Reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio

Abstract

The invention relates to a reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio, and the system achieves the high-integration, user-friendly and efficient-management reconfigurable equipment simulation system through the modularization and seamless integration of a radio waveform design function, an equipment simulation user operation interface design, a business logic function design and a project management function. Therefore, even if a user does not have a deep programming capability, the user can quickly construct, test, manage and deploy the equipment simulator with complete functions. The system is rich in waveform component and UI component library, customizable in function and good in flexibility, software radio waveform design and equipment simulation are innovatively and seamlessly integrated, automatic non-inductive or manual upgrading can be achieved, the universality is good, various equipment simulators can be designed, the designed equipment simulators have open function expansion, and the system is suitable for popularization and application. And a complete project management process is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of software radio equipment design technology, and relates to a reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio. Background Technology

[0002] In current wireless communication testing, electronic warfare drills, equipment acceptance, and personnel training, signal simulators are typically used to generate specific radio frequency signals. The mainstream approach employs dedicated simulators, where a single device is specifically designed to simulate a particular type or model of wireless equipment, such as a specific radar model. These dedicated simulators, with their custom-designed hardware (filters, modulators, and software) for specific functions, cannot adapt to the simulation requirements of new models or protocols. Each time new equipment is introduced, a new dedicated simulator needs to be purchased, resulting in numerous and costly devices. Furthermore, dedicated simulators have closed hardware and closed software, making them difficult to upgrade with technological advancements and prone to obsolescence. Different projects require different simulators, leading to low equipment utilization, high storage, maintenance, and management costs, and the inability to add new simulation functions or address complex electromagnetic environment construction requirements through simple software updates. In addition, a complete simulation task may involve multiple waveforms, various service scenarios, and multiple user interfaces. Existing dedicated simulators lack project-based resource management and version control, resulting in resource chaos and poor reusability. Therefore, developing a highly integrated, user-friendly, and efficiently managed reconfigurable equipment simulation system has become a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the above-mentioned traditional methods, this invention proposes a reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio, which can realize a highly integrated, user-friendly and efficiently managed reconfigurable equipment simulation system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions: A reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio is provided, comprising: The radio waveform design module, developed based on a software radio framework, provides a waveform component library, a graphical waveform design engine, signal visualization, a waveform state machine, and waveform management functions. The waveform management functions include variable management, waveform start and stop management. The equipment simulation user interface design module is used to support the use of drag-and-drop operation to generate waveforms based on the radio waveform design function module, and to build a graphical user interface that is highly consistent with the simulated real equipment operation interface. The business logic function design module is used to control the data flow and processing logic of the input data in the equipment simulation interface; The project management module is used to manage equipment simulation designs in a project management manner. A project includes at least one equipment simulation design file.

[0005] In one embodiment, the waveform component library includes pre-packaged, parameter-configurable, and functionally reusable signal processing components; the components are connected to each other via input and output terminals.

[0006] In one embodiment, the graphical waveform design engine provides a graphical drag-and-drop editing environment for dragging and dropping required components from the waveform component library onto the canvas to connect components. The graphical waveform design engine also provides compilation checking functionality.

[0007] In one embodiment, the signal visualization display submodule of the radio waveform design function module is used to perform graphical display of waveforms; the graphical display types include time domain diagrams, spectrum diagrams, waterfall diagrams, and constellation diagrams.

[0008] In one embodiment, a waveform state machine is used to assign state attributes to each waveform during its lifecycle; the state attributes include design state, development state, test state, and release state.

[0009] In one embodiment, the user interface of the equipment simulated user operation interface design module includes a front panel block diagram and a program block diagram. The user controls in the front panel block diagram include basic controls, display controls, and pane controls. The basic controls include input boxes, drop-down boxes, labels, dates, buttons, and menus. The display controls include map display controls and an output console. The pane controls are used to set the placement panes of UI components. The block diagram is used to design waveforms for UI components and radio waveform design function modules that are dragged and dropped from the front panel block diagram, and to establish variable and event binding relationships.

[0010] In one embodiment, the controls designed and implemented by the business logic function design module include sequential structure control controls, loop structure control controls, and conditional branch control controls; Sequential structure controls are used to support the sequential flow of data according to the order in which UI components are arranged; Loop structure control controls include While loop structure control controls and For loop structure control controls, both of which are used to implement loop control of the input data flow; Conditional branching controls include IF-ELSE branching controls and SWITCH-CASE branching controls, both of which are used to execute the functions of different data processing modules according to different control conditions; the data processing module consists of UI components and basic functions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the basic functions include adders, multipliers, dividers, AND operations, NOT operations, and OR operations.

[0012] In one embodiment, the equipment design documents include functions such as adding, editing, deleting, copying, previewing, and publishing; The project management module uses JSON data for version control; the JSON data includes the controls, locations, data, and input version name of the equipment design file. The project management module supports automatic upgrades.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shortcut key system of the reconfigurable equipment simulation system includes: Shift+S is used to save the project; Shift+C is used to copy the selected control; Shift+V is used to paste copied controls; Home is used to bring up the control properties panel; The Delete key is used to delete controls. The arrow keys are used to precisely control the up, down, left, and right positions of the control, moving it 1px at a time; Shift+P is used for quick preview.

[0014] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages and beneficial effects: The aforementioned reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software-defined radio (SDR) modularizes and seamlessly integrates four main functionalities: radio waveform design, equipment simulation user interface design, business logic design, and project management. This results in a highly integrated, user-friendly, and efficiently managed reconfigurable equipment simulation system. Users, even without extensive programming skills, can quickly build, test, manage, and deploy fully functional equipment simulators. The system boasts a rich library of waveform and UI components, offering customizable functionality and high flexibility. It innovatively integrates SDR waveform design with equipment simulation, allowing for automatic or manual upgrades. Its versatility allows for design for various equipment simulators, which possess open functional extensions and a complete project management process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the visual interface of the radio waveform design function module in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0018] It should be noted that, in this document, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The presentation of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items, and all possible combinations, including such combinations.

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software-defined radio is provided, which may include: a radio waveform design function module, developed based on a software-defined radio framework, for providing a waveform component library, a graphical waveform design engine, signal visualization display, a waveform state machine, and waveform management functions; the waveform management functions include variable management, waveform start and stop management. An equipment simulation user interface design module, for supporting waveforms published based on the radio waveform design function module through drag-and-drop operations, constructing a graphical user interface highly consistent with the simulated real equipment's operating interface. A business logic function design module, for controlling the data flow and processing logic of input data in the equipment simulation interface. A project management module, for managing equipment simulation designs in a project management manner, where each project includes at least one equipment design file for equipment simulation.

[0021] It is understandable that the aforementioned reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software-defined radio achieves a highly integrated, user-friendly, and efficiently managed reconfigurable equipment simulation system by modularizing and seamlessly integrating four major functional modules: radio waveform design, equipment simulation user interface design, business logic function design, and project management. This allows users, even without extensive programming skills, to quickly build, test, manage, and deploy fully functional equipment simulators. This system is a multifunctional electromagnetic signal simulation application product that can run on the operating system of general-purpose or special-purpose computer equipment. Its core architecture includes four collaborative functional modules: a radio waveform design module, an equipment simulation user interface design module, a business logic function design module, and a project management module. The system architecture is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0022] A visual interface illustration of the radio waveform design function module can be shown as follows: Figure 2 As shown, this module is a waveform design function module based on software-defined radio. Its software functions include: a waveform component library, a graphical waveform design engine, a signal visualization display submodule, a waveform state machine, and a waveform management submodule (for variable management and waveform start / stop management). USRP stands for Universal Software Radio Peripheral.

[0023] Furthermore, the waveform component library provides a large number of pre-packaged, configurable, and reusable signal processing functional components, namely waveform components, such as modulators, encoders, decoders, source components, and sink components. Components are connected to each other via input and output terminals. The waveform component library is a basic unit in waveform design and the foundation for constructing complex waveforms.

[0024] In one embodiment, the graphical waveform design engine provides a graphical drag-and-drop editing environment. Users can drag and drop required components from the "Waveform Component Library" onto the canvas and connect the output terminals of the preceding waveform components to the input terminals of the following waveform components according to the waveform design requirements. The graphical waveform design engine provides compilation checking functions, such as providing a terminal error flag when a waveform component's non-empty input terminal is not connected to an input signal; or displaying an error flag on the data connection between the terminals when the data types of the output terminals of the preceding waveform component and the input terminals of the following waveform component do not match, helping waveform designers quickly correct errors.

[0025] Furthermore, the signal visualization display submodule is used for the graphical display of waveforms. The display graph types can include time domain graphs, spectrum graphs, waterfall graphs, and constellation graphs, and support local display methods based on Qt5 (a cross-platform C++ GUI (graphical user interface) development framework).

[0026] Furthermore, in order to better manage waveforms, the waveform state machine can assign a specific state attribute to each waveform during its lifecycle. This state attribute can specifically include design state, development state, test state, and release state.

[0027] Design state: The initial state of the waveform. This stage determines the waveform design requirements, the design of existing or newly developed components required for the waveform, and the feasibility of the waveform design.

[0028] Development Status: Based on the waveform design in the previous stage, in the development status, the waveform is graphically constructed, components are selected or developed, waveform parameters are configured and adjusted in the radio waveform design function module to form a complete waveform flow diagram that meets the design requirements.

[0029] Test status: After the waveform has passed the development stage and development is completed, it needs to undergo comprehensive and detailed testing, which means entering the test status. The main goal of the test status is to ensure the performance stability and full functionality of the waveform.

[0030] Release Status: After the waveform enters the release status, you can enter the equipment simulation user interface design module to carry out equipment simulation development.

[0031] Waveform Management Submodule (for variable management and waveform start / stop management): The radio waveform design module provides the published waveforms and makes waveform variables available, allowing users to adjust relevant waveform parameters in the equipment simulation interface. This submodule provides waveform start and stop functions for managing the start and stop of waveform operation.

[0032] The core function of the equipment simulation user interface design module is to allow users to quickly build a graphical user interface that is highly consistent with the operating interface of the simulated real equipment through drag-and-drop operation, thereby reducing the difficulty of simulation operation and enhancing immersion.

[0033] In one embodiment, the user interface of the equipment simulated user operation interface design module consists of two parts: a front panel block diagram and a program block diagram, located on the left and right (or top and bottom) sides of the user interface, respectively. The interface width can be dynamically adjusted by dragging, which is convenient for users to design.

[0034] The front panel diagram is used for user interface layout design, such as selecting UI components and setting basic attributes like position, size, color, and ID. User controls in the front panel diagram mainly include basic controls, display controls, and pane controls. Basic controls include basic user interface elements such as input boxes, dropdown lists, labels, dates, buttons, and menus. Display controls include controls for graphical waveform display or output information display, such as maps and output consoles. For example, a map component can display the latitude and longitude coordinates of the ADS-B waveform output, while an output console can display real-time logs and results of the waveform operation. Pane controls are used to set the placement panes for related UI components, optimizing the interface layout. Selecting a control in the front panel diagram and using an input device (such as the right mouse button) allows access to the control's property settings. These settings allow setting the control's ID, display name, control state (e.g., disabled or enabled), position, and specifications (e.g., width, height, size, and color).

[0035] The block diagram is used to bind UI components dragged and dropped from the front panel block diagram to waveform construction variables and events designed by the radio waveform design function module. The main controls in the block diagram include a published waveform library designed by the radio waveform design function module, as well as some built-in basic functions in this embodiment. Optional basic functions include adders, multipliers, dividers, AND, NOT, and OR operations. These controls are added to the block diagram design interface by dragging and dropping. Then, by operating the input device (e.g., right-clicking), the waveform properties panel is brought up. In the waveform variable block of the properties panel, UI controls dragged from the front panel block diagram can be bound to the waveform's exposed variables, and management buttons dragged from the front panel block diagram can be bound to the waveform events to control the waveform's start and stop events.

[0036] The core function of the business logic design module is to control the data flow and processing logic of user-input data in the equipment simulation interface. Furthermore, this embodiment designs and implements sequential structure control controls, loop structure control controls, and conditional branch control controls based on flow control.

[0037] Among them, the sequential structure control can support the data flow to proceed sequentially according to the arrangement of UI components.

[0038] Loop structure control controls can include While loop structure control controls and For loop structure control controls. Both types of controls are used to implement loop control of user-input data flow. Their core components include flow control and execution body. The main function of flow control is to control the start and end mechanism of the loop body; the execution body is the data processing unit for loop execution. In equipment design, the data of UI components in the front panel block diagram can be used as the start and end markers of the loop structure control control. Similarly, UI components can be bound to the loop execution step size, binding the UI components or basic functions that need to be executed repeatedly to the loop body to realize the function of repeatedly executing the loop body.

[0039] Conditional branch control controls include IF-ELSE branch control controls and SWITCH-CASE branch control controls. Both types of controls can be used to execute different data processing modules based on different control conditions. During equipment design, the data and basic functions of the UI components in the front panel block diagram can be used as control conditions for the conditional branch control controls. Different data processing modules are executed based on whether the control conditions are true or false. These data processing modules consist of UI components and basic functions.

[0040] The main function of the project management module is to manage equipment simulation designs in a project management manner. A project can contain design files for multiple equipment simulations.

[0041] In one embodiment, an equipment design file for equipment simulation corresponds to an equipment simulation design, and its main sub-functions may include: The system includes sub-functions for project operations such as creating new projects, deleting projects, editing projects, searching for projects, and sharing projects. Among these, sharing projects means that projects can be shared with other users for collaborative work.

[0042] Equipment design documents include functions such as adding, editing, deleting, copying, previewing, and publishing. The copying function allows for the rapid creation of copies of the equipment design documents, enabling the rapid development of similar equipment designs based on these copies. The preview function allows users to preview the user interface after the equipment design document has been published, and also allows for equipment simulation operations, such as waveform start and stop. The publishing function is used to publish the equipment design document for production purposes.

[0043] Version control: Unlike conventional code-level version control systems such as Git, the version control designed in this embodiment is based on data. That is, the control, location and data information of the equipment design file are stored as JSON data, and a version name is entered before storage. If version restoration is required, the JSON data is read, the control, location and data information in the JSON data are obtained, and the equipment design file is re-rendered.

[0044] Automatic upgrade: When the actual equipment is used in conjunction with the design of this invention, the system can automatically detect the version. If a new version is found, the system can choose to upgrade automatically or manually.

[0045] In one embodiment, to facilitate quick user operation, a shortcut key system is also designed: shift+s is used to save the project, shift+c is used to copy the selected control, shift+v is used to paste the copied control, Home is used to bring up the control property panel, and Delete is used to delete the control; the up, down, left, and right arrow keys are used to precisely control the up, down, left, and right positions of the control, moving it 1px at a time; shift+p is used for quick preview.

[0046] In some implementations, the specific application of the above system is demonstrated by taking one of the equipment simulation designs as an example: First, design a low-pass signal analysis waveform in the radio waveform design module. In the design phase, determine the required waveform components: a noise generator, a low-pass filter, a speed limiter, and two spectrum analyzers, along with two variables: "sampling frequency" and "cutoff frequency." In the development phase, drag the noise generator, low-pass filter, speed limiter, and two spectrum analyzer waveform components from the waveform component library. Simultaneously set the two variables: "sampling frequency" and "cutoff frequency." Connect the output terminal of the noise generator to the input terminals of the low-pass filter and speed limiter. Connect the output terminal of the low-pass filter to the input terminal of spectrum analyzer 1, and the output terminal of the speed limiter to the input terminal of spectrum analyzer 2. Save the flowchart. In the testing phase, click the waveform run button to start the waveform test. After the test is passed, change the waveform status to "published." At this point, the waveform can be obtained from the flowchart in the equipment simulation user interface design module.

[0047] In the project management module, create a new project named "Low-pass Equipment Simulation Project", then create a new equipment design file named "Low-pass Signal Analysis Equipment" and save it.

[0048] Open the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment" design file in the equipment simulation user interface design module. The system displays the design interface of the front panel block diagram and the program block diagram. In the program block diagram, select the newly released "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Waveform" and drag it to the program block diagram interface. On the front panel block diagram, select two input boxes from the basic controls, set their IDs to ID_FREQ and ID_END_FREQ respectively, and name them Sampling Frequency and Cutoff Frequency respectively. Select and drag a button to the front panel block diagram, set its ID to ID_ACTION, and name it "Start / Stop". In the program block diagram, select the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Waveform" and open the waveform properties panel by right-clicking. Bind the two waveform variables, "Sampling Frequency" and "Cutoff Frequency," to the two input boxes with IDs ID_FREQ and ID_END_FREQ on the front panel block diagram, respectively. Bind the waveform's start and stop methods to the button with ID_ACTION on the front panel block diagram, so that clicking the ID_ACTION button will start or stop the waveform. Drag the input boxes and button to the appropriate positions in the front panel block diagram and save to complete the interface layout design.

[0049] Click Preview in the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment" design file. In the preview interface, you can see two input boxes and a button displayed in the expected positions and styles. Enter the sampling frequency and cutoff frequency in the input boxes respectively, and click the Start button to display the waveform graphically.

[0050] In the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment" design file, click on the version, enter the version name, and the version can be saved. In the version management interface, you can select the corresponding version and click "Restore" to roll back the version.

[0051] Click "Publish" in the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment" design file to complete the design of the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment Simulation". If this published design file is applied to the actual equipment, as long as the equipment is interconnected with the designed system, it will automatically perform a check and prompt the user to perform an automatic or manual upgrade after the "Low-Pass Signal Analysis Equipment Simulation" design is updated and published.

[0052] The aforementioned reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio has a rich library of waveform and UI components, customizable functions, and high flexibility. It innovatively integrates software radio waveform design with equipment simulation seamlessly, can be upgraded automatically or manually, has good versatility, can be designed for various equipment simulators, and the designed equipment simulators have open functional expansion and a complete project management process.

[0053] Each module in the aforementioned software-defined radio-based reconfigurable equipment simulation system can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in hardware or independently of a device with data processing capabilities, or stored in software within the memory of the aforementioned device, so that the processor can invoke and execute the operations corresponding to each module. The aforementioned device can be, but is not limited to, various types of computer equipment already existing in the art.

[0054] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0055] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software-defined radio, characterized in that, include: The radio waveform design module, developed based on the software radio framework, provides waveform component library, graphical waveform design engine, signal visualization display, waveform state machine and waveform management functions; Waveform management functions include variable management, waveform start and stop management; The equipment simulation user interface design module is used to support the use of drag-and-drop operation to generate waveforms based on the radio waveform design function module, and to build a graphical user interface that is highly consistent with the simulated real equipment operation interface. The business logic function design module is used to control the data flow and processing logic of the input data in the equipment simulation interface; The project management module is used to manage equipment simulation designs in a project management manner. A project includes at least one equipment simulation design file.

2. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waveform component library includes pre-packaged, configurable, and reusable signal processing components; the components are connected to each other via input and output terminals.

3. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The graphical waveform design engine provides a graphical drag-and-drop editing environment for dragging and dropping required components from the waveform component library onto the canvas to connect components. The graphical waveform design engine also provides compilation checking functionality.

4. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal visualization display submodule of the radio waveform design function module is used to perform graphical display of waveforms; the graphical display types include time domain diagrams, spectrum diagrams, waterfall diagrams, and constellation diagrams.

5. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A waveform state machine is used to assign state attributes to each waveform during its lifecycle; state attributes include design state, development state, test state, and release state.

6. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface of the equipment simulation user interface design module includes a front panel block diagram and a program block diagram. The user controls in the front panel block diagram include basic controls, display controls, and pane controls. The basic controls include input boxes, drop-down boxes, labels, dates, buttons, and menus. The display controls include map display controls and an output console. The pane controls are used to set the placement panes of UI components. The block diagram is used to design waveforms for UI components and radio waveform design function modules that are dragged and dropped from the front panel block diagram, and to establish variable and event binding relationships.

7. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The business logic function design module includes sequential structure control controls, loop structure control controls, and conditional branch control controls; Sequential structure controls are used to support the sequential flow of data according to the order in which UI components are arranged; Loop structure control controls include While loop structure control controls and For loop structure control controls, both of which are used to implement loop control of the input data flow; Conditional branching controls include IF-ELSE branching controls and SWITCH-CASE branching controls, both of which are used to execute the functions of different data processing modules according to different control conditions; the data processing module consists of UI components and basic functions.

8. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 7, characterized in that, Basic functions include adders, multipliers, dividers, AND operations, NOT operations, and OR operations.

9. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functions of equipment design documents include adding, editing, deleting, copying, previewing, and publishing; The project management module uses JSON data for version control; the JSON data includes the controls, locations, data, and input version name of the equipment design file. The project management module supports automatic upgrades.

10. The reconfigurable equipment simulation system based on software radio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shortcut key system of the reconfigurable equipment simulation system includes: Shift+S is used to save the project; Shift+C is used to copy the selected control; Shift+V is used to paste copied controls; Home is used to bring up the control properties panel; The Delete key is used to delete controls. The arrow keys are used to precisely control the up, down, left, and right positions of the control, moving it 1px at a time; Shift+P is used for quick preview.

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