A variable frequency transceiver module amplitude-phase characteristic automatic test system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated testing system and method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of frequency converter transceivers. It employs integrated instrument testing systems, input and output test networks, timing control boards, and customized frequency sources, among other hardware, to achieve inconsistency testing of amplitude and phase parameters due to temperature variations between links, including in self-closed-loop operation and when the transmit and receive channels operate independently. The testing system and method of this application solve problems such as the large number of testing instruments, high system cost, difficult test control, and low efficiency of manual switching tests for multi-channel frequency converter transceivers. This system and method improve testing efficiency and can perform tests in extreme temperature environments, making it suitable for the construction of modular production testing systems. It can complete tests quickly and accurately, reducing product development iteration time and meeting the needs of mass production testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microwave component product testing technology, and in particular to an automated testing system and method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of frequency conversion transceiver components. Background Technology

[0002] The radio frequency (RF) unit in a radar seeker typically consists of a frequency conversion transceiver module and a frequency synthesizer. The frequency conversion transceiver module is responsible for signal spectrum shifting and amplification, while the frequency synthesizer provides the frequency conversion local oscillator and the overall clock signal. When the receiving channel of the frequency conversion transceiver module is operating, the echo undergoes image rejection filtering via a switching filter, and then the RF signal is preprocessed to baseband through two frequency conversions. When the transmitting channel is operating, the baseband signal generated by the waveform undergoes two up-conversions, is filtered and amplified to saturation, forming a wide-band excitation signal that drives the subsequent TR (transmitter) module. With increasingly complex operating environments, transceiver modules are often designed as integrated units with multiple receiving and transmitting channels. In mass production and testing, accurately and quickly completing component performance tests is crucial for the development process.

[0003] The main performance indicators of frequency conversion transceiver components include: broadband and narrowband gain, spurious suppression, image frequency suppression, in-band ripple, internally corrected intermediate frequency power, input P-1, filter out-of-band suppression, transceiver channel isolation, power consumption, control function verification, port standing wave ratio, noise figure, etc. for the receiving channel; output power, in-band and out-of-band spurious suppression, output signal in-band ripple, phase nonlinearity, power detection, etc. for the transmitting channel; and the consistency of amplitude and phase indicators with temperature changes. The performance indicators are more complex than those of ordinary transceiver components.

[0004] The consistency of amplitude and phase in the transmit and receive channels is a crucial factor in the overall angle measurement performance of radar. Deviations in this consistency can affect the normal operation of the system, thus requiring precise testing at the component level. Traditional testing methods typically employ multiple signal generators with multiple local oscillators and vector network analyzers with multi-port mixer options to build a test platform. This results in a large number of test instruments and equipment, significantly increasing the cost of test system construction and the complexity of test control. Furthermore, testing multi-channel transmit / receive frequency converter components involves manual channel switching, leading to low testing efficiency, failing to meet the needs of mass production testing, and being unable to perform testing in high and low temperature environments. Without dedicated test programs and data storage and post-processing software, testing also suffers from repetitive operations and issues with the accuracy and consistency of results from multiple tests during the production process.

[0005] Based on the above product testing characteristics, an automated testing system and method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of frequency converter transceivers are needed to quickly and accurately complete the automated testing of indicators, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems existing in the current methods. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this invention proposes an automated testing system and method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of frequency conversion transceiver components.

[0007] This invention proposes an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver, comprising:

[0008] The variable frequency vector network is used to acquire execution commands and switch the functions of PORT1 / 2 and RV A / B ports according to the execution commands to output RF excitation signals or receive intermediate frequency test signals;

[0009] The input test network is used to receive the RF excitation signal from the PORT1 port of the frequency converter vector network and obtain the operating mode, or to transmit the received intermediate frequency test signal to the PORT1 port. The operating state of the switches in the input test network is switched according to the operating mode to change the connection state of the frequency converter vector network and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, and to realize the simultaneous testing of multiple channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The operating modes include independent receiving mode and self-closed loop mode.

[0010] A multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component is used to convert externally input radio frequency echo signals into intermediate frequency test signals or to convert baseband signals into excitation signals after frequency conversion and amplification.

[0011] The output test network is used to receive the intermediate frequency test signal emitted by the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. According to the control signal of the industrial control computer, the signal path is selected in a time-division manner to transmit the intermediate frequency test signal to the RVA / B port or PORT1 / 2 port of the frequency converter vector network or the spectrum analyzer. The signal path includes a first path and a second path.

[0012] The timing control board is used to issue serial and parallel control signals based on the test command after receiving the test command. The control signals are used to control the working mode, working frequency band, and digitally controlled attenuation of the power gain of the receiving channel in the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the customized frequency source.

[0013] Preferably, the first path specifically involves switching the reference channel IF1 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component to the RVA, PORT1, or spectrum analyzer port of the frequency converter vector network; the second path specifically involves time-division routing the remaining channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, excluding the reference channel IF1, to the RVA or PORT2 port.

[0014] Preferably, the input test network includes microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6, loads 1-5, a power divider network Z2, and a first switching power supply. Port 3 of microwave switch K1 is connected to port 1 of power divider network Z2, port 2 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K3, port 3 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K4, port 4 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K5, and port 5 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K6. Port 2 of microwave switch K3 is connected to load 1, port 2 of microwave switch K4 is connected to load 2, port 2 of microwave switch K5 is connected to load 3, and port 2 of microwave switch K6 is connected to load 4. Load 5 is connected to the transmit port of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component through port D5 of the input test network. The first switching power supply is used to supply the required power to microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6.

[0015] Preferably, in the input test network, when the operating mode of the input test network is the independent receiving mode, microwave switch K1 is set to position 1-3 and microwave switches K3-K6 are set to position 3-1 and are turned on; when the operating mode of the input test network is the self-closed loop mode, microwave switches K3-K6 are set to position 1-2 and are turned on to the corresponding load.

[0016] Preferably, the output test network includes microwave switches K7, K8, and K9, and a second switching power supply. Port 1 of microwave switch K8 is connected to port 1 of microwave switch K9, port 3 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port RVA of the frequency converter vector network, port 4 of microwave switch K7 is connected to the spectrum analyzer, port 2 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port 2 of microwave switch K1 in the input test network, port 2 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port PORT2 of the frequency converter vector network, port 3 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port RVB of the frequency converter vector network, and the control port of the output test network is connected to an industrial control computer. The second switching power supply is used to supply the required power to microwave switches K7, K8, and K9.

[0017] Preferably, the output test network is further used to perform a reference channel self-test using a spectrum analyzer; the signal routing process of the output test network specifically includes:

[0018] When performing a self-test on the reference channel, microwave switch K7 is set to turn on positions 1-4, and the output test network transmits the self-test results to the spectrum analyzer through the IF1 terminal.

[0019] When performing a self-closed-loop test, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-2 to conduct, microwave switch K8 time-division selects channels IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-2 to conduct to the PORT2 port of the frequency converter vector network.

[0020] When performing independent reception tests, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVA port of the frequency converter vector network, K8 of the frequency converter vector network is set to the time-division multiplexing channel IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVB port of the frequency converter vector network.

[0021] Preferably, it further includes:

[0022] A signal generator is used to provide a fixed-power input excitation signal to a multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component in self-closed-loop mode.

[0023] A spectrum analyzer is used to obtain the signal power value of the reference channel IF1 output of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component to perform self-test;

[0024] Programmable power supply, used to provide DC power to multi-channel frequency converter transceiver components, timing control boards and custom frequency sources;

[0025] A custom frequency source is used to provide local oscillator signals LO1 and LO2 for the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The custom frequency source is connected to the timing control board and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component for communication.

[0026] Preferably, the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver includes a mixer, amplifier, filter, digitally controlled attenuator, microwave switch, and power control unit. The RF1-RF4 ports of the receiving channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to the microwave switches K3-K6 of the input test network. The transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver is connected to the load 5 of the input test network. The IF1-IF4 ports of the receiving channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are respectively connected to K7-1, K8-2, K8-3, and K8-4 of the output test network. The LO1 / LO2 ports of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to a customized frequency source. The power and control ports of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are respectively connected to a programmable power supply and a timing control board. When the receiving channel is working, the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver converts the RF excitation signal allocated by the input test network into an intermediate frequency test signal through two frequency conversions before outputting it. When operating in a self-closed-loop manner, its internal transmitting channel generates an RF excitation signal that couples to the receiving channel, ultimately outputting an intermediate frequency test signal.

[0027] This invention proposes an automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component, applicable to the automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component as described in any of the above claims. The method includes the following steps:

[0028] S1. Determine the reference channel from the four receiving channels and the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component according to the working mode;

[0029] S2. At temperature T1, measure the first amplitude ratio and the first phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver assembly other than the reference channel.

[0030] S3. At temperature T2, measure the second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels respectively;

[0031] S4. Calculate the change in amplitude ratio and phase value of each channel based on the first amplitude ratio, first phase difference, second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels.

[0032] S5. Extract the maximum value of the amplitude ratio change and the maximum value of the phase change from the amplitude ratio change and phase value change of each channel as the temperature drift inconsistency index.

[0033] S6. Compare the temperature drift inconsistency index with the preset threshold range. If the temperature drift inconsistency index meets the preset threshold range, output that the test is qualified; otherwise, output that the test is abnormal.

[0034] Specifically, when the working mode is independent reception test, the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component is used as the reference channel; when the working mode is self-closed loop mode test, the cascaded link between the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port is used as the reference channel.

[0035] Preferably, the step S2 includes the following steps:

[0036] Obtain the output power of the reference channel, calculate the difference between the output power and the fixed power provided by the signal generator, and use the difference as the gain;

[0037] When the gain exceeds the preset gain range, the test is stopped and an alarm is triggered.

[0038] The proposed automated testing system and method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of frequency converter transceivers in this invention solves problems such as the large number of test instruments and equipment, high test system cost, and difficulty in test control in multi-channel frequency converter transceiver testing. These problems include manual switching of multi-channel components, low test efficiency, repetitive operations, and poor consistency of test results. The testing system and method of this application improve test efficiency and can perform tests under different temperature environments, making it suitable for the construction of modular production test systems. It can complete tests quickly and accurately, reducing product development iteration time and meeting the needs of mass production testing. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission path in the self-closed-loop working mode of an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission path in the independent working mode of an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention.

[0043] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the self-closed-loop operating mode of the automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a test flowchart of the independent working mode of an automated test method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Reference Figure 1-6 The present invention proposes an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component, comprising:

[0046] The variable frequency vector network is used to acquire execution commands and switch the functions of PORT1 / 2 and RV A / B ports according to the execution commands to output RF excitation signals or receive intermediate frequency test signals.

[0047] The input test network is used to receive the RF excitation signal from the PORT1 port of the frequency converter vector network and obtain the operating mode, or to transmit the received intermediate frequency test signal to the PORT1 port. The operating state of the switches in the input test network is switched according to the operating mode to change the connection state of the frequency converter vector network and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, and to realize the simultaneous testing of multiple channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The operating modes include independent receiving mode and self-closed loop mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, the input test network includes microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6, loads 1-5, a power divider network Z2, and a first switching power supply. Port 3 of microwave switch K1 is connected to port 1 of power divider network Z2, port 2 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K3, port 3 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K4, port 4 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K5, and port 5 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K6. Port 2 of microwave switch K3 is connected to load 1, port 2 of microwave switch K4 is connected to load 2, port 2 of microwave switch K5 is connected to load 3, and port 2 of microwave switch K6 is connected to load 4. Load 5 is connected to the transmit port of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component through port D5 of the input test network. The first switching power supply is used to supply the required power to microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6.

[0049] Specifically, in the input test network, when the operating mode of the input test network is the independent receiving mode, microwave switch K1 is set to 1-3 and microwave switches K3-K6 are set to 3-1 and are turned on; when the operating mode of the input test network is the self-closed loop mode, microwave switches K3-K6 are set to 1-2 and are turned on to the corresponding load.

[0050] Multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver components are used to convert externally input radio frequency echo signals into intermediate frequency test signals or to convert baseband signals into excitation signals after frequency conversion and amplification.

[0051] In this embodiment, the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver includes a mixer, amplifier, filter, digitally controlled attenuator, microwave switch, and power control unit. The RF1-RF4 ports of the receiving channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to the microwave switches K3-K6 of the input test network. The transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver is connected to the load 5 of the input test network. The IF1-IF4 ports of the receiving channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to K7-1, K8-2, K8-3, and K8-4 of the output test network, respectively. The LO1 / LO2 ports of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to a custom frequency source. The power supply and control ports of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver are connected to a programmable power supply and a timing control board, respectively. When the receiving channel is working, the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver converts the RF excitation signal allocated by the input test network into an intermediate frequency test signal through two frequency conversions before outputting it. When operating in a self-closed loop, its internal transmitting channel generates an RF excitation signal that is coupled to the receiving channel, and finally outputs an intermediate frequency test signal.

[0052] The output test network is used to receive the intermediate frequency test signal emitted by the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. According to the control signal of the timing control board, the signal path is selected in a time-division manner to transmit the intermediate frequency test signal to the RVA / B port of the frequency converter vector network. The signal path includes the first path and the second path.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first path specifically involves switching the reference channel IF1 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component to the RVA, PORT1, or spectrum analyzer port of the frequency converter vector network; the second path specifically involves time-division routing the remaining channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, excluding the reference channel IF1, to the RVA or PORT2 port.

[0054] In this embodiment, the output test network includes microwave switches K7, K8, and K9, and a second switching power supply. Port 1 of microwave switch K8 is connected to port 1 of microwave switch K9, port 3 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port RVA of the frequency converter vector network, port 4 of microwave switch K7 is connected to the spectrum analyzer, port 2 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port 2 of microwave switch K1 in the input test network, port 2 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port PORT2 of the frequency converter vector network, port 3 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port RVB of the frequency converter vector network, and the control port of the output test network is connected to an industrial control computer. The second switching power supply is used to supply the required power to microwave switches K7, K8, and K9.

[0055] In this embodiment, the output test network is also used to perform a reference channel self-test using a spectrum analyzer; the signal routing process of the output test network specifically includes:

[0056] When performing a self-test on the reference channel, microwave switch K7 is set to turn on positions 1-4, and the output test network transmits the self-test results to the spectrum analyzer through the IF1 terminal.

[0057] When performing a self-closed-loop test, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-2 to conduct, microwave switch K8 time-division selects channels IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-2 to conduct to the PORT2 port of the frequency converter vector network.

[0058] When performing independent reception tests, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVA port of the frequency converter vector network, K8 of the frequency converter vector network is set to the time-division multiplexing channel IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVB port of the frequency converter vector network.

[0059] The timing control board is used to issue serial and parallel control signals based on the test command after receiving the test command. The control signals are used to control the working mode, working frequency band, and digitally controlled attenuation of the power gain of the receiving channel in the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the customized frequency source.

[0060] In this embodiment, it also includes:

[0061] A signal generator is used to provide a fixed-power input excitation signal to a multi-channel frequency converter transceiver in self-closed-loop mode.

[0062] A spectrum analyzer is used to obtain the signal power value of the reference channel IF1 output of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component for self-testing.

[0063] Programmable power supplies are used to provide DC power to multi-channel frequency converter transceivers, timing control boards, and custom frequency sources.

[0064] A custom frequency source is used to provide local oscillator signals LO1 and LO2 for the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The custom frequency source is connected to the timing control board and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component for communication.

[0065] Specifically, the spectrum analyzer is used for self-testing of the device under test and the test system, while the frequency converter vector network analyzer, signal generator, and programmable power supply are used for amplitude and phase characteristic testing. The programmable power supply can provide multiple types of DC power supplies.

[0066] In this embodiment, an industrial control computer and dedicated testing software are also included. These are connected to the testing system and timing control board via a network cable. The industrial control computer includes a computer, dedicated testing programs for component testing, and a human-machine interface. The dedicated testing software can set instrument testing modes and parameters, input test network and output test network operating status, control the low-frequency control signals of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver components and the customized frequency source via the timing control board, and read the test results into the industrial control computer.

[0067] In this embodiment, under the self-closed-loop operating mode, the input and output flow of the radio frequency signal is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the signal generator provides the excitation signal to the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. This excitation signal enters the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component through the excitation port. After passing through the transmit channel of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, it enters port 3 of microwave switch K10, and is then split into four signals, which are output through the IF1-IF4 ports corresponding to the receive channels 1-4. The signal output from port IF1 passes through port 2 of the output test network microwave switch K7, then enters port 2 of the input test network microwave switch K1, and is output through port 1 of microwave switch K1 before entering port PORT1 of the frequency converter vector network. This signal serves as the reference channel. The remaining three signals output from ports IF2-IF4 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component enter output test network microwave switches K8 and K9, and are output through port 2 of microwave switch K9 to enter port PORT2 of the frequency converter vector network. These three signals serve as comparison signals. In the self-closed-loop operating mode, the unmeasured ports RF1-RF4 are connected to loads 1-5 through input test network microwave switches K3, K4, K5, and K6 respectively to achieve a matching effect.

[0068] In this embodiment, in stand-alone operating mode, the RF signal input / output flow is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the PORT1 port of the frequency converter vector network provides the receiving input signal for the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. This input signal enters through terminal 1 of the input test network microwave switch K1 and is output from terminal 3 of the microwave switch K1. After power distribution by the power divider network Z2, four signals are output from ports Z2-2, Z2-3, Z2-4, and Z2-5, respectively, and then pass through microwave switches K3, K4, K5, and K6. Finally, they are output from K3-1, K4-1, K5-1, and K6-1 and sent to the input ports RF1-RF4 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. After being output from the output ports IF1-IF4 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, one signal is output from the output test network microwave switch K7-2 and sent to the vector network RVA port. This signal serves as the reference channel. The other three signals are time-division switched and combined into one signal by microwave switch K8, and then switched to the frequency converter vector network RVA port through microwave switch K9-3. These three signals serve as comparison signals.

[0069] In this embodiment, in the self-closed-loop working mode, the following is adopted: Figure 2 The connection method connects the device under test (DUT) and the test system, and the test procedure is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The test system and spectrum analyzer self-test the device under test (DUT) and the test system are implemented as follows: The signal generator provides an excitation signal to the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. This excitation signal, after passing through the transmit channel of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, enters port 3 of microwave switch K10. The signal output from port IF1 of receive channel 1 is switched by microwave switch K7-4 in the output test network and then enters the spectrum analyzer. If the typical gain parameters are normal, proceed to the next step; if abnormal, troubleshoot the problem before continuing.

[0070] In this embodiment, the frequency converter vector network is set to linear sweep mode, and the test frequency, bandwidth, receiver A / B mode, and S21 test format are set. Instrument settings only need to be performed during the initial measurement; after saving, the software can automatically call the program for repeated tests. After selecting the reference channel, the amplitude and phase ratio of all self-closed-loop channels are measured sequentially at temperatures T1 and T2 using the test software. The maximum inconsistency of the indicators is calculated, and the test results are determined.

[0071] In this embodiment, in the stand-alone working mode, the following is adopted: Figure 3 The connection method connects the device under test (DUT) and the test system, and the test procedure is as follows: Figure 5As shown. The frequency converter vector network (VCN) port 1 provides the receiving input signal to the component. This input signal passes through the input test network microwave switch K1-1, power divider network Z2, and microwave switch K3 before being sent to the input port RF1 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. After being output through the output port IF1 of the channel frequency converter transceiver component, it is output by the output test network microwave switch K7-4 and sent to the spectrum analyzer. If the typical gain parameters are normal, proceed to the next step; if abnormal, troubleshoot before continuing. Set the frequency converter VCN to linear sweep mode, set the test frequency, bandwidth, receiver A / B mode, and set the test format to S21. Set the frequency converter VCN to linear sweep mode, set the receiver A / B test mode, turn on PORT1 power, set the RF operating conditions, set the VCN frequency offset test mode, set the intermediate frequency operating offset frequency, and the test trajectory to S-parameter S21. Select a reference channel, and use the test software to sequentially measure the amplitude and phase ratios of all receiving channels and the reference channel at temperatures T1 and T2, calculate the maximum inconsistency of the parameters, and determine the test results.

[0072] Reference Figure 1-6 The present invention proposes an automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component, applicable to an automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component as described above. The method includes the following steps:

[0073] S1. Determine the reference channel from the four receiving channels and the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component according to the working mode;

[0074] S2. At temperature T1, measure the first amplitude ratio and the first phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver assembly other than the reference channel.

[0075] S3. At temperature T2, measure the second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels respectively;

[0076] S4. Calculate the change in amplitude ratio and phase value of each channel based on the first amplitude ratio, first phase difference, second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels.

[0077] S5. Extract the maximum value of the amplitude ratio change and the maximum value of the phase change from the amplitude ratio change and phase value change of each channel as the temperature drift inconsistency index.

[0078] S6. Compare the temperature drift inconsistency index with the preset threshold range. If the temperature drift inconsistency index meets the preset threshold range, output that the test is qualified; otherwise, output that the test is abnormal.

[0079] Specifically, when the working mode is independent reception test, the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component is used as the reference channel; when the working mode is self-closed loop mode test, the cascaded link between the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port is used as the reference channel.

[0080] In this embodiment, the temperature T1 ranges from below 25°C, and the temperature T2 ranges from above 25°C, such as 45°C, 65°C, and 85°C.

[0081] In this embodiment, the method further includes the following steps before step S2:

[0082] Obtain the output power of the reference channel, calculate the difference between the output power and the fixed power provided by the signal generator, and use the difference as the gain;

[0083] When the gain exceeds the preset gain range, the test is stopped and an alarm is triggered.

[0084] Specifically, the amplitude and phase characteristic testing system and method for frequency converter transceiver components are used to complete component performance testing, test result storage, and analysis and processing. The testing method includes: in self-closed-loop operating mode, selecting one channel as a reference channel, testing the ratio of amplitude and phase indicators of each of the other channels to the reference channel at temperature T1, and then testing the ratio of amplitude and phase indicators of each of the other channels to the reference channel at temperature T2, calculating the maximum difference between the two sets of ratios to obtain the maximum inconsistency of amplitude and phase indicators between component links with temperature changes, and determining the result. The testing method also includes: when the transmit and receive channels operate independently, selecting one channel as a reference channel, testing the ratio of amplitude and phase indicators of each of the other channels to the reference channel at temperature T1, and then testing the ratio of amplitude and phase indicators of each of the other channels to the reference channel at temperature T2, calculating the maximum difference between the two sets of ratios to obtain the maximum inconsistency of amplitude and phase indicators between component receive channel links with temperature changes, and determining the result.

[0085] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component, characterized in that, include: The variable frequency vector network is used to acquire execution commands and switch the functions of PORT1 / 2 and RV A / B ports according to the execution commands to output RF excitation signals or receive intermediate frequency test signals; The input test network is used to receive the RF excitation signal from the PORT1 port of the frequency converter vector network and obtain the operating mode, or to transmit the received intermediate frequency test signal to the PORT1 port. The operating state of the switches in the input test network is switched according to the operating mode to change the connection state of the frequency converter vector network and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, and to realize the simultaneous testing of multiple channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The operating modes include independent receiving mode and self-closed loop mode. A multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component is used to convert externally input radio frequency echo signals into intermediate frequency test signals or to convert baseband signals into excitation signals after frequency conversion and amplification. The output test network is used to receive the intermediate frequency test signal emitted by the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. According to the control signal of the industrial control computer, the signal path is selected in a time-division manner to transmit the intermediate frequency test signal to the RVA / B port or PORT1 / 2 port of the frequency converter vector network or the spectrum analyzer. The signal path includes a first path and a second path. The timing control board is used to issue serial and parallel control signals based on the test command after receiving the test command. The control signals are used to control the working mode, working frequency band, and numerically controlled attenuation of the power gain of the receiving channel in the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the customized frequency source. The input test network includes microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6, loads 1-5, a power divider network Z2, and a first switching power supply. Port 3 of microwave switch K1 is connected to port 1 of power divider network Z2; port 2 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K3; port 3 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K4; port 4 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K5; and port 5 of power divider network Z2 is connected to port 3 of microwave switch K6. Port 2 of microwave switch K3 is connected to load 1; port 2 of microwave switch K4 is connected to load 2; port 2 of microwave switch K5 is connected to load 3; and port 2 of microwave switch K6 is connected to load 4. Load 5 is connected to the transmit port of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component via port D5 of the input test network. The first switching power supply provides the necessary power to microwave switches K1, K3, K4, K5, and K6. In the input test network, when the operating mode of the input test network is the independent receiving mode, microwave switch K1 is set to 1-3 and microwave switches K3-K6 are set to 3-1 and are turned on; when the operating mode of the input test network is the self-closed loop mode, microwave switches K3-K6 are set to 1-2 and are turned on to the corresponding load.

2. The automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first path specifically involves switching the reference channel IF1 of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component to the RVA, PORT1, or spectrum analyzer port of the frequency converter vector network; the second path specifically involves time-division routing the remaining channels of the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component, excluding the reference channel IF1, to the RVA or PORT2 port.

3. The automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output test network includes microwave switches K7, K8, and K9, as well as a second switching power supply. Port 1 of microwave switch K8 is connected to port 1 of microwave switch K9. Port 3 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port RVA of the frequency converter vector network. Port 4 of microwave switch K7 is connected to the spectrum analyzer. Port 2 of microwave switch K7 is connected to port 2 of microwave switch K1 in the input test network. Port 2 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port PORT2 of the frequency converter vector network. Port 3 of microwave switch K9 is connected to port RVB of the frequency converter vector network. The control port of the output test network is connected to an industrial computer. The second switching power supply provides the necessary power to microwave switches K7, K8, and K9.

4. The automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The output test network is also used to perform a self-test of the reference channel using a spectrum analyzer; The signal routing process of the output test network specifically includes: When performing a self-test on the reference channel, microwave switch K7 is set to turn on positions 1-4, and the output test network transmits the self-test results to the spectrum analyzer through the IF1 terminal. When performing a self-closed-loop test, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-2 to conduct, microwave switch K8 time-division selects channels IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-2 to conduct to the PORT2 port of the frequency converter vector network. When performing independent reception tests, microwave switch K7 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVA port of the frequency converter vector network, K8 of the frequency converter vector network is set to the time-division multiplexing channel IF2-IF4, and microwave switch K9 is set to 1-3 to conduct to the RVB port of the frequency converter vector network.

5. The automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A signal generator is used to provide a fixed-power input excitation signal to a multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component in self-closed-loop mode. A spectrum analyzer is used to obtain the signal power value of the reference channel IF1 output of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component to perform self-test; Programmable power supply, used to provide DC power to multi-channel frequency converter transceiver components, timing control boards and custom frequency sources; A custom frequency source is used to provide local oscillator signals LO1 and LO2 for the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component. The custom frequency source is connected to the timing control board and the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver component for communication.

6. The automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-channel frequency converter transceiver includes a mixer, amplifier, filter, digitally controlled attenuator, microwave switch, and power control unit. The RF1-RF4 ports of the receiving channel are connected to microwave switches K3-K6 of the input test network. The transmitting channel is connected to load 5 of the input test network. The IF1-IF4 ports of the receiving channel are connected to K7-1, K8-2, K8-3, and K8-4 of the output test network, respectively. The LO1 / LO2 ports are connected to a custom frequency source. The power and control ports are connected to a programmable power supply and a timing control board, respectively. When the receiving channel is operating, the multi-channel frequency converter transceiver converts the RF excitation signal allocated by the input test network into an intermediate frequency test signal through two frequency conversions before outputting it. When operating in a self-closed loop, its internal transmitting channel generates an RF excitation signal that is coupled to the receiving channel, ultimately outputting an intermediate frequency test signal.

7. An automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component, characterized in that, The method, applied to the automated testing system for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component as described in any one of claims 1-6, comprises the following steps: S1. Determine the reference channel from the four receiving channels and the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component according to the working mode; S2. At temperature T1, measure the first amplitude ratio and the first phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver assembly other than the reference channel. S3. At temperature T2, measure the second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels respectively; S4. Calculate the change in amplitude ratio and phase value of each channel based on the first amplitude ratio, first phase difference, second amplitude ratio and second phase difference of the reference channel and the other channels. S5. Extract the maximum value of the amplitude ratio change and the maximum value of the phase change from the amplitude ratio change and phase value change of each channel as the temperature drift inconsistency index. S6. Compare the temperature drift inconsistency index with the preset threshold range. If the temperature drift inconsistency index meets the preset threshold range, output that the test is qualified; otherwise, output that the test is abnormal. Specifically, when the working mode is independent reception test, the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component is used as the reference channel; when the working mode is self-closed loop mode test, the cascaded link between the transmitting channel of the multi-channel frequency conversion transceiver component and the receiving channel corresponding to the RF1 port is used as the reference channel.

8. The automated testing method for the amplitude and phase characteristics of a frequency converter transceiver component according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step S2 includes the following: Obtain the output power of the reference channel, calculate the difference between the output power and the fixed power provided by the signal generator, and use the difference as the gain; When the gain exceeds the preset gain range, the test is stopped and an alarm is triggered.

Images