Electric power dual-mode communication test system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric power dual-mode communication test system, which comprises a test platform, a test terminal and a database, the test platform comprises a test case management unit, a CCO test unit and an STA test unit, and is used for simulating a communication network environment and performing a performance test after a protocol consistency test of the power dual-mode communication unit is realized; the test terminal communicates with the test platform equipment and remotely controls the test platform, and the database is used for storing test data and test results. According to the invention, the test efficiency of the dual-mode communication unit can be remarkably improved, comprehensive evaluation of the performance and compatibility of the dual-mode communication system can be realized, and the test accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of power dual - mode communication unit testing, and more specifically, to a power dual - mode communication testing system. Background Art

[0002] With the development of smart grids, dual - mode communication technology is increasingly widely used in power metering. The dual - mode communication technology can combine two different communication methods (such as RF and HPLC), and can switch between broadband power line carrier communication (HPLC) and wireless communication (RF), thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of communication.

[0003] This technology can adapt to different communication environments and application scenarios. With the wide application of dual - mode communication units, the power communication system has put forward higher requirements for the reliability and flexibility of dual - mode communication units. However, the existing dual - mode communication testing systems can usually only test specific communication methods (such as HPLC or RF), and cannot comprehensively evaluate the comprehensive performance of the dual - mode communication system; in addition, the traditional testing process is complex and time - consuming, and it is difficult to meet the needs of rapid detection.

[0004] Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a system that can quickly and comprehensively test dual - mode communication units. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a power dual - mode communication testing system, which can efficiently and comprehensively test the performance, protocol consistency and interoperability of the dual - mode communication system, thereby improving the testing efficiency and accuracy, and ensuring the reliability and compatibility of the system.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A power dual - mode communication testing system, comprising a testing platform, a testing terminal and a database;

[0008] The testing platform includes a test case management unit, a CCO testing unit and an STA testing unit, and is used to simulate a communication network environment to perform performance testing after protocol consistency testing of the power dual - mode communication unit;

[0009] The testing terminal communicates with the testing platform devices and remotely controls the testing platform; it includes:

[0010] A test parameter configuration unit, used to select test items, set port parameters and working channels;

[0011] A test instruction sending unit, and the instructions include starting the test, stopping the test, and pausing the test;

[0012] A test data analysis unit for statistically analyzing test data and drawing charts;

[0013] Test report generation, including test results and test conclusions;

[0014] A database for storing test data and test results.

[0015] Furthermore, a test case management unit for managing and updating test cases, and automatically sending corresponding test cases according to the selected test items.

[0016] Furthermore, a CCO test unit for testing the protocol consistency between the concentrator and the CCO. The steps include:

[0017] Sending a command to add a slave node to the CCO in the power dual-mode communication unit under test through a test case, and at the same time sending the MAC address of the target network site to the CCO;

[0018] Receiving the central beacon sent by the CCO under test and simulating the STA to send an association request frame;

[0019] Receiving the association confirmation to test the CCO, including,

[0020] If the association confirmation is not received within the timing time, the test fails;

[0021] If the association confirmation is received within the timing time, the test passes if it is consistent with the standard specified association confirmation frame format, otherwise the test fails.

[0022] Furthermore, an STA test unit for testing the protocol consistency between the STA and the CCO in the power dual-mode communication test unit under test. The steps include:

[0023] According to the target working channel set for the dual-mode communication unit, simulating the STA as a level 1 station to attempt to access the network through a test case to test the function of the CCO under test to allow level 1 stations to access the network.

[0024] Confirming the target wireless working channel of the device under test; and the test agent unit enters the RF transceiver mode and sends a test frame;

[0025] Simulating an electric meter and sending a table address to the STA under test;

[0026] Simulating the CCO to perform a site access operation;

[0027] Simulating the CCO to send a central beacon frame to test the protocol consistency;

[0028] Simulating the STA to send an association request to test the protocol consistency;

[0029] Simulate the CCO to send an association confirmation to test the protocol consistency.

[0030] Among them, the steps of simulating the CCO to send a central beacon frame to test the protocol consistency include: using a test case to simulate the CCO to arrange the STA that is to be networked as a discovery station to send the central beacon frame of the wireless reduced beacon time slot. If the wireless reduced beacon message sent by the discovery station is not received within the timing time, it fails. If it is received, the protocol consistency is tested. If they are inconsistent, it is output as not passed.

[0031] The steps of simulating the STA to send an association request to test the protocol consistency include: using a test case to simulate the STA to send an association request. If the association request frame forwarded by the STA to be tested is not received within the timing time, it is not passed. If it is received, the protocol consistency is tested. If they are inconsistent, it is output as not passed.

[0032] The steps of simulating the CCO to send an association confirmation to test the protocol consistency include: using a test case to simulate the CCO to send an association confirmation. If the association confirmation frame forwarded by the STA to be tested is not received within the timing time, it is not passed. If it is received, the protocol consistency is tested. If they are inconsistent, it is output as not passed. If they are consistent, the test passes.

[0033] Furthermore, the HPLC performance test includes the working frequency band and power spectral density test; the white noise resistance performance test; the frequency offset resistance performance test; the attenuation resistance performance test; the broadband noise resistance performance test; the impulse noise resistance performance test; the communication rate performance test.

[0034] Furthermore, the RF performance test includes the working frequency band and power spectral density test; the maximum input level performance test; the maximum transmit power performance test; the spurious radiation performance test; the receive sensitivity performance test; the adjacent channel interference performance test; the frequency offset tolerance resistance performance test; the transmit spectrum template performance test; the blocking resistance performance test; the multipath channel performance test; the EVM test.

[0035] Furthermore, the database supports the following functions:

[0036] Data management, including data addition, deletion, modification, etc.;

[0037] Data query, including querying test data according to conditions such as test time and test items;

[0038] Data statistics, including statistically analyzing test data to generate statistical reports;

[0039] Data comparison, including comparative analysis of different test data or historical data.

[0040] Further, the test terminal further includes a sample management unit: for uploading test commission information, generating a commission number, and recording the model, number, and quantity of the submitted samples; and after the test is completed, automatically associating with the test report.

[0041] Further, the test terminal further includes a business process management unit, which is used to automatically generate an electronic protocol according to the detection requirements submitted by the user through the Web interface, support electronic signature, and after the test is completed, push the test report through email or API interface.

[0042] The power dual-mode communication test system provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0043] Improve test efficiency: The automated test process and visual test results can significantly improve the test efficiency;

[0044] Improve test accuracy: Multiple test items and database management can perform wireless communication performance tests, protocol consistency tests, and interoperability tests for HPLC and RF, so as to cover all aspects of the dual-mode communication system, realize a comprehensive evaluation of the performance and compatibility of the dual-mode communication system, and improve test accuracy. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained according to the provided drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the power dual-mode communication test system provided by the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0047] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0048] The embodiment of the present invention discloses a power dual-mode communication test system for testing communication units such as local concentrator type 1 / dual-mode, single-phase / dual-mode, and three-phase / dual-mode.

[0049] This application can quickly and comprehensively detect the performance and protocol consistency of the dual-mode communication unit. Through automated process management and modular design, the system greatly improves the test efficiency and ensures the stable operation of the dual-mode communication unit in the power system.

[0050] In one embodiment, the power dual-mode communication test system includes three parts: a test platform, a test terminal, and a database; among them,

[0051] The test platform includes a CCO test unit, an STA test unit, and a test case management unit, which is used to simulate the communication network environment and perform performance testing after achieving the protocol consistency test of the power dual-mode communication unit;

[0052] The test terminal communicates with the test platform devices and remotely controls the test platform;

[0053] The database is used to store test data and test results.

[0054] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a power dual-mode communication test system.

[0055] In one embodiment,

[0056] In the test platform:

[0057] The test case management unit is used for the management and update of test cases, and automatically sends corresponding test cases according to the selected test items.

[0058] The CCO test unit is used to test the protocol consistency between the concentrator and the CCO. The steps include:

[0059] Simulate the concentrator to send an "add slave node" command to the CCO to be tested through the serial port through the test case, send the MAC address of the target network site to the CCO, and after waiting for "confirmation", verify that the CCO to be tested allows the 1-level single-site STA network access test; that is

[0060] Receive the central beacon sent by the CCO to be tested and simulate the STA to send an association request frame;

[0061] Receive the association confirmation to test the CCO, including,

[0062] If the association confirmation is not received within the timing time, the test fails;

[0063] If the association confirmation is received within the timing time, if it is consistent with the standard specified association confirmation frame format, the test passes; otherwise, the test fails.

[0064] The STA test unit is used to test the protocol consistency between the STA and the CCO in the power dual-mode communication test unit under test. The steps include:

[0065] According to the target working channel of the set dual-mode communication unit, simulate that the STA attempts to access the network as a level-1 station through test cases, and test the function of the CCO under test to allow level-1 stations to access the network.

[0066] That is, confirm the target wireless working channel of the device under test; and the test agent unit enters the RF transceiver mode and sends test frames;

[0067] Simulate an electric meter and issue a table address to the STA under test;

[0068] Simulate the CCO to perform a station access operation;

[0069] Simulate the CCO to send a central beacon frame and test protocol consistency;

[0070] Simulate the STA to send an association request and test protocol consistency;

[0071] Simulate the CCO to send an association confirmation and test protocol consistency.

[0072] Among them, the steps of simulating the CCO to send a central beacon frame and testing protocol consistency include, through test cases, simulating the CCO to arrange the STA accessing the network as a discovery station to send the central beacon frame of the wireless reduced beacon time slot. If the wireless reduced beacon message sent by the discovery station is not received within the timing time, it fails. If it is received, then test protocol consistency. If they are inconsistent, output fails;

[0073] The steps of simulating the STA to send an association request and testing protocol consistency include, through test cases, simulating the STA to send an association request. If the association request frame forwarded by the STA under test is not received within the timing time, it fails. If it is received, then test protocol consistency. If they are inconsistent, output fails;

[0074] The steps of simulating the CCO to send an association confirmation and testing protocol consistency include, through test cases, simulating the CCO to send an association confirmation. If the association confirmation frame forwarded by the STA under test is not received within the timing time, it fails. If it is received, then test protocol consistency. If they are inconsistent, output fails. If they are consistent, the test passes.

[0075] In this embodiment, the HPLC performance test items include:

[0076] Working frequency band and power spectral density test: Through test cases, use equipment such as a spectrum analyzer to measure the working frequency band and power spectral density of the HPLC signal, and verify whether it meets the specification requirements.

[0077] White noise resistance performance test: By writing test cases, add white noise to the HPLC signal and measure indicators such as the bit error rate to evaluate the white noise resistance performance of the HPLC.

[0078] Frequency offset resistance performance test: By writing test cases, adding frequency offset to the HPLC signal, and measuring indicators such as bit error rate, evaluate the frequency offset resistance performance of HPLC.

[0079] Attenuation resistance performance test: By writing test cases, transmitting the HPLC signal under different attenuation conditions, and measuring indicators such as bit error rate, evaluate the attenuation resistance performance of HPLC.

[0080] Broadband noise resistance performance test: By writing test cases, adding broadband noise to the HPLC signal, and measuring indicators such as bit error rate, evaluate the broadband noise resistance performance of HPLC.

[0081] Impulse noise resistance performance test: By writing test cases, adding impulse noise to the HPLC signal, and measuring indicators such as bit error rate, evaluate the impulse noise resistance performance of HPLC.

[0082] Communication rate performance test: By writing test cases, transmitting data at different communication rates, and measuring indicators such as throughput and latency, evaluate the communication rate performance of HPLC.

[0083] The RF performance test items include:

[0084] Operating frequency band and power spectral density test: Through test cases, use equipment such as a spectrum analyzer to measure the operating frequency band and power spectral density of the RF signal, and verify whether it meets the specification requirements.

[0085] Maximum input level performance test: Through test cases, gradually increase the input level of the RF signal, and measure indicators such as receive sensitivity, to evaluate the maximum input level performance of RF.

[0086] Maximum transmit power performance test: Through test cases, use equipment such as a power meter to measure the maximum transmit power of the RF signal, and verify whether it meets the specification requirements.

[0087] Spurious radiation performance test: Through test cases, use equipment such as a spectrum analyzer to measure the spurious radiation of the RF signal, and verify whether it meets the specification requirements.

[0088] Receive sensitivity performance test: Through test cases, gradually reduce the input level of the RF signal, and measure indicators such as bit error rate, to evaluate the receive sensitivity performance of RF.

[0089] Adjacent channel interference performance test: Through test cases, add adjacent channel interference signals near the RF signal, and measure indicators such as bit error rate, to evaluate the adjacent channel interference resistance performance of RF.

[0090] Anti-frequency deviation tolerance performance test: Through test cases, frequency deviation is added to the RF signal, and indicators such as bit error rate are measured to evaluate the anti-frequency deviation tolerance performance of the RF.

[0091] Transmission spectrum template performance test: Through test cases, devices such as spectrum analyzers are used to measure the transmission spectrum template of the RF signal to verify whether it meets the specification requirements.

[0092] Anti-blocking performance test: Through test cases, blocking interference signals are added to the RF signal, and indicators such as bit error rate are measured to evaluate the anti-blocking performance of the RF.

[0093] Multipath channel performance test: Through test cases, the RF signal is transmitted in a multipath channel environment, and indicators such as bit error rate are measured to evaluate the anti-multipath interference performance of the RF.

[0094] EVM test: Through test cases, devices such as vector signal analyzers are used to measure the EVM index of the RF signal to evaluate the modulation quality of the RF.

[0095] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the test terminal is responsible for controlling the test platform, analyzing test data, generating test reports, and providing a user-friendly operation interface. Specifically, it includes:

[0096] Test parameter configuration unit, used to select test items and set test parameters; the test terminal of this application supports multiple test items, including HPLC performance test, RF performance test, and protocol consistency test; users can select corresponding test items according to test requirements.

[0097] Test instruction sending unit, the instructions include:

[0098] Start the test. Users can start the test through the test terminal interface. The background software of the test terminal will control the test platform to perform test operations according to the test parameters and control instructions set by the user.

[0099] Stop the test. Users press the stop test button to stop the test operation of the test platform and save the current test data.

[0100] Pause the test. Users press the pause test button to pause the test operation of the test platform and save the current test data.

[0101] Continue the test: Users continue to execute the test operation before pausing through the continue test button.

[0102] In addition, the test terminal can display the test status in real time, including test progress, test results, etc., to facilitate users to understand the test situation.

[0103] Test data analysis unit, used to statistically analyze the test data and draw charts; including:

[0104] Statistical analysis of bit error rate, packet loss rate, and communication rate in HPLC performance testing; signal strength, signal quality, and modulation error rate in RF performance testing; the number of protocol message errors and protocol status in protocol consistency testing; and the number of successful and failed communications in interoperability testing, etc.

[0105] Meanwhile, the test terminal presents the statistical analysis results in the form of charts or curves. Preferably, the test data and analysis results are further exported in formats such as Excel and CSV for the convenience of users to perform further analysis and processing.

[0106] Test report generation, including test results and conclusions; in the present invention, the test terminal can provide multiple test report templates, and users can select corresponding templates according to test requirements; after the test is completed, the report can be exported in formats such as PDF and Word for the convenience of users to print and share.

[0107] The test terminal interface of the present invention can facilitate users to perform operations such as test parameter configuration, test platform control, test data analysis, and test report generation by providing rich functions, thereby improving test efficiency and accuracy.

[0108] To further improve the efficiency and convenience of the power dual-mode communication test system, the present invention provides a preferred embodiment, in which the test terminal is added with a sample management unit and a business process management unit.

[0109] 1. Sample management unit, including:

[0110] Upload of entrustment information: Users can upload test entrustment information through the test terminal, including the entrusting unit, contact person, contact information, etc.

[0111] Generation of entrustment numbers: The test terminal automatically generates a unique entrustment number for each entrustment, facilitating users to query and manage test entrustments.

[0112] Recording of sample information: Used to record information such as the model, number, and quantity of the samples submitted for inspection and associate it with the corresponding entrustment number.

[0113] Association of inspection reports: After the test is completed, the test terminal automatically associates the inspection report with the corresponding sample information and entrustment number, facilitating users to query and manage inspection results.

[0114] 2. Business process management unit, including:

[0115] Electronic protocol generation: Users can submit testing requirements through the Web interface, including test items, test parameters, etc. The business process management unit automatically generates an electronic protocol based on the testing requirements submitted by the users and supports the electronic signature function, simplifying the test entrustment process;

[0116] Test report push: After the test is completed, the business process management unit can push the test report to the users via email or API interface, facilitating the users to obtain the test results in a timely manner;

[0117] The addition of the sample management unit and the business process management unit enables the power dual-mode communication test system to provide more perfect and convenient services, improving the test efficiency and user experience.

[0118] For example, users can submit testing requirements through the Web interface, and the system automatically generates an electronic protocol and pushes it to the users for electronic signature. The users send the samples to be tested to the test center and enter the sample information through the test terminal. After the test is completed, the system automatically generates a test report, associates it with the sample information and the entrustment number, and pushes it to the users via email or API interface.

[0119] This test process based on the Web interface and the test terminal simplifies the test entrustment and sample management processes, improves the test efficiency, and facilitates the users to obtain the test results in a timely manner.

[0120] In one embodiment, the database supports the following functions:

[0121] Data management unit, including addition, deletion, modification, etc. of data; In this embodiment, users can manually add test data to the database or automatically import test data through the system; and delete the test data in the database as needed; and modify the test data in the database as needed; In addition, the system regularly backs up the database to prevent data loss. If the database fails, the system can restore the data from the backup.

[0122] Data query unit, including querying test data according to conditions such as test time, test items, etc.; It also includes fuzzy query and the function of sorting the query results.

[0123] Data statistics unit, including statistically analyzing the test data and generating statistical reports;

[0124] Data comparison unit, including comparing and analyzing different test data or historical data.

[0125] The database of this application enables users to conveniently manage and analyze test data, thereby better understanding the performance and characteristics of the dual-mode communication system and providing data support for system optimization and improvement.

[0126] The present invention can be applied to the following scenarios:

[0127] Research and development of dual-mode communication devices: Manufacturers can use this system to conduct performance tests and functional verifications on dual-mode communication devices to ensure the quality and reliability of the products.

[0128] Construction of smart grids: Power companies can use this system to test and evaluate the dual-mode communication systems in smart grids to ensure the stability and compatibility of the systems.

[0129] Standard formulation: Standard-setting organizations can use this system to test and verify dual-mode communication standards to ensure the feasibility and applicability of the standards.

[0130] In this specification, the various embodiments are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. For the same or similar parts among the various embodiments, reference can be made to each other. For the devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple. For the relevant parts, reference can be made to the description in the method section.

[0131] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A power dual-mode communication test system, characterized in that: Including test platform, test terminal and database; The test platform includes a test case management unit, a CCO test unit, and a STA test unit, which are used to simulate the communication network environment and implement the protocol consistency test of the power dual-mode communication unit and then perform performance test; The test terminal communicates with the test platform equipment and remotely controls the test platform; including: Test parameter configuration unit, used to select test items, set port parameters and working channels; Test instruction sending unit, the instructions include starting test, stopping test, and pausing test; A test data analysis unit, used to perform statistical analysis on the test data and draw charts; Test report generation, including test results and test conclusions; and a database for storing test data and test results.

2. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test case management unit is used to manage and update test cases, and automatically send corresponding test cases according to the selected test items.

3. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The CCO test unit is used to test the protocol consistency between the concentrator and the CCO. The steps include: Through the test case, send the command of adding slave nodes to the CCO in the power dual-mode communication unit to be tested, and send the MAC address of the target network site to the CCO at the same time; Receive the central beacon sent by the CCO to be tested and simulate the STA sending an association request frame; Receive association confirmation to test CCO, including, If no association confirmation is received within the scheduled time, the test fails; If the association confirmation is received within the scheduled time and the format of the association confirmation frame is consistent with that specified in the standard, the test passes; otherwise, the test fails.

4. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The STA test unit is used to test the protocol consistency between the STA and the CCO in the tested power dual-mode communication test unit, and the steps include: According to the target working channel of the dual-mode communication unit, the test case simulates the STA as a level 1 station trying to access the network, and tests the function of the CCO to be tested to allow level 1 stations to access the network. Confirm the target wireless working channel of the device under test; and the test agent unit enters the RF transceiver mode and sends the test frame; Simulate the electric meter and publish the address to the STA to be tested; Simulate CCO to perform site access operations; Simulate CCO to send central beacon frames to test protocol consistency; Simulate STA to send an association request to test protocol consistency; Simulate CCO to send association confirmation to test protocol consistency.

5. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The steps of simulating CCO to send a central beacon frame and testing protocol consistency include: using a test case to simulate CCO arranging a STA that has joined the network to act as a discovery station to send a central beacon frame of a wireless simplified beacon time slot; if the wireless simplified beacon message sent by the discovery station is not received within a time limit, it fails; if it is received, the protocol consistency is tested; if not, the output is failed; The step of simulating STA to send an association request and testing protocol consistency includes: simulating STA to send an association request through a test case, and if the association request frame forwarded by the STA to be tested is not received within a time limit, it will fail; if it is received, the protocol consistency is tested, and if it is inconsistent, it will output failure; The steps of simulating CCO to send association confirmation and testing protocol consistency include: simulating CCO to send association confirmation through test cases. If the association confirmation frame forwarded by the STA to be tested is not received within the scheduled time, it will fail. If it is received, the protocol consistency is tested. If it is inconsistent, it will be output as failed, and if it is consistent, the test will pass.

6. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The database supports the following features: Data management, including adding, deleting, and modifying data; Data query, including querying test data based on test time, test items and other conditions; Data statistics, including statistical analysis of test data and generation of statistical reports; Data comparison, including comparative analysis of different test data or historical data.

7. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test terminal also includes a sample management unit: used to upload test entrustment information, generate an entrustment number, and record the model, number, and quantity of the samples sent for inspection; and automatically associate the test report after the test is completed.

8. The power dual-mode communication test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test terminal also includes a business process management unit, which is used to automatically generate an electronic agreement based on the test requirements submitted by the user through the Web interface, support electronic signatures, and push the test report through email or API interface after the test is completed.

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