Wireless audio testing device and testing method

Abstract

The invention discloses a wireless audio testing device and method, and the device comprises an audio playing module which is used for playing a testing audio file and generating an audio signal; the signal conversion module is used for modulating the audio signal into a radio frequency signal; the signal intensity control module is used for accurately regulating and controlling the transmitting power of the radio frequency signal; the external interaction interface is used for data and signal interaction between the wireless audio testing device and an external environment; and the main control module communicates with an upper computer through the external interaction interface, coordinates and controls the audio playing module, the signal conversion module and the signal strength control module according to a received instruction, and records and returns test data. According to the invention, by providing standard radio frequency signals which are stable, accurate and adjustable, are uniformly distributed in space and support programmed control, the unification of a test benchmark and the high repeatability of a test process are realized, so that researchers can accurately simulate various complex scenes in a controllable environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a wireless audio testing device and testing method. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of devices such as wireless headphones, smart microphones, smart glasses, smart speakers, and smart helmets, more and more audio devices are equipped with wireless communication capabilities. Wireless communication performance has become a core element directly impacting user experience, and this is especially crucial for wearable audio devices. Improving a product's wireless communication capabilities relies on two main factors: optimized design of the RF front-end and antenna system, and precise evaluation of user experience in complex real-world application scenarios.

[0003] For the former, the industry has mature methods and standards for objective performance testing of RF hardware. However, for the latter, when subjectively evaluating the actual user experience, the entire industry faces a common and challenging problem: a lack of standardized test signal sources. Currently, manufacturers use mobile phones as audio playback devices to connect and test the device under test.

[0004] This mobile phone-based testing method suffers from several drawbacks. Different manufacturers use different brands and models of mobile phones to connect to and test the device under test (DUT) in outdoor scenarios. The differences in wireless signal strength between these phones lead to inconsistent initial signal strengths received by the DUT, making a unified testing benchmark impossible. Furthermore, the antenna radiation patterns of different phones vary significantly, resulting in complex and uneven distribution of electromagnetic waves in space. Even minor changes in the phone's placement can cause large fluctuations in the received signal, increasing testing errors. Another highly unstable factor when using mobile phones as audio playback devices is that they adaptively adjust to different scenarios based on transmission strength, introducing an uncontrollable variable and leading to inaccurate test results.

[0005] In summary, existing testing methods using mobile phones as signal sources suffer from drawbacks such as inconsistent signal strength, uneven spatial distribution of radiation, and lack of adaptive adjustment, making them unable to meet the high standards of repeatability and accuracy required for wireless audio testing of audio devices. The industry urgently needs a standardized testing device capable of stably, accurately, controllably, and uniformly transmitting wireless audio signals. This would allow testing variables to focus on the device under test itself, thereby objectively evaluating the product and improving the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issues raised above regarding inconsistent signal strength, uneven spatial distribution of radiation, and the need for adaptive adjustment when using mobile phones as signal sources, this invention proposes a wireless audio testing device and method.

[0007] The present invention provides a wireless audio testing device, comprising: The audio playback module is used to play test audio files and generate audio signals; A signal conversion module is used to modulate the audio signal into a radio frequency signal; A signal strength control module is used to precisely regulate the transmission power of the radio frequency signal; An external interaction interface is used for data and signal interaction between the wireless audio testing device and the external environment; The main control module communicates with the host computer through the external interaction interface. Based on the received instructions, it coordinates and controls the audio playback module, the signal conversion module, and the signal strength control module, and records and transmits test data.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the external interaction interface includes an external control interface and a radio frequency output interface. The external control interface is connected to a host computer to transmit control commands and data; the radio frequency output interface is connected to a load to output radio frequency signals.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes an antenna module for radiating radio frequency signals into space in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antenna module includes an omnidirectional antenna.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the signal strength control module includes a programmable digital attenuator and a power amplifier.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the programmable digital attenuator adjustment step is less than 0.5 dB.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the output power adjustment range of the signal strength control module is -30dBm to +10dBm.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the external control interface is a LAN interface.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the radio frequency output interface is a coaxial connector.

[0016] The present invention also provides a wireless audio testing method, applied to the wireless audio testing device described above, and includes the following steps: Step S1, Test parameter setting: Set the required test parameters to the wireless audio test device through the host computer software; Step S2, generation and transmission of standardized wireless signals: The wireless audio testing device generates and transmits standardized wireless signals according to the set parameters; Step S3, Performance monitoring of the device under test: Monitor the performance of the device under test during the process of receiving wireless signals from the wireless audio testing device; Step S4, Test Data Analysis and Report Generation: Based on the test data recorded by the wireless audio testing device, the data is analyzed and processed by the host computer software to generate a test data report.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: by providing a stable, precisely adjustable, spatially uniform, and programmable standardized radio frequency signal, it fundamentally overcomes the shortcomings of traditional mobile phones as signal sources, such as inconsistent intensity, uneven spatial radiation, and lack of adaptive adjustment. This device achieves unified testing benchmarks and high repeatability of the testing process, enabling researchers to accurately simulate various complex scenarios in a controlled environment, obtain accurate test results, and thus focus the testing variables entirely on the device under test itself. This allows for objective product evaluation, accelerates product optimization and iteration, and significantly improves the user experience of the final product. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of device components according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a test application scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of device components according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The correspondence between the reference numerals and the component names is as follows: Wireless audio testing device—1; Audio playback module—3; Signal conversion module—5; Signal strength control module—7; Antenna module—9; External control interface—11; RF output interface—13; Main control module—15. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this is an embodiment of a wireless audio testing device proposed by the present invention, which includes an audio playback module 3, a signal conversion module 5, a signal strength control module 7, an external control interface 11, a radio frequency output interface 13, and a main control module 15.

[0023] The main control module 15 is the control center of the entire wireless audio testing device 1. It is connected to all other modules through an internal data / control bus, coordinating and managing the entire testing device. Its specific functions include: communicating with a host computer (such as a computer, industrial controller, etc.) through the external control interface 11, receiving user instructions from the host computer software, and allowing users to set instructions such as target signal strength, test audio selection, and playback sequence in the software interface. The main control module 15 parses and executes these instructions, sends corresponding control signals to the audio playback module 3 and the signal strength control module 7, records and stores key test data such as timestamps, set power, and actual output power, and then transmits this test data back to the host computer through the external control interface 11 to generate a test report.

[0024] The audio playback module 3 is connected to the main control module 15. According to the instructions of the main control module 15, it plays standard test audio files (such as MP3, WAV, etc.) stored internally in the device or from a host computer. The output of the audio playback module 3 is connected to the input of the signal conversion module 5. The signal conversion module 5 is responsible for modulating the analog audio signal output by the audio playback module 3 into a standard, stable wireless radio frequency signal to simulate the audio transmission characteristics of different wireless communication protocols. For example, it modulates the analog audio signal to the 2.4GHz band to simulate Bluetooth audio transmission, or modulates it to the 5.2GHz / 5.8GHz band to simulate Wi-Fi audio transmission.

[0025] The output of the signal conversion module 5 is connected to the input of the signal strength control module 7. The signal strength control module 7 consists of a programmable digital attenuator and a power amplifier to achieve precise adjustment and closed-loop stable control of the RF signal transmission power. In this embodiment, the power amplifier is preferably an ADI-ADL5611, and the programmable digital attenuator is preferably an HMC424ALP3E digital variable attenuator. The attenuation is adjusted in steps by digital control signals sent by the main control module 15. This device, as a 6-bit GaAs digital attenuator, provides a minimum attenuation step of 0.5dB, an attenuation range of 31.5dB (DC~13 GHz), and is packaged as a 16-pin QFN (3×3mm). The main control module 15 outputs a 6-bit control word to the HMC424ALP3E via a parallel GPIO interface, precisely controlling the attenuation amount (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 dB) corresponding to each bit. This enables step-by-step programmable adjustment of the RF signal strength with a precision of 0.5 dB. The output of the digital attenuator is connected to a power amplifier to linearly amplify the attenuated signal, compensating for attenuation loss and providing the required output power margin. Through the cooperation of the attenuator and the power amplifier, the adjustment step of the programmable digital attenuator is no greater than 0.5 dB, allowing the signal strength control module 7 to achieve continuously adjustable output within a wide power range of -30 dBm to +10 dBm. The signal strength adjustment offers both a wide range and high precision.

[0026] Meanwhile, to ensure the long-term stability and accuracy of the output signal, the signal strength control module 7 also includes a feedback detection and closed-loop calibration mechanism. At the output of the power amplifier, a small portion of the radio frequency energy is coupled through a directional coupler. The power detection module converts the real-time output power into a voltage signal and feeds it back to the ADC interface of the main control module 15. The main control module 15 calculates the actual output power value based on this feedback voltage and compares it with the target power value set by the user. If an error exists, the main control module 15 dynamically adjusts the attenuation setting value of the digital attenuator to achieve real-time error correction, thus forming a complete automatic gain control closed loop. This closed-loop adjustment system can effectively compensate for gain fluctuations caused by factors such as ambient temperature drift, component batch differences, and long-term aging, ensuring that the final radio frequency output power can be continuously and stably maintained within the allowable deviation range of the set value. The allowable deviation range is preferably <±0.5dB.

[0027] Structurally, the signal strength control module 7 is integrated into an RF shielded package. Its key RF traces preferably use 50Ω microstrip lines to ensure good impedance matching and signal integrity. Effective isolation measures are implemented between the digital control interface and the RF channel to minimize interference from digital signals to sensitive RF signals. Through this design, the signal strength control module 7 achieves high-precision, wide-range, and programmable control of RF signal strength, meeting the signal strength adjustment requirements of the equipment in various testing scenarios.

[0028] The external control interface 11 is connected to the main control module 15 and is a communication interface. Its type includes, but is not limited to, LAN interfaces or USB interfaces; any interface capable of performing the communication function should be included. This interface provides a physical connection channel between the main control module 15 and the host computer. The main control module 15 establishes a bidirectional data and control channel with the host computer through this channel to exchange commands and data.

[0029] The RF output interface 13 is an RF coaxial connector, including but not limited to SMA or BNC interfaces; any interface capable of transmitting RF signals is included. It connects to the output of the signal strength control module 7, efficiently and losslessly guiding the precisely regulated RF signal output by the module to the outside. The external control interface 11 and the RF output interface 13 together constitute the external interaction interface of this wireless audio testing device 1, enabling comprehensive interaction between the device and the external environment at the control data and RF signal levels.

[0030] Since the actual physical space of a microwave anechoic chamber is often limited, it is difficult to conduct long-distance tests of tens or even hundreds of meters directly. This invention can achieve equivalent long-distance transmission performance testing of audio equipment in a limited space by placing the wireless audio testing device 1 outside the microwave anechoic chamber and connecting it to the transmitting antenna installed inside the microwave anechoic chamber via a coaxial cable.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, this is an application scenario embodiment of the wireless audio testing device 1 of the present invention. The wireless audio testing device 1 and the host computer are both located outside the microwave anechoic chamber. The radio frequency output interface 13 of this device is connected to the transmitting antenna installed inside the microwave anechoic chamber through a coaxial line passing through the wall of the anechoic chamber. The device under test is also fixedly placed inside the microwave anechoic chamber.

[0032] In actual operation, after the user sets the corresponding test parameters in the host computer software, the corresponding parameter commands are sent to the main control module 15 through the external control interface 11 connected to the wireless audio testing device 1. The main control module 15 then commands the audio playback module 3 to play the corresponding test audio, and the signal conversion module 5 modulates the test audio signal into a radio frequency (RF) signal. Subsequently, the main control module 15 precisely controls the signal strength control module 7 to perform corresponding attenuation and amplification processing on the RF signal according to the set target strength. Finally, the adjusted RF signal is guided to the external transmitting antenna through the RF output interface 13 via a coaxial cable and uniformly transmitted into the microwave anechoic chamber space in the form of electromagnetic waves. At this time, the device under test (DUT) fixed in the anechoic chamber can receive this standard test signal. Throughout the operation of the wireless audio testing device 1, the main control module 15 monitors and adjusts the output in real time through a closed-loop system to ensure the accuracy and stability of the output signal strength, while recording all relevant data to provide a data reference basis for subsequent test analysis and report generation.

[0033] To further correlate the test results with real-world application scenarios, this device also incorporates the Friis free-space propagation formula to calculate and analyze the relationship between signal strength and transmission distance. Under ideal free-space conditions, the transmit power and receive power satisfy the Friis propagation equation: in For transmission power, , The antenna gain at the transmitting and receiving ends (0 dBi for omnidirectional antennas). Launch distance (km) Let be the carrier frequency (MHz). For example, if this wireless audio test device 1 operates in the 2.4GHz band and uses an omnidirectional antenna, the above formula can be simplified to the free space loss of the transmission path: Where 32.44 is a unit conversion constant. When the distance is from Increase to At that time, the free space path loss increases by approximately This allows for a quantitative assessment of the signal strength attenuation with distance.

[0034] This is particularly useful when testing the maximum transmission distance of wearable devices such as wireless headphones: instead of actually separating the device by hundreds of meters outdoors, one can simply gradually reduce the transmission power in a dark room, record the transmission power value when the device under test loses sound, and then use the Friis formula to calculate the corresponding theoretical transmission distance. This method improves the feasibility and safety of the test, ensuring that the test results are comparable to real-world scenarios.

[0035] Furthermore, the wireless audio testing device 1 of this invention can also be used in complex outdoor testing scenarios that are portable to the human body. In such real-world environments (such as airports, train stations, parks, football fields, etc.), there is a large amount of uncontrollable wireless signal interference and complex geographical obstructions, which is a key aspect of evaluating the user experience of audio devices.

[0036] Therefore, such as Figure 3 As shown, another embodiment of the wireless audio testing device proposed in this invention is provided, which, in addition to the corresponding modules of the above embodiments, also includes an antenna module 9. The antenna module 9 is connected to the radio frequency output interface 13, and preferably uses a standard omnidirectional antenna with a rigorously calibrated radiation pattern. In outdoor testing, the antenna module 9 is responsible for uniformly radiating the precisely intensity-controlled radio frequency signal from inside the wireless audio testing device 1 into free space in the form of electromagnetic waves, ultimately converting it into a stable electromagnetic wave signal field. Combined with the closed-loop system inside the device, it forms a complete and controllable chain from the signal source to spatial radiation, ensuring that the electromagnetic environment parameters of the device under test are known and controllable. This allows the device under test to receive a consistent signal strength in different locations within the test area, greatly guaranteeing the repeatability and fairness of the test, thus focusing the testing attention entirely on the device under test itself.

[0037] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention provides a wireless audio testing method, applied to the wireless audio testing device 1 as described above, the method comprising the following steps: Step S1, test parameter settings; The host computer software sends control commands to the wireless audio testing device 1 to set the parameters required for the test, such as the target signal strength, test audio, and data recording mode.

[0038] Step S2, standardization of wireless signal generation and transmission; After receiving and parsing the instructions, the control module 15 coordinates the work of its internal modules. The audio playback module 3 plays the specified test audio; The signal conversion module 5 modulates the audio to a specified radio frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz). The signal strength control module 7 precisely controls the power of the radio frequency signal according to the target strength set in S1, and maintains its stability through a closed-loop system. Finally, the precisely regulated radio frequency signal is connected to the load through the radio frequency output interface 13 to output the radio frequency signal, and the radio frequency signal is radiated evenly into space in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0039] S3, Performance monitoring of the device under test; The device under test (such as wireless headphones, smart glasses, etc.) is placed in the test environment and made to receive radio frequency signals from the wireless audio test device 1. During this process, its performance is monitored and recorded in real time by manual listening or diagnostic tools, such as whether the audio playback is smooth, whether there are stutters or interruptions, whether the connection is lost, etc.

[0040] S4, Test Data Analysis and Report Generation.

[0041] After the test is completed, the main control module 15 uploads the recorded test data (such as timestamps, set power and actual output power) to the host computer through the external control interface 11. The host computer software automatically analyzes and processes this objective data to generate a test data report.

[0042] In summary, the wireless audio testing device and method proposed in this invention fundamentally overcome the shortcomings of traditional mobile phones as signal sources, such as inconsistent signal strength, uneven spatial radiation, and lack of adaptive adjustment, by providing a stable, precisely adjustable, spatially uniform, and programmable standardized radio frequency signal. This device achieves a unified testing benchmark and high repeatability of the testing process, enabling researchers to accurately simulate various complex scenarios in a controlled environment, obtain accurate test results, and thus focus the testing variables entirely on the device under test itself. This allows for objective product evaluation, accelerates product optimization and iteration, and significantly improves the user experience of the final product.

[0043] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the inventive concept, and all such deductions or substitutions should be considered part of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless audio test device, characterized by, The wireless audio test device (1) comprises: An audio playing module (3) for playing a test audio file and generating an audio signal; A signal conversion module (5) for modulating the audio signal into a radio frequency signal; A signal strength control module (7) for precisely regulating the transmission power of the radio frequency signal; An external interaction interface for the wireless audio test device (1) to interact with the data and signals of the external environment; A master control module (15) for communicating with a host computer through the external interaction interface, coordinating the control of the audio playing module (3), the signal conversion module (5), and the signal strength control module (7) according to the received instructions, and recording and returning the test data.

2. The wireless audio test device of claim 1, wherein: The external interaction interface comprises an external control interface (11) and a radio frequency output interface (13), the external control interface (11) is connected with the host computer to transmit control instructions and data; the radio frequency output interface (13) is connected with the load to output the radio frequency signal.

3. The wireless audio test device of claim 1, wherein: It also comprises an antenna module (9) for radiating the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves into space.

4. The wireless audio test device of claim 3, wherein: The antenna module (9) comprises an omnidirectional antenna.

5. The wireless audio test device of claim 1, wherein: The signal strength control module (7) comprises a programmable digital attenuator and a power amplifier.

6. The wireless audio test device of claim 5, wherein: The programmable digital attenuator has a step adjustment smaller than 0.5 dB.

7. The wireless audio test device of claim 6, wherein: The output power regulation range of the signal strength control module (7) is -30 dBm to +10 dBm.

8. The wireless audio test device of claim 2, wherein: The external control interface (11) is a LAN interface.

9. The wireless audio test device of claim 2, wherein: The radio frequency output interface (13) is a coaxial connector.

10. A wireless audio test method applied to the wireless audio test device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Step S1, test parameter setting: setting the required test parameters for the wireless audio test device (1) through the host computer software; Step S2, generation and transmission of standardized wireless signals: the wireless audio test device (1) generates and transmits standardized wireless signals according to the set parameters; Step S3, performance monitoring of the device under test: monitoring the performance of the device under test in receiving wireless signals from the wireless audio test device (1); Step S4, test data analysis and report generation: based on the test data recorded by the wireless audio test device (1), the test data report is generated by analyzing and processing the data through the host computer software.

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