Power divider and communication test system

Abstract

The application provides a power divider and a communication test system, the power divider is used for connecting a communication tester and a communication device, and the power divider comprises a rotary motor, a connecting piece, a communication device connector and a control circuit; the communication device connector comprises a plurality of device connection ports, the plurality of device connection ports are respectively electrically connected to each antenna port on the communication device, and the connecting piece is connected between the rotary motor and the communication device connector; and the control circuit is used for outputting a control signal to the rotary motor, and the control signal is used for controlling the rotary motor to rotate, so as to drive the connecting piece to rotate and be connected to one device connection port. Thus, the power divider and the communication test system provided by the application can reduce the number and complexity of the power divider in the communication test system, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure between the communication tester and the communication device, reducing the signal attenuation and loss between the communication tester and the communication device, and realizing the automatic communication test of the communication tester on the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power divider and a communication testing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, communication testers are commonly used to test the communication performance of communication equipment. Communication equipment typically has multiple antenna ports. When the number of antenna ports on the communication equipment exceeds the number of communication test ports on the communication tester, each communication test port of the tester needs to be connected to each antenna port of the communication equipment via one or more power dividers. However, the test signal output by the communication tester or the test result signal received by the tester suffers significant attenuation when passing through one or more power dividers, and the circuit structure within one or more power dividers is quite complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a power divider and a communication test system, which can reduce the number and complexity of power dividers in the communication test system, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure between the communication tester and the communication equipment, reducing signal attenuation and loss between the communication tester and the communication equipment, and realizing automated communication testing of the communication equipment by the communication tester.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a power divider for connecting a communication tester and a communication device. The power divider includes a rotating motor, a connector, a communication device connector, and a control circuit. The communication device connector includes multiple device connection ports, which are electrically connected to each antenna port on the communication device. The connector is connected between the rotating motor and the communication device connector. The control circuit outputs a control signal to the rotating motor, which controls the rotating motor to rotate, thereby driving the connector to rotate and connect to a device connection port.

[0005] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, multiple device connection ports are all located on a circumference, which corresponds to the rotational circumference of the connector.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, one end of the connector connected to the device connection port is provided with a connector head, which engages with the device connection port to connect the connector to the device connection port.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the connector is a magnetic male connector, and the device connection port is a magnetic female connector.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the power divider further includes a plug-in motor and a toggle switch. A latching element is provided on the connector, which engages with the toggle switch. The plug-in motor is connected to the toggle switch and is used to drive the toggle switch and the latching element to move in a direction perpendicular to the communication device connector.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the control circuit is electrically connected to the plug-in motor. The control circuit is used to output a plug-in control signal to the plug-in motor. The plug-in control signal is used to control the plug-in motor to drive the toggle switch to move the latching component toward or away from the communication device connector.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the control circuit outputs a control signal after outputting a plug-in / plug-out control signal.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the power divider further includes a tester connector, which includes a motor connection port and multiple tester connection ports. The multiple tester connection ports are respectively used to electrically connect to each communication test port on the communication tester, and the motor connection port is connected to the rotating motor.

[0012] In a second aspect, this application provides a communication testing system, including a host device, a communication tester, a communication device, and a power divider provided as in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0013] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the host device is used to output a command signal to the power divider, and the command signal is used to control the communication tester to electrically connect or disconnect from the communication equipment through the power divider. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ports of a communication tester and communication equipment.

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the communication test system provided in this application.

[0016] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the power divider provided in this application.

[0017] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the power divider provided in this application.

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the latch and toggle switch provided in this application.

[0019] Explanation of main component symbols 10-Communication test system; 11-Communication tester; 12-Communication equipment; 13-Power divider; 131-Tester connector; 132-Rotating motor; 133-Connector; 1331-Connector head; 1332-Snap fastener; 134-Communication equipment connector; 1341-Equipment connection port; 135-Control circuit; 137-Toggle switch; 14-Main unit. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It is understood that the connection relationships described in this application refer to direct or indirect connections. For example, the connection between A and B can be a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components. For example, A can be directly connected to C, and C can be directly connected to B, thus achieving a connection between A and B through C. It is also understood that the "A connects to B" described in this application can be a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components.

[0022] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0023] In the description of this application, the words "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish different objects and do not limit the quantity or order of execution, nor do they imply that they must be different. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0024] Currently, communication testers are commonly used to test the communication performance of communication equipment. Communication equipment typically has multiple antenna ports. When the number of antenna ports on the communication equipment exceeds the number of communication test ports on the communication tester, each communication test port of the tester needs to be connected to each antenna port of the communication equipment via one or more power dividers. However, the test signal output by the communication tester or the test result signal received by the tester suffers significant attenuation when passing through one or more power dividers, and the circuit structure within one or more power dividers is quite complex.

[0025] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, the communication tester 11 is equipped with four communication test ports, and the communication device 12 is equipped with eight antenna ports. Therefore, four 1 / 8 power dividers and eight 1 / 4 power dividers are needed to connect the four communication test ports of the communication tester 11 to the eight antenna ports of the communication device 12. This requires a large variety and number of power dividers, resulting in significant signal attenuation. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the communication tester 11 and the communication device 12 is complex. Consequently, configuring and maintaining the test environment for the communication device 12 requires a considerable amount of time, and the test signal requires high gain, increasing testing costs and hindering the testing of the communication performance of the communication device 12.

[0026] Therefore, this application provides a power divider and a communication testing system, which can reduce the number and complexity of power dividers in the communication testing system, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure between the communication tester and the communication equipment, reducing signal attenuation and loss between the communication tester and the communication equipment, and realizing automated communication testing of the communication equipment by the communication tester.

[0027] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication test system 10 provided in this application. The communication test system 10 includes a communication tester 11, a communication device 12, a power divider 13, and a host device 14.

[0028] The communication tester 11 is equipped with multiple communication test ports, each capable of outputting a test receive signal. These test receive signals are used to perform communication tests on the antenna reception performance of the communication device 12. Each communication test port can also receive test transmit signals, which characterize the transmit parameters of the antenna port of the communication device 12. The communication tester 11 can generate a test transmit result signal based on the received test transmit signals. This test transmit result signal characterizes the test results of the transmit performance of the antenna port of the communication device 12.

[0029] The communication tester 11 is connected to the communication device 12 via a power divider 13. The communication device 12 has multiple antenna ports, each capable of receiving test signals and outputting test transmission signals. Based on the received test signals, the communication device 12 generates a test reception result signal, which characterizes the reception performance test results of the antenna ports of the communication device 12.

[0030] The power divider 13 includes multiple tester connection ports and multiple device connection ports. The number of tester connection ports is the same as the number of communication test ports, with each tester connection port connected to one communication test port. The number of device connection ports is the same as the number of antenna ports, with each device connection port connected to one antenna port.

[0031] The host device 14 is electrically connected to the communication tester 11, the communication device 12, and the power divider 13. The host device 14 controls the operating status of the communication tester 11, the communication device 12, and the power divider 13. For example, the host device 14 can output command signals to the power divider 13, thereby controlling the power divider 13 to electrically connect one or more communication test ports of the communication tester 11 to one or more antenna ports of the communication device 12. The host device 14 can output tester control signals to the communication tester 11, thereby controlling the communication tester 11 to output corresponding test reception signals and controlling the specific communication test port for the corresponding test reception signals. The host device 14 can output device control signals to the communication device 12, thereby controlling the communication device 12 to output corresponding test transmission signals and controlling the specific antenna port for the corresponding test transmission signals.

[0032] The host device 14 is also used to receive the test transmission result signal output by the communication tester 11 and the test result signal output by the communication device 12, and obtain the transmission performance of the antenna port of the communication device 12 based on the test transmission result signal, and obtain the reception performance of the antenna port of the communication device 12 based on the test reception result signal, thereby completing the multi-communication performance test of the communication device 12.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power divider 13 provided in this application. The power divider 13 includes a tester connector 131, a rotary motor 132, a connector 133, a communication equipment connector 134, and a control circuit 135.

[0034] The tester connector 131 is used to connect to the communication tester 11 and the rotary motor 132. The tester connector 131 includes tester connection ports (the same number as the communication test ports of the communication tester 11) and one motor connection port. The tester connection ports are used to connect to each communication test port of the communication tester 11, and the motor connection port is used to connect to the rotary motor 132. For example, when the communication tester 11 has four communication test ports, the tester connector 131 includes four tester connection ports and one motor connection port.

[0035] The rotary motor 132 is electrically connected to the control circuit 135 and to one end of the connector 133. The rotary motor 132 receives control signals output by the control circuit 135 and rotates by a specific angle according to the control signals. When the rotary motor 132 rotates, it can drive the connector 133 to rotate as well.

[0036] The other end of the connector 133 is used to connect to the communication device connector 134. In some embodiments, the connector 133 is Z-shaped, with one end of the connector 133 connected to the center of the rotary motor 132, and the other end moving in a circular motion as the rotary motor 132 rotates.

[0037] In some embodiments, a connector 1331 is provided on the other end of the connector 133. The connector 1331 can be a male head protruding in the direction of the communication device connector 134, or a female head recessed in the direction of the rotary motor 132.

[0038] In some embodiments, the connector 133 can be configured as a hollow columnar rod, and radio frequency wires can be embedded in the connector 133, so that the test received signal output by the tester connector 131 can be connected to the communication device 12 through the connector 133 and the communication device connector 134.

[0039] Communication device connector 134 is used to connect to communication device 12. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device connector 134 includes the same number of device connection ports 1341 as the communication antenna ports of the communication device 12. A first end of each device connection port 1341 is used to connect to the other end of the connector 133, and a second end of each device connection port 1341 is used to connect to one of the communication antenna ports of the communication device 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the communication device connector 134 is disc-shaped, and all device connection ports 1341 are arranged on a circumference. This circumference can be the same size as the circumference of the connector 133 as it moves with the rotation of the rotary motor 132, and their positions are parallel to each other. Thus, by arranging all device connection ports 1341 on a circumference, and with this circumference corresponding to the movement circumference of the connector 133, the rotary motor 132 can drive the connector 133 to rotate so that the connector head 1331 on the connector 133 can rotate to the corresponding position of any device connection port 1341. Consequently, the tester connector 131, connector 133, and communication device connector 134 can form a stable electrical connection to transmit the test reception signal output by the communication tester 11 to the communication device 12.

[0041] In some embodiments, the structure of the device connection port 1341 can correspond to that of the connector 1331. For example, when the connector 1331 is a male connector, the device connection port 1341 is a female connector. In this way, the device connection port 1341 can be connected to the connector 1331 more stably.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device connection port 1341 and the connector 1331 can be magnetic connectors. Thus, even if there is a deviation between the rotational position of the connector 133 and the relative position of one of the device connection ports 1341, the device connection port 1341 and the connector 1331 can automatically align and magnetically connect. This reduces the rotational accuracy requirement of the rotary motor 132, improves the connection accuracy between the device connection port 1341 and the connector 1331, and enhances the connection stability between the device connection port 1341 and the connector 1331.

[0043] The control circuit 135 receives command signals from the host device 14 and outputs corresponding control signals to the rotary motor 132 according to the command signals. Specifically, the command signals indicate the operating state of the rotary motor 132. Each operating state of the rotary motor 132 represents a rotation angle of the rotary motor 132, and each rotation angle corresponds to the relative angle of each device connection port 1341 with respect to the rotary motor 132. That is, each operating state of the rotary motor 132 represents the rotation angle corresponding to when the rotary motor 132 drives the connector 133 to connect to each device connection port 1341. In other words, each operating state of the rotary motor 132 corresponds to the target antenna port of the communication device 12 to which the power divider 13 is connected.

[0044] Taking an example where the number of device connection ports 1341 is 8, the correspondence between the working state of the rotating motor 132 and the target antenna port of the communication device 12 can be found in Table 1 below.

[0045] Table 1. Correspondence between the operating states of the rotary motor 132 and the antenna ports. The working state can be represented by four binary digits. ANT1-ANT8 are the eight antenna ports of the communication device 12. When the working state of the rotary motor 132 is "0000", the working state of the rotary motor 132 is the reset state. At this time, the connector 133 is not connected to any device connection port 1341, that is, the power divider 13 disconnects the electrical connection between itself and the communication device 13.

[0046] Thus, when it is necessary to test the communication performance of one of the antenna ports of the communication device 12, such as ANT5, the communication tester 11 needs to be connected to the antenna port ANT5 of the communication device 12 through the power divider 13. Then, the rotary motor 132 needs to drive the connector 133 to connect to the device connection port 1341 corresponding to ANT5. At this time, the host device 14 outputs the corresponding command signal to the control circuit 135, and the control circuit 135 outputs the corresponding control signal to the rotary motor 132, so that the working state of the rotary motor 132 is "0101".

[0047] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the power divider 13 provided in this application. Figure 4 The power divider 13 shown also includes a plug-in motor (not shown) and a toggle switch 137. A latching member 1332 is also provided on the connector 133. The toggle switch 137 is correspondingly provided with the latching member 1332. For example, the latching member 1332 protrudes along a direction perpendicular to the cross-section of the connector 133, and the toggle switch 137 includes a groove, cavity, or other structure for accommodating and fitting the protruding latching member 1332. Alternatively, the latching member 1332 may be a groove or cavity on the connector 133, and the toggle switch 137 may include a protruding structure for extending into and embedding into the groove or cavity.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, a plug-in motor is connected to the toggle switch 137, and the plug-in motor drives the toggle switch 137 and the latching member 1332 to move in a direction perpendicular to the communication device connector 134. For example, the plug-in motor can drive the toggle switch 137 to move the latching member 1332 toward the communication device connector 134, thereby making the connector 133 stably connected to the corresponding device connection port 1341. Alternatively, the plug-in motor can drive the toggle switch 137 to move the latching member 1332 away from the communication device connector 134, thereby making the connector 133 disconnect from the device connection port 1341.

[0049] The control circuit 135 is electrically connected to the plug-in motor. The control circuit 135 is used to output the corresponding plug-in control signal to the plug-in motor, so that the plug-in motor drives the toggle switch 137 to move the latch 1332 toward the communication device connector 134, or drives the toggle switch 137 to move the latch 1332 away from the communication device connector 134.

[0050] In some embodiments, after outputting the plug-in / plug-out control signal, the control circuit 135 obtains the connection state corresponding to the connector 133, such as the "plugged" state where the connector 1331 is connected to the device connection port 1341, or the "unplugged" state where the connector 1331 is disconnected from the device connection port 1341. Thus, after confirming the connection state corresponding to the connector 133, the control circuit outputs the command signal to control the working state of the rotary motor 132. This can prevent the rotary motor 132 from rotating and causing damage when the connector 1331 is in the "plugged" state, thereby improving the working stability of the power divider 13.

[0051] The workflow of the communication test system 10 is described in detail below.

[0052] When it is necessary to perform a reception performance test on one of the antenna ports of the communication device 12, for example, when the antenna port to be tested is ANT3, the host device 14 outputs a tester control signal to the communication tester 11 to control the communication tester 11 to output the corresponding test reception signal and to control the specific communication test port of the output test reception signal. For example, the tester control signal is used to indicate the signal amplitude, phase, waveform, frequency and specific communication test port of the test reception signal.

[0053] The host device 14 also outputs a command signal to the control circuit 135. The control circuit 135 outputs a plug-in / plug-out control signal to the plug-in / plug-out motor to control the plug-in / plug-out motor to drive the toggle switch 137 to move the latch 1332 away from the communication device connector 134, so that the connector 1331 is in the "pull-out" state. Afterwards, the control circuit 135 outputs a corresponding control signal to the rotary motor 132 to control the operating state of the rotary motor 132. For example, the command signal is used to indicate that the operating state of the rotary motor 132 is "0011".

[0054] After the rotary motor 132 rotates to the angle corresponding to "0011", the control circuit 135 outputs a plug-in / plug-out control signal to the plug-in / plug-out motor. This controls the plug-in / plug-out motor to drive the toggle switch 137, causing the latch 1332 to move towards the communication device connector 134, so that the connector 1331 is in the "plugged-in" state. This allows the power divider 13 to form a stable connection with the antenna port ANT3 of the communication device 12. In this way, the test reception signal output by the communication tester 11 can be output to the antenna port ANT3 of the communication device 12 that needs to be tested via the power divider 13.

[0055] After receiving the test reception signal, communication device 12 can generate a test reception result signal and transmit it to host device 14. The test reception result signal may include information such as the amplitude, phase, frequency, delay, and waveform of the test reception signal received by communication device 12. Host device 14 can compare the test instrument control signal and the test reception result signal to obtain parameters such as the received signal attenuation, phase difference, delay, and waveform changes at antenna port ANT3, thereby evaluating and calculating the reception performance of antenna port ANT3.

[0056] When it is necessary to perform a transmission performance test on one of the antenna ports of the communication device 12, for example, when the antenna port for which a reception performance test is required is ANT4, the host device 14 outputs a device control signal to the communication device 12 to control the communication device 12 to output the corresponding test transmission signal and to control the specific antenna port of the output test transmission signal. For example, the device control signal is used to indicate the signal amplitude, phase, waveform, frequency, and antenna port of the test transmission signal as ANT4.

[0057] The host device 14 also outputs a command signal to the control circuit 135. The control circuit 135 outputs a plug-in / plug-out control signal to the plug-in / plug-out motor to control the plug-in / plug-out motor to drive the toggle switch 137 to move the latch 1332 away from the communication device connector 134, so that the connector 1331 is in the "pull-out" state. Afterwards, the control circuit 135 outputs a corresponding control signal to the rotary motor 132 to control the operating state of the rotary motor 132. For example, the command signal is used to indicate that the operating state of the rotary motor 132 is "0100".

[0058] After the rotary motor 132 rotates to the angle corresponding to "0100", the control circuit 135 outputs a plug-in / plug-out control signal to the plug-in / plug-out motor. This controls the plug-in / plug-out motor to drive the toggle switch 137, causing the latch 1332 to move towards the communication device connector 134, so that the connector 1331 is in the "plugged-in" state. This allows the power divider 13 to form a stable connection with the antenna port ANT4 of the communication device 12. In this way, the test transmission signal output from the antenna port ANT4 of the communication device 12 can be output to one of the ports of the communication tester 11 via the power divider 13.

[0059] After receiving the test transmission signal, the communication tester 11 can generate a test transmission result signal and transmit it to the host device 14. The test transmission result signal may include information such as the amplitude, phase, frequency, delay, and waveform of the test transmission signal received by the communication tester 11. The host device 14 can compare the device control signal and the test transmission result signal to obtain parameters such as the transmission signal attenuation, phase difference, delay, and waveform changes at antenna port ANT4, thereby evaluating and calculating the transmission performance of antenna port ANT4.

[0060] Therefore, the power divider and communication test system provided in this application can reduce the number and complexity of power dividers in the communication test system, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure between the communication tester and the communication equipment, reducing signal attenuation and loss between the communication tester and the communication equipment, and realizing automated communication testing of the communication equipment by the communication tester.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A power divider, the power divider being used to connect a communication tester and a communication device, characterized in that, The power divider includes a rotary motor, connectors, a communication equipment connector, and a control circuit. The communication device connector includes multiple device connection ports, which are electrically connected to each antenna port on the communication device, and the connector is connected between the rotary motor and the communication device connector. The control circuit outputs a control signal to the rotary motor, which controls the rotary motor to rotate, thereby rotating the connector and connecting it to a device connection port.

2. The power divider as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple device connection ports are all arranged on a circumference, which corresponds to the rotation circumference of the connector.

3. The power divider as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a connector head at one end that connects to the device connection port. The connector head fits into the device connection port so that the connector is connected to the device connection port.

4. The power divider as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The connector is a magnetic male connector, and the device connection port is a magnetic female connector.

5. The power divider as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power divider also includes a plug-in motor and a toggle switch. The connector is provided with a latching element, which engages with the toggle switch. The plug-in motor is connected to the toggle switch and is used to drive the toggle switch and the latching element to move in a direction perpendicular to the communication device connector.

6. The power divider as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control circuit is electrically connected to the plug-in motor. The control circuit is used to output a plug-in control signal to the plug-in motor. The plug-in control signal is used to control the plug-in motor to drive the toggle switch to move the latching component toward or away from the communication device connector.

7. The power divider as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control circuit outputs the plug-in / plug-out control signal, and then outputs the control signal.

8. The power divider as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power divider also includes a tester connector, which includes a motor connection port and multiple tester connection ports. The multiple tester connection ports are used to electrically connect to each communication test port on the communication tester, and the motor connection port is connected to the rotating motor.

9. A communication testing system, characterized in that, It includes host equipment, communication tester, communication equipment, and power divider as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The communication testing system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The host device is used to output command signals to the power divider, and the command signals are used to control the communication tester to electrically connect or disconnect from the communication device through the power divider.

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