28 test board and modifies its registers accordingly. This invention provides an automated testing system and method for QSFP28 interface optical modules. By controlling the operation of measuring instruments and writing parameters to the optical module registers, the system achieves automated testing of the DUT, significantly reducing worker workload, ensuring consistent optical module performance, and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated testing of optical modules, and in particular to an automated testing system and method for QSFP28 interface optical modules. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of AI and the Internet, the data traffic of network communication is also constantly increasing. As the requirements for communication latency and data volume continue to rise, optical communication has also gradually developed. As an important component of the optical communication system, the optical module is mainly used for the conversion of photoelectric signals. At the transmitting end of the optical module, electrical signals are converted into optical signals, and the optical signals are transmitted through optical fibers to the receiving end of the optical module, where they are converted back into electrical signals.

[0003] As a crucial component in optical communication networks, the performance of optical modules directly impacts data integrity and communication quality. Therefore, each optical module undergoes specific testing and calibration at the factory to ensure its reliability.

[0004] Currently, traditional optical module testing methods rely on manual measurements by workers. Because testing requires instruments such as bit error rate testers, optical attenuators, oscilloscopes, and optical power meters, the procedures are complex for factory operators, leading to a high error rate. Furthermore, the operation of testing instruments and the evaluation of performance indicators are significantly affected by human factors, making it difficult to guarantee product performance consistency. Additionally, the reliance on manual operation during testing results in low production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the operation of testing instruments and the evaluation of performance indicators in existing testing methods are greatly affected by human factors, making it difficult to ensure the consistency of product performance. Furthermore, since many measuring instruments are manually operated and set by workers, production efficiency is low. This invention provides an automated testing system and method for QSFP28 interface optical modules. This system controls the operation of measuring instruments and the writing of register parameters to the optical module under test, achieving automated testing of the optical module under test, greatly reducing the workload of workers, ensuring the consistency of the performance of the optical module under test, and improving production efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, comprising a computer, a QSFP28 test board, a standard optical module, an optical module under test (DUT), an optical attenuator, an optical power meter, a bit error rate tester, an oscilloscope, and an optical splitter. The computer runs a host computer program to receive user commands and sends the corresponding commands and data to the DUT via the QSFP28 test board. The standard optical module provides optical signals and transmits them to the receiving end of the DUT. The DUT receives the commands and data sent by the QSFP28 test board and performs self-testing based on the commands and data. The registers are modified accordingly; the receiving end of the optical attenuator is connected to the standard optical module, and the output end of the optical attenuator attenuates the optical signal power as expected according to user requirements and outputs the attenuated optical signal. The attenuated optical signal is connected to the optical power meter through the optical splitter, and the other end is connected to the receiving end of the optical module under test; the optical power meter measures the output optical power of the optical module under test and the output optical power of the standard optical module in real time, and transmits it to the host computer program; the bit error rate meter acts as a test symbol generator to test the bit error rate performance of the optical module under test during data transmission; the oscilloscope measures the optical eye diagram of the output optical signal of the optical module under test.

[0007] Furthermore, the host computer program includes a DDM calibration module, a register writing module for the optical module under test, a register writing and verification module for the optical module under test, and a firmware burning module for the optical module under test; the host computer program sequentially runs the firmware burning module for the optical module under test, the DDM calibration module, the register writing module for the optical module under test, and the register writing and verification module for the optical module under test.

[0008] Furthermore, the QSFP28 test board receives instructions from the host computer and performs corresponding operations based on the instructions, reading and writing the register information of the optical module under test.

[0009] Furthermore, the QSFP28 test board has interfaces including a USB interface, a QSFP28 interface, and an SMA interface. The QSFP28 test board connects to and communicates with a computer via the USB interface; the QSFP28 test board connects to and communicates with the optical module under test via the QSFP28 interface; and the QSFP28 test board connects to a bit error rate tester via the SMA interface to transmit electrical signals.

[0010] Furthermore, the standard optical module outputs standard optical power, and the output optical signal of the standard optical module is connected to the input terminal of the optical module under test after passing through an optical attenuator for receiving calibration of the optical module under test.

[0011] Furthermore, the optical power meter includes two units: one is used to measure the output optical power of a standard optical module and is ultimately used for the receive calibration of the optical module under test; the other is used to measure the output optical power of the optical module under test and is ultimately used for the transmit calibration of the optical module under test.

[0012] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a testing method for an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, comprising the following steps:

[0013] The computer loads the relevant configuration files and initializes the relevant parameters.

[0014] Check whether the optical module under test is connected to the QSFP28 test board;

[0015] Write the firmware of the optical module under test;

[0016] Perform transmit and receive calibrations on the optical module under test;

[0017] The computer reads the configuration file, sets the voltage reporting value of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test.

[0018] Record the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, set the calibration value of the temperature reporting value of the optical module under test according to the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, and write the relevant parameters into the register of the optical module under test;

[0019] The relevant information is written into the register of the optical module under test through the register writing module;

[0020] The correctness of the information is checked by writing code to the register of the optical module under test.

[0021] Furthermore, emission calibration is performed on the optical module under test, specifically by calibrating the emitted optical power of the optical module under test and then verifying the eye diagram of the optical module under test.

[0022] Furthermore, the receiving calibration of the optical module under test is performed, which specifically includes first calibrating the received optical power of the optical module under test, then testing the receiving sensitivity of the optical module under test, then testing and calibrating the LOS Assert and LOSDeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test, and finally testing and calibrating the IDark Assert and IDark DeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test.

[0023] Technical effect

[0024] This invention provides an automated testing system and method for QSFP28 interface optical modules, used for production debugging and batch flashing of module firmware and registers of the optical modules under test. By using a computer host computer to control the operation of measuring instruments and write the register parameters of the optical modules under test, automated testing of the optical modules under test is achieved, greatly reducing the workload of workers, ensuring the consistency of the performance of the optical modules under test, and improving the production efficiency of the optical modules under test.

[0025] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the emission calibration process during the automated testing of an automated test system for a QSFP28 interface optical module, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the receiver calibration process in the automated testing of an automated test system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] In the following description, specific details, such as particular internal procedures and techniques, are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, including: a computer, a QSFP28 test board, a standard optical module, an optical module under test, an optical attenuator, an optical power meter, a bit error rate tester, an oscilloscope, and an optical splitter. The process involves several mechanisms: a computer running a host program to receive user commands and transmit corresponding commands and data to the optical module under test (ODT) via a QSFP28 test board; a standard optical module providing optical signals and transmitting them to the receiving end of the ODT; the ODT receiving commands and data from the QSFP28 test board and modifying its registers accordingly; a receiver connected to the standard optical module, and an output attenuating the optical signal power as required by the user, outputting the attenuated optical signal; the attenuated optical signal is then split by an optical splitter, with one path connecting to an optical power meter and the other to the receiving end of the ODT; the optical power meter measures the output optical power of both the ODT and the standard optical module in real time and transmits this data to the host program on the computer, which reads the displayed power value; a bit error rate meter (BERT) acts as a test symbol generator to test the BERT performance of the ODT during data transmission; and an oscilloscope measures the optical eye diagram of the ODT's output optical signal.

[0033] The system consists of a host computer program that interacts with the user, receiving and executing commands to control the operation of the optical module under test (DUT), optical attenuator, optical power meter, bit error rate analyzer, and oscilloscope. The host computer program includes a DDM calibration module, a DUT register writing module, a DUT register writing verification module, and a DUT firmware programming module. The DDM calibration module calibrates the reported values ​​of temperature, voltage, bias current, transmit optical power, and receive optical power in the optical module. The DUT register writing module writes manufacturer information, module serial number (SN), module operating rate, and DDM threshold to the register table of the optical module. The DUT register writing verification module verifies the correctness of the information written to the optical module registers. The DUT firmware programming module programs the optical module firmware. The host computer program executes these modules sequentially.

[0034] The QSFP28 test board receives commands from the host computer and performs corresponding operations accordingly, including reading and writing register information of the optical module under test (ODT). The QSFP28 test board includes three interfaces: USB, QSFP28, and SMA. The USB interface connects the computer to the host computer for communication; the QSFP28 interface connects the optical modules to each other for communication; and the SMA interface connects to the bit error rate tester (BERT) for transmitting electrical signals. Specifically, the computer connects to the test board via the USB interface and can send commands to the test board through the USB interface. The QSFP28 interface is used to power the ODT, forward commands from the computer to the ODT, and transmit the converted electrical signals from the ODT. The SMA interface is used to transmit electrical signals. The ODT converts optical signals into electrical signals, and the SMA interface transmits the converted electrical signals from the ODT, as well as the test symbols generated by the BERT. On the test board, the SMA interface is connected to the QSFP28 interface.

[0035] The standard optical module is used to output standard optical power. The output optical signal of the standard optical module passes through an optical attenuator and then through an optical splitter. One path is connected to an optical power meter, and the other path is connected to the receiver of the optical module under test. This is used to test and calibrate the receiver of the optical module under test.

[0036] The optical module under test (DUT), acting as the debugged end, receives relevant instructions from the host computer to report module-related information or modify register contents. The DUT's transmitting end is connected to an optical power meter and oscilloscope for calibration and debugging of its transmitted optical power, extinction ratio, etc. The DUT's receiving end is connected to the transmitting end of a standard optical module for debugging and calibrating the received optical power, sensitivity, etc., of the DUT. The relevant instructions from the host computer include reading or writing the contents of the DUT's registers.

[0037] The optical power meter consists of two units: one is used to measure the output optical power of a standard optical module and is ultimately used for the receiver calibration of the optical module under test; the other is used to measure the output optical power of the optical module under test and is ultimately used for the transmitter calibration of the optical module under test.

[0038] An optical attenuator is used to attenuate the input optical signal before outputting it. It is used in the calibration phase of testing the received optical power and sensitivity of the optical module under test. The receiving end of the optical attenuator connects to the output end of a standard optical module, and the output signal of the optical attenuator is the attenuated output signal of the standard optical module. The optical attenuator connects to a computer via a USB interface. The host computer program sends commands to the optical attenuator to control the specific amount of attenuation. For example, if the attenuation value is configured to 10dB, then when the input optical power of the optical attenuator is -1dB, the output optical power of the optical attenuator will be -11dB.

[0039] An optical power meter is used to measure the power of optical signals. The measured optical power value can be used to measure and calibrate the received and transmitted optical power of the optical module under test. The optical power value measured by the optical power meter is sent to a computer via USB port, and the host computer program reads the optical power value displayed on the optical power meter.

[0040] A bit error rate (BER) meter is used to generate test symbols and test the bit error rate performance of an optical module during operation. It can be used to test the receiver sensitivity of the optical module under test. The BER meter can display the current bit error rate information, and a computer can access the information from the BER meter via a USB interface.

[0041] An oscilloscope is used to display the optical eye diagram at the output of the optical module under test. The extinction ratio, cross ratio, and other parameters of the optical module under test can be measured and calibrated through the eye diagram.

[0042] An optical splitter is used to split a single optical signal into two optical signals.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a method for testing optical modules based on an automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, including the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: The computer loads the relevant configuration files and initializes the relevant parameters;

[0045] Step 2: Check whether the optical module under test is connected to the QSFP28 test board;

[0046] Step 3: Flash the firmware of the optical module under test;

[0047] Step 4: Perform emission calibration of the optical module under test, including emission power calibration and eye diagram verification of the optical module under test.

[0048] Step 5: Perform receiver calibration of the optical module under test, including receiver optical power calibration, receiver sensitivity test, LOS Assert and LOSDeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test, and IDark Assert and IDark DeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test.

[0049] Step 6: The computer reads the configuration file, sets the voltage reporting value of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test;

[0050] Step 7: Record the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, set the calibration temperature reporting value of the optical module under test according to the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, and write the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test;

[0051] Step 8: Write the device manufacturer information, SN serial number, DDM threshold and other information into the corresponding register of the optical module under test through the register writing module of the optical module under test;

[0052] Step 9: Check whether the information written in step 8 is correct by using the write code verification module of the optical module under test register.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the emission calibration flowchart of the automated testing process for the optical module in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0054] Step 1: Perform optical power calibration of the optical module under test. The optical signal emitted by the optical module under test passes through an optical splitter and is then connected to an optical power meter. The host computer reads the optical power values ​​displayed on the four channels of the optical power meter via a USB interface, calibrates the reported optical power value of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the corresponding registers of the optical module under test.

[0055] Step 2: Perform eye diagram verification of the optical module under test. The optical signal emitted by the transmitter of the optical module under test is connected to an oscilloscope after passing through an optical splitter. The computer reads the output optical eye diagram parameters of the optical module under test displayed on the oscilloscope via a USB interface, adjusts the corresponding parameters of the optical module under test so that the extinction ratio, crossover ratio, eye diagram margin and other parameters in the optical eye diagram meet the requirements, and writes the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown in the flowchart, the automated testing process for the optical module in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Perform optical power calibration for the optical module under test (DUT). The optical signal output from the standard optical module is split into two paths by an optical attenuator and an optical splitter, which are then connected to the input of the DUT and an optical power meter, respectively. Therefore, the optical power value at the DUT's input is the value displayed on the optical power meter. The host computer adjusts the attenuation value of the optical attenuator so that the optical power value at the DUT's input is at two specific calibration points (the optical power meter should display these two specific calibration points at this time). When the optical power value at the DUT's input is at these two specific calibration points, the host computer records the received optical power value reported by the DUT. The host computer then calculates and fits a straight line to these two sets of data, obtaining the slope and intercept values, and writes the calculated slope and intercept into the DUT's register.

[0058] Step 2: Perform a receiver sensitivity test on the optical module under test. The computer reads the bit error rate (BER) displayed on the bit error rate meter via USB interface and continuously adjusts the value of the optical attenuator to obtain the BER at different received optical powers of the optical module under test. Based on the obtained curve of received optical power and BER of the optical module under test, the optical power value at a specific BER is calculated. This optical power value is the receiver sensitivity of the optical module. Next, the host computer adjusts the attenuation value of the optical attenuator so that the received optical power of the optical module under test is the receiver sensitivity calculated above. After running for a period of time, the host computer reads the data from the BER meter to check for bit errors. If there are no bit errors, the sensitivity test passes.

[0059] Step 3: Test and calibrate the LOS Assert and LOSDeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test. First, the host computer adjusts the attenuation value of the optical attenuator so that the optical power received by the optical module under test is the LOSDeAssert optical power value specified in the configuration file. The host computer records this parameter and writes it into the register of the optical module under test. Next, the host computer adjusts the attenuator value again so that the optical power received by the optical module under test is the LOS Assert optical power value specified in the configuration file. The host computer records this parameter and writes it into the register of the optical module under test.

[0060] Step 4: Test and calibrate the IDark Assert and IDark DeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test. First, the host computer adjusts the attenuation value of the optical attenuator so that the optical power received by the optical module under test is the IDark DeAssert optical power value specified in the configuration file. The host computer records this parameter and writes it into the register of the optical module under test. Next, the host computer adjusts the attenuation value of the optical attenuator so that the optical power received by the optical module under test is the IDark Assert optical power value specified in the configuration file. The host computer records this parameter and writes it into the register of the optical module under test.

[0061] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An automated test system for QSFP28 interface optical modules, characterized in that, The system includes a computer, a QSFP28 test board, a standard optical module, an optical module under test (DUT), an optical attenuator, an optical power meter, a bit error rate tester, an oscilloscope, and an optical splitter. The computer runs a host computer program to receive user commands and sends corresponding commands and data to the DUT via the QSFP28 test board. The standard optical module provides an optical signal and transmits it to the receiving end of the DUT. The DUT receives the commands and data from the QSFP28 test board and modifies its registers accordingly. The receiving end of the optical attenuator is connected to the standard optical module, and its output attenuates the optical signal power as required by the user, outputting the attenuated optical signal. This attenuated optical signal is then connected to the optical attenuator via the optical splitter. An optical power meter is connected to the receiving end of the optical module under test (DUT). The optical power meter measures the output optical power of the DUT and the standard optical module in real time and transmits the data to the host computer program. A bit error rate tester (BERT) acts as a test symbol generator to test the bit error rate performance of the DUT during data transmission. An oscilloscope measures the optical eye diagram of the output optical signal of the DUT. The QSFP28 test board includes interfaces such as a USB interface, a QSFP28 interface, and an SMA interface. The QSFP28 test board connects to and communicates with the computer via the USB interface. The QSFP28 test board connects to and communicates with the DUT via the QSFP28 interface. The QSFP28 test board connects to the BERT via the SMA interface to transmit electrical signals. When calibrating the transmitted optical power of the optical module under test, the optical signal emitted by the transmitting end of the optical module under test is connected to the optical power meter after passing through the optical splitter. The host computer reads the optical power value displayed by the four channels in the optical power meter through the USB interface, calibrates the reported value of the transmitted optical power of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the corresponding register of the optical module under test. When performing eye diagram verification of the optical module under test, the optical signal emitted by the transmitter of the optical module under test is connected to the oscilloscope after passing through the optical splitter. The computer reads the output optical eye diagram parameters of the optical module under test displayed on the oscilloscope through the USB interface, adjusts the corresponding parameters of the optical module under test so that the extinction ratio, cross ratio and eye diagram margin parameters in the optical eye diagram meet the requirements, and writes the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test. The optical power meter includes two units: one unit is used to measure the output optical power of the standard optical module and is ultimately used for the receiving calibration of the optical module under test; the other unit is used to measure the output optical power of the optical module under test and is ultimately used for the transmitting calibration of the optical module under test.

2. The automated test system for QSFP28 interface optical modules of claim 1, wherein, The host computer program of the computer includes a DDM calibration module, a register writing module for the optical module under test, a register writing and verification module for the optical module under test, and a firmware burning module for the optical module under test; the host computer program runs the firmware burning module for the optical module under test, the DDM calibration module, the register writing module for the optical module under test, and the register writing and verification module for the optical module under test in sequence.

3. The automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The QSFP28 test board receives instructions from the host computer and performs corresponding operations according to the instructions, reading and writing the register information of the optical module under test.

4. The automated testing system for QSFP28 interface optical modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The standard optical module outputs standard optical power, and the output optical signal of the standard optical module is connected to the input terminal of the optical module under test after passing through an optical attenuator, for the optical module under test to receive calibration.

5. A test method for an automated test system for QSFP28 interface optical modules as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The computer loads the relevant configuration files and initializes the relevant parameters. Check whether the optical module under test is connected to the QSFP28 test board; Write the firmware of the optical module under test; Perform transmit and receive calibrations on the optical module under test; The computer reads the configuration file, sets the voltage reporting value of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the register of the optical module under test. Record the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, set the calibration value of the temperature reporting value of the optical module under test according to the current temperature value of the housing of the optical module under test, and write the relevant parameters into the register of the optical module under test; The relevant information is written into the register of the optical module under test through the register writing module; The correctness of the information is checked by the write-code verification module of the optical module under test register. The process also includes emission calibration of the optical module under test. Specifically, the emission power of the optical module under test is calibrated. The optical signal emitted by the transmitting end of the optical module under test passes through an optical splitter and is connected to an optical power meter. The host computer reads the optical power values ​​displayed on the four channels of the optical power meter through a USB interface, calibrates the reported emission power value of the optical module under test, and writes the corresponding parameters into the corresponding registers of the optical module under test. Then, the eye diagram of the optical module under test is verified. The optical signal emitted by the transmitting end of the optical module under test passes through an optical splitter and is connected to an oscilloscope. The computer reads the output eye diagram parameters of the optical module under test displayed on the oscilloscope through a USB interface, adjusts the corresponding parameters of the optical module under test so that the extinction ratio, crossover ratio, and eye diagram margin parameters in the eye diagram meet the requirements, and writes the corresponding parameters into the registers of the optical module under test.

6. The test method of the automated test system for QSFP28 interface optical modules as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The receiving calibration of the optical module under test specifically includes first calibrating the received optical power of the optical module under test, then testing the receiving sensitivity of the optical module under test, then testing and calibrating the LOS Asssert and LOS DeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test, and finally testing and calibrating the IDark Assert and IDarkDeAssert values ​​of the optical module under test.

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