A radio frequency switch matrix for data link indicator testing

Abstract

The application discloses a radio frequency switch matrix for data chain index test, and relates to the technical field of microwave radio frequency circuit. It comprises sequentially connected power attenuator one, digital control attenuator one, combiner one, bidirectional coupler, digital control attenuator two, combiner three and power attenuator two; and further comprises nine switches and three loads. Different state combinations of the nine switches enable the radio frequency switch matrix to be configured into multiple test modes, including basic parameter test mode, working frequency test mode, transmitting power test mode, receiving sensitivity and anti-interference test mode, network access time test mode and the like. The application has the advantages of high test automation degree, comprehensive index coverage, fast test speed, high accuracy and the like, and can be widely applied to the field of comprehensive performance test of data chain systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microwave radio frequency circuit technology, and in particular to a radio frequency switch matrix for data link performance testing. Background Technology

[0002] Key data link metrics include transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, time synchronization, operating frequency, transmit power, receiver sensitivity, network access time, and interference immunity. Traditional testing methods involve manually building test systems using power attenuators and digitally controlled attenuators. Testing different data link metrics requires repeatedly unscrewing and reconnecting RF cables, which is not only time-consuming but also affects test accuracy. Currently available data link metric testing systems can only automate the testing of some metrics; the remaining metrics still require manual environment setup for testing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an RF switch matrix for data link performance testing, which consists of multiple RF switches, digitally controlled attenuators, directional couplers, combiners, power attenuators, etc. By switching different states of the switch network, the RF switch matrix can be configured into various data link performance testing modes, enabling automated testing of data link parameters such as transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, time synchronization, operating frequency, transmit power, receive sensitivity, network access time, and anti-interference capabilities in conjunction with the upper-level system.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: A radio frequency switch matrix for data link performance testing includes a power attenuator 1, a digitally controlled attenuator 1, a combiner 1, a bidirectional coupler, a digitally controlled attenuator 2, a combiner 3, and a power attenuator 2 connected in sequence; it also includes nine switches and three loads. Among them, the common port of switch one is connected to combiner three, port one is connected to port one of the coupling detector, and port two is connected to load three; port two of the coupling detector is connected to power attenuator three. The common port of switch 2 is connected to combiner 2, port 1 is connected to load 2, and port 2 is connected to switch 4; The common port of switch three is connected to combiner one, port one is connected to load one, and port two is connected to switch four. The common port of switch four is connected to an external interference signal generating device, port one is connected to switch two, and port two is connected to switch three; The common port of switch five is connected to a bidirectional coupler, port one is connected to switch six, and port two is connected to switch nine. The common port of switch six is ​​connected to switch eight, port one is connected to switch five, and port two is connected to switch seven; the common port of switch nine is connected to the external interface. The common port of switch seven is connected to a bidirectional coupler, port one is connected to switch six, and port two is connected to switch nine. The common port of switch 8 is connected to switch 6, port 1 is connected to an external spectrum analyzer, and port 2 is connected to an external power meter.

[0005] Furthermore: When switch one is in the state of strobe port two, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, and switch three is in the state of strobe port one, it is used to test the basic parameter indicators of the data link.

[0006] Furthermore: When switch one is in the state of strobe port two, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, switch three is in the state of strobe port one, switch five is in the state of strobe port one, switch six is ​​in the state of strobe port one, and switch eight is in the state of strobe port one, it is used for testing the uplink operating frequency of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 2 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 3 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 6 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 7 is in the state of strobe port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of strobe port 1, it can be used to test the downlink operating frequency of the data link.

[0007] Furthermore: When switch one is in the state of strobe port two, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, switch three is in the state of strobe port one, switch five is in the state of strobe port one, switch six is ​​in the state of strobe port one, and switch eight is in the state of strobe port two, it is used for testing the uplink transmit power of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 2 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 3 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 6 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 7 is in the state of strobe port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of strobe port 2, it can be used to test the downlink transmit power of the data link.

[0008] Furthermore: When switch one is in the state of strobe port two, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, switch three is in the state of strobe port two, switch four is in the state of strobe port two, switch five is in the state of strobe port one, switch six is ​​in the state of strobe port one, and switch eight is in the state of strobe port two, it is used for testing the uplink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference index of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 2 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 3 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 4 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 6 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 7 is in the state of selecting port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of selecting port 2, it is used for testing the downlink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference index of the data link.

[0009] Furthermore: When switch one is in the state of strobe port one, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, and switch three is in the state of strobe port one, it is used for testing the data link network entry time.

[0010] Furthermore, each switch and digitally controlled attenuator is controlled by the upper-level program to achieve automated testing of various data link indicators.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. In this invention, the testing is highly automated. By switching different states of the switching network, the RF switch matrix can be configured into various data link indicator testing modes, which greatly improves the testing speed and accuracy. 2. In this invention, the test indicators are comprehensive, and it can test the data link's transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, time synchronization, operating frequency, transmission power, receiving sensitivity, network access time, and anti-interference indicators. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall principle of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of testing basic data link parameters such as transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, and time synchronization in this invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of data link uplink operating frequency testing in this invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of data link downlink operating frequency testing in this invention.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of uplink transmit power testing in the data link of this invention.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of downlink transmit power testing in this invention.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of testing the uplink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference performance of the data link in this invention.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of testing the downlink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference performance of the data link in this invention.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of the data link network access time test in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to a specific example, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] This example demonstrates an RF switch matrix for data link performance testing, consisting of nine switches, three power attenuators, two digitally controlled attenuators, three combiners, a bidirectional coupler, a detector, and three loads. The switches are model SF-SW-003N0P001828-01, the power attenuators are all model WDTS500-40-8, the digitally controlled attenuators are model GKTS1-2 / 2-70-0.5 / 26.5-KE, the combiner is model TGP-A0223, the bidirectional coupler is model DOQ-20S6-4080F, and the loads are model SMA-JR. The other components are standard RF designs, and their model numbers are not detailed here.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an RF switch matrix for data link performance testing, including a power attenuator 1, a digitally controlled attenuator 1, a combiner 1, a bidirectional coupler, a digitally controlled attenuator 2, a combiner 3, and a power attenuator 2 connected in sequence; it also includes nine switches and three loads. Specifically, the common port of switch 1 is connected to combiner 3, port 1 is connected to port 1 of the coupling detector, and port 2 is connected to load 3; port 2 of the coupling detector is connected to power attenuator 3. The common port of switch 2 is connected to combiner 2, port 1 is connected to load 2, and port 2 is connected to switch 4. The common port of switch 3 is connected to combiner 1, port 1 is connected to load 1, and port 2 is connected to switch 4. The common port of switch 4 is connected to an external interference signal generating device, port 1 is connected to switch 2, and port 2 is connected to switch 3. The common port of switch 5 is connected to the bidirectional coupler, port 1 is connected to switch 6, and port 2 is connected to switch 9. The common port of switch 6 is connected to switch 8, port 1 is connected to switch 5, and port 2 is connected to switch 7. The common port of switch 9 is connected to an external interface. Switch 7's common port connects to a bidirectional coupler, port 1 connects to switch 6, and port 2 connects to switch 9. Switch 8's common port connects to switch 6, port 1 connects to an external spectrum analyzer, and port 2 connects to an external power meter.

[0024] This RF switch matrix, through different combinations of nine switch states, enables automated testing of various data link parameters. The specific test modes and their corresponding switch state settings are as follows: In the basic parameter index test mode, such as Figure 2As shown, switch one selects port two, switch two selects port one, and switch three selects port one. The signal path is as follows: the signal passes through power attenuator one, digitally controlled attenuator one, combiner one, bidirectional coupler, digitally controlled attenuator two, and combiner three, before connecting to load three via switch one, forming a closed-loop signal. In this mode, it can be used in conjunction with the upper-level system to test basic parameters such as data link transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, and time synchronization.

[0025] In this mode, the uplink transmission signal of data terminal one is first attenuated by power attenuator one to avoid burning out subsequent circuits. Then it passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), then through combiner one (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch three, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through a bidirectional coupler, then through combiner two (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch two, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through digitally controlled attenuator two (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), then through combiner three (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch one, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), and finally through power attenuator two to data terminal two. Similarly, the downlink transmission signal of data terminal two passes through various stages of devices to data terminal one. The function of the RF switch matrix at this time is to establish the uplink and downlink signal transmission channels between data terminal one and data terminal two, enabling system uplink and downlink connectivity, and is used for testing basic parameters such as system transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, and time synchronization.

[0026] In the operating frequency test mode, there are two test states: uplink and downlink. For example... Figure 3 As shown, during uplink operating frequency testing, switch 1 is configured to select port 2, switch 2 to select port 1, switch 3 to select port 1, switch 5 to select port 1, switch 6 to select port 1, and switch 8 to select port 1. The signal is then output to an external spectrum analyzer after passing through a bidirectional coupler, switch 5, switch 6, and switch 8 to measure the uplink operating frequency. Figure 4 As shown, during the downlink operating frequency test, switch 1 is configured to select port 2, switch 2 to select port 1, switch 3 to select port 1, switch 6 to select port 2, switch 7 to select port 1, and switch 8 to select port 1. The signal is output to an external spectrum analyzer after passing through a bidirectional coupler, switch 7, switch 6, and switch 8, and is used to measure the downlink operating frequency.

[0027] In this mode, the uplink transmit signal of data terminal one is first attenuated by power attenuator one to avoid burning out subsequent circuits. Then it passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), then through combiner one (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch three, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through a bidirectional coupler, then through combiner two (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch two, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through digitally controlled attenuator two (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), then through combiner three (the other port of which is connected to a load via switch one, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), and finally through power attenuator two to data terminal two. Similarly, the downlink transmit signal of data terminal two passes through various stages of devices to data terminal one. The bidirectional coupler couples the uplink RF signal out and connects it to an external spectrum analyzer via switches five, six, and eight, or couples the downlink RF signal out and connects it to an external spectrum analyzer via switches seven, six, and eight. At this time, the function of the RF switch matrix is ​​to connect the uplink and downlink signal transmission channels between data terminal one and data terminal two, so that the system can connect uplink and downlink. At the same time, it couples the uplink or downlink RF signal to an external spectrum analyzer to measure the operating frequency of the uplink or downlink RF signal.

[0028] In the transmit power test mode, there are also two test states: uplink and downlink. For example... Figure 5 As shown, during uplink transmit power testing, switch 1 is configured to select port 2, switch 2 to select port 1, switch 3 to select port 1, switch 5 to select port 1, switch 6 to select port 1, and switch 8 to select port 2. The signal is output to an external power meter after passing through a bidirectional coupler, switch 5, switch 6, and switch 8 to measure the uplink transmit power. Figure 6 As shown, during downlink transmit power testing, switch 1 is configured to select port 2, switch 2 to select port 1, switch 3 to select port 1, switch 6 to select port 2, switch 7 to select port 1, and switch 8 to select port 2. The signal is output to an external power meter after passing through a bidirectional coupler, switch 7, switch 6, and switch 8 to measure the downlink transmit power.

[0029] In this mode, the uplink transmit signal of data terminal one is first attenuated by power attenuator one to avoid burning out subsequent circuits. Then it passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (with its attenuation set to zero), then through combiner one (its other port is connected to a load via switch three, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through a bidirectional coupler, then through combiner two (its other port is connected to a load via switch two, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through digitally controlled attenuator two (with its attenuation set to zero), then through combiner three (its other port is connected to a load via switch one, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), and finally through power attenuator two to data terminal two. Similarly, the downlink transmit signal of data terminal two passes through various stages to data terminal one. The bidirectional coupler couples the uplink RF signal out and connects it to an external power meter via switches five, six, and eight, or couples the downlink RF signal out and connects it to an external power meter via switches seven, six, and eight. At this time, the function of the RF switch matrix is ​​to connect the uplink and downlink signal transmission channels between data terminal one and data terminal two, so that the system can be connected uplink and downlink. At the same time, it couples the uplink or downlink RF signal to an external power meter to measure the uplink or downlink signal power. After adding the insertion loss of the pre-calibrated internal circuits, the uplink or downlink transmission power can be obtained.

[0030] The receiver sensitivity and anti-interference performance test modes are divided into uplink and downlink test states. For example... Figure 7 As shown, during uplink receiver sensitivity and anti-interference testing, switches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 are configured to select port 2. External interference signals enter combiner 1 through switches 4 and 3, are superimposed with the uplink signal, and are then output to an external power meter via a bidirectional coupler, switches 5, 6, and 8. This is used to test the uplink receiver sensitivity and anti-interference performance. Figure 8 As shown, during the downlink receiver sensitivity and anti-interference test, the following switches are configured: switch 1 selects port 2, switch 2 selects port 2, switch 3 selects port 1, switch 4 selects port 1, switch 6 selects port 2, switch 7 selects port 1, and switch 8 selects port 2. External interference signals enter combiner 2 through switch 4 and switch 2, and after being superimposed with the downlink signal, they are output to an external power meter via a bidirectional coupler, switch 7, switch 6, and switch 8. This is used to test the downlink receiver sensitivity and anti-interference performance.

[0031] In this mode, the uplink transmit signal of data terminal one is first attenuated by power attenuator one to avoid burning out subsequent circuits. Then it passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (with its attenuation set to zero), then through combiner one (its other port is connected to a load via switch three, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through a bidirectional coupler, then through combiner two (its other port is connected to a load via switch two, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), then through digitally controlled attenuator two (with its attenuation set to zero), then through combiner three (its other port is connected to a load via switch one, meaning there is no signal input on the other port), and finally through power attenuator two to data terminal two. Similarly, the downlink transmit signal of data terminal two passes through various stages to data terminal one. The bidirectional coupler couples the uplink RF signal out and connects it to an external power meter via switches five, six, and eight, or couples the downlink RF signal out and connects it to an external power meter via switches seven, six, and eight. At this point, the function of the RF switch matrix is ​​to establish the uplink and downlink signal transmission channels between data terminal one and data terminal two, enabling uplink and downlink connectivity in the system. Simultaneously, it couples the uplink or downlink RF signal output to an external power meter. When the attenuation value of the digitally controlled attenuator is zero, the uplink or downlink signal power is measured. After adding the insertion loss of each stage of the pre-calibrated internal circuitry, the uplink or downlink signal input level is obtained. The attenuation of the digitally controlled attenuator is then gradually increased until the system determines that it has reached the sensitivity threshold. The uplink or downlink sensitivity index is obtained by subtracting the attenuation from the signal input level. When measuring the uplink anti-interference index, the interference signal generated by the external interference signal generator passes through switch four and switch three to combiner one. Combiner one combines the interference signal with the uplink signal. When measuring the downlink anti-interference index, the interference signal generated by the external interference signal generator passes through switch four and switch two to combiner two. Combiner two combines the interference signal with the downlink signal. Measuring the sensitivity using the above method under interference conditions yields the system's anti-interference index.

[0032] In the network access time test mode, such as Figure 9 As shown, switch one selects port one, switch two selects port one, and switch three selects port one. The signal passes through power attenuator one, digitally controlled attenuator one, combiner one, bidirectional coupler, digitally controlled attenuator two, and combiner three. It is then connected to the coupling detector through switch one, and then output to the external device through power attenuator three for testing the data link network entry time.

[0033] In this mode, the uplink transmission signal of data terminal one is first attenuated by power attenuator one to avoid burning out subsequent circuits. Then it passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), then through combiner one. The other port of combiner one is connected to a load via switch three, meaning there is no signal input on the other port. It then passes through a bidirectional coupler and then through combiner two. The other port of combiner two is connected to a load via switch two, meaning there is no signal input on the other port. It then passes through digitally controlled attenuator one (the attenuation value of which can be set to an appropriate value as needed), and finally through combiner three. Combiner three divides the uplink signal, one path passing through power attenuator two to data terminal two, and the other path passing through switch one, a coupling detector, and power attenuator three to data terminal three. Similarly, the downlink transmission signals of data terminals two and three pass through various stages to data terminal one. The function of the coupling detector is to detect the downlink signal when data terminal three transmits it and output a detection voltage to an external oscilloscope. At this time, the function of the RF switch matrix is ​​to connect the uplink and downlink signal transmission channels between data terminal 1 and data terminal 2 and data terminal 3, so that the system can connect uplink and downlink. After data terminal 3 enters the network, its downlink transmission signal is output as a detection voltage to an external oscilloscope after passing through a coupling detector, which is used to measure and calculate the network entry time of the system.

[0034] In this embodiment, all switches and digitally controlled attenuators are controlled by the upper-level program. Through preset switch state combinations, the system can automatically switch to different test modes to achieve automated testing of various data link indicators. Actual test results show that the switching states of the RF switch matrix switch normally, and all functional performance indicators meet the system requirements. It can cooperate with the upper-level system to complete comprehensive testing of data link indicators such as transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, time synchronization, operating frequency, transmit power, receive sensitivity, network access time, and anti-interference, significantly improving testing efficiency and accuracy.

[0035] After the design and fabrication of this example were completed, the state switching of each switch in the RF switch matrix was tested and found to be normal. All functional performance indicators met the system requirements. In conjunction with the upper-level system, it can complete the testing of data link transmission rate, bit error rate, transmission delay, time synchronization, operating frequency, transmit power, receive sensitivity, network access time and anti-interference indicators.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radio frequency switch matrix for data link indicator testing comprising, in series, a power attenuator one, a digital attenuator one, a combiner one, a bi-directional coupler, a combiner two, a digital attenuator two, a combiner three, and a power attenuator two; characterized in that: It also includes nine switches and three loads; Among them, the common port of switch one is connected to combiner three, port one is connected to port one of the coupling detector, and port two is connected to load three; port two of the coupling detector is connected to power attenuator three. The common port of switch 2 is connected to combiner 2, port 1 is connected to load 2, and port 2 is connected to switch 4; The common port of switch three is connected to combiner one, port one is connected to load one, and port two is connected to switch four. The common port of switch four is connected to an external interference signal generating device, port one is connected to switch two, and port two is connected to switch three; The common port of switch five is connected to a bidirectional coupler, port one is connected to switch six, and port two is connected to switch nine. The common port of switch six is ​​connected to switch eight, port one is connected to switch five, and port two is connected to switch seven; the common port of switch nine is connected to the external interface. The common port of switch seven is connected to a bidirectional coupler, port one is connected to switch six, and port two is connected to switch nine. The common port of switch 8 is connected to switch 6, port 1 is connected to an external spectrum analyzer, and port 2 is connected to an external power meter.

2. A radio frequency switch matrix for data link indicator testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: When switch one is in the state of strobe port two, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, and switch three is in the state of strobe port one, it is used for testing the basic parameter indicators of the data link.

3. The RF switch matrix for data link performance testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: When switch 1 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 2 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 3 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 5 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 6 is in the state of strobe port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of strobe port 1, it is used for testing the uplink operating frequency of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 2 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 3 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 6 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 7 is in the state of strobe port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of strobe port 1, it can be used to test the downlink operating frequency of the data link.

4. The RF switch matrix for data link performance testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: When switch 1 is in the state of selected port 2, switch 2 is in the state of selected port 1, switch 3 is in the state of selected port 1, switch 5 is in the state of selected port 1, switch 6 is in the state of selected port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of selected port 2, it is used for testing the uplink transmit power of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 2 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 3 is in the state of strobe port 1, switch 6 is in the state of strobe port 2, switch 7 is in the state of strobe port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of strobe port 2, it can be used to test the downlink transmit power of the data link.

5. The RF switch matrix for data link performance testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: When switch 1 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 2 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 3 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 4 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 5 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 6 is in the state of selecting port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of selecting port 2, it is used for testing the uplink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference index of the data link. When switch 1 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 2 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 3 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 4 is in the state of selecting port 1, switch 6 is in the state of selecting port 2, switch 7 is in the state of selecting port 1, and switch 8 is in the state of selecting port 2, it is used for testing the downlink receiving sensitivity and anti-interference index of the data link.

6. The RF switch matrix for data link performance testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: When switch one is in the state of strobe port one, switch two is in the state of strobe port one, and switch three is in the state of strobe port one, it is used for testing the data link network access time.

7. The RF switch matrix for data link performance testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each switch and digitally controlled attenuator is controlled by the upper-level program to achieve automated testing of various data link indicators.

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