Multi-probe test system and method based on distributed source / receiver

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of antenna measurement, in particular to a multi-probe test system and method based on a distributed source / receiver, and the system comprises a receiver unit which comprises a first power divider, a second power divider and a multi-port receiver which is connected with probes, a reference auxiliary port of the multi-port receiver is connected with a shunt port of the first power divider, a reference signal port of the multi-port receiver is connected with a shunt port of the second power divider, and a main port of the second power divider is connected with a first output end of the clock distributor; the antenna link unit comprises an antenna, a directional coupler and an amplifier unit, and the directional coupler is connected with a main path port of the first power divider; and the antenna transceiving unit comprises a first dual-port transceiving module, a reference signal port of the first dual-port transceiving module is connected with the second output end of the clock distributor, a receiving port of the first dual-port transceiving module is connected with a shunt port of the first power divider, and a transceiving port of the first dual-port transceiving module is connected with the amplifier unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antenna measurement, and more specifically, to a multi-probe testing system and method based on a distributed source / receiver. Background Technology

[0002] In current multi-probe antenna testing systems, all systems employ a single source / receiver or a finite number of receivers lumped together and connected to each probe via RF cables and RF switches. This structure leads to extreme complexity in the RF link and control logic, significantly reduces system stability, and hinders subsequent maintenance. Furthermore, an excessive number of RF switches severely limits the dynamic range of the RF system, making it difficult to meet the testing requirements of low-gain, high-frequency bands. Moreover, as the size of the antenna / radome increases, and the number of test frequencies and wavenumbers rises, the testing efficiency of multi-probe systems reaches the bottleneck of receiver testing speed.

[0003] The aforementioned shortcomings in existing technologies have severely limited the improvement of RF dynamic range and testing efficiency, causing great inconvenience to related measurement work. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of test system that can significantly reduce system complexity, improve RF dynamic range, and further enhance testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a multi-probe testing system and method based on a distributed source / receiver to solve the technical problem that excessive RF switches in the prior art severely limit the dynamic range of the RF system. The technical solution adopted in this disclosure is as follows: In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver, the system comprising: The receiver unit includes a first power divider, a second power divider, and at least one multi-port receiver. Each multi-port receiver is connected to at least one probe. The reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multi-port receiver is connected to a branch port of the first power divider, and the reference signal port Ref of each multi-port receiver is connected to a branch port of the second power divider. The main port of the second power divider is connected to the first output terminal of the clock divider. Each multi-port receiver acts as an independent source / receiver. The antenna link unit includes an antenna, a directional coupler, and an amplifier unit connected in series. The directional coupler is also connected to the main port of the first power divider. The antenna transceiver unit includes a first dual-port transceiver module. The reference signal port Ref of the first dual-port transceiver module is connected to the second output terminal of the clock divider. The receive port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module is connected to a branch port of the first power divider. The transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module is connected to the amplifier unit. In the prior art, the power divider is a bidirectional electronic device. When the main port is used as the input terminal and the branch port as the output terminal, the power divider splits the input signal into several output signals. When the main port is used as the output terminal and the branch port as the input terminal, the power divider acts as a combiner, combining several input signals into one output signal.

[0005] In this disclosure, a source / receiver refers to a receiver device that can both receive and transmit signals. "Source" indicates that the receiver device can act as a signal source to transmit signals. The " / " sign indicates the parallel relationship between the transmitting and receiving functions. "Source / receiver" can also be simplified to "source receiver." Each multiport receiver acts as an independent source / receiver, meaning that each multiport receiver is a receiver device capable of both receiving and transmitting signals.

[0006] Preferably, the communication output port RJ45 of the multi-port receiver is connected to the network device.

[0007] Preferably, the communication output port RJ45 of the first dual-port transceiver module is connected to a network device.

[0008] Preferably, the network device is a host computer, a switch, or a server.

[0009] Preferably, the number of branch ports of the first power divider is greater than the number of multi-port receivers.

[0010] Preferably, the number of branch ports of the second power divider is greater than or equal to the number of multi-port receivers.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module is connected to the last branch port of the first power divider.

[0012] Preferably, the amplifier unit includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The first amplifier and the second amplifier are connected in parallel between the first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and the second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier and the second amplifier can be switched to the on state by the cooperation of the first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and the second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier operates in the transmitting state of the antenna link unit, and the second amplifier operates in the receiving state of the antenna link unit.

[0013] Preferably, the second amplifier is an LNA amplifier.

[0014] Preferably, the multi-port receiver includes a multi-port expansion module and a second dual-port transceiver module that cooperate with each other; The reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module serves as the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port receiver; The reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module serves as the reference signal port Ref of the multi-port receiver; The communication port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module is used as the communication port RJ45 of the multi-port receiver. The first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module; The second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module is connected to the receiving port Port2 of the second dual-port transceiver module.

[0015] Preferably, the multi-port expansion module is equipped with a multi-channel electronic switch and a third power divider. The main port of the third power divider is connected to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module. The two branch ports of the third power divider are respectively connected to the last branch port of the multi-channel electronic switch and the second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module. The main port of the multi-channel electronic switch is connected to the first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module.

[0016] Preferably, the multi-port expansion module has an even number of probe connection ports (port1, port2...portM) corresponding to the probes. All probe connection ports are arranged in pairs, with each pair of probe connection ports in the same group connecting to the input and output terminals of a probe, respectively. Each probe connection port also connects to a branch port of a multi-channel electronic switch. In the figure, M=8 is used as an example, meaning that the number M of probe connection ports in each multi-port expansion module is set to 8. However, this does not mean that M must be equal to 8; more or fewer probe connection ports can be set, as long as the need for connecting probes is met.

[0017] Preferably, the second dual-port transceiver module includes: The third single-pole double-throw switch is used to selectively switch the RF source and the test mixer to the on state. The stationary end of the third single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module. The radio frequency (RF) source is used to provide the RF excitation signal, and the output of the RF source is connected to the first moving end of the third single-pole double-throw switch. The test mixer is connected to the RF terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch, and the IF terminal of the test mixer is connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module. The reference mixer's receiver port Port2 is connected to the RF terminal of the reference mixer, and the reference mixer's IF terminal is connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module. The frequency multiplier / divider network has its input connected to the reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module. The first, second, and third outputs of the frequency multiplier / divider network are connected to the input of the RF source, the LO terminal of the test mixer, and the LO terminal of the reference mixer, respectively.

[0018] Preferably, intermediate frequency and digital processing circuits are respectively provided between the communication output port RJ45 of the test mixer, the reference mixer and the second dual-port transceiver module.

[0019] Preferably, an LNA amplifier is connected in series between the third single-pole double-throw switch and the test mixer.

[0020] Preferably, the first dual-port transceiver module and the second dual-port transceiver module have the same structure. The first dual-port transceiver module and the second dual-port transceiver module can be portable vector network analyzers or custom source / receiver units.

[0021] Understandably, the first dual-port transceiver module and the second dual-port transceiver module serve as the core functional components of the antenna transceiver unit and the multi-port receiver, respectively. The multi-port transceiver essentially expands a single second dual-port transceiver module into a source / receiver capable of connecting multiple probes through a multi-port expansion module.

[0022] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a multi-probe testing method based on a distributed source / receiver, the method comprising: (I) Antenna transmission and probe reception tests: A1. The receiver unit switches to receive mode, and the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module switches to transmit mode; A2. The first dual-port transceiver module outputs a first radio frequency signal at its transceiver port Port1, and the first radio frequency signal is transmitted to the antenna link unit. A3. After being processed by the amplifier unit and the directional coupler, the first radio frequency signal becomes two first output signals. One first output signal is transmitted to the antenna by the directional coupler and transmitted out. The other first output signal is transmitted to the first power divider by the directional coupler. A4. The first power divider splits the received first output signal into several second output signals. One of the second output signals is transmitted by the first power divider to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module, while the other second output signals are transmitted by the first power divider to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multi-port receiver as the PortRef input signal. A5. In response to each probe receiving the first output signal emitted by the antenna and transmitting it to the corresponding multi-port receiver, each multi-port receiver uses the received first output signal as a test signal and the PortRef input signal as a temperature drift signal to compensate for the temperature drift effect.

[0023] Preferably, the method further includes: (II) Antenna reception and probe transmission tests: S1. The receiver unit switches to the transmit state, and the transmit / receive port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module switches to the receive state. S2. Each multi-port receiver transmits a second radio frequency signal through the probe it is connected to. After traversing all the probes it is connected to, each multi-port receiver switches to the reference auxiliary port PortRef to output the PortRef output signal. The PortRef output signal is an asynchronous signal from the same radio frequency source as the second radio frequency signal. S3. In response to the antenna receiving the second radio frequency signal emitted by the probe, the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna is processed by the directional coupler and amplifier unit to become the first input signal. The first input signal is transmitted by the antenna link unit to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module. S4. The output signals of each PortRef are combined by the first power divider and transmitted in reverse to the directional coupler and amplifier unit, which are processed into the second input signal. The second input signal is sent to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module in a time-division manner. The first dual-port transceiver module uses the first input signal as the test signal and the second input signal as the temperature drift signal corresponding to the first input signal.

[0024] Preferably, the (ii) antenna reception and probe transmission test further includes: S5. When each PortRef output signal passes through the first power divider, it is output as a third input signal from the last branch port of the first power divider. The third input signal is transmitted to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module. The first dual-port transceiver module uses the third input signal as a reference signal and the first input signal as a test signal to obtain a stable coherent signal by comparison.

[0025] In common knowledge, there is isolation between the different branch ports of a power divider. In the first power divider of this disclosure, there is also isolation of approximately 20dB between each branch port. Since the last branch port of the first power divider is unidirectionally connected to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module, when the output signals from each PortRef converge to the first power divider, the PortRef signal attenuates by 20dB at the last branch port of the first power divider, making it suitable as the third input signal for transmission to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module. To achieve S5, sufficient signal-to-noise ratio is sufficient. It can be understood that the branch ports of the power divider are similar to multiple valves in a water tank; essentially, signals passing through the power divider can flow bidirectionally through the branch ports, requiring only the direction of flow to the destination port to be configured. Therefore, a unidirectional connection can be set between the last branch segment of the first power divider and the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module. When the other branch ports of the first power divider are calculated to act as current combiners, the third input signal can still be output from the last branch port to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module.

[0026] Preferably, the first dual-port transceiver module first performs digital processing on the third input signal and the first input signal, and then obtains a stable coherent signal by comparison.

[0027] Preferably, both the PortRef output signal and the second radio frequency signal originate from a radio frequency source.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: In this disclosure, each multiport receiver can independently act as a source / receiver to connect to one or more probes. By using a clock distributor in conjunction with a power divider to link each multiport receiver, not only is frequency synchronization of the multiport receivers guaranteed, but the testing efficiency is also significantly improved by several times compared to a single-probe testing system. Furthermore, this disclosure allows for increasing the clock signal frequency (e.g., 1 GHz) through a clock distributor to reduce phase drift between the multiport receivers during the system test time, achieving phase drift control within 3° / 90 minutes @ 18 GHz.

[0029] In this disclosure, in order to address the potential phase drift between various multiport receivers (such as internal mixers), a structure of directional coupler + electronic switch is used after the transmit link (especially the power amplifier), and the transmitted RF signal is sent to each multiport receiver in a time-division manner through a power divider, and the temperature drift in each multiport receiver is deducted during data processing.

[0030] This disclosure significantly reduces the complexity of the RF link in a multi-probe test system, reducing the number of external electronic switches to one stage and drastically decreasing the number of RF cables and switches. Furthermore, in antenna transmit / probe receive mode, because each multi-port receiver is connected to one or more probes, and multiple multi-port receivers can operate simultaneously, the test efficiency is increased by N times compared to a single-probe test system (where N is the number of multi-port receivers). Compared to scenarios requiring multiple stages of electronic switches, the insertion loss of the RF link at the front end of the multi-port receiver in this disclosure can be reduced by approximately 10 dB, corresponding to a 10 dB improvement in dynamic range. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain this disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a logical architecture diagram of a multi-probe test system based on a distributed source / receiver according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structural division of a multi-probe test system based on a distributed source / receiver according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-probe test system based on a distributed source / receiver in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, in the test state of antenna transmission and probe reception.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-probe test system based on a distributed source / receiver in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, in the test state of antenna reception and probe transmission.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a structural detail diagram of the multi-port receiver described in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-port expansion module described in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second dual-port transceiver module described in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present application can be combined with each other.

[0040] The following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0041] Example 1: like Figure 1-7 As shown, this disclosure provides a multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver, the system comprising: Receiver unit 200 includes a first power divider 210, a second power divider 220, and at least one multiport receiver 240. Each multiport receiver 240 is connected to at least one probe 230. The reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multiport receiver 240 is connected to a branch port of the first power divider 210, and the reference signal port Ref of each multiport receiver 240 is connected to a branch port of the second power divider 220. The main port of the second power divider 220 is connected to the first output terminal of the clock divider 100. Each multiport receiver 240 acts as an independent source / receiver. Antenna link unit 300 includes an antenna 310, a directional coupler 320 and an amplifier unit 330 connected in series, and the directional coupler 320 is further connected to the main port of the first power divider 210; The antenna transceiver unit 400 includes a first dual-port transceiver module 410. The reference signal port Ref of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is connected to the second output terminal of the clock divider 100. The receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is connected to a branch port of the first power divider 210. The transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is connected to the amplifier unit 330.

[0042] As is understandable, a power divider is a bidirectional component, a device that splits the energy of one input signal into two or more outputs of equal or unequal energy. Conversely, it can also combine the energy of multiple signals into one output, in which case it can also be called a combiner. When the power divider is connected in the correct orientation, it functions as a power divider; when connected in the reverse orientation, it functions as a combiner. When the main signal enters the power divider from its main port, the power divider performs its power division function, outputting the divided sub-signals from their respective branch ports. When the sub-signals flow into the power divider from their branch ports, the power divider functions as a combiner, combining the sub-signals into the main signal. To ensure signal consistency after power division, each power divider, when performing its power division function, equally divides the main signal into its respective branch signals.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the communication output port RJ45 of the multi-port receiver 240 is connected to the network device 500.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the communication output port RJ45 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is connected to the network device 500.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the network device 500 is preferably a host computer, a switch, or a server.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the number of branch ports of the first power divider 210 is greater than the number of multiport receivers 240.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the number of split ports of the second power divider 220 is greater than or equal to the number of multiport receivers 240.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is preferably connected to the last branch port of the first power divider 210.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the amplifier unit 330 includes a first amplifier 331 and a second amplifier 332. The first amplifier 331 and the second amplifier 332 are connected in parallel between a first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and a second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier 331 and the second amplifier 332 can be selectively switched to the on state through the cooperation of the first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and the second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier 331 operates in the transmitting state of the antenna link unit 300, and the second amplifier 332 operates in the receiving state of the antenna link unit 300.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the second amplifier 332 is preferably an LNA amplifier.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, the multiport receiver 240 includes a multiport expansion module 250 and a second dual-port transceiver module 260 that cooperate with each other. The reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module 250 serves as the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port receiver 240; The reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module 260 serves as the reference signal port Ref of the multi-port receiver 240; The communication port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260 is used as the communication port RJ45 of the multi-port receiver 240. The first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module 250 is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260; The second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module 250 is connected to the receiving port Port2 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the multi-port expansion module 250 internally includes a multi-channel electronic switch 251 and a third power divider 252. The main port of the third power divider 252 is connected to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module 250. The two branch ports of the third power divider 252 are respectively connected to the last branch port of the multi-channel electronic switch 251 and the second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module 250. The main port of the multi-channel electronic switch 251 is connected to the first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module 250.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, the multi-port expansion module 250 has an even number of probe connection ports (port1, port2...portM) corresponding to the probes 230. All probe connection ports are arranged in pairs, with each pair of probe connection ports in the same group corresponding to the input and output terminals of a probe 230, respectively. All probe connection ports are also connected to a branch port of the multi-channel electronic switch 251. In the figure, M=8 is used as an example, meaning that the number M of probe connection ports in each multi-port expansion module is set to 8. However, this does not mean that M must be equal to 8; more or fewer probe connection ports can be set, as long as the need for connecting probes is met.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the second dual-port transceiver module 260 includes: The third single-pole double-throw switch 261 is used to selectively switch one of the RF source 262 and the test mixer 263 to the on state. The stationary end of the third single-pole double-throw switch 261 is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260. RF source 262 is used to provide RF excitation signal, and the output terminal of RF source 262 is connected to the first moving terminal of third single-pole double-throw switch 261; The test mixer 263 is connected to the RF terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch 261, and the IF terminal of the test mixer 263 is connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260. The reference mixer 264 and the receiving port Port2 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260 are connected to the RF terminal of the reference mixer 264, and the IF terminal of the reference mixer 264 is connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260. The frequency multiplier / divider network 265 has its input terminal connected to the reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module 260. The first output terminal, second output terminal, and third output terminal of the frequency multiplier / divider network 265 are respectively connected to the input terminal of the RF source 262, the LO terminal of the test mixer 263, and the LO terminal of the reference mixer 264.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, intermediate frequency and digital processing circuits 266 are respectively provided between the test mixer 263, the reference mixer 264 and the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, an LNA amplifier is connected in series between the third single-pole double-throw switch 261 and the test mixer 263.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the first dual-port transceiver module 410 and the second dual-port transceiver module 260 have the same structure.

[0058] Working principle: The clock distributor 100 is used to provide a synchronized first reference clock signal and a second reference clock signal. The first reference clock signal is transmitted to the receiver unit 200 as a reference signal, and the second reference clock signal is synchronously transmitted to the antenna transceiver unit 400 as a reference reference signal.

[0059] In receiver unit 200, each multiport receiver 240 operates independently, and they are connected in parallel to operate synchronously via a first power divider 210 and a second power divider 220. The first power divider 210 and the second power divider 220 can expand the synchronous operation of multiple dual-port receivers 240. Each multiport receiver 240 is independently connected to at least one probe 230. The first power divider 210 can split and forward the output signals from antenna transceiver unit 400 and antenna link unit 300 to each multiport receiver 240, or it can combine the output signals from each multiport receiver 240 and send them to antenna link unit 300 and antenna transceiver unit 400. The multiport transceiver 240 is composed of a multiport expansion module 250 and a second dual-port transceiver module 260. The multiport expansion module 250 essentially assists the second dual-port transceiver module 260 in establishing a one-to-many connection with the probes 230. When the RF source 262 in the second dual-port transceiver module 260 is in transmit mode, the RF signal emitted by the RF source 262 will be transmitted through the probe connection ports (port1, port2...portM) and the reference auxiliary port PortRef in the multi-port expansion module 250. At this time, the multi-port transceiver 240 and the probe 230 are in transmit mode. When the RF source 262 in the second dual-port transceiver module 260 is not working, the test mixer 263 and the reference mixer 264 are both in receive mode. At this time, the multi-port transceiver 240 and the probe 230 are in receive mode. It can be seen that the transmit and receive states of the multi-port transceiver 240 are determined by the second dual-port transceiver module 260 it includes.

[0060] In the antenna link unit 300, the antenna 310, directional coupler 320, and amplifier unit 330 connected in series can assist the antenna transceiver unit 400 in performing transmission or reception operations. When the antenna transceiver unit 400 is in the transmission state, the antenna link unit 300 can process the transmission signal from the antenna transceiver unit 400 and transmit it through the antenna 310. The directional coupler 320 also forwards the transmission signal from the antenna transceiver unit 400 to the receiver unit 200.

[0061] In the antenna transceiver unit 400, the transmit or receive state of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is determined by its transceiver port Port1. Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is connected to the antenna link unit 300, thereby enabling signal transmission or reception through the antenna link unit 300. When Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is in the transmit state, the antenna link unit 300 is also in the transmit state; when Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is in the receive state, the antenna link unit 300 is also in the receive state. Therefore, the transmit and receive states of the antenna link unit 300 and the antenna transceiver unit 400 are determined by the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410.

[0062] The second dual-port transceiver module 260 can be further divided into an RF circuit, a first receiving circuit, and a second receiving circuit. The RF circuit can be implemented using a reference signal port Ref, a frequency multiplier / divider network 265, an RF source 262, a third single-pole double-throw switch 261, and a transceiver port Port1. Each RF circuit in the second dual-port transceiver module 260 can function as an independent RF link, and different RF links can operate independently without affecting each other, thus simplifying the RF link structure in a multi-probe test system. The first receiving circuit can be implemented using a transceiver port Port1, a third single-pole double-throw switch 261, and a test mixer 263. The second receiving circuit can be implemented using a receiving port Port2 and a reference mixer 264. The transceiver port Port1 can switch between receive and transmit states using the third single-pole double-throw switch 261.

[0063] The first output terminal of clock divider 100 outputs a first reference clock signal to the second power divider 220. The second power divider 220 distributes the first reference clock signal to the reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module 260. The first reference clock signal is processed by the frequency multiplier / divider network 265 and then transmitted to the RF source 262, thereby providing a reference signal for the RF source 262. The signals received by the first receiving circuit and the second receiving circuit are processed into I / Q data (same direction / quadrature data) by the intermediate frequency and digital processing circuits, respectively. The I / Q data (same direction / quadrature data) can be transmitted to the external network device 500 via the communication output port RJ45 through Ethernet or other means. The RF source 262 and the external RF source are synchronized by the reference clock and remain coherent within the test time (e.g., 120 minutes).

[0064] The second output terminal of the clock distributor 100 outputs a second reference clock signal, which is transmitted to the reference signal port Ref of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 as a reference reference signal of the first dual-port transceiver module 410.

[0065] like Figure 3 In the antenna transmitting and probe receiving states shown, the transceiver ports Port1 of antenna 310 and the first dual-port transceiver module 410 are switched to transmitting state, while the multi-port receiver 240 and probe 230 are correspondingly switched to receiving state. When the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is in transmitting state, the second dual-port transceiver module 260 in the multi-port receiver 240 is correspondingly in receiving state. The first dual-port transceiver module 410 transmits a first radio frequency signal to the antenna link unit 300, which processes the signal and then transmits it. When the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is switched to transmitting state, the antenna link unit 300 performs the transmitting operation.

[0066] Since a power amplifier, such as an amplifier unit 330, is typically placed near the antenna 310, and the power amplifier is often the device with the largest amplitude and phase drift in the entire multi-probe testing system, the first radio frequency signal is amplified by the amplifier unit 330 and then coupled out through the directional coupler 320. After being processed by the amplifier unit 330 and the directional coupler 320, the first radio frequency signal becomes two first output signals. One first output signal is transmitted to the antenna 310 for transmission by the directional coupler 320, and the other first output signal is transmitted to the first power divider 210 by the directional coupler 320.

[0067] The first power divider 210 splits the received first output signal into several second output signals. One of the second output signals is transmitted by the first power divider 210 to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410, while the other second output signals are transmitted by the first power divider 210 to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multi-port receiver 240 as the PortRef input signal. The first power divider 210 uses a 1×N power dividing network, where N is the number of multi-port receivers 240. Each multi-port receiver 240 is independently connected to at least one probe 230. The PortRef input signal is split into two third output signals by the third power divider 252. One of the third output signals is transmitted to the RF port of the reference mixer 264 via the second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module 250 and the receiving port Port2 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260.

[0068] Each probe 230 independently receives the first output signal emitted by the antenna 310 as its received signal. This received signal is then transmitted via the probe connection ports (port1, port2...portM) of the multi-port expansion module 250 to the branch ports of the multi-port electronic switch 251. Similarly, the third output signal is transmitted to the branch ports of the multi-port electronic switch 251. The probe received signal and the third transmitted signal are combined via the multi-port electronic switch 251, the first common port (com1) of the multi-port expansion module 250, the transceiver port (Port1) of the second dual-port transceiver module 260, and the third single-pole double-throw switch 261, and then transmitted to the RF port of the test mixer 263.

[0069] The probe-received signals received by each probe 230 are themselves the first output signals processed and transmitted by the antenna link unit 300. Therefore, the reference mixer 264 and the test mixer 263 can be considered as using the same source local oscillator signal LO and radio frequency signal RF, so the intermediate frequency signal IF output by both is a coherent signal. On the other hand, the PortRef input signals of each multiport receiver 240 are combined through the multi-channel electronic switch 251 and sent to the test mixer 263 to compensate for the temperature drift effect of different mixers (each test mixer 263 and reference mixer 264) over a long period of time. The first reference clock signal is sent to the Ref port of each multiport receiver through the second power divider 220 to provide a reference reference signal for the radio frequency signal RF and the local oscillator signal LO in each second dual-port transceiver module 260.

[0070] like Figure 4 In the antenna receiving and probe transmitting states shown, the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 is switched to receiving state, and the multi-port receiver 240 is switched to transmitting state. The first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module 250 cooperates with the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module 260 to coordinate the operation of the RF circuit and the first receiving circuit. The multi-port receiver 240 emits an RF excitation signal through the RF source 262. The RF excitation signal is transmitted through the RF circuit and the first common port com1 to the multi-channel electronic switch 251 and distributed to the probe connection ports (port1, port2...portM) and the reference auxiliary port PortRef. Each probe connection port is then connected to the probe 230, thereby enabling the multi-port receiver 240 to transmit a second RF signal through the probe 230.

[0071] The antenna 310 receives the second radio frequency signal, which passes through the directional coupler 320 and the second amplifier 332 (preferably an LNA) to become the first input signal. The first input signal is then transmitted to the transceiver port Port1 (in receiving mode) of the first dual-port transceiver module 410. Additionally, each multi-port receiver 240, after traversing each probe 230 connected to it, switches to the reference auxiliary port PortRef to output the PortRef output signal. The PortRef output signal is then transmitted in reverse through the first power divider 210 to the directional coupler 320, the second amplifier 332 (preferably an LNA), etc., and processed into the second input signal. The second input signal is then time-division sent to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410. The second input signal can serve as the temperature drift detection signal for the first input signal. On the other hand, when the PortRef output signal passes through the first power divider 210, it will also be output from the last output terminal of the first power divider 210 (isolation of about 20 dB) as a third input signal. The third input signal is transmitted to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410. The third input signal is used as a reference signal and, after digital processing, it is compared with the first input signal received by the transceiver port Port1 to obtain a stable coherent signal.

[0072] Example 2: like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in a second aspect, this disclosure provides a multi-probe testing method based on a distributed source / receiver, the method comprising: (I) Antenna transmission and probe reception tests: A1. Receiver unit 200 switches to receive mode, and the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 switches to transmit mode; A2. The first dual-port transceiver module 410 outputs a first radio frequency signal at its transceiver port Port1, and the first radio frequency signal is transmitted to the antenna link unit 300. A3. After being processed by amplifier unit 330 and directional coupler 320, the first radio frequency signal becomes two first output signals. One first output signal is transmitted to antenna 310 by directional coupler 320 and transmitted out. The other first output signal is transmitted to first power divider 210 by directional coupler 320. A4. The first power divider 210 splits the received first output signal into several second output signals. One of the second output signals is transmitted by the first power divider 210 to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410, and the other second output signals are transmitted by the first power divider 210 to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multi-port receiver 240 as the PortRef input signal. A5. In response to each probe 230 receiving the first output signal transmitted by the antenna 310 and transmitting it to the corresponding multi-port receiver 240, each multi-port receiver 240 uses the received first output signal as a test signal and the PortRef input signal as a temperature drift signal to compensate for the temperature drift effect.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the method further includes: (II) Antenna reception and probe transmission tests: S1. Receiver unit 200 switches to transmit mode, and the transmit / receive port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) switches to receive mode. S2. Each multiport receiver 240 transmits a second radio frequency signal through the probe 230 it is connected to. After traversing each probe 230 it is connected to, each multiport receiver 240 switches to the reference auxiliary port PortRef to output the PortRef output signal. The PortRef output signal is an asynchronous signal from the same radio frequency source as the second radio frequency signal. S3. In response to the antenna 310 receiving the second radio frequency signal transmitted by the probe 230, the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 310 is processed by the directional coupler 320 and the amplifier unit 330 to become the first input signal. The first input signal is transmitted by the antenna link unit 300 to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410. S4. The output signals of each PortRef are combined by the first power divider 210 and transmitted in reverse to the directional coupler 320 and amplifier unit 330, where they are processed into the second input signal. The second input signal is then sent to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410 in a time-division manner. The first dual-port transceiver module 410 uses the first input signal as a test signal and the second input signal as the temperature drift signal corresponding to the first input signal.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the (ii) antenna reception and probe transmission test further includes: S5. When the output signals of each PortRef pass through the first power divider 210, they are output as a third input signal from the last branch port of the first power divider 210. The third input signal is transmitted to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module 410. The first dual-port transceiver module 410 uses the third input signal as a reference signal and the first input signal as a test signal to obtain a stable coherent signal by comparison.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, the first dual-port transceiver module 410 first digitally processes the third input signal and the first input signal, and then obtains a stable coherent signal by comparison. Digital processing can be performed by the intermediate frequency and digital processing circuit 266, or other existing technologies can be used.

[0076] In one specific embodiment, both the PortRef output signal and the second radio frequency signal originate from radio frequency source 262.

[0077] It should be noted that the method described in Example 2 is only one feasible way of using the multi-probe testing system described in Example 1, and does not limit the multi-probe testing system described in Example 1 to rely on the steps of the method described in Example 2.

[0078] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0079] In summary, the multi-probe testing system and method based on distributed source / receiver provided in this disclosure allows each multi-port receiver to independently function as a source / receiver, connecting to one or more probes. By using a clock distributor in conjunction with a power divider to link each multi-port receiver, frequency synchronization of all multi-port receivers is ensured, and the testing efficiency is significantly improved by several times compared to a single-probe testing system. Furthermore, this disclosure also allows for increasing the clock signal frequency (e.g., to 1 GHz) through the clock distributor to reduce phase drift between the multi-port receivers during the system test time, achieving phase drift control within 3° / 90 minutes @ 18 GHz.

[0080] In this disclosure, in order to address the potential phase drift between various multiport receivers (such as internal mixers), a structure of directional coupler + electronic switch is used after the transmit link (especially the power amplifier), and the transmitted RF signal is sent to each multiport receiver in a time-division manner through a power divider, and the temperature drift in each multiport receiver is deducted during data processing.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and not to limit them. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of this disclosure. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver, characterized in that, The system includes: The receiver unit (200) includes a first power divider (210), a second power divider (220), and at least one multiport receiver (240). Each multiport receiver (240) is connected to at least one probe (230). The reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multiport receiver (240) is connected to a branch port of the first power divider (210), and the reference signal port Ref of each multiport receiver (240) is connected to a branch port of the second power divider (220). The main port of the second power divider (220) is connected to the first output terminal of the clock divider (100). Each multiport receiver (240) acts as an independent source / receiver. The antenna link unit (300) includes an antenna (310), a directional coupler (320), and an amplifier unit (330) connected in series. The directional coupler (320) is also connected to the main port of the first power divider (210). The antenna transceiver unit (400) includes a first dual-port transceiver module (410). The reference signal port Ref of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) is connected to the second output terminal of the clock divider (100). The receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) is connected to a branch port of the first power divider (210). The transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) is connected to the amplifier unit (330).

2. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The amplifier unit (330) includes a first amplifier (331) and a second amplifier (332). The first amplifier (331) and the second amplifier (332) are connected in parallel between the first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and the second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier (331) and the second amplifier (332) can be switched to the on state by the cooperation of the first single-pole double-throw switch 340 and the second single-pole double-throw switch 350. The first amplifier (331) operates in the transmitting state of the antenna link unit (300), and the second amplifier (332) operates in the receiving state of the antenna link unit (300).

3. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second amplifier (332) is an LNA amplifier.

4. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiport receiver (240) includes a multiport expansion module (250) and a second dual-port transceiver module (260) that cooperate with each other; The reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module (250) serves as the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port receiver (240); The reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module (260) serves as the reference signal port Ref of the multi-port receiver (240); The communication port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260) is used as the communication port RJ45 of the multi-port receiver (240). The first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module (250) is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260); The second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module (250) is connected to the receiving port Port2 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260).

5. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The multi-port expansion module (250) is equipped with a multi-channel electronic switch (251) and a third power divider (252). The main port of the third power divider (252) is connected to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of the multi-port expansion module (250). The two branch ports of the third power divider (252) are respectively connected to the last branch port of the multi-channel electronic switch (251) and the second common port com2 of the multi-port expansion module (250). The main port of the multi-channel electronic switch (251) is connected to the first common port com1 of the multi-port expansion module (250). The multi-port expansion module (250) has an even number of probe connection ports corresponding to the probes (230). All probe connection ports are arranged in pairs as a group. The two probe connection ports in the same group are respectively connected to the input and output terminals of a probe (230). All probe connection ports are respectively connected to a branch port of the multi-channel electronic switch (251).

6. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second dual-port transceiver module (260) includes: The third single-pole double-throw switch (261) is used to selectively switch one of the radio frequency source (262) and the test mixer (263) to the on state. The stationary end of the third single-pole double-throw switch (261) is connected to the transceiver port Port1 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260). The radio frequency source (262) is used to provide the radio frequency excitation signal, and the output terminal of the radio frequency source (262) is connected to the first moving terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch (261); Test mixer (263), the second moving terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch (261) is connected to the RF terminal of the test mixer (263), and the IF terminal of the test mixer (263) is connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260); The reference mixer (264) has its receiving port Port2 connected to the RF terminal of the second dual-port transceiver module (260), and its IF terminal connected to the communication output port RJ45 of the second dual-port transceiver module (260). The frequency multiplier / divider network (265) has its input connected to the reference signal port Ref of the second dual-port transceiver module (260). The first, second, and third outputs of the frequency multiplier / divider network (265) are connected to the input of the RF source (262), the LO terminal of the test mixer (263), and the LO terminal of the reference mixer (264), respectively.

7. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Intermediate frequency and digital processing circuits (266) are respectively provided between the communication output ports RJ45 of the test mixer (263), the reference mixer (264) and the second dual-port transceiver module (260).

8. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 6, characterized in that, An LNA amplifier is connected in series between the third single-pole double-throw switch (261) and the test mixer (263).

9. The multi-probe testing system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first dual-port transceiver module (410) and the second dual-port transceiver module (260) have the same structure.

10. A method for a multi-probe test system based on a distributed source / receiver as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method includes: (I) Antenna transmission and probe reception tests: A1. The receiver unit (200) switches to the receiving state, and the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) switches to the transmitting state. A2. The first dual-port transceiver module (410) outputs a first radio frequency signal at its transceiver port Port1, and the first radio frequency signal is transmitted to the antenna link unit (300). A3. After the first radio frequency signal is processed by the amplifier unit (330) and the directional coupler (320), it becomes two first output signals. One first output signal is transmitted to the antenna (310) by the directional coupler (320) and transmitted out. The other first output signal is transmitted to the first power divider (210) by the directional coupler (320). A4. The first power divider (210) splits the received first output signal into several second output signals. One of the second output signals is transmitted by the first power divider (210) to the receiving port Port2 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410). The other second output signals are transmitted by the first power divider (210) to the reference auxiliary port PortRef of each multi-port receiver (240) as the PortRef input signal. A5. In response to each probe (230) receiving the first output signal emitted by the antenna (310) and transmitting it to the corresponding multi-port receiver (240), each multi-port receiver (240) uses the received first output signal as a test signal and the PortRef input signal as a temperature drift signal to compensate for the temperature drift effect. (II) Antenna reception and probe transmission tests: S1. The receiver unit (200) switches to the transmit state, and the transmit / receive port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) switches to the receive state. S2. Each multiport receiver (240) transmits a second radio frequency signal through the probe (230) it is connected to. After each multiport receiver (240) has traversed all the probes (230) it is connected to, it switches to the reference auxiliary port PortRef to output the PortRef output signal. The PortRef output signal is an asynchronous signal from the same radio frequency source as the second radio frequency signal. S3. In response to the antenna (310) receiving the second radio frequency signal transmitted by the probe (230), the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna (310) is processed by the directional coupler (320) and the amplifier unit (330) to become the first input signal. The first input signal is transmitted by the antenna link unit (300) to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410). S4. The output signals of each PortRef are combined by the first power divider (210) and transmitted in reverse to the directional coupler (320). The amplifier unit (330) processes them into the second input signal. The second input signal is sent to the transceiver port Port1 of the first dual-port transceiver module (410) in a time-division manner. The first dual-port transceiver module (410) uses the first input signal as the test signal and the second input signal as the temperature drift signal corresponding to the first input signal.

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