Measuring device and parameter limiting method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a measuring device capable of limiting a settable range of a parameter according to an executable function so as to suppress a setting error of the parameter. A measurement device is provided with: a plurality of measurement devices (51A, 51B) that perform measurement of SISO-type communication; and an integrated control device (55) that controls the measurement devices (51A, 51B) and measures wireless signals transmitted and received by the DUT (1) that performs MIMO communication, the integrated control device (55) collecting executable functions of each of the measurement devices (51A, 51B), and restricting a setting range of parameters for MIMO communication in accordance with the executable functions of the measurement devices (51A, 51B).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a measurement device, and particularly to a measurement device that measures a wireless signal transmitted and received by a communication device that operates in accordance with a communication standard for a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). BACKGROUND

[0002] Various wireless communication technologies have been developed along with the development of information communication technologies. Among them, as a communication standard related to wireless LAN technology, for example, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ac (VHT: Very High Throughput), IEEE 802.11ax (HE: High Efficiency) are known.

[0003] In wireless communication of a wireless LAN, a SISO (Single Input Single Output) system in which both the transmission side and the reception side communicate through one antenna, a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) system in which both the transmission side and the reception side communicate through multiple antennas, and the like are used.

[0004] In Patent Literature 1, measurement of a measured device that performs communication based on the MIMO system using a plurality of measurement devices that use the SISO system is described.

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6672554

[0006] In such a measurement device, there are devices of a plurality of hardware types that cannot be distinguished by appearance but are different in hardware and have different functions.

[0007] In a case where the measurement of the MIMO system is performed by combining measurement devices of different hardware types, sometimes the functions that can be used are limited depending on the combination of the hardware types.

[0008] Therefore, the parameters of the communication of the MIMO system need to be set in consideration of the functions that can be executed.

[0009] However, if a value outside the range that can be set is set as a parameter without considering the functions that can be executed, a parameter error occurs, but it cannot be determined whether the cause is a user's operation mistake or an error caused by the functions that can be executed.

[0010] Since the hardware types cannot be distinguished from the appearance, it takes time to find the cause of the function that cannot be used, and thus the usability is reduced. SUMMARY

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a measuring device capable of suppressing a setting error of a parameter by restricting a settable range of the parameter according to an executable function.

[0012] The measuring device of the present application includes: a plurality of measurement devices 51A, 51B that perform measurement of communication of a SISO (Single Input Single Output) system; and a comprehensive control device 55 that controls the plurality of measurement devices to perform measurement of a wireless signal transmitted and received by a measured device 1 of a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) system, wherein, in the measuring device 50, the comprehensive control device collects executable functions of the plurality of measurement devices individually when the executable functions of the measurement devices are different, and restricts a settable range of a parameter of the communication of the MIMO system according to the executable functions of the plurality of measurement devices.

[0013] According to this structure, the settable range of the parameter of the communication of the MIMO system is restricted according to the executable functions of the plurality of measurement devices individually. Therefore, a setting error of the parameter can be suppressed.

[0014] Also, in the measuring device of the present application, the comprehensive control device sets a parameter related to an unexecutable function as un-settable in a setting screen of the parameter of the communication of the MIMO system according to the executable functions of the plurality of measurement devices.

[0015] According to this structure, in the setting screen of the parameter of the communication of the MIMO system, the parameter related to the unexecutable function is set as un-settable according to the executable functions of the plurality of measurement devices individually. Therefore, a setting error of the parameter can be suppressed.

[0016] Also, in the measuring device of the present application, the comprehensive control device displays a message urging confirmation of the executable functions of the measurement devices for the parameter set as un-settable in the setting screen of the parameter of the communication of the MIMO system.

[0017] According to this structure, in the setting screen of the parameter of the communication of the MIMO system, the message urging confirmation of the executable functions of the measurement devices is displayed for the parameter set as un-settable due to the unexecutable function. Therefore, it becomes clear that the parameter is set as un-settable due to the unexecutable function, and thus a setting error of the parameter can be suppressed.

[0018] Further, the parameter restriction method of the present application is a parameter restriction method for a measurement device 50 including a plurality of measurement apparatuses 51A, 51B that perform measurement of communication in a SISO (Single Input Single Output) system and a comprehensive control device 55 that controls the plurality of measurement apparatuses and performs measurement of a wireless signal transmitted and received by a measurement target device 1 that performs communication in a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) system, the parameter restriction method including the steps of collecting functions executable by each of the plurality of measurement apparatuses and restricting a setting range of a parameter of the communication in the MIMO system based on the functions executable by the plurality of measurement apparatuses.

[0019] According to this configuration, the setting range of the parameter of the communication in the MIMO system is restricted based on the functions executable by each of the plurality of measurement apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a setting error of the parameter.

[0020] Further, in the parameter restriction method of the present application, the comprehensive control device sets a parameter related to a function that is not executable as not settable in a setting screen of the parameter of the communication in the MIMO system based on the functions executable by the plurality of measurement apparatuses.

[0021] Further, in the parameter restriction method of the present application, the comprehensive control device displays a message that urges confirmation of a function executable in the measurement apparatus for a parameter set as not settable in the setting screen of the parameter of the communication in the MIMO system.

[0022] Effects of Invention

[0023] The present application can provide a measurement device that can restrict a setting range of a parameter based on a function executable to suppress a setting error of the parameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a parameter setting screen of an STBC and an NSTS of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of communication in a SISO system, Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of an STBC of communication in a MIMO system, Figure 2 (c) is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of an NSTS of communication in a MIMO system.

[0026] Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter setting screen for a PPDU type of measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the settings screen for SISO communication. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a configuration screen for MIMO communication. Figure 3 (c) is an example of a settings screen with the information icon indicating that MIMO communication mode has been selected.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter setting screen for the channel bandwidth of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the settings screen for SISO communication. Figure 4 (b) is an example of a settings screen with the information icon indicating that MIMO communication mode has been selected.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the parameter setting screen for the primary channel of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the settings screen for SISO communication. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a configuration screen for MIMO communication. Figure 5 (c) is an example of a settings screen with the information icon indicating that MIMO communication mode has been selected. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, the measuring device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the measuring device 50 in this embodiment connects to the DUT1, which is the device under test, via a wireless LAN to perform measurements on the DUT1. In this embodiment, the measuring device 50 operates as a wireless LAN host (AP: Access Point), and the DUT1 operates as a wireless LAN extension (STA: Station). Furthermore, the measuring device 50 communicates with the DUT1 according to communication standards such as IEEE 802.11ax or IEEE 802.11be.

[0031] In this embodiment, the measuring device 50 includes two measuring devices 51A and 51B, a router 54, and an integrated control device 55. The measuring devices 51A and 51B are connected to the integrated control device 55 via the router 54, for example, through a network 56 such as an Ethernet network (registered trademark).

[0032] The integrated control unit 55 is, for example, a personal computer (PC). The integrated control unit 55 communicates with the measuring devices 51A and 51B via a router 54 and a network 56, and centrally controls both. Specifically, in addition to setting one of the measuring devices 51A and 51B as the master device and the other as the slave device, the integrated control unit 55 also performs control such as issuing measurement start commands to the master device (DUT1). Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram shows an example where measuring device 51A is set as the master device and measuring device 51B is set as the slave device via integrated control device 55.

[0033] In this embodiment, the DUT1, which is the object of measurement in the measuring device 50, communicates in MIMO mode, and for example, has two antennas. In contrast, the measuring devices 51A and 51B constituting the measuring device 50 each have a structure for communication in SISO mode.

[0034] That is, two SISO mode measurement devices 51A and 51B simultaneously and in parallel transmit signals that are a series of information, i.e., single-line signals, modulated by a specified modulation method (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, etc.) from each antenna, and receive the signals on the DUT1 side through multiple (two in this embodiment) antennas in a MIMO mode, and feed back the response frames to the measurement device 50 side in a MIMO mode, thereby enabling the measurement device 50 to establish the measurement of DUT1.

[0035] Furthermore, in order for measuring devices 51A and 51B to simultaneously transmit signals that are each a single stream, the master measuring device 51A controls the timing of the transmission and reception operations of measuring devices 51A and 51B to synchronize with each other. Therefore, in the measuring apparatus 50, after the integrated control unit 55 issues a command to measuring device 51A to start the measurement of DUT1, it does not need to control measuring device 51B. Based on the structure of this measuring apparatus 50, communication based on DUT1 and MIMO is not possible, but it can simultaneously transmit and receive information from two systems in SISO mode while simultaneously performing MIMO-based DUT1 measurement. Additionally, for example, products such as the MT8862A wireless LAN measuring instrument manufactured by ANRITSU CORPORATION could be used as measuring devices 51A and 51B.

[0036] In the measuring device 50, the measuring equipment 51A includes a control unit 60A, a data transmission generation unit 70A, a frame generation unit 71A, a transceiver unit 72A, a measuring unit 75A, and a display unit 76A. The measuring equipment 51A includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), an input interface unit for connecting to various interfaces, and an output interface unit (not shown). The measuring equipment 51A executes a control program pre-stored in the ROM, enabling the microcomputer to function as the aforementioned functional units of the measuring equipment 51A.

[0037] In the measuring device 51A, the control unit 60A performs overall control of the measuring device 51A and performs control to synchronize the measuring device 51B with the self-measuring device.

[0038] The data generation unit 70A generates the data to be transmitted as set by the user and outputs it to the frame generation unit 71A.

[0039] The frame generation unit 71A generates (configures) a frame that includes data from the transmission data generation unit 70A and outputs it to the transceiver unit 72A.

[0040] The transceiver unit 72A includes a transmitter 73A and a receiver 74A. For example, it establishes a wireless connection with the DUT1 according to the IEEE 802.11be communication standard. After establishing the wireless connection, the transceiver unit 72A transmits and receives various measurement-related data from the DUT1.

[0041] The transmitting unit 73A includes an encoding processing circuit (not shown), a modulation circuit, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter), an up-conversion converter, a transmitting antenna, etc. It performs digital modulation or up-conversion on the frames generated by the frame generation unit 71A and transmits them to the DUT1 via the antenna.

[0042] The receiving unit 74A includes a receiving antenna (not shown), a down-converter, an ADC (analog-to-digital converter), a demodulation circuit, a decoding processing circuit, etc., and extracts the measured data of the measured object from the frame determined to be the object of measurement from the frame received from the DUT1 and outputs it to the measurement unit 75A.

[0043] Similarly, the measuring device 51B includes a control unit 60B, a data transmission generation unit 70B, a frame generation unit 71B, a transceiver unit 72B, a measuring unit 75B, and a display unit 76B. The control unit 60B performs overall control of the measuring device 51B under the control of the control unit 60A of the measuring device 51A.

[0044] In the measuring device 51B, the data transmission generation unit 70B, the frame generation unit 71B, the transceiver unit 72B, the measurement unit 75B, and the display unit 76B basically have the same structure as the respective functional units in the measuring device 51A, namely the data transmission generation unit 70A, the frame generation unit 71A, the transceiver unit 72A, the measurement unit 75A, and the display unit 76A.

[0045] Similar to measuring device 51A, measuring device 51B also includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (not shown), ROM, RAM, an input interface unit for connecting to various interfaces, and an output interface unit. In measuring device 51B, the microcomputer also functions as the aforementioned functional units of measuring device 51B by executing a control program pre-stored in ROM.

[0046] In the measuring device 50, the difference between measuring device 51A and measuring device 51B is that the former, as the main device, performs timing synchronization control of the transmitting actions of the transmitting unit 73A of measuring device 51A and the transmitting unit 73B of measuring device 51B, and performs timing synchronization control of the receiving actions of the receiving unit 74A of measuring device 51A and the receiving unit 74B of measuring device 51B. On the other hand, the latter, as the auxiliary device, follows the synchronization control performed by the former.

[0047] To realize the relationship between the main equipment and the auxiliary equipment, in addition to controlling the overall measuring equipment 51A, the control unit 60A also controls the control unit 60B to send and receive synchronization trigger signals. The sending synchronization trigger signal is a control signal used to enable the control unit 60B to synchronize the sending unit 73B with the sending unit 73A and perform the sending operation. The receiving synchronization trigger signal is a control signal used to enable the control unit 60B to synchronize the receiving unit 74B with the receiving unit 74A and perform the receiving operation.

[0048] The integrated control device 55, following instructions input into an operation unit (such as a keyboard or mouse, not shown), displays a screen showing the communication parameters to be measured on a display unit (such as a monitor, not shown), and inputs the information required for the measurement. Furthermore, the integrated control device 55, following instructions input into the operation unit, sends instructions to the control unit 60A of the measuring device 51A, establishes communication for the set parameters, performs the measurement, and displays the results on the display unit.

[0049] In this embodiment, measuring devices 51A and 51B cannot be distinguished by appearance because their frames are identical. However, there are multiple types of hardware with different hardware structures, and the available functions differ depending on the type of hardware. Furthermore, "identical" also includes those with completely identical appearances or similarities that are difficult to distinguish.

[0050] As hardware types, there are, for example, "5GRF" which can communicate according to the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac / 11ax / 11be standard but does not support bandwidths of 160MHz and 320MHz; "6GRF" which can communicate according to the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac / 11ax / 11be standard but does not support bandwidth of 320MHz; and "BW320M" which can communicate according to the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac / 11ax / 11be standard and supports bandwidth of 320MHz.

[0051] When both the primary and secondary devices are equipped with 5GRF hardware, the MIMO functionality according to the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac standard is effectively achieved.

[0052] When both the main device and the secondary device have 6GRF hardware, or when the main device has BW320M hardware and the secondary device has 6GRF hardware, it effectively supports MIMO functionality with a bandwidth of 320MHz, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac / 11ax / 11be standards.

[0053] With both the main and auxiliary devices using the BW320M hardware, it effectively supports MIMO functionality with a bandwidth of 320MHz, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11n / 11ac / 11ax / 11be standards.

[0054] Thus, the executable functions of MIMO communication are limited based on the capabilities of the master and slave devices. Therefore, the parameters for MIMO communication need to be set considering the executable functions of either the master or slave device.

[0055] If a value outside the settable range is set as a parameter without considering the executable functions of the main or secondary device, it will lead to parameter errors, but it is impossible to determine whether the error is caused by user operation mistakes or by the executable functions of the main or secondary device.

[0056] Therefore, the integrated control device 55 of this embodiment collects the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B respectively, and limits the setting range of the communication parameters of the MIMO method according to the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B.

[0057] For example, the integrated control device 55 determines the setting range of the STBC (Space Time Block Coding) and NSTS (Number of Space Time Streams) parameters for MIMO communication based on the executable functions of the auxiliary measuring device 51B.

[0058] Integrated control device 55, for example, via such Figure 2 The settings screen shown is used to configure the parameters of STBC and NSTS.

[0059] Figure 2 This illustrates a scenario where the main measurement device 51A has a hardware type of 6GRF or BW320M, and the secondary measurement device 51B has a hardware type of 5GRF.

[0060] Figure 2 (a) The setting screen for SISO mode communication in the main measuring device 51A is shown. In the setting of SISO mode communication, the MCS setting unit 101 for setting PPDU type or MCS is displayed, but the parameters for MIMO mode communication, namely STBC and NSTS, are not displayed.

[0061] Figure 2 (b) and (c) show the setting screen for MIMO communication, which displays the STBC setting unit 102 and the NSTS setting unit 103. However, due to the limitations of the sub-measuring device 51B, the STBC setting value cannot be changed from "0" and the NSTS setting value cannot be changed from "1", so they are not selectable.

[0062] An information icon 102a is displayed on the right side of the STBC setting unit 102. For example, if you select the information icon 102a by hovering the mouse pointer over it, then... Figure 2 As shown in (b), "1" cannot be set, and a message urging confirmation of the sub-device's function is displayed.

[0063] An information icon 103a is displayed on the right side of the NSTS setting unit 103. For example, if you select the information icon 103a by hovering the mouse pointer over it, then... Figure 2 As shown in (c), "2" cannot be set, and a message urging confirmation of the sub-device's function is displayed.

[0064] Integrated control device 55, for example, via such Figure 3 Use the settings screen shown to configure the parameters for the PPDU type.

[0065] Figure 3This illustrates a scenario where the main measurement device 51A has 6GRF hardware and the secondary measurement device 51B has 5GRF hardware.

[0066] Figure 3 (a) shows the setting screen for SISO mode communication in the main measuring device 51A. In the setting of SISO mode communication, if, for example, the PPDU setting unit 104 is selected by clicking the mouse, a list of settable values ​​is displayed in a drop-down list, and "160MHz" can be selected.

[0067] In the MIMO communication setup screen, due to the functional limitations of the secondary measuring device 51B, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (b), only "80MHz" is displayed, and information icon 104a is displayed on the right side of PPDU setting unit 104.

[0068] For example, if you select information icon 104a by hovering the mouse pointer over it, then... Figure 3 As shown in (c), "160MHz" cannot be set, and a message urging confirmation of the sub-device's function is displayed.

[0069] Integrated control device 55, for example, via such Figure 4 Use the settings screen shown to configure the channel bandwidth parameters.

[0070] Figure 4 This illustrates a scenario where the main measurement device 51A has a hardware type of 6GRF or BW320M, and the secondary measurement device 51B has a hardware type of 5GRF.

[0071] Figure 4 (a) shows the SISO mode communication setting screen in the main measuring device 51A. In the SISO mode communication setting, if the channel bandwidth setting unit 105 is selected by clicking the mouse, for example, a list of settable values ​​is displayed in a drop-down list, and "2.4G / 5G band" and "6G band" can be selected.

[0072] In the MIMO communication setup screen, due to the functional limitations of the secondary measuring device 51B, such as... Figure 4 As shown in (b), the “2.4G / 5G band” is selected and cannot be changed, so it is not selectable, and information icon 105a is displayed on the right side of the channel bandwidth setting unit 105.

[0073] For example, if you select information icon 105a by hovering the mouse pointer over it, then... Figure 4 As shown in (b), the "6G band" cannot be set, and a message urging confirmation of the secondary device's function is displayed.

[0074] Integrated control device 55, for example, via such Figure 5 Use the settings screen shown to configure the parameters of the main channel.

[0075] Figure 5 This illustrates a scenario where the main measurement device 51A has a hardware type of 6GRF or BW320M, and the secondary measurement device 51B has a hardware type of 5GRF.

[0076] Figure 5 (a) shows the setting screen for SISO mode communication in the main measuring device 51A. In the setting of SISO mode communication, if the main channel setting unit 106 is selected by clicking the mouse, for example, a list of settable values ​​is displayed in a drop-down list, and "173 (5865 MHz)" and "177 (5885 MHz)" can be selected.

[0077] When setting up MIMO communication, due to the limitations of the sub-measuring device 51B, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), only "169 (5845 MHz)" is displayed, and information icon 106a is displayed on the right side of the main channel setting unit 106.

[0078] For example, if you select information icon 106a by hovering the mouse pointer over it, then... Figure 5 As shown in (c), "173" and "177" cannot be set, and a message urging confirmation of the sub-device's function is displayed.

[0079] Thus, in the above embodiment, the integrated control device 55 collects the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B, and limits the setting range of the communication parameters of the MIMO method according to the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B.

[0080] Therefore, the setting range of parameters for MIMO communication is limited based on the respective executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B. This helps to suppress parameter setting errors.

[0081] Furthermore, in the parameter setting screen for MIMO communication, the integrated control device 55 sets parameters related to non-executable functions to be unconfigurable based on the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B.

[0082] Therefore, in the parameter setting screen for MIMO communication, parameters related to non-executable functions are set to unconfigurable based on the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A and the auxiliary measuring device 51B. This helps to suppress parameter setting errors.

[0083] Furthermore, in the parameter setting screen of MIMO communication, the integrated control device 55 displays a message urging confirmation of the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A or the auxiliary measuring device 51B for parameters that are set to unconfigurable due to unexecutable functions.

[0084] Therefore, in the parameter setting screen of MIMO communication, for parameters that are set as unconfigurable due to unexecutable functions, a message urging confirmation of the executable functions of the main measuring device 51A or the auxiliary measuring device 51B is displayed. Thus, the setting of parameters as unconfigurable due to unexecutable functions becomes clear, thereby suppressing parameter setting errors.

[0085] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are included in this technical solution.

[0086] Symbol Explanation

[0087] 1-DUT (Device Under Measure), 50-Measuring device, 51A, 51B-Measuring equipment, 55-Integrated control device, 56-Network, 60A, 60B-Control unit.

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: Multiple measuring devices (51A, 51B) perform measurements using SISO communication. and The integrated control device (55) controls multiple measuring devices to measure the wireless signals transmitted and received by the measured device (1) communicating in MIMO mode. In the measuring device (50), When the functions that the measuring device can perform are different. The integrated control device collects the executable functions of each of the multiple measuring devices and limits the setting range of the communication parameters of the MIMO method based on the executable functions of the multiple measuring devices.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, In the setting screen for communication parameters in the MIMO mode, the integrated control device sets parameters related to non-executable functions to be unconfigurable based on the executable functions of the multiple measuring devices.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein, In the setting screen of the communication parameters in the MIMO mode, the integrated control device displays a message urging confirmation of the functions that can be executed in the measuring device for parameters that are set to non-settable.

4. A parameter limiting method for a measuring device (50), the measuring device (50) comprising multiple measuring devices (51A, 51B) for measuring SISO communication and a comprehensive control device (55) for controlling the multiple measuring devices to measure the wireless signals transmitted and received by the measured device (1) for MIMO communication, the parameter limiting method comprising the following steps: Collect the executable functions of each of the multiple measuring devices; and The setting range of the communication parameters of the MIMO method is limited according to the executable functions of the multiple measuring devices.

5. The parameter limiting method according to claim 4, wherein, In the setting screen for communication parameters in the MIMO mode, the integrated control device sets parameters related to non-executable functions to be unconfigurable based on the executable functions of the multiple measuring devices.

6. The parameter limiting method according to claim 5, wherein, In the setting screen of the communication parameters in the MIMO mode, the integrated control device displays a message urging confirmation of the functions that can be executed in the measuring device for parameters that are set to non-settable.

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