Automatic test system and method for radio frequency equipment
By designing an automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices, the problems of inefficiency in existing testing methods and poor reusability of automated systems have been solved. This system enables rapid construction and flexible adaptation to different devices, improving testing efficiency and accuracy, and providing compatibility with multiple devices and operating systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511134675.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing testing methods for radio frequency (RF) devices rely on manual operation, which is inefficient and prone to errors. Existing automated testing systems have poor reusability, lack flexibility, and are difficult to adapt to the testing needs of different product types and models. Test case management and result generation are also not efficient enough.
An automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices was designed, comprising a host computer, testing instruments, and the device under test (DUT). These components are connected via a control interface. The system utilizes a test workflow library, a test instrument control library, and a test program library to enable rapid construction of automated test processes and generation of test records. It supports compatibility with various test instruments and devices, employs object-oriented programming, and provides a human-computer interaction interface and a log management module.
It enables automated testing of RF devices, reduces testing labor intensity, improves testing efficiency and accuracy, supports the rapid construction of tests adapted to different types and models, has scalability and compatibility, is easy to install and use, and supports multiple operating systems.
Smart Images
Figure CN120948926A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated testing technology, and in particular to an automated testing system and method for radio frequency devices that can be rapidly constructed. Background Technology
[0002] In the development and production of radio frequency (RF) devices, testing is a crucial step in ensuring product quality. While RF devices share similar technical specifications and testing methods, there is a wide variety of device types and models. Traditional testing methods rely on manual operation, which is inefficient and prone to errors. Existing automated testing systems are often siloed systems developed for specific products, lacking reusability. While they can improve testing efficiency, they typically lack flexibility and struggle to adapt to the testing needs of different product types and models. Furthermore, test case management, test result interpretation, and test record generation are often inefficient and lack automation.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated test system solution that can be built quickly to achieve automated testing and test record generation for different types and models of RF devices. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an automated testing system and method for radio frequency (RF) devices, which can solve the problems of cumbersome and inefficient manual testing of existing RF devices, poor reusability and lack of flexibility in the development of existing automated testing systems.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0006] An automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices includes a host computer, testing instruments, and a device under test (DUT). The testing instruments and the DUT are connected to the host computer via a control interface and are connected to each other via RF cables. The host computer runs a test workflow library, a test instrument control library, a test program library, and test software.
[0007] The test business process library contains process files that correspond one-to-one with each device under test. Each line in the process file is used to specify the relevant parameters of a step in the test process. For interactive steps, the relevant parameters include pop-up prompts. For test operation steps, the relevant parameters include the test project name, the specific test parameters, and the pass / fail criteria.
[0008] The test instrument control library contains library files that correspond one-to-one with each test instrument, and the library files store the specific implementation functions of each function of the test instrument.
[0009] The test service program library stores specific implementation functions for each test item of radio frequency (RF) devices. Each specific implementation function receives the test parameters, pass / fail criteria, and test instrument information from the test software. Based on the functions of the test instruments required for the test, it calls the corresponding functions in the relevant library files to control the test instruments to automatically test the device under test according to the specific test parameters. During the test, the specific implementation function receives test data obtained from the test instruments, compares the test data with the pass / fail criteria, determines whether the test is qualified, and returns the test data and test conclusion.
[0010] The testing software provides a human-computer interaction interface. Users can select the model and specific product type of the device under test through the interface. Based on the selected device under test, the software reads the corresponding process file from the test business process library. According to the line information of the process file, either by displaying prompts or by calling the corresponding implementation function in the test business program library, the software controls the testing instrument to test the device under test. During the test, the software displays the test data and test conclusions returned by the corresponding implementation function in the test business program library. After executing all lines of the process file, the test on the current device under test ends.
[0011] Furthermore, the control interface includes RS232, RS422, RS485, USB, LAN, and GPIB.
[0012] Furthermore, the process document is a spreadsheet. The first column of the spreadsheet is used to specify whether the row type is comment, interactive, or test operation. Rows with the row type of comment are not executed, rows with the row type of interactive correspond to interactive steps and are used to display pop-up prompts, and rows with the row type of test operation correspond to the actual test operations executed. The second column of the spreadsheet is used to record the comment content, pop-up prompts, or test item names. Subsequent columns of the spreadsheet are used to record the comment content or specific test parameters, and the last column of the spreadsheet is used to record the comment content or pass / fail criteria.
[0013] Furthermore, the library files in the test instrument control library are standard Python libraries and are named according to the model of the test instrument. When the functions in the library files are called, they communicate with the test instrument through PyVISA. The test instruments covered in the test instrument control library include signal sources, spectrum analyzers, counters, attenuators, vector network analyzers, and power meters. The host computer of the test instrument interacts and communicates with the test instrument through the VISA protocol.
[0014] Furthermore, the host computer for testing also runs a log management module and a test record generation module:
[0015] The log management module is used to record log information during system operation and save it in a designated folder on the test host computer. The log information includes test time, test steps, test results, and exception information.
[0016] The test record generation module is used to generate test records and save them in a designated folder on the test host computer. The test records include test items, test parameters, test data, and test conclusions.
[0017] An automated testing method for radio frequency (RF) devices, based on the automated testing system for RF devices described above, includes the following steps:
[0018] Step 1: Start the test software on the host computer and select the model and specific product type of the device under test through the human-computer interaction interface;
[0019] Step 2: Select the appropriate process file from the test process library based on the selected device under test;
[0020] Step 3: Select the testing instruments to be used in the testing process according to the contents of the process document;
[0021] Step 4: Start the test. The test software reads the contents of the process file line by line. For interactive lines, the corresponding prompts will pop up. For test operation lines, the test project name, specific test parameters and pass / fail criteria will be obtained. The software will call the implementation function of the corresponding test project in the test business program library and pass the specific test parameters and test instrument information to the implementation function of the test project.
[0022] Step 5: The implementation function of the test project calls the corresponding function of the test instrument in the test instrument control library according to the test project and test instrument information;
[0023] Step 6: During the test, the test project implementation function receives the test data obtained from the test instrument, compares the test data with the pass / fail criteria, obtains the test conclusion, and then returns the test data and test conclusion to the test software to complete the test of one line;
[0024] Step 7: The testing software displays the test data and test conclusions on the interface, and highlights the unqualified conclusions in red.
[0025] Step 8: Return to Step 4 and continue reading the next line of the process file until all lines are completed, ending the test on the current device under test.
[0026] Furthermore, in step 1, the log management module is also started to capture abnormal information. When an abnormality occurs during the test, the abnormal information is recorded to the log file and the test is terminated directly.
[0027] Furthermore, during the testing process, the testing software will also call the test record generation module to generate test records by combining the test project name, specific test parameters, test data returned by the test project implementation function, and test conclusions from the process file, and save them to the specified location on the test host computer.
[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0029] 1. This invention enables automated testing of radio frequency devices, reduces testing labor intensity, significantly improves testing efficiency, and enhances the standardization and accuracy of testing.
[0030] 2. This invention enables the rapid construction of an automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices. For different types and models of RF devices, there is no need to repeatedly develop automated testing systems. Automated testing can be quickly achieved simply by editing process documents and tables according to testing requirements.
[0031] 3. The automatic testing described in this invention has the advantages of being scalable and highly compatible, and is compatible with various device and instrument control interfaces such as RS232, RS422, RS485, USB, LAN, GPIB, etc. Furthermore, the automatic testing system of this invention supports the addition of other types of devices.
[0032] 4. The automatic testing system of this invention is easy to install and use, supports multiple operating systems such as Windows and Linux. The automatic testing system software is in the form of an executable file, which does not require the configuration of an operating system environment. The program can be run directly by double-clicking to realize automatic testing of radio frequency devices. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic testing system for radio frequency devices in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an automatic testing method for radio frequency devices in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036] An automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices includes a host computer, test instruments, and a device under test (DUT). Both the test instruments and the DUT are connected to the host computer via control interfaces, and are connected to each other via RF cables. The host computer runs a test workflow library, a test instrument control library, a test program library, and test software, wherein:
[0037] The test business process library is a series of process files for specific equipment, categorized by product type and model. Each line represents a test item, and users can freely cut, edit, and add test item parameters according to a standard format. The files are saved as Excel files, providing test parameters for the automated test system framework software.
[0038] The test instrument control library organizes control commands for each instrument model into a standard Python library using a unified naming convention. It communicates with the instruments via PyVisa and supports the selection and configuration of various test instrument models, such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, counters, attenuators, vector network analyzers, and power meters. Test personnel can flexibly select and configure the test instruments in the control library according to the actual instrument model used.
[0039] The test service program library calls the corresponding test instrument control library function based on the interface data sent by the test software, which includes test parameters, pass / fail criteria, and instrument information. It controls the test instrument and the device under test to complete the automatic test of the indicators, compares the test data with the pass / fail criteria, determines whether the test is qualified, and returns the test data and test conclusion after completion.
[0040] The log management module records log information during system operation, which facilitates troubleshooting and system maintenance. Log information includes test time, test steps, test results, and exception information.
[0041] The test record generation module generates detailed test records, including test items, test parameters, test data, and test conclusions (pass / fail), and supports multiple formats such as PDF, Word, and Excel.
[0042] The generated test records and logs are saved in a specific directory on the host computer.
[0043] The testing software includes a human-machine interface (HMI) and standard interfaces for calling the test workflow library, test program library, and test record generation module. Users can select the instrument model and specific product type / model workflow file through the interface, which is then loaded and displayed. The software retrieves test parameters line by line, calls the corresponding functions in the test program library, and completes the automatic testing of the equipment. Furthermore, it receives and displays test data and results. After completing one line of testing, it continues reading the next line and continues testing.
[0044] The host computer for testing connects to the test instruments and the device under test through various interfaces such as serial port (RS232), RS422, RS485, USB, LAN, and GPIB. These interfaces can all be built using Python.
[0045] The software portion of this system can be built using object-oriented programming. The system is easy to use; users do not need to develop automated testing systems for each type of device. They can simply create an Excel workflow file as required to automate device testing.
[0046] Here are more specific examples:
[0047] An automated testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a host computer for testing, testing instruments, and the device under test.
[0048] The testing software runs on the host computer and reads the test workflow library through a standard interface. It retrieves the parameters for each test item line by line, calls the test workflow library and the test instrument control library to control the test instruments to complete the performance tests, and returns the test data and conclusions. Furthermore, the testing software receives and displays the test data and conclusions, and simultaneously calls the test record generation module to generate test records. After completing one line of the test, it continues reading the next line until all test items have been completed. When problems occur during the testing process, the log management module records the issues.
[0049] The host computer for testing can be a standard desktop or laptop computer. It can connect to the testing instruments and the device under test (DUT) via various interfaces such as serial port (RS232), RS422, RS485, USB, LAN, and GPIB. The testing instruments include signal generators, spectrum analyzers, counters, attenuators, vector network analyzers, and power meters. The host computer communicates with the testing instruments via the VISA protocol and saves test records to a designated storage location on the host computer after the test is completed.
[0050] The testing software is an executable program in ".exe" format on the Windows operating system. Its UI is designed using the PyQt5 library in Python, and the underlying logic code is written in Python version 3.8.10. The testing software interface has multiple testing options, including single-project testing, multi-project testing, and full-project testing. Users can also directly edit and add / remove process file parameters on the interface, enabling flexible completion of various testing requirements.
[0051] The test application library is encapsulated based on object-oriented principles. The test software passes test parameters and instrument information to the functions in the test application library. The functions in the test application library control the test instruments to complete the project test based on the test parameter information and return test data and test conclusions to the test software.
[0052] The test record generation module generates test records after the test is completed and saves them in the specified storage location on the host computer. The test record content includes test items, test parameters, test data, test conclusions (pass / fail), etc. The test record format supports multiple formats such as PDF, Word, and Excel.
[0053] The testing methods based on the above-mentioned automated testing system are as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps:
[0054] Step 1: Start the test software on the host computer. The log management module will run simultaneously to capture abnormal information. When an abnormality occurs during the test, the abnormal information will be recorded in the log file, and the test will be terminated directly in Step 10.
[0055] Step 2: Based on the selected device under test, select the model and specific product type of the device under test, and select the corresponding process document from the test business process library;
[0056] Step 3: Select the testing instruments to be used in the testing process according to the contents of the process document;
[0057] Step 4: Start the test. The test software reads the contents of the process file line by line. For interactive lines, the corresponding prompt message pops up and then proceeds to step 9. For test operation lines, the test project name, specific test parameters and pass / fail criteria are obtained. The test business program library functions are called to pass the test project parameters and test instrument information to the corresponding functions.
[0058] Step 5: The test business program library functions call the corresponding test instrument control library functions according to the test items and instrument information;
[0059] Step 6: Test the business program library functions to control the test instruments and the device under test to complete the test according to the test project process, and return test data and test conclusions to the test software;
[0060] Step 7: The testing software displays the test data and test conclusions visually on the interface, and highlights the "unqualified" conclusions in red.
[0061] Step 8: The testing software calls the test record generation module to generate a test record by combining the test items, test parameters, test data, and test conclusions, and saves it to the specified location on the host computer.
[0062] Step 9: After completing the test of one line, continue reading the next line and repeat steps 4 to 8 until all items to be tested have been tested.
[0063] Step 10: Test complete.
Claims
1. An automatic testing system for radio frequency (RF) devices, comprising a host computer, testing instruments, and the device under test (DUT), characterized in that, The test instruments and the device under test are connected to the host computer via a control interface, and the test instruments and the device under test are connected to each other via radio frequency cables; the host computer runs a test business process library, a test instrument control library, a test business program library, and test software. The test business process library contains process files that correspond one-to-one with each device under test. Each line in the process file is used to specify the relevant parameters of a step in the test process. For interactive steps, the relevant parameters include pop-up prompts. For test operation steps, the relevant parameters include the test project name, the specific test parameters, and the pass / fail criteria. The test instrument control library contains library files that correspond one-to-one with each test instrument, and the library files store the specific implementation functions of each function of the test instrument. The test service program library stores specific implementation functions for each test item of radio frequency (RF) devices. Each specific implementation function receives the test parameters, pass / fail criteria, and test instrument information from the test software. Based on the functions of the test instruments required for the test, it calls the corresponding functions in the relevant library files to control the test instruments to automatically test the device under test according to the specific test parameters. During the test, the specific implementation function receives test data obtained from the test instruments, compares the test data with the pass / fail criteria, determines whether the test is qualified, and returns the test data and test conclusion. The testing software provides a human-computer interaction interface. Users can select the model and specific product type of the device under test through the interface. Based on the selected device under test, the software reads the corresponding process file from the test business process library. According to the line information of the process file, either by displaying prompts or by calling the corresponding implementation function in the test business program library, the software controls the testing instrument to test the device under test. During the test, the software displays the test data and test conclusions returned by the corresponding implementation function in the test business program library. After executing all lines of the process file, the test on the current device under test ends.
2. The automatic testing system for radio frequency devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control interfaces include RS232, RS422, RS485, USB, LAN, and GPIB.
3. The automatic testing system for radio frequency devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process document is a spreadsheet. The first column of the spreadsheet is used to specify whether the row type is comment, interactive, or test operation. Rows with the row type of comment are not executed, rows with the row type of interactive correspond to interactive steps and are used to display pop-up prompts, and rows with the row type of test operation correspond to the actual test operations executed. The second column of the spreadsheet is used to record the comment content, pop-up prompts, or test item names. Subsequent columns of the spreadsheet are used to record the comment content or specific test parameters. The last column of the spreadsheet is used to record the comment content or pass / fail criteria.
4. The automatic testing system for radio frequency devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The library files in the test instrument control library are standard Python libraries, named after the test instrument models. When the functions in the library files are called, they communicate with the test instruments through PyVISA. The test instruments covered in the test instrument control library include signal generators, spectrum analyzers, counters, attenuators, vector network analyzers, and power meters. The host computer of the test system interacts and communicates with the test instruments through the VISA protocol.
5. The automatic testing system for radio frequency devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host computer for testing also runs a log management module and a test record generation module: The log management module is used to record log information during system operation and save it in a designated folder on the test host computer. The log information includes test time, test steps, test results, and exception information. The test record generation module is used to generate test records and save them in a designated folder on the test host computer. The test records include test items, test parameters, test data, and test conclusions.
6. An automatic testing method for radio frequency (RF) devices, characterized in that, The automatic testing system for radio frequency devices based on any one of claims 1-5 includes the following steps: Step 1: Start the test software on the host computer and select the model and specific product type of the device under test through the human-computer interaction interface; Step 2: Select the appropriate process file from the test process library based on the selected device under test; Step 3: Select the testing instruments to be used in the testing process according to the contents of the process document; Step 4: Start the test. The test software reads the contents of the process file line by line. For interactive lines, the corresponding prompts will pop up. For test operation lines, the test project name, specific test parameters and pass / fail criteria will be obtained. The software will call the implementation function of the corresponding test project in the test business program library and pass the specific test parameters and test instrument information to the implementation function of the test project. Step 5: The implementation function of the test project calls the corresponding function of the test instrument in the test instrument control library according to the test project and test instrument information; Step 6: During the test, the test project implementation function receives the test data obtained from the test instrument, compares the test data with the pass / fail criteria, obtains the test conclusion, and then returns the test data and test conclusion to the test software to complete the test of one line; Step 7: The testing software displays the test data and test conclusions on the interface, and highlights the unqualified conclusions in red. Step 8: Return to Step 4 and continue reading the next line of the process file until all lines are completed, ending the test on the current device under test.
7. The automatic testing method for radio frequency devices according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step 1, the log management module is also started to capture abnormal information. When an abnormality occurs during the test, the abnormal information is recorded to the log file and the test ends directly.
8. The automatic testing method for radio frequency devices according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the test, the testing software will also call the test record generation module to generate test records by combining the test project name, specific test parameters, test data returned by the test project implementation function and test conclusions from the process file, and save them to the specified location on the test host computer.