Switch matrix device based on digital model and design method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a digital model-based switch matrix device and a design method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of testing. Based on model information generated by visual switch matrix modeling software and a routing channel graphical mapping mechanism of the model information, the model information is rapidly transplanted into a switch matrix, and a switch matrix digital model capable of being matched and controlled is formed; through an information real-time interaction mechanism of a switch matrix digital model and hardware equipment, information real-time interaction between the hardware equipment and the digital model is realized, so that an invisible routing channel becomes clear and visible, and the switching success confidence coefficient is highest; meanwhile, a graphical matrix model designed by utilizing visual switch matrix modeling software is rapidly transplanted into the switch matrix through a common graphical mapping mechanism, rapid design of the graphical switch matrix software is completed within one minute, and the efficiency is improved by dozens of times compared with the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of testing technology, specifically relating to a digital model-based switch matrix device and its design method. Background Technology

[0002] As microwave components such as RF front-ends, frequency converters, and digital T / R become increasingly integrated, the RF signals required for parameter testing are becoming more and more complex. As the central hub for RF signal conversion and conditioning, the switch matrix can display the graphical link status in real time and know whether the current RF link has signal conditioning functions such as amplification, attenuation, power division, filtering, or coupling. This is of great significance for the rapid debugging of microwave components.

[0003] The main microwave components requiring remote control within a switch matrix include microwave switches, programmable attenuators, amplifiers, and phase shifters. The switching matrix's channel switching and signal conditioning capabilities are achieved through the channel switching or state changes of these components. This necessitates a graphical digital model to acquire the underlying hardware state information, accurately representing the real-time status of each microwave component and RF channel during operation, thus addressing the "black box" problem of RF link switching. Since these microwave components primarily control channel switching or state control via TTL levels, the lowest-level control logic of the switch matrix needs to control the high and low levels of relevant pins for each microwave component. This requires the switch matrix to internally identify and parse control commands sent from the host computer, mapping these commands to TTL level states to achieve remote control of the switch matrix.

[0004] As the primary device for port expansion of test instruments, the switch matrix is ​​responsible for establishing port connections with the product under test (DUT). Therefore, different DUTs require different testing needs, resulting in different routing topologies for the switch matrix and consequently, different software for each device. Given this reality, implementing a graphical real-time status display for each type of switch matrix is ​​extremely challenging, requiring significant manpower for design and debugging. The current challenge lies in quickly achieving standardized displays for customized topologies.

[0005] Currently, switch matrices are typically developed using tools such as Visual Studio, Qt, and LabWindows, and programmed in languages ​​such as C / C++, C#, JavaScript, and Python for the host computer software. The internal main control unit of the switch matrix is ​​usually a CPU module or an STM32 microcontroller, responsible for parsing the host computer control commands. Existing graphical control software is generally custom-developed, with dedicated graphical control software designed for the control requirements of each switch matrix. By clicking on the switch models within the software, control commands are sent to the internal main control unit to achieve channel switching, thereby switching the channel links.

[0006] The prior art has the following shortcomings compared to the present invention:

[0007] (1) Low confidence in successful switchover: During the forward transmission of control commands, such as Figure 1 As shown, the host computer software acts as the control command generator, sending control commands to the main control unit. These commands are then parsed and transmitted to control units such as FPGAs or CPLDs, generating TTL signals directly connected to the microwave components to complete the channel switching. From the perspective of switching success confidence, the highest confidence level comes from the status feedback directly from the microwave components, followed by information from the FPGA or CPLD, then from the main control unit, with the lowest confidence level coming from the information directly fed back by the host computer software. Current host computer software assumes that sending control commands to the entire system completes the switching, ignoring the successful execution of tasks by the main control unit, control units, and microwave components. This results in the lowest confidence level for switching success, posing a serious risk that the software may consider the switching successful when it has actually failed, potentially leading to the burnout of test instruments or equipment.

[0008] (2) Low commissioning efficiency: During the long-term production process, the design requirements of each switch matrix are different, resulting in different internal routes and different software interfaces for controlling the entire machine. Therefore, each switch matrix needs to be designed with software, requiring a lot of human resources for software design and debugging, which leads to a long commissioning cycle for the entire machine. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention proposes a switching matrix device and method based on a digital model. The design is reasonable, overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art, and has good effect.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] A switching matrix device based on a digital model, comprising:

[0012] The Visual Switch Matrix Modeling Module is configured to generate a digital model of the switch matrix.

[0013] Switch matrix hardware devices, including microwave components such as microwave switches, attenuators, and amplifiers, have ports and paths corresponding to the digital model;

[0014] The main control unit is configured to receive and parse control commands, and map the control commands into information recognizable by protocols such as SPI.

[0015] The control unit is configured to control the TTL level signal of the microwave component, thereby controlling the channel switching or state change of the microwave component;

[0016] The real-time information interaction mechanism unit is configured to perform real-time information interaction between the digital model and the switch matrix hardware device.

[0017] Preferably, the digital model includes port and path information of the microwave components inside the switching matrix, as well as the initial state of the microwave components.

[0018] Preferably, the visualization switch matrix modeling module can construct the initial state of the digital model of the switch matrix, and the initial state characterizes the real characteristics of the microwave component, including:

[0019] Coaxial switches include normally open, self-resetting, and holding types;

[0020] The initial attenuation of the programmable attenuator in the microwave assembly is set to the maximum attenuation.

[0021] Preferably, the port and path information of the microwave component includes:

[0022] The number and connection method of single-pole multi-throw switches contained inside the whole machine;

[0023] The number and connection method of the double-pole double-throw switches contained inside the whole machine;

[0024] The number and connection method of amplifiers and programmable attenuators in the microwave components contained inside the whole machine;

[0025] The number and location of instrument ports;

[0026] The number and location of the ports of the device under test;

[0027] The mapping relationship between digital models and the ports and paths of hardware devices.

[0028] Preferably, the real-time information interaction mechanism unit includes:

[0029] It receives programmable commands sent by the digital model and controls the switch matrix hardware to execute them;

[0030] Receive the task execution status feedback from the switch matrix hardware device and update the display in the digital model;

[0031] It receives RF link status query commands sent by the digital model and, depending on the switch type, provides feedback on the real-time status at the FPGA level or hardware level to reflect the real-time status of each RF link.

[0032] Furthermore, this invention also mentions a switch matrix design method based on a digital model. This method employs a switch matrix device based on a digital model as described above, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0033] Step 1: Generate a digital model of the switch matrix using the visualization switch matrix modeling module;

[0034] Step 2: Based on the information from the digital model, construct visualization rules to characterize the actual properties of the microwave components;

[0035] Step 3: Send programmable control commands to the switch matrix hardware device via the digital model;

[0036] Step 4: The switch matrix hardware device feeds back the task execution status to the digital model;

[0037] Step 5: The digital model sends an RF link status query command to the switch matrix hardware device;

[0038] Step 6: The switch matrix hardware device feeds back the real-time status of the FPGA level or hardware level to the digital model to reflect the real-time status of each RF link.

[0039] Step 7: Update the graphical display of the RF link in the digital model based on the real-time feedback status.

[0040] Preferably, in step 2, constructing the visualization rules includes:

[0041] The type of coaxial switch can be set, including normally open, self-reset, and holding type;

[0042] Set the initial attenuation of the programmable attenuator to the maximum attenuation.

[0043] Preferably, the task execution status in step 4 includes: switching success information, switching failure information, and the current status information of the microwave component.

[0044] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are as follows:

[0045] This invention proposes a digital model-based switching matrix device and its design method, and innovates a real-time information interaction mechanism between the digital model of the switching matrix and the hardware device. This enables real-time information interaction between the hardware device and the digital model, making the invisible routing channel clearly visible and achieving the highest confidence in successful switching.

[0046] Meanwhile, the graphical matrix model designed using visual switch matrix modeling software can be quickly ported to the switch matrix through a common graphical mapping mechanism, enabling the rapid design of graphical switch matrix software to be completed in 1 minute, which is dozens of times more efficient than existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the switching confidence levels of the switch matrix.

[0048] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a real-time information interaction mechanism;

[0049] Figure 3 Design schematic diagrams for digital models;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the digital model;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the real-time status of the digital model. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0053] To address the testing requirements for real-time graphical feedback of RF link status, this invention proposes a switch matrix design method based on a digital model. It develops a graphical digital model of the switch matrix and constructs a real-time information interaction mechanism between the switch matrix hardware and the digital model, such as... Figure 2 The system sends programmable commands through a digital model, then the switch matrix provides feedback on the task execution status. Next, the digital model sends RF link status query commands, and the switch matrix, depending on the switch type, provides feedback on the real-time status at the FPGA level or hardware level, thereby reflecting the real-time status of each RF link and completing real-time information exchange.

[0054] This invention primarily constructs a digital model of a switch matrix and a real-time information interaction mechanism. The digital model is designed using visual switch matrix modeling software. For example... Figure 3 Taking the digital model shown as an example, its internal components include two single-pole four-throw switches, one double-pole double-throw switch, one amplifier, and one programmable attenuator. Externally, it includes two instrument ports and eight devices under test ports, thus completing the mapping of ports and paths between the digital model and the hardware devices.

[0055] Based on information from the digital model, visualization rules are constructed in the host computer software, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the initial state of the digital model of the switching matrix is ​​constructed, representing the true characteristics of the microwave component, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0056] (1) Coaxial switches are classified into normally open, self-reset, and holding types. The normally open type is characterized by no channel being active during initialization; a channel will only be activated when a TTL level is applied. Figure 4 The SW1 and SW2 shown are coaxial switches; self-resetting type means that one path is always open, such as double-pole double-throw switch, single-pole double-throw switch without load, etc.; holding type switch means that the switch does not reset after power is cut off and remains in the original channel open state, and also remains in the original channel state after power is applied.

[0057] (2) The programmable attenuator maintains its attenuation at 0dB to the maximum value. Considering the safety of the test instrument and the product under test, the programmable attenuator needs to be set to the maximum attenuation during the initialization of the switch matrix to avoid excessive signal burning out the test instrument and the product under test.

[0058] The operating status of the switch matrix digital model, such as Figure 5 As shown, this represents the signal conditioning capability of the current RF link. Clicking a switch port activates the switch at that port, and a real-time information interaction mechanism completes the real-time mapping between the digital model and the physical device status. Similarly, clicking the amplifier model switches the amplifier's on / off state; clicking the attenuator model increases or decreases the attenuation. The switch matrix designed and produced in this invention allows for real-time monitoring of the current RF link's status and capability, and its channel switching confidence is high, significantly improving the testing efficiency of the product under test.

[0059] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switching matrix device based on a digital model, characterized in that, include: The Visual Switch Matrix Modeling Module is configured to generate a digital model of the switch matrix. The switch matrix hardware device includes microwave components and has ports and paths corresponding to the digital model; The main control unit is configured to receive and parse control commands and map the control commands into information that can be recognized by protocols including SPI. The control unit is configured to control the TTL level signal of the microwave component, thereby controlling the channel switching or state change of the microwave component; The real-time information interaction mechanism unit is configured to perform real-time information interaction between the digital model and the switch matrix hardware device.

2. The switching matrix device based on a digital model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital model includes port and path information of the microwave components inside the switching matrix, as well as the initial state of the microwave components.

3. The switching matrix device based on a digital model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visualization switch matrix modeling module can construct the initial state of the digital model of the switch matrix. The initial state characterizes the real properties of the microwave component, including: Coaxial switches include normally open, self-resetting, and holding types; The initial attenuation of the programmable attenuator in the microwave assembly is set to the maximum attenuation.

4. The switching matrix device based on a digital model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The port and path information for the microwave components includes: The number and connection method of single-pole multi-throw switches contained inside the whole machine; The number and connection method of double-pole double-throw and double-pole triple-throw switches contained in the whole machine; The number and connection method of amplifiers and programmable attenuators in the microwave components contained inside the whole machine; The number and location of instrument ports; The number and location of the ports of the device under test; The mapping relationship between digital models and the ports and paths of hardware devices.

5. The switching matrix device based on a digital model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The real-time information interaction mechanism unit includes: It receives programmable commands sent by the digital model and controls the switch matrix hardware to execute them; Receive the task execution status feedback from the switch matrix hardware device and update the display in the digital model; It receives RF link status query commands sent by the digital model and, depending on the switch type, provides feedback on the real-time status at the FPGA level or hardware level to reflect the real-time status of each RF link.

6. A switch matrix design method based on a digital model, characterized in that, The switching matrix device based on a digital model as described in claim 5 specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Generate a digital model of the switch matrix using the visualization switch matrix modeling module; Step 2: Based on the information from the digital model, construct visualization rules to characterize the actual properties of the microwave components; Step 3: Send programmable control commands to the switch matrix hardware device via the digital model; Step 4: The switch matrix hardware device feeds back the task execution status to the digital model; Step 5: The digital model sends an RF link status query command to the switch matrix hardware device; Step 6: The switch matrix hardware device feeds back the real-time status of the FPGA level or hardware level to the digital model to reflect the real-time status of each RF link. Step 7: Update the graphical display of the RF link in the digital model based on the real-time feedback status.

7. The switch matrix design method based on a digital model according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step 2, constructing visualization rules includes: The type of coaxial switch can be set, including normally open, self-reset, and holding type; Set the initial attenuation of the programmable attenuator to the maximum attenuation.

8. The switch matrix design method based on a digital model according to claim 6, characterized in that, The task execution status in step 4 includes: switching success information, switching failure information, and the current status information of the microwave component.

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