Transponder testing method and apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a transponder testing method and apparatus, applied in the testing field. An activation signal transmission module generates an activation energy signal according to a first test instruction from a test management module and sends it to the transponder. An interface control module generates an interface signal to perform interface testing on the transponder according to a second test instruction from the test management module and generates a message writing energy signal according to a message writing instruction, cooperating with the ASK data signal to perform message writing operations. A signal receiving module collects the activation energy signal, uplink signal, and response signal, and sends the preprocessed signal to the test management module. The test management module analyzes the received signal to obtain the transponder's test results. By centrally controlling each module to complete signal generation, acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis through the test management module, manual instrument setup, waveform reading, or interpretation is eliminated, thus solving the problems of poor test repeatability and subjective error caused by manual operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of testing technology, and in particular to a transponder testing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The transponder is installed in the middle of the rail. After being activated at 27.095MHz, it transmits messages back to the train using a frequency shift keying signal centered at 4.234MHz. There are passive and active types; the active type receives signals from the trackside electronic unit via a C-interface. Domestic and international standards have strict specifications for its electrical characteristics and testing.

[0003] Currently, existing testing methods include: using a spectrum analyzer or vector signal analyzer and signal generator to manually measure the center frequency, frequency deviation, and output power of the transponder's uplink signal; using an oscilloscope to capture the C6 sine wave signal and C1 square wave signal on the C interface, and manually reading the waveform parameters to determine whether the signal amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle meet the standard requirements; for input / output characteristic testing, a fixed-power 27MHz activation signal is typically used to excite the transponder, and then a power meter is used to measure the strength of its returned 4MHz signal, and its linearity is evaluated by comparing multiple discrete test points. However, existing testing methods rely on operators manually setting instrument parameters, reading waveform data from the oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer, and performing manual interpretation, resulting in poor test repeatability and susceptibility to subjective errors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a transponder testing method and apparatus, which aims to solve the problems of poor test repeatability and subjective error caused by manual operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a transponder testing device, which includes: a test management module, an activation signal transmission module, a signal receiving module, and an interface control module;

[0007] The test management module is connected to the activation signal transmitting module, the signal receiving module, and the interface control module, respectively; the activation signal transmitting module is connected to the signal receiving module; the signal receiving module and the interface control module are connected to the transponder;

[0008] The activation signal transmitting module is used to generate an activation energy signal according to the first test command when it receives the first test command sent by the test management module, and send the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder; it is also used to generate the amplitude shift keying (ASK) data signal required for message writing when performing a message writing operation.

[0009] The interface control module is configured to generate an interface signal according to the second test instruction sent by the test management module when it receives the second test instruction, and perform interface testing on the transponder according to the interface signal; it is also configured to generate a message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing instruction sent by the test management module, and perform a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0010] The signal receiving module is used to collect the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after activation, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process. After preprocessing the activation energy signal and the uplink signal, the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal are sent to the test management module.

[0011] The test management module is used to analyze the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal, and the response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder.

[0012] Optionally, the activation signal transmission module includes: a first waveform generator, a first attenuator, a power amplifier, a second attenuator, and a standard test antenna;

[0013] The first waveform generator is connected to the signal receiving module and the first attenuator, respectively; the first attenuator is connected to the power amplifier; the power amplifier is connected to the second attenuator, and the second attenuator is connected to the standard test antenna.

[0014] The first attenuator is used to achieve impedance matching between the first waveform generator and the power amplifier; the second attenuator is used to achieve impedance matching between the power amplifier and the standard test antenna.

[0015] The first waveform generator is used to generate an initial activation energy signal according to the first test instruction sent by the test management module when it receives the first test instruction.

[0016] The power amplifier is used to amplify the initial activation energy signal to obtain the activation energy signal;

[0017] The standard test antenna is used to send the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder.

[0018] Optionally, the first waveform generator includes multiple output channels; the first channel is used to generate an initial activation energy signal, and the second channel is used to generate an amplitude modulation waveform to perform AM modulation on the initial activation energy signal, thereby controlling the amplitude envelope of the activation energy signal.

[0019] Optionally, the signal receiving module includes a standard test antenna, a third attenuator, a fourth attenuator, a bandpass filter, a low-pass filter, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, and a signal acquisition device;

[0020] The standard test antenna is connected to the third attenuator and the fourth attenuator respectively. The third attenuator is connected to the bandpass filter, and the bandpass filter is connected to the first amplifier.

[0021] The fourth attenuator is connected to the low-pass filter, the low-pass filter is connected to the second amplifier, and the signal acquisition device is connected to the first amplifier and the second amplifier respectively.

[0022] The standard test antenna is used to transmit the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after it is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process.

[0023] The bandpass filter is used to filter out interference signals from the activation energy signal;

[0024] The low-pass filter is used to filter out high-frequency interference signals in the uplink signal;

[0025] The first amplifier is used to amplify the filtered activation energy signal;

[0026] The second amplifier is used to amplify the filtered uplink signal;

[0027] The signal acquisition device is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal to the test management module.

[0028] Optionally, the signal acquisition device includes at least multiple high-speed signal acquisition channels; wherein, the first high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal to the test management module; the second high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed uplink signal to the test management module; and the third high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the response signal to the test management module.

[0029] Optionally, the standard test antenna includes a standard antenna output balun, a standard antenna inductive balun, a standard antenna transmit loop, a standard antenna receive loop, and a standard antenna receive balun;

[0030] The standard antenna output balun is connected to the standard antenna transmitting loop, and the standard antenna transmitting loop is connected to the standard antenna sensing balun; the standard antenna output balun and the standard antenna transmitting loop are used to transmit the activation energy signal; the standard antenna sensing balun is used to monitor the actual radiated energy of the activation energy signal.

[0031] The standard antenna receiving loop is connected to the standard antenna receiving balun; the standard antenna receiving loop and the standard antenna receiving balun are used to receive the uplink signal fed back after the transponder is activated.

[0032] Optionally, the interface control module includes: a communication logic module, an interface circuit synthesis module, a switching control module, a second waveform generator, multiple signal amplifiers, a signal output balun, and a message writing antenna;

[0033] The communication logic module and the second waveform generator are connected to the test management module, the second waveform generator is connected to the multiple signal amplifiers, and the communication logic module and the multiple signal amplifiers are connected to the switching control module.

[0034] The communication logic module and the switching control module are connected to the interface circuit synthesis module. The switching control module is connected to the signal output balun. The signal output balun is connected to the message writing antenna. The interface circuit synthesis module is connected to the transponder.

[0035] The second waveform generator is used to generate a square wave signal and a first sine wave signal according to the second test command issued by the test management module when it receives the second test command issued by the test management module; it is also used to generate an initial message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing command sent by the test management module.

[0036] The signal amplifier is used to amplify the square wave signal and the first sine wave signal, or to amplify the initial message writing energy signal to obtain the message writing energy signal;

[0037] The switching control module is controlled by the communication logic module and is used to send the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to the interface circuit synthesis module, or to send the message written energy signal to the signal output balun.

[0038] The interface circuit synthesis module is used to superimpose the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to obtain an interface signal, and then send the interface signal to the transponder.

[0039] The message writing antenna is used to send the amplified message writing energy signal to the transponder, and to perform a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0040] Optionally, the communication logic module includes a serial communication interface circuit, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0041] The serial communication interface circuit is connected to the test management module, the serial communication interface circuit is connected to the DSP, the DSP is connected to the FPGA, and the FPGA is connected to the interface circuit synthesis module and the switching control module respectively; the serial communication interface circuit is used to interact with the test management module, and the DSP and FPGA are used for protocol parsing and logic control.

[0042] Optionally, the test management module is specifically a host computer.

[0043] The second aspect of this application provides a transponder testing method, applied to the transponder testing apparatus provided in the first aspect of this application, comprising:

[0044] When the test management module receives the first test instruction, the activation signal transmission module generates an activation energy signal according to the first test instruction and sends the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder.

[0045] When a message write operation is performed, the activation signal transmission module generates the ASK data signal required for message writing;

[0046] When the test management module receives the second test instruction, the interface control module generates an interface signal according to the second test instruction and performs an interface test on the transponder according to the interface signal.

[0047] When the test management module receives a message writing instruction, the interface control module generates a message writing energy signal and performs a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0048] The signal receiving module collects the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after it is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process, and sends the activation energy signal, the uplink signal and the response signal to the test management module.

[0049] The test management module analyzes the activation energy signal, the uplink signal, and the response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder.

[0050] The technical solution provided in this application includes an activation signal transmission module, which generates an activation energy signal according to the first test instruction from the test management module and sends it to the transponder; an interface control module, which generates an interface signal to perform interface testing on the transponder according to the second test instruction from the test management module and generates a message writing energy signal according to the message writing instruction, and performs message writing operations in conjunction with the ASK data signal; a signal receiving module, which collects the activation energy signal, the uplink signal, and the response signal after the interface test or message writing, and sends the preprocessed signal to the test management module; and a test management module, which analyzes the received signal to obtain the test result of the transponder. By centrally controlling each module to complete signal generation, acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis through the test management module, manual instrument setup, waveform reading, or interpretation is eliminated, thus solving the problems of poor test repeatability and subjective error caused by manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0052] Figure 1 A first architecture schematic diagram of a transponder testing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of a second architecture for a transponder testing device.

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a common modulation waveform provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a third architecture of a transponder testing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the fourth architecture of a transponder testing device provided in this application embodiment;

[0057] Figure 6 A fifth architecture diagram of a transponder testing device provided in this application embodiment;

[0058] Figure 7 A sixth architecture diagram of a transponder testing device provided in this application embodiment;

[0059] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a transponder integrated test bench provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of waveform acquisition by a high-speed acquisition device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a transponder testing method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0064] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the architecture of a transponder testing device provided in an embodiment of this application. The transponder testing device includes: a test management module 11, an activation signal transmission module 12, a signal receiving module 13, and an interface control module 14.

[0065] The test management module 11 is connected to the activation signal transmission module 12, the signal receiving module 13, and the interface control module 14 respectively; the activation signal transmission module 12 is connected to the signal receiving module 13; the signal receiving module 13 and the interface control module 14 are connected to the transponder 15.

[0066] The activation signal transmitting module 12 is used to generate an activation energy signal according to the first test command when it receives the first test command sent by the test management module 11, and send the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder 15. It is also used to generate the amplitude shift keying (ASK) data signal required for message writing when performing message writing operation.

[0067] The interface control module 14 is used to generate an interface signal according to the second test command sent by the test management module 11 when it receives the second test command, and to perform interface testing on the transponder according to the interface signal; it is also used to generate a message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing command sent by the test management module 11, and to perform a message writing operation on the transponder 15 according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0068] The signal receiving module 13 is used to collect the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder 15 after it is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder 15 after the interface test or message writing process. After preprocessing the activation energy signal and the uplink signal, the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal are sent to the test management module 11.

[0069] The test management module 11 is used to analyze the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder 15.

[0070] Specifically, the test management module 11 is the host computer.

[0071] It is understandable that the test management module 11 consists of a host computer (i.e., a computer and a monitor) and test management software installed on the host computer. This host computer test management software is used to realize human-computer interaction, and its specific functions include: login permission management of the test system, system self-test, test parameter configuration, test item selection, test equipment control and test procedure management, test data and waveform generation, test result analysis and display, and test report generation and printing.

[0072] Furthermore, combined with Figure 1 See the content shown. Figure 2 The activation signal transmission module 12 includes: a first waveform generator 21, a first attenuator 22, a power amplifier 23, a second attenuator 24, and a standard test antenna 25.

[0073] The first waveform generator 21 is connected to the signal receiving module 13 and the first attenuator 22 respectively. The first attenuator 22 is connected to the power amplifier 23. The power amplifier 23 is connected to the second attenuator 24. The second attenuator 24 is connected to the standard test antenna 25.

[0074] The activation signal transmitting module 12 consists of a first waveform generator 21, a first attenuator 22, a power amplifier 23, a second attenuator 24, a standard test antenna 25, and a connecting coaxial cable.

[0075] Specifically, the first waveform generator 21 includes multiple output channels; the first channel is used to generate an initial activation energy signal, and the second channel is used to generate an amplitude modulation waveform to perform AM modulation on the initial activation energy signal, thereby controlling the amplitude envelope of the activation energy signal.

[0076] The first waveform generator 21 includes, but is not limited to, an arbitrary waveform generator. The first channel of the arbitrary waveform generator is used to generate a 27MHz continuous wave signal (i.e., a 27MHz activation energy signal) according to the parameter settings of the test management module 11. Its second channel stores the modulation waveform data and is used to perform AM modulation on the 27MHz continuous wave signal.

[0077] It should be noted that when the first waveform generator 21 performs the message writing function, it generates an ASK modulated message data signal with a 27MHz carrier frequency according to the requirements of the transponder message writing protocol, and sends the data to the transponder through the 27MHz transmitting antenna in the standard test antenna 25. This function cannot be completed alone; it requires the cooperation of a 9MHz energy signal output from the 9M message writing antenna. Only when both work together can a complete message writing operation be achieved.

[0078] The first attenuator 22 is used to achieve impedance matching between the first waveform generator 21 and the power amplifier 23; the second attenuator 24 is used to achieve impedance matching between the power amplifier 23 and the standard test antenna 25.

[0079] The first attenuator 22 and the second attenuator 24 both serve to form a 50Ω impedance match; to reduce unnecessary energy loss, both attenuators are selected with a small attenuation value, which can be 3-6dB.

[0080] The first waveform generator 21 is used to generate an initial activation energy signal according to the first test instruction when it receives the first test instruction sent by the test management module 11.

[0081] It should be noted that the first waveform generator 21 can output various standard waveforms as well as arbitrary waveforms edited by other devices or software. Typically, a device with two channels is selected. When transmitting a 27MHz activation energy signal, channel 1 is set as the 27MHz continuous wave signal output channel, connected to the subsequent first attenuator 22 and power amplifier 23. Channel 2 serves as the AM modulation source, performing AM modulation on the 27MHz activation energy signal output from channel 1. The modulated waveform is pre-calculated and generated by the test management module 11 and downloaded to the memory of the first waveform generator 21 via USB communication (see [link to common modulated waveforms]). Figure 3After setting the parameters such as frequency, amplitude, modulation method, modulation source, and synchronization signal for channel 1, and downloading the arbitrary waveform data from channel 2 to the device memory, the instrument can be controlled to output an activation energy signal according to the test requirements. It should be noted that each time the arbitrary waveform generator outputs an activation energy signal, it also outputs a synchronization signal, which serves as the acquisition trigger signal for the signal acquisition device 47. When performing the message writing function, channel 1 is also set as a 27M signal carrier output channel. The message content is sent to the memory of the arbitrary waveform generator in the form of waveform data, where binary "0" corresponds to a low level and "1" corresponds to a high level. The duration of the high and low levels is set according to the rate specified in the transponder message writing communication protocol.

[0082] Power amplifier 23 is used to amplify the initial activation energy signal to obtain the activation energy signal.

[0083] It should be noted that power amplifier 23 is a power amplification device selected to meet the needs of various energy levels of 27MHz activation energy signal output, and it can amplify the power to more than 50dB.

[0084] The standard test antenna 25 is used to send an activation energy signal to the transponder 15 to activate the transponder 15.

[0085] Understandably, the standard test antenna 25 is used to send an activation energy signal to the transponder 15 to activate the transponder 15. When the transponder 15 is working normally, it is converted into its own operating power source. When the transponder 15 performs message writing, it serves as the input of the transponder 15 message data.

[0086] Furthermore, combined with Figure 2 See the content shown. Figure 4 The signal receiving module 13 includes a standard test antenna 25, a third attenuator 41, a fourth attenuator 42, a bandpass filter 43, a low-pass filter 44, a first amplifier 45, a second amplifier 46, and a signal acquisition device 47.

[0087] Specifically, signal acquisition equipment 47 includes, but is not limited to, multi-channel high-speed signal acquisition equipment.

[0088] The standard test antenna 25 is connected to the third attenuator 41 and the fourth attenuator 42 respectively. The third attenuator 41 is connected to the bandpass filter 43, and the bandpass filter 43 is connected to the first amplifier 45.

[0089] The fourth attenuator 42 is connected to the low-pass filter 44, the low-pass filter 44 is connected to the second amplifier 46, and the signal acquisition device 47 is connected to the first amplifier 45 and the second amplifier 46 respectively.

[0090] The standard test antenna 25 is used to transmit activation energy signals and uplink signals fed back by the transponder 15 after it is activated, as well as response signals returned by the transponder 15 after interface testing or message writing.

[0091] The bandpass filter 43 is used to filter out interference signals from the activation energy signal.

[0092] Understandably, the main purpose of the bandpass filter 43 is to filter out signals other than the 27MHz activation energy signal, including higher harmonics and the 4MHz uplink signal.

[0093] Low-pass filter 44 is used to filter out high-frequency interference signals in the uplink signal.

[0094] Understandably, the primary purpose of the low-pass filter 44 is to filter the 27MHz activation energy signal and higher harmonics.

[0095] The first amplifier 45 is used to amplify the filtered activation energy signal.

[0096] The second amplifier 46 is used to amplify the filtered uplink signal.

[0097] Signal acquisition device 47 is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal, preprocessed uplink signal and response signal to the test management module.

[0098] Understandably, the multi-channel high-speed signal acquisition device is mainly used to acquire 4MHz uplink signals, 27MHz activation energy signals, and response signals, so that the test management module can evaluate the electrical characteristics of the uplink signals and the amplitude of the activation energy signals. This acquisition process needs to be triggered by the synchronization signal output by the first waveform generator 21 to ensure that valid signals are acquired.

[0099] Specifically, the signal acquisition device 47 includes at least multiple high-speed signal acquisition channels; wherein, the first high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal to the test management module; the second high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed uplink signal to the test management module; and the third high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the response signal to the test management module.

[0100] Furthermore, combined with Figure 4 See the content shown. Figure 5 The standard test antenna 25 includes a standard antenna output balun 51, a standard antenna induction balun 52, a standard antenna transmit loop 53, a standard antenna receive loop 54, and a standard antenna receive balun 55.

[0101] The standard antenna output balun 51 is connected to the standard antenna transmitting ring 53, and the standard antenna transmitting ring 53 is connected to the standard antenna inductive balun 52.

[0102] Among them, the standard antenna output balun 51 and the standard antenna transmitting ring 53 are used to transmit the activation energy signal; the standard antenna sensing balun 52 is used to monitor the actual radiated energy of the activation energy signal.

[0103] Specifically, the standard antenna output balun 51 includes, but is not limited to, the standard antenna 27MHz output balun, and the standard antenna induction balun 52 includes, but is not limited to, the standard antenna 27MHz induction balun.

[0104] Understandably, the standard antenna sensing balun 52 is mainly used to evaluate and monitor the magnitude of the 27MHz activation energy signal, ensuring the correctness of the 27MHz activation energy signal transmission.

[0105] The standard antenna receiving loop 54 is connected to the standard antenna receiving balun 55.

[0106] The standard antenna receiving loop 54 and the standard antenna receiving balun 55 are used to receive the uplink signal fed back after the transponder is activated.

[0107] Specifically, the standard antenna receiver loop 54 includes, but is not limited to, a standard antenna 4MHz receiver balun.

[0108] Specifically, the 27MHz activation energy signal output through the standard antenna transmitting ring 53 is proportional to the 27MHz output power. After subsequent amplification and acquisition, the actual 27MHz output power can be analyzed, and its performance can be monitored to ensure it meets expectations. The standard antenna receiving ring 54 receives the FSK modulated signal (4MHz uplink signal) emitted by the activated transponder 15, centered at 4.234MHz. This signal is filtered, amplified, and acquired at high speed, and then transmitted to the host computer as waveform data for analysis. To ensure the transponder 15 signal is undistorted and all waveform details are fully captured, the sampling rate of the signal acquisition device 47 must be at least 20MSa / s, and the sampling resolution at least 12 bits. The analysis and evaluation of the transponder signal mainly includes signal amplitude, center frequency, frequency offset, transmission rate, maximum time interval error, amplitude jitter, bandwidth, and startup time.

[0109] It should be noted that the output characteristics of the transponder signal are closely related to the strength of the 27MHz signal it receives. Therefore, the magnitude of the 27MHz output energy must be accurately monitored in order to accurately evaluate the 4MHz signal emitted by transponder 15.

[0110] Furthermore, combined with Figure 5 See the content shown. Figure 6The interface control module 14 includes: a communication logic module 61, an interface circuit synthesis module 62, a switching control module 63, a second waveform generator 64, multiple signal amplifiers 65, a signal output balun 66, and a message writing antenna 67.

[0111] The communication logic module 61 and the second waveform generator 64 are connected to the test management module 11. The second waveform generator 64 is connected to multiple signal amplifiers 65. The communication logic module 61 and the multiple signal amplifiers 65 are connected to the switching control module 63.

[0112] Specifically, the second waveform generator 64 includes, but is not limited to, an arbitrary waveform generator.

[0113] The communication logic module 61 and the switching control module 63 are connected to the interface circuit synthesis module 62. The switching control module 63 is connected to the signal output balun 66. The signal output balun 66 is connected to the message writing antenna 67. The interface circuit synthesis module 62 is connected to the transponder 15.

[0114] The second waveform generator 64 is used to generate a square wave signal and a first sine wave signal according to the second test command issued by the test management module 11 when it receives the second test command. It is also used to generate an initial message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing command sent by the test management module.

[0115] Specifically, the sine wave signal frequency is 8.82kHz, referred to as the C6 signal; the square wave signal frequency is 564.48kHz / 1.12MHz, referred to as the C1 signal; and the initial message write energy signal is a 9MHz initial message write energy signal.

[0116] The signal amplifier 65 is used to amplify the square wave signal and the first sine wave signal, or to amplify the initial message write energy signal to obtain the message write energy signal.

[0117] The switching control module 63 is controlled by the communication logic module 61 and is used to send the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to the interface circuit synthesis module 62, or to write the message into the energy signal and transmit it to the signal output balun 66.

[0118] Specifically, the signal output balun 66 is a 9MHz output balun.

[0119] The interface circuit synthesis module 62 is used to superimpose the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to obtain the interface signal, and send the interface signal to the transponder 15.

[0120] The message writing antenna 67 is used to send the amplified message writing energy signal to the transponder 15, and to perform a message writing operation on the transponder 15 according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0121] Furthermore, combined with Figure 6 For the content, see Figure 7 The communication logic module 61 includes a serial communication interface circuit 71, a digital signal processor 72 (DSP), and a field-programmable gate array 73 (FPGA).

[0122] The serial communication interface circuit 71 is connected to the test management module 11, the serial communication interface circuit 71 is connected to the DSP 72, the DSP 72 is connected to the FPGA 73, and the FPGA 73 is connected to the interface circuit synthesis module 62 and the switching control module 63 respectively.

[0123] Among them, the serial communication interface circuit 71 is used to interact with the test management module 11, and the DSP 72 and FPGA 73 are used for protocol parsing and logic control.

[0124] Specifically, the logic control and communication section, composed of DSP72 and FPGA73, is responsible for interacting with the test management module 11, completing data transmission and reception via RS232 communication. On one hand, it uses communication commands to briefly disable the output of signals C1 and C6 (fault insertion design). On the other hand, it controls the connection switching of the output signals of the second waveform generator 64: when the second waveform generator 64 is set to output C interface signals (C1 and C6 signals), the switching control module 63 connects the signals to the input of the interface circuit synthesis module 62; when set to output a 9MHz signal for message writing, the switching control module 63 connects the signals to the input of the signal output balun 66. Furthermore, the interface circuit synthesis module 62 superimposes the C1 and C6 signals output from the second waveform generator 64 and outputs them to the input of the active transponder. Simultaneously, this circuit can control the on / off state of signals C1 and C6 under the control of the FPGA.

[0125] Understandably, the second waveform generator 64 has two output channels: Channel 1 is set to the C1 signal, which is converted from the message content into high and low level waveform data according to the DBPL encoding principle and stored in the arbitrary waveform generator; Channel 2 is set to the C6 signal, i.e., an 8.82kHz sine wave. The test management module 11 sets the output amplitude of the two channels respectively and sends a command via RS232 to the switching control module 63 to connect these two output signals to the input of the interface circuit synthesis module 62. This synthesis circuit superimposes the C1 signal and the C6 signal to form a normal interface signal output to the transponder (at this time, the transponder is an active transponder). At the same time, the FPGA can independently control the brief interruption of the C1 signal or the C6 signal to realize the C interface fault insertion test (i.e., briefly disable the C1 or C6 output). The interface signal is collected and analyzed by the signal acquisition device 47. Simultaneously, the uplink signal returned by the transponder is also collected and analyzed by the same signal acquisition device 47, thereby accurately completing the test of the C interface signal transmission time delay. In the message writing function, channel 1 of the second waveform generator 64 is switched to a 9MHz sine wave output as the message writing energy signal; at the same time, channel 1 of the second waveform generator 64 is set to a 27MHz sine wave output, and channel 2 stores the high and low level waveform data (0 corresponds to low level, 1 corresponds to high level) converted from the transponder message data. The duration of the high and low levels is set according to the rate specified by the transponder message writing communication protocol, so as to complete the message writing operation together.

[0126] It should be noted that the fully automatic message burning function is jointly completed by the test management module 11 controlling the waveform generator, the message writing antenna 67, and the transmitting ring in the standard test antenna 25.

[0127] Specifically, the above Figures 1 to 7 The devices shown can be used to construct a transponder integrated test bench, which can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 .

[0128] In addition, before conducting transponder testing, the test management module 11 requires login with a username and password, and an administrator account is available (regular accounts can be added). After successful login, the system first performs a self-check: checking the system integrity (including the existence and normal status of the first waveform generator 21, the second waveform generator 64, the signal acquisition device 47, and the interface device; if normal, a normal prompt is given; otherwise, an error is detected) and correctness (setting a fixed 27MHz output to check if the 27MHz sensing meets expectations, setting a specific message to output the interface to check if the interface signal is normal; if normal, a normal prompt is given; otherwise, an error is detected). After passing the check, a prompt to continue testing is given.

[0129] Test parameters are obtained using a configuration file, and the parameters include Φ d1 and Φ d2The output size assessment, the corresponding 27MHz induced energy size assessment, and the 4MHz uplink signal amplitude assessment corresponding to IU1, IU2, and IU3 are all related to the parameters of the attenuator, connecting cables, and standard test antenna. Each set of equipment needs to be calibrated before leaving the factory and checked regularly. Modification of the configuration file requires specific permissions (e.g., only the supplier can modify it to protect the instrument input protection). The configuration also includes the selection of message files (such as TB / T 3544-2018 standard test messages and user messages), which can be selected when testing the C interface. Parameter calibration can be listed as a technical service item.

[0130] The detailed test items and test conditions are obtained through the configuration file, while the major test items can be selected on the software interface, including transponder signal characteristic test (interface signal OFF), IO test (interface signal OFF), transponder signal characteristic test (interface signal ON), IO test (interface signal ON), and interface test (interface signal ON, including normal function test, fault insertion test, signal delay test, etc.). Among them, interface signal OFF refers to testing the passive characteristics of passive transponders or active transponders, while interface signal ON refers to the interface message transmission characteristics of active transponders.

[0131] The test management module 11 controls the waveform generator, message writing antenna 67, and standard antenna transmitting ring 53 to work together, without the need for dedicated programming tools or manual operation. All devices (waveform generator, signal acquisition device 47, standard C interface signal module (i.e., interface circuit synthesis module 62), multi-channel programmable DC power supply, and power amplifier) ​​are controlled via USB / Ethernet / serial port. Before each test, ensure that the devices are in normal working condition. Before starting the test, the waveform generator signal output must be turned off. After the required signal is acquired, the RF energy output must be turned off in time. During the test, the operation steps and results are displayed in real time. Special waveforms used in the test (such as AM modulation waveforms and C interface waveforms with specific electrical properties) are generated by the test management module 11 according to the waveform generator storage format.

[0132] All signal parameter analyses are based on the raw waveform discrete sampling point data acquired by signal acquisition device 47. This method reduces the investment in equipment such as spectrum analyzers, power meters, and vector signal analyzers, saving costs, and can perform special parameter calculations that are not supported by general-purpose instruments. However, it increases the difficulty of analysis by the host computer software (e.g., signal amplitude and frequency both require software analysis); see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 , Figure 9This image shows a small segment of a 4MHz uplink signal (approximately 4-5 bits of data, 450 sampling points, 50MHz sampling rate) acquired by a high-speed acquisition device. The test management module 11 analyzes the sampled data point by point, and displays the test results after completing the calculations. Upon completion of the test, a complete test report is generated according to the user's selection, accessible via a web link. Details of specific test items are accessed through hyperlinks. The test management module 11 also provides a printing interface, allowing users to print both the test report and the results of each test item.

[0133] Based on the above, the embodiments of this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0134] 1. The test management module centrally controls each module to automatically complete signal generation, acquisition, preprocessing and analysis, eliminating the need for manual instrument setup, waveform reading or interpretation, thus solving the problems of poor test repeatability and subjective error caused by manual operation.

[0135] 2. During the test, the messages stored in the transponder can be rewritten according to the test requirements. Compared with the existing test which requires manual rewriting of messages using special encoding tools, the embodiments of this application reduce manual intervention, improve test efficiency, and save labor costs.

[0136] 3. The interface parameters can be flexibly set to different amplitudes (including C1 and C6 signals), and the output and inactivation of C1 and C6 signals can be controlled independently, with precise control over the output / inactivation time. Compared to existing active transponder testing methods that only connect fixed LEU devices and have fixed interface signal parameters, this invention increases the universality of interface testing. Furthermore, since the test system is uniformly controlled by the test management module, the transmission of the 27MHz activation energy signal and the acquisition and analysis of the 4MHz uplink signal can be simultaneously controlled while the interface signal is being transmitted and acquired. Compared to existing testing methods that separate the interface from the 27MHz and 4MHz signals, the embodiments of this application more easily and accurately measure the time delay of the entire interface signal during transmission.

[0137] 4. During the testing process, the acquisition of transponder signals, monitoring of the 27MHz activation energy signal, and interface monitoring are all conducted using signal acquisition equipment. The signals to be tested and monitored are then acquired and analyzed by the test management module. During analysis, details of each waveform can be displayed as needed. Compared to existing transponder testing systems that use general-purpose instruments such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, and oscilloscopes for analysis, this invention is more flexible, lower in cost, and more conducive to analyzing abnormal conditions of the tested equipment.

[0138] like Figure 10 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a transponder testing method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0139] S1001: When the first test instruction is received from the test management module, the activation signal transmission module generates an activation energy signal according to the first test instruction and sends the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder.

[0140] The first test instruction is the waveform generation instruction.

[0141] S1002: When performing a message write operation, activate the signal transmission module to generate the ASK data signal required for message writing.

[0142] S1003: When the second test instruction sent by the test management module is received, the interface control module generates an interface signal according to the second test instruction and performs interface testing on the transponder according to the interface signal.

[0143] The second test instruction is the instruction for generating interface signals.

[0144] S1004: When the test management module receives the message writing instruction, the interface control module generates a message writing energy signal and performs a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

[0145] Among them, the message writing energy signal is a 9MHz message writing energy signal.

[0146] S1005: The signal receiving module collects the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back after the transponder is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process, and sends the activation energy signal, uplink signal and response signal to the test management module.

[0147] The uplink signal is a 4MHz uplink signal.

[0148] S1006: The test management module analyzes the activation energy signal, uplink signal, and response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder.

[0149] Specifically, the test management module analyzes the activation energy signal and the uplink signal, evaluates the electrical characteristics of the uplink signal and the signal amplitude of the activation energy signal, analyzes the response signal, and determines whether the transponder's response is correct during the interface test or message writing process, in order to verify the interface function, fault insertion test results, or whether the message writing is successful.

[0150] In summary, by centrally controlling each module through the test management module to automatically complete signal generation, acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis, there is no need for manual instrument setup, waveform reading, or interpretation, thus solving the problems of poor test repeatability and subjective error caused by manual operation.

[0151] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. In particular, for system or system embodiments, since they are fundamentally similar to method embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. The systems and system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0153] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A transponder testing device, characterized in that, The transponder testing device includes: a test management module, an activation signal transmission module, a signal receiving module, and an interface control module; The test management module is connected to the activation signal transmitting module, the signal receiving module, and the interface control module, respectively; the activation signal transmitting module is connected to the signal receiving module; the signal receiving module and the interface control module are connected to the transponder; The activation signal transmitting module is used to generate an activation energy signal according to the first test command when it receives the first test command sent by the test management module, and send the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder; it is also used to generate the amplitude shift keying (ASK) data signal required for message writing when performing a message writing operation. The interface control module is configured to generate an interface signal according to the second test instruction sent by the test management module when it receives the second test instruction, and perform interface testing on the transponder according to the interface signal; it is also configured to generate a message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing instruction sent by the test management module, and perform a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal. The signal receiving module is used to collect the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after activation, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process. After preprocessing the activation energy signal and the uplink signal, the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal are sent to the test management module. The test management module is used to analyze the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal, and the response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activation signal transmission module includes: a first waveform generator, a first attenuator, a power amplifier, a second attenuator, and a standard test antenna; The first waveform generator is connected to the signal receiving module and the first attenuator, respectively; the first attenuator is connected to the power amplifier; the power amplifier is connected to the second attenuator, and the second attenuator is connected to the standard test antenna. The first attenuator is used to achieve impedance matching between the first waveform generator and the power amplifier; the second attenuator is used to achieve impedance matching between the power amplifier and the standard test antenna. The first waveform generator is used to generate an initial activation energy signal according to the first test instruction sent by the test management module when it receives the first test instruction. The power amplifier is used to amplify the initial activation energy signal to obtain the activation energy signal; The standard test antenna is used to send the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first waveform generator includes multiple output channels; the first channel is used to generate an initial activation energy signal, and the second channel is used to generate an amplitude modulation waveform to perform AM modulation on the initial activation energy signal, thereby controlling the amplitude envelope of the activation energy signal.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal receiving module includes a standard test antenna, a third attenuator, a fourth attenuator, a bandpass filter, a low-pass filter, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, and a signal acquisition device; The standard test antenna is connected to the third attenuator and the fourth attenuator respectively. The third attenuator is connected to the bandpass filter, and the bandpass filter is connected to the first amplifier. The fourth attenuator is connected to the low-pass filter, the low-pass filter is connected to the second amplifier, and the signal acquisition device is connected to the first amplifier and the second amplifier respectively. The standard test antenna is used to transmit the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after it is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process. The bandpass filter is used to filter out interference signals from the activation energy signal; The low-pass filter is used to filter out high-frequency interference signals in the uplink signal; The first amplifier is used to amplify the filtered activation energy signal; The second amplifier is used to amplify the filtered uplink signal; The signal acquisition device is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal, the preprocessed uplink signal and the response signal to the test management module.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal acquisition device includes at least multiple high-speed signal acquisition channels; wherein, the first high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed activation energy signal to the test management module; the second high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the preprocessed uplink signal to the test management module; and the third high-speed signal acquisition channel is used to acquire and upload the response signal to the test management module.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The standard test antenna includes a standard antenna output balun, a standard antenna inductive balun, a standard antenna transmitting loop, a standard antenna receiving loop, and a standard antenna receiving balun; The standard antenna output balun is connected to the standard antenna transmitting loop, and the standard antenna transmitting loop is connected to the standard antenna sensing balun; the standard antenna output balun and the standard antenna transmitting loop are used to transmit the activation energy signal; The standard antenna sensing balun is used to monitor the actual radiated energy of the activated energy signal; The standard antenna receiving loop is connected to the standard antenna receiving balun; The standard antenna receiving loop and the standard antenna receiving balun are used to receive the uplink signal fed back after the transponder is activated.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface control module includes: a communication logic module, an interface circuit synthesis module, a switching control module, a second waveform generator, multiple signal amplifiers, a signal output balun, and a message writing antenna; The communication logic module and the second waveform generator are connected to the test management module, the second waveform generator is connected to the multiple signal amplifiers, and the communication logic module and the multiple signal amplifiers are connected to the switching control module. The communication logic module and the switching control module are connected to the interface circuit synthesis module. The switching control module is connected to the signal output balun. The signal output balun is connected to the message writing antenna. The interface circuit synthesis module is connected to the transponder. The second waveform generator is used to generate a square wave signal and a first sine wave signal according to the second test command issued by the test management module when it receives the second test command issued by the test management module; it is also used to generate an initial message writing energy signal when it receives a message writing command sent by the test management module. The signal amplifier is used to amplify the square wave signal and the first sine wave signal, or to amplify the initial message writing energy signal to obtain the message writing energy signal; The switching control module is controlled by the communication logic module and is used to send the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to the interface circuit synthesis module, or to send the message written energy signal to the signal output balun. The interface circuit synthesis module is used to superimpose the amplified square wave signal and the amplified first sine wave signal to obtain an interface signal, and then send the interface signal to the transponder. The message writing antenna is used to send the amplified message writing energy signal to the transponder, and to perform a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The communication logic module includes a serial communication interface circuit, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The serial communication interface circuit is connected to the test management module, the serial communication interface circuit is connected to the DSP, the DSP is connected to the FPGA, and the FPGA is connected to the interface circuit synthesis module and the switching control module respectively; the serial communication interface circuit is used to interact with the test management module, and the DSP and FPGA are used for protocol parsing and logic control.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test management module is specifically a host computer.

10. A transponder testing method, characterized in that, The transponder testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprises: When the test management module receives the first test instruction, the activation signal transmission module generates an activation energy signal according to the first test instruction and sends the activation energy signal to the transponder to activate the transponder. When a message write operation is performed, the activation signal transmission module generates the ASK data signal required for message writing; When the test management module receives the second test instruction, the interface control module generates an interface signal according to the second test instruction and performs an interface test on the transponder according to the interface signal. When the test management module receives a message writing instruction, the interface control module generates a message writing energy signal and performs a message writing operation on the transponder according to the message writing energy signal and the ASK data signal. The signal receiving module collects the activation energy signal, the uplink signal fed back by the transponder after it is activated, and the response signal returned by the transponder after the interface test or message writing process, and sends the activation energy signal, the uplink signal and the response signal to the test management module. The test management module analyzes the activation energy signal, the uplink signal, and the response signal to obtain the test results of the transponder.

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