A pe channel round trip time interval measurement apparatus and method

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of time interval measurement, and discloses a PE channel transmitting-receiving time interval measurement device and method. The device comprises multiple measurement groups, multiple in-group switching switches, a switch matrix and a signal convergence node. Each measurement group comprises at least two PE channels. The multiple in-group switching switches are arranged on a PE channel connection line of each measurement group, and the PE channel on which the in-group switching switch is arranged is switched between in-group measurement and inter-group measurement. The switch matrix comprises multiple switch units, each of which corresponds to a measurement group and is used to establish a signal connection path between different measurement groups. The signal convergence node is used to converge PE signals passing through each switch unit. The device divides the PE channels to be measured into groups and arranges in-group switching switches, establishes in-group parallel measurement and inter-group batch measurement architecture, improves the overall measurement efficiency, and supports the transmitting-receiving time interval measurement of a large number of PE channels while maintaining the measurement accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of time interval measurement, and in particular to a device and method for measuring the transmit and receive time interval of a PE channel. Background Technology

[0002] In automated test equipment (ATE), PE (PiK ElectroKics) resources are responsible for signal transmission and reception. In the transmission direction, the digital waveform emitted by the controller is converted into a variable-voltage analog signal via traces and drivers, and then transmitted to the chip under test (DUT) via cables. In the reception direction, the signal output by the DUT is converted into a fixed-amplitude digital signal via cables and comparators before returning to the controller. Due to differences in trace length, device characteristics, and cable length between different PE channels, the signal edges sent to the DUT may not align, or waveforms emitted simultaneously by the DUT may not be simultaneously acquired by the controller, resulting in setup and hold time discrepancies and causing test failures. Therefore, it is necessary to measure and calibrate the transmit and receive time intervals of the PE channels to ensure that all channels are synchronized in time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for measuring the transmit and receive time interval of a PE channel, which can perform large-scale transmit and receive time interval measurements of PE channels without relying on any external testing instruments, and has good fault tolerance, while ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a PE channel transmit / receive time interval measurement device, comprising:

[0005] Multiple measurement groups, each measurement group including at least two PE channels, each PE channel including a connected driver and comparator;

[0006] Multiple intra-group switching switches are respectively set on a PE channel connection line of each measurement group, which are used to switch the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch between intra-group measurement and inter-group measurement.

[0007] A switch matrix consists of multiple switch units, each of which is connected to a measurement group and is used to establish signal connection paths between different measurement groups.

[0008] The signal aggregation node is used to aggregate the PE signals passing through each switching unit.

[0009] In this embodiment, multiple PE channels within each measurement group converge to the measurement point within the group via connecting lines;

[0010] The group-interchange switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, which has the following characteristics:

[0011] In the first working position, the PE channel equipped with the group switching switch is connected to the group measurement point for group measurement.

[0012] In the second working position, the PE channel equipped with the intra-group switching switch is connected to the switch matrix for inter-group measurement.

[0013] In this embodiment, the switching unit includes a first switching switch, a second switching switch, and a matching load;

[0014] Both the first switching switch and the second switching switch include a common terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The second terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the PE channel of the intra-group switching switch via an inter-group transmission line. The common terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the common terminal of the first switching switch. The first terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the signal aggregation node via a connecting line.

[0015] One end of the matching load is connected to the first end of the first switching switch, and the other end is grounded.

[0016] In this embodiment, the resistance value of the matching load is matched with the characteristic impedance of the PE channel, and the resistance value of the matching load is in the range of 40-60Ω.

[0017] In this embodiment, the selection of the first switching switch and the second switching switch type includes, but is not limited to, both being radio frequency switches, high-speed optocouplers, MEMS switches, and relays.

[0018] In this embodiment, the PE channel of each measurement group, which is equipped with an intra-group switching switch, has the same length as the inter-group transmission line between the corresponding switching unit;

[0019] The connection line between each switching unit and the signal convergence node is of equal length.

[0020] On the other hand, this application also provides a method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval, which uses the above-mentioned PE channel transmit / receive time interval measuring device and includes the following steps:

[0021] S1. Divide the PE channels to be measured into groups of A, for a total of K measurement groups. Select one PE channel in each measurement group and set the group switching switch.

[0022] S2. Control the group switching switch of each measurement group to the first working position, and measure the transmit and receive time interval between the PE channels in the group in parallel. Subtract the delay of the group switching switch from the measurement data of the PE channel with the group switching switch set to obtain the transmit and receive time interval data of all PE channels to be measured.

[0023] S3. Control the intra-group switching switch of each measurement group to the second working position. Connect the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch in each measurement group to the signal aggregation node through the switch matrix. Select H measurement group each time to measure the inter-group transmit and receive time interval and obtain the inter-group transmit and receive time interval data of all PE channels to be measured.

[0024] S4. Combine the intra-group transmit / receive time interval data and the inter-group transmit / receive time interval data to calculate the time deviation of all PE channels relative to the time reference point, and obtain the transmit / receive time interval of all PE channels.

[0025] In this embodiment, the switch matrix includes three operating states:

[0026] The gating state is used to select a measurement group to participate in the inter-group transmit and receive time measurement. That is, in the switch unit corresponding to each selected measurement group, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the control terminal of the second switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switch, so that the signals of the K measurement groups are transmitted to the signal aggregation node through the switch matrix.

[0027] In the shielding state, some measurement groups are shielded while maintaining signal matching. Specifically, in the switching unit corresponding to each measurement group that needs to be shielded, the control terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switching switch, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switching switch, so as to transmit the signal of the matching load to the signal aggregation node.

[0028] The unselected state is used to control some measurement groups to not participate in inter-group measurements. That is, in the switch unit corresponding to each measurement group that does not participate in the measurement, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switch, and the control terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the second switch.

[0029] In this embodiment, step S3 specifically includes the following steps:

[0030] H measurement groups are randomly selected from K measurement groups for the first measurement. In the H measurement groups for the first measurement, the corresponding switch units are adjusted to the selected state, and the switch units corresponding to the remaining KH measurement groups are adjusted to the unselected state, thereby obtaining the transmit and receive time interval data of the first group.

[0031] From the remaining KH measurement groups, arbitrarily select H measurement groups for the second measurement. In the H measurement groups for the second measurement, adjust the corresponding switch unit to the selected state, and adjust the switch units corresponding to the H measurement groups for the first measurement and the remaining KHH measurement groups to the unselected state, thereby obtaining the transmit and receive time interval data of the second group.

[0032] Repeat the above steps until all K measurement groups have completed inter-group measurements.

[0033] In this embodiment, when there is a measurement group with a damaged or missing PE channel among H measurement groups, the processing steps include:

[0034] Adjust the switch unit corresponding to the measurement group with damaged or missing PE channels to the shielded state, and perform the measurement together with other normal measurement groups to obtain only the transmit and receive time interval data of the normal measurement groups.

[0035] Once a measurement group with a damaged or missing PE channel is repaired, the measurement can be performed simply by adjusting the corresponding switch unit from the shielded state to the selected state.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0037] This invention establishes a parallel measurement architecture within groups and a batch measurement architecture between groups by grouping the PE channels under test and setting intra-group switching switches, along with a switch matrix and signal aggregation nodes. The intra-group switching switches allow the PE channels in each group to be switched to the switch matrix during inter-group measurements, thus ensuring that the number of channels is controllable for each inter-group measurement. This avoids the problem of excessive signal amplitude attenuation as the number of channels increases, improves overall measurement efficiency, and supports the measurement of the transmit and receive time intervals of a large number of PE channels while maintaining measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing measurement connection method for the PE channel;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another existing measurement connection method for the PE channel;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement group consisting of 6 PE channels in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with an internal switching switch provided within the group.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the PE channel transmit / receive time interval measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which uses 6 PE channels as a measurement group.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the PE channel transmit / receive time interval measurement method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the switching unit when selecting 6 measurement groups for measurement in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0044] Reference numerals: M, signal convergence node; RT, matched load; B1~BN, inter-group transmission lines; F1~FN, connecting lines; S1~SK, intra-group switching switches; S11~SK1, first terminal of intra-group switching switches; S12~SK2, second terminal of intra-group switching switches; SW11~SWN1, first switching switch in each switching unit; SW11-1~SWN1-1, first terminal of the first switching switch in each switching unit; SW11-2~SWN1-2, second terminal of the first switching switch in each switching unit; SW12~SWN2, second switching switch in each switching unit; SW12-1~SWN2-1, first terminal of the second switching switch in each switching unit; SW12-2~SWN2-2, second terminal of the second switching switch in each switching unit. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Based on the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art can form new technical solutions by combining different implementation methods without creating technical contradictions. Such variations should be considered to fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0046] The following is a more detailed description of a PE channel transmit / receive time interval measurement device and method according to the present invention, with reference to the schematic diagrams, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being of general knowledge to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0047] The invention is described more specifically by way of example in the following paragraphs with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the invention.

[0048] There are currently two main methods for measuring the transmit and receive time interval of the PE channel.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the first method uses two different connection methods for measurement. By ensuring that the trace lengths are exactly equal, the transmit and receive times of each channel are measured separately to calculate the time difference between channels. The drawback of this method is that it requires the design and fabrication of two PCB boards, increasing hardware costs and testing complexity.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, the second method improves upon the first by shorting multiple signals to a single point to measure transmit and receive time. Specifically, all connecting cables are of uniform length. One driver transmits a signal with amplitude V, while the other drivers do not transmit, and their corresponding comparators are configured with 50Ω termination. This ensures that all comparators receive a signal with amplitude V / T (where T is the number of channels). By setting appropriate comparator thresholds and recording the time it takes for each comparator to acquire the signal, the time difference between channels can be calculated. While this method only requires a single PCB board, it has significant limitations. When measuring a large number of PE channels, the signal amplitude received by each comparator decreases linearly with the number of channels. For example, in a system with hundreds of channels, the signal amplitude may attenuate to V / 100 or even less. This not only severely affects measurement accuracy but may even cause the signal amplitude to fall below the comparator's detection threshold, making measurement impossible.

[0051] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this diagram, DRV1-DRV6 represent drivers, CMP1-CMP6 represent comparators, and L1-L6 represent the transmission paths between the drivers and comparators. COKKECT1 represents the first connection method between the drivers and comparators, COKKECT2 represents the second connection method, and T1-T6 represent intra-group transmission lines. For clarity, in the following embodiments, the same components are referred to as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Same label.

[0052] Furthermore, existing methods have serious shortcomings when dealing with damaged or missing PE channels. Since all channels are directly connected during measurement, when one PE channel is damaged, the abnormal signal will affect all channels connected to it, resulting in significant errors in the measurement results of the entire measurement system and making it impossible to accurately obtain the transmit and receive time interval data of other normal channels.

[0053] Based on this, the inventors further proposed a PE channel transmit / receive time interval measurement device, which can not only realize the time interval measurement of any PE channel, but also shield the damaged channel when the PE channel is damaged or missing, without affecting the time interval measurement of other channels and without requiring modification of the test software and test method.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] like Figures 3-4 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a device for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval, comprising:

[0056] Multiple measurement groups, each measurement group including at least two PE channels, each of the PE channels containing a connected driver and comparator.

[0057] Multiple group switching switches are installed on a PE channel connection line for each measurement group (see reference). Figure 3 This is used to switch the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch between intra-group measurements and inter-group measurements.

[0058] A switch matrix consists of multiple switch units, each of which is connected to a measurement group to establish signal connection paths between different measurement groups.

[0059] The signal aggregation node M is used to aggregate the PE signals passing through each switching unit.

[0060] This embodiment decomposes a large-scale PE channel measurement task into multiple smaller intra-group measurement tasks by grouping the PE channels under test. Each measurement group can perform measurement operations independently. Intra-group switching switches allow PE channels in each measurement group to flexibly switch between two measurement modes. In intra-group measurement mode, the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch performs transmit / receive time interval measurement together with other PE channels in the group. At this time, each measurement group is independent and can work in parallel, significantly improving measurement efficiency. In inter-group measurement mode, the intra-group switching switch switches the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch to the switch matrix, allowing it to be measured together with representative channels from other measurement groups, thereby obtaining time interval data between different measurement groups.

[0061] As a bridge connecting different measurement groups, the switch matrix can flexibly select the number and combination of measurement groups participating in inter-group measurements by controlling the working state of each switch unit. This allows for control over the number of PE channels converged at the signal convergence node M during each measurement, avoiding excessive signal power distribution and insufficient signal amplitude received by each channel due to an excessive number of channels, which would affect measurement accuracy.

[0062] Through this two-level measurement architecture, the device can support the measurement of large-scale PE channel transmit and receive time intervals while ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0063] In this embodiment, multiple PE channels within each measurement group converge to a measurement point within the group via connecting lines. The group-specific switching switch is a single-pole double-throw switch with a first operating position and a second operating position. In the first operating position, the PE channel equipped with the group-specific switching switch is connected to the measurement point within the group for intra-group measurements. In the second operating position, the PE channel equipped with the group-specific switching switch is connected to the switch matrix for inter-group measurements.

[0064] by Figure 3Taking the example, in the first working position, the control terminal of the group switching switch S1 is switched to the first terminal S11 of the group switching switch, and in the second working position, the control terminal of the group switching switch S1 is switched to the second terminal S12 of the group switching switch.

[0065] The measurement point within a group is the convergence point of all PE channel signals within each measurement group. By aggregating the signals from each PE channel within the group, it is convenient to compare and measure the transmit and receive time intervals between channels within the group. The use of a single-pole double-throw switch allows the group switching switch to switch between two independent signal paths, with the two switching terminals connected to the measurement point within the group and the switch matrix, respectively.

[0066] When the intra-group switch is in the first operating position, the PE channel of the intra-group switch is configured to receive signals from other PE channels within the group, and its signal is guided to the measurement point within the group. At this time, the measurement group is in intra-group measurement mode, and the transmit and receive time intervals between the PE channels within the group can be measured. In this state, different measurement groups are completely isolated, work independently, and do not interfere with each other, enabling true parallel measurement.

[0067] When the intra-group switching switch is in the second operating position, the PE channel of the intra-group switching switch is switched to the switch matrix. At this time, this PE channel no longer participates in intra-group measurements, but instead participates in inter-group measurements as the representative channel of this measurement group. Through the control of the switch matrix, the representative channel signals of multiple measurement groups can be converged to the signal convergence node M, thereby measuring the time correlation between different measurement groups and establishing a cross-group time reference.

[0068] This dual-working-position switching mechanism allows the measurement process to be carried out in two stages: first, parallel intra-group measurements are performed, then inter-group measurements are performed in batches, and finally, the transmit and receive time intervals of all PE channels are obtained through data synthesis and processing, thus achieving a balance between measurement efficiency and measurement accuracy.

[0069] In this embodiment, the switching unit includes a first switching switch, a second switching switch, and a matching load RT.

[0070] Both the first and second switching switches include a common terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The second terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the PE channel of the intra-group switching switch via an inter-group transmission line. The common terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the common terminal of the first switching switch. The first terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the signal aggregation node M via a connecting line. One end of the matched load RT is connected to the first terminal of the first switching switch, and the other end is grounded.

[0071] The switching unit achieves flexible switching between three operating states through a combination of two switching switches and a matching load RT. The first switching switch controls the selection of the signal source, allowing selection from the PE channel signal of the measurement group or the signal from the matching load RT; the second switching switch controls the destination of the signal, allowing selection to transmit the signal to the signal aggregation node M or disconnect it. When a measurement group needs to participate in inter-group measurement (selection state), the control terminal of the first switching switch switches to the second terminal, and the control terminal of the second switching switch switches to the first terminal. The PE channel signal travels through the inter-group transmission line, the first switching switch, the second switching switch, and the connecting line to finally reach the signal aggregation node M.

[0072] When it is necessary to shield a measurement group while maintaining signal power balance (shielding state), the control terminal of the first switch is switched to the first position, and the control terminal of the second switch is also switched to the first position. At this time, the signal provided by the matching load RT is transmitted to the signal aggregation node M. The function of the matching load RT is to absorb the signal power that should have been allocated to that measurement group, so that the total impedance at the signal aggregation node M remains unchanged. This ensures that the signal amplitude received by other normal measurement groups will not change due to the absence of a certain measurement group, which is crucial for maintaining measurement consistency and accuracy.

[0073] When a measurement group does not participate in inter-group measurements at all (unselected state), the control terminal of the first switching switch is switched to the second terminal, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is switched to the second terminal. At this time, the signal path is completely disconnected. This measurement group neither provides signals to the signal aggregation node M nor receives signals from the signal aggregation node M.

[0074] By selecting from the above three states, the switch matrix can flexibly control the number and combination of measurement groups participating in the measurement, and at the same time, it can maintain the stability of the system through the shielding state when a fault occurs.

[0075] In this embodiment, the resistance value of the matching load RT is matched with the characteristic impedance of the PE channel, and the resistance value of the matching load RT is in the range of 40-60Ω.

[0076] The selection of the matching load RT value is based on the impedance matching principle in signal transmission theory. When the resistance of the matching load RT is equal to the characteristic impedance of the PE channel, the power of the transmitted signal can be absorbed to the maximum extent, avoiding interference caused by signal reflection. The resistance range of 40-60Ω takes into account the tolerance of component parameters and the possible deviation of the characteristic impedance of the transmission line in actual engineering. Good matching effect can be obtained within this range.

[0077] Preferably, the resistance of the matching load RT is 50Ω.

[0078] In this embodiment, the selection of the first switching switch and the second switching switch type includes, but is not limited to, both being radio frequency switches, high-speed optocouplers, MEMS switches, and relays.

[0079] The selection of a switching switch type requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including switching speed, insertion loss, isolation, power capacity, and cost. RF switches offer extremely low insertion loss and excellent high-frequency characteristics, making them suitable for high-frequency signal transmission scenarios, but their cost is relatively high. High-speed optocouplers achieve electrical isolation through optical signals, providing good anti-interference capabilities and making them suitable for environments with strong electromagnetic interference. MEMS switches utilize microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, featuring small size, low power consumption, and high reliability, making them suitable for large-scale integrated applications. While relays have slower switching speeds, they offer excellent isolation performance and large power capacity, making them suitable for applications where high reliability is required but switching speed is not critical. Those skilled in the art can select the appropriate switch type based on factors such as the frequency range, power requirements, and cost budget for the specific application scenario.

[0080] In this embodiment, the PE channel of each measurement group, which is equipped with an intra-group switching switch, has the same length as the inter-group transmission line between the corresponding switching unit; the connection line between each switching unit and the signal aggregation node M has the same length.

[0081] Because the propagation speed of electromagnetic signals in transmission lines is finite, transmission lines of different lengths introduce different time delays. When measuring the transmit / receive time interval, if the signal path lengths from each measurement group to the signal aggregation node M are different, a systematic time deviation will be introduced, affecting measurement accuracy. Designing transmission lines and connecting lines of equal length between groups ensures that the total time delay from the representative PE channel of each measurement group to the signal aggregation node M is equal, thus establishing a unified time reference. In actual measurements, even if transmission line delays exist, as long as the delays of each path are equal, the delays will be canceled out in the relative time measurement, without affecting the final transmit / receive time interval measurement result.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, a method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval, using the PE channel transmit / receive time interval measuring device as described in Embodiment 1, includes the following steps:

[0084] S1. Divide the PE channels to be measured into groups of A, for a total of K measurement groups. Select one PE channel in each measurement group and set the group switching switch.

[0085] S2. Control the group switching switch of each measurement group to the first working position. Each measurement group performs the transceiver time interval measurement between the PE channels in the group in parallel. Subtract the delay of the group switching switch from the measurement data of the PE channel with the group switching switch set to obtain the group transceiver time interval data of all PE channels to be measured.

[0086] S3. Control the intra-group switching switch of each measurement group to the second working position. Connect the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch in each measurement group to the signal aggregation node M through the switch matrix. Select measurement group H each time to measure the inter-group transmit and receive time interval and obtain the inter-group transmit and receive time interval data of all PE channels to be measured.

[0087] S4. Combine the intra-group transmit / receive time interval data and the inter-group transmit / receive time interval data to calculate the time deviation of all PE channels relative to the time reference point, and obtain the transmit / receive time interval of all PE channels.

[0088] In step S1, the PE channels to be tested first need to be grouped and planned. The selection of A needs to consider several factors: the larger the value of A, the more channels in each group, the higher the complexity of the measurement within the group, but the fewer the number of measurement groups K, and the fewer rounds of measurement between groups; the smaller the value of A, the simpler the measurement within the group, but the more the number of measurement groups K, and the more rounds of measurement between groups. In practical applications, the typical value range of A is 4-10, which can be adjusted according to the specific total number of PE channels and the capabilities of the measurement equipment. In each measurement group, one PE channel is selected to set the group switching switch. The PE channel with the group switching switch set will be used as the representative channel of the group to participate in the inter-group measurement. The selection of the switching switch can be arbitrary.

[0089] Preferred, as Figure 5 As shown, six PE channels can be selected as a measurement group. The group size of six PE channels ensures that the complexity of the measurement within the group is within a controllable range, preventing signal crosstalk and processing difficulties due to an excessive number of channels, while also preventing the number of measurement groups from becoming too large and avoiding overly cumbersome measurement rounds between groups.

[0090] In step S2, the grouped measurement groups are subjected to parallel measurements within each group. At this time, all group switching switches are in the first operating position, and the PE channel signals within each measurement group converge to their respective group measurement points, with different measurement groups isolated from each other. Since each measurement group operates independently, measurements can be performed simultaneously, significantly reducing the total measurement time. The goal of intra-group measurement is to obtain the transmit / receive time interval relationship between each PE channel within each measurement group. For PE channels with intra-group switching switches, additional time delays are introduced because their signal paths include the switches. Therefore, the measurement data needs to be corrected by subtracting the delay from the intra-group switching switches to obtain the true transmit / receive time interval of the PE channel. The delay of the intra-group switching switches can be obtained through pre-calibration.

[0091] In step S3, the grouped measurement groups are subjected to inter-group batch measurements. At this time, the intra-group switching switches of all measurement groups are switched to the second working position, and the representative PE channels of each measurement group are connected to the switch matrix. If all K measurement groups are measured simultaneously, the excessive number of channels converged at the signal convergence node M will lead to excessive signal amplitude attenuation, affecting measurement accuracy. Therefore, a batch measurement method can be adopted, selecting only H measurement groups for measurement each time. The value of H needs to be determined according to the actual situation, and usually H is much smaller than K. Through the control of the switch matrix, the combination of measurement groups participating in the measurement can be flexibly selected. Through multiple rounds of measurement, the time correlation between all measurement groups can be established.

[0092] In step S4, mathematical methods are used to combine the intra-group and inter-group transmit / receive time interval data to establish the time deviation of all PE channels relative to a certain time reference point. The time reference point can be a specific PE channel or a virtual time zero point. Ultimately, the transmit / receive time intervals of all PE channels are obtained, achieving the goal of large-scale PE channel measurement.

[0093] In this embodiment, the switch matrix includes three operating states:

[0094] The gating state is used to select a measurement group to participate in inter-group transmit / receive time measurement. Specifically, in the switching unit corresponding to each selected measurement group, the control terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the second terminal of the first switching switch, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switching switch, allowing the signals from the K measurement groups to be transmitted to the signal aggregation node M through the switching matrix. Figure 5 Taking the first switching switch as an example, when in the selected state, the control terminal of the first switching switch SW11 is connected to the second terminal SW11-2, and the control terminal of the second switching switch SW12 is connected to the first terminal SW12-1.

[0095] In shielding mode, some measurement groups are shielded while maintaining signal matching. Specifically, in the switching unit corresponding to each measurement group requiring shielding, the control terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switching switch, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switching switch. The signal from the matching load RT is transmitted to the signal aggregation node M. The matching load RT absorbs the signal power that should be allocated to that measurement group, ensuring that the signal amplitude received by the participating measurement groups remains constant. Figure 5 Taking the first switching switch as an example, in the shielded state, the control terminal of the first switching switch SW11 is connected to the first terminal SW11-1, and the control terminal of the second switching switch SW12 is connected to the first terminal SW12-1.

[0096] The unselected state is used to control some measurement groups from participating in inter-group measurements. Specifically, in the switching unit corresponding to each measurement group that does not participate in the measurement, the control terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switching switch, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the second terminal of the second switching switch. Figure 5 Taking the first switching switch as an example, when it is not selected, the control terminal of the first switching switch SW11 is connected to the first terminal SW11-1, and the control terminal of the second switching switch SW12 is connected to the second terminal SW12-2.

[0097] The strobe state is the normal measurement state. When a measurement group needs to participate in inter-group measurements, its corresponding switch unit is set to the strobe state, and the representative PE channel of that measurement group can participate normally in the inter-group transmit / receive time interval measurement. The shield state is a special fault-tolerant state. When a measurement group cannot function normally due to PE channel damage, wiring faults, etc., a load equivalent to the characteristic impedance of the PE channel is still provided to absorb the corresponding signal power, keeping the total impedance constant. The signal amplitude received by other normal measurement groups will not change. Thus, even with a faulty measurement group, the measurement accuracy of other measurement groups is not affected. The non-strobe state is used for measurement groups that do not need to participate in the current batch of inter-group measurements. The difference between this state and the shield state is that measurement groups in the non-strobe state are normal, just temporarily not participating in measurements, and will participate in subsequent batches; while measurement groups in the shield state are faulty and need to be excluded from measurements, but a matched load RT is connected to maintain system stability.

[0098] By flexibly using these three operating states, the switch matrix can adapt to different measurement needs and fault conditions, greatly improving the adaptability and reliability of the measurement system.

[0099] In this embodiment, step S3 specifically includes the following steps:

[0100] H measurement groups are randomly selected from K measurement groups for the first measurement. In these H measurement groups, the corresponding switch units are set to the enabled state, while the switch units for the remaining KH measurement groups are set to the disabled state. This allows the representative PE channel signals from the H measurement groups to be transmitted to the signal aggregation node M. The remaining KH measurement groups, which are not currently participating in the measurement, are disconnected from the signal aggregation node M. At this point, the signal aggregation node M aggregates the signals from the H PE channels. The transmit / receive time interval relationship between these H PE channels can be obtained using a time measurement device, thus obtaining the transmit / receive time interval data for the first group.

[0101] From the remaining KH measurement groups, arbitrarily select H measurement groups for a second measurement. In the H measurement groups used for the second measurement, adjust the corresponding switch units to the selected state, and adjust the switch units corresponding to the H measurement groups used in the first measurement and the remaining KHH measurement groups to the unselected state. At this time, the signal aggregation node M aggregates the signals from the second batch of H PE channels, thereby obtaining the transmit / receive time interval data of the second group.

[0102] Repeat the above steps, selecting H measurement groups from the unmeasured groups each time. Measurement groups that have already been measured and those not currently participating are set to an unselected state, until all K measurement groups have completed inter-group measurements. If K is not divisible by H, the number of measurement groups in the final round may be less than H, but the measurement process remains the same.

[0103] In this embodiment, when there is a measurement group with a damaged or missing PE channel among H measurement groups, the processing steps include:

[0104] Adjust the switch unit corresponding to the measurement group with damaged or missing PE channels to the shielded state, and perform the measurement together with other normal measurement groups to obtain only the transmit and receive time interval data of the normal measurement groups.

[0105] Once a measurement group with a damaged or missing PE channel is repaired, the measurement can be performed simply by adjusting the corresponding switch unit from the shielded state to the selected state.

[0106] In practical applications, the PE channel may be damaged or missing for various reasons, such as transmitting circuit failure, receiving circuit failure, disconnected connection cable, or poor connector contact. Without a fault tolerance mechanism, the failure of any PE channel may cause the entire measurement system to malfunction or result in serious deviations in the measurement results.

[0107] When a PE channel failure or missing element is detected in a measurement group, it is not necessary to interrupt the entire measurement process or readjust the measurement parameters of other measurement groups. Simply switch the corresponding switch unit from the selected state to the shielded state. Although this measurement group cannot provide valid measurement data, it still provides the corresponding load impedance to the signal aggregation node M through the connection of the matching load RT, absorbing the signal power that should have been allocated to this measurement group. This ensures that the total impedance at the signal aggregation node M remains unchanged, and the signal amplitude received by other normal measurement groups will not change due to the presence of the faulty measurement group.

[0108] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, when any three PE channels in inter-group transmission lines B1 to B6 are damaged or missing, assuming that inter-group transmission lines B2, B3, and B6 are damaged, the specific handling steps are as follows:

[0109] In the switching units containing inter-group transmission lines B2, B3, and B6, the control terminals of the first switching switches (SW21, SW31, and SW61) are switched to their respective first terminals (SW21-1, SW31-1, and SW61-1), and the control terminals of the second switching switches (SW22, SW32, and SW62) are switched to their respective first terminals (SW22-1, SW32-1, and SW62-1). This adjusts the corresponding switching units to a shielded state. At this time, the first switching switches of these three units will connect the matching load RT to the signal path. Since the resistance of the matching load RT is 50Ω, matching the characteristic impedance of the PE channel, regardless of the signal state transmitted through inter-group transmission lines B2, B3, and B6, the matching load RT will absorb the signal power that these channels should receive, completely shielding abnormal signals and preventing interference to the signal aggregation node MM.

[0110] When the driver corresponding to inter-group transmission line B1 sends a signal with a swing of V, this signal is transmitted to the signal aggregation node M through connection line F1. Since the switching units of inter-group transmission lines B2, B3, and B6 are shielded by the matched load RT, the total impedance at the signal aggregation node M remains the equivalent impedance of the 6 channels (3 normal PE channels plus 3 matched loads RT), and the signal power is distributed in six equal parts. Therefore, the signal amplitude received by the comparators corresponding to inter-group transmission lines B4 and B5 is still V / 6, exactly the same as the signal amplitude when all 6 PE channels are working normally. This consistency of signal amplitude means that the measurement software does not need any modification or parameter adjustment; it can directly use the original measurement algorithm and decision threshold to perform time interval testing, and obtain the times when the comparators corresponding to inter-group transmission lines B4 and B5 receive the V / 6 signal as T14 and T15, respectively.

[0111] Similarly, when the driver corresponding to inter-group transmission line B4 sends a signal with a swing of V, the comparators corresponding to inter-group transmission lines B1 and B5 still receive a signal amplitude of V / 6. The measured times for the comparators of inter-group transmission lines B1 and B5 to receive the V / 6 signal are T41 and T45, respectively. When the driver corresponding to inter-group transmission line B5 sends a signal with a swing of V, the comparators corresponding to inter-group transmission lines B1 and B4 still receive a signal amplitude of V / 6. The measured times for the comparators of inter-group transmission lines B1 and B4 to receive the V / 6 signal are T41 and T45, respectively.

[0112] For the measurement of the reception time interval, times T14-T15 give the reception time interval of the corresponding comparators for inter-group transmission lines B4 and B5, times T41-T45 give the reception time interval of the corresponding comparators for inter-group transmission lines B1 and B5, and times T51-T54 give the reception time interval of the corresponding comparators for inter-group transmission lines B1 and B4. Using these three sets of data, a complete constraint equation can be established to calculate the deviation of the reception time of the three corresponding comparators for inter-group transmission lines B1, B4, and B5 relative to a certain time reference point, thereby obtaining the reception time interval between any two channels.

[0113] For the transmission time interval measurement, times T51-T41 reflect the driver transmission time intervals of inter-group transmission lines B5 and B4, because these two time points correspond to the times when the transmitted signals of inter-group transmission lines B5 and B4 are received, and the difference between them, after eliminating the transmission delay, is the transmission time interval. Similarly, times T14-T54 give the corresponding driver transmission time intervals of inter-group transmission lines B1 and B5, and times T15-T45 give the corresponding driver transmission time intervals of inter-group transmission lines B1 and B4. Using these three sets of data, the deviation of the transmission time of the three corresponding drivers for inter-group transmission lines B1, B4, and B55 from the time reference point can also be calculated, thus obtaining the transmission time interval between any two channels.

[0114] This approach ensures measurement continuity, preventing interruptions to the entire measurement process due to individual channel failures; it guarantees measurement consistency, ensuring that the measurement conditions of normal measurement groups are unaffected by faulty measurement groups, and that measurement results remain accurate and reliable; and it simplifies the fault handling process, requiring only adjustment of the on / off status of the faulty measurement group without modifying the configuration of other measurement groups.

[0115] In summary, this invention establishes an architecture for parallel measurement within groups and batch measurement between groups by grouping the PE channels under test and setting intra-group switching switches, along with a switch matrix and signal aggregation nodes. The intra-group switching switches allow for switching of PE channels in each group to the switch matrix during inter-group measurements, ensuring a controllable number of channels for each inter-group measurement. This avoids excessive signal amplitude attenuation as the number of channels increases, improves overall measurement efficiency, and supports the measurement of large-scale PE channel transmit / receive time intervals while maintaining measurement accuracy.

[0116] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A PE channel round trip time interval measurement apparatus, characterized by, include: Multiple measurement groups, each measurement group including at least two PE channels, each PE channel including a connected driver and comparator; Multiple intra-group switching switches are respectively set on a PE channel connection line of each measurement group, which are used to switch the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch between intra-group measurement and inter-group measurement. A switch matrix consists of multiple switch units, each of which is connected to a measurement group and is used to establish signal connection paths between different measurement groups. The signal aggregation node is used to aggregate the PE signals passing through each switching unit.

2. The PE channel round trip time interval measuring apparatus of claim 1 wherein, Multiple PE channels within each measurement group are connected to the measurement point within the group via connecting lines; The group-interchange switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, which has the following characteristics: In the first working position, the PE channel equipped with the group switching switch is connected to the group measurement point for group measurement. In the second working position, the PE channel equipped with the intra-group switching switch is connected to the switch matrix for inter-group measurement.

3. The PE channel round trip time interval measuring apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The switching unit includes a first switching switch, a second switching switch, and a matching load; Both the first switching switch and the second switching switch include a common terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The second terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the PE channel of the intra-group switching switch via an inter-group transmission line. The common terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the common terminal of the first switching switch. The first terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the signal aggregation node via a connecting line. One end of the matching load is connected to the first end of the first switching switch, and the other end is grounded.

4. The PE channel round trip time interval measuring apparatus of claim 3 wherein, The resistance of the matching load is matched with the characteristic impedance of the PE channel, and the resistance range of the matching load is 40-60Ω.

5. The PE channel round trip time interval measuring apparatus of claim 3 wherein, The selection of the first and second switching switch types includes radio frequency switches, high-speed optocouplers, MEMS switches, and relays.

6. The PE channel transmit / receive time interval measuring device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each measurement group has an intra-group switching switch, and the inter-group transmission line between the PE channel and the corresponding switching unit is of equal length. The connection line between each switching unit and the signal convergence node is of equal length.

7. A method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval, using the PE channel transmit / receive time interval measuring device as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Divide the PE channels to be measured into groups of A, for a total of K measurement groups. Select one PE channel in each measurement group and set the group switching switch. S2. Control the group switching switch of each measurement group to the first working position, and measure the transmit and receive time interval between the PE channels in the group in parallel. Subtract the delay of the group switching switch from the measurement data of the PE channel with the group switching switch set to obtain the transmit and receive time interval data of all PE channels to be measured. S3. Control the intra-group switching switch of each measurement group to the second working position. Connect the PE channel with the intra-group switching switch in each measurement group to the signal aggregation node through the switch matrix. Select H measurement group each time to measure the inter-group transmit and receive time interval and obtain the inter-group transmit and receive time interval data of all PE channels to be measured. S4. Combine the intra-group transmit / receive time interval data and the inter-group transmit / receive time interval data to calculate the time deviation of all PE channels relative to the time reference point, and obtain the transmit / receive time interval of all PE channels.

8. The method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The switch matrix includes three operating states: The gating state is used to select a measurement group to participate in the inter-group transmit and receive time measurement. That is, in the switch unit corresponding to each selected measurement group, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the control terminal of the second switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switch, so that the signals of the K measurement groups are transmitted to the signal aggregation node through the switch matrix. In the shielding state, some measurement groups are shielded while maintaining signal matching. Specifically, in the switching unit corresponding to each measurement group that needs to be shielded, the control terminal of the first switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switching switch, and the control terminal of the second switching switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switching switch, so as to transmit the signal of the matching load to the signal aggregation node. The unselected state is used to control some measurement groups to not participate in inter-group measurements. That is, in the switch unit corresponding to each measurement group that does not participate in the measurement, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the first switch, and the control terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the second switch.

9. The method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The specific steps of step S3 include: H measurement groups are randomly selected from K measurement groups for the first measurement. In the H measurement groups for the first measurement, the corresponding switch units are adjusted to the selected state, and the switch units corresponding to the remaining KH measurement groups are adjusted to the unselected state, thereby obtaining the transmit and receive time interval data of the first group. From the remaining KH measurement groups, arbitrarily select H measurement groups for the second measurement. In the H measurement groups for the second measurement, adjust the corresponding switch unit to the selected state, and adjust the switch units corresponding to the H measurement groups for the first measurement and the remaining KHH measurement groups to the unselected state, thereby obtaining the transmit and receive time interval data of the second group. Repeat the above steps until all K measurement groups have completed inter-group measurements.

10. The method for measuring the PE channel transmit / receive time interval as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When there are H measurement groups where the PE channel is damaged or missing, the processing steps include: Adjust the switch unit corresponding to the measurement group with damaged or missing PE channels to the shielded state, and perform the measurement together with other normal measurement groups to obtain only the transmit and receive time interval data of the normal measurement groups. Once a measurement group with a damaged or missing PE channel is repaired, the measurement can be performed simply by adjusting the corresponding switch unit from the shielded state to the selected state.

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