An automated test fixture for a server switch

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated testing fixture for server switches, comprising a main fixture body and a product adapter module, an identification module, and an automated testing module disposed on the testing fixture. The product adapter module includes a power adapter for electrically connecting to the product under test and a communication adapter for communication connecting to the product under test. The identification module is used to read the identification information of the product under test and output an identification signal. The automated testing module has a pre-built test program library and is configured to receive different identification signals, match the corresponding target test program based on the identification signal, and, upon successful matching, call the target program and perform automated testing on the product under test through the communication adapter. This invention automatically obtains product information and matches the corresponding target test program through the identification module, realizing the intelligentization and automation of the server switch testing process, effectively improving testing efficiency and accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of server and switch manufacturing technology, specifically to an automated testing fixture for server switches. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies, data centers, as the core of information infrastructure, are experiencing exponential growth in scale and complexity. Server switches, as critical nodes in the data center network architecture, undertake the high-speed forwarding and interaction of massive amounts of data; their performance stability and reliability directly affect the operational quality of the entire network system. Therefore, comprehensive, efficient, and precise automated testing of server switches during manufacturing and factory inspection has become an essential requirement for ensuring product quality and improving production efficiency.

[0003] In existing production testing processes, functional verification, performance stress testing, firmware flashing, and fault diagnosis of server switches typically rely on manual operation or semi-automated equipment. Testers must manually connect peripherals such as power cords, network cables, and serial cables, and execute test scripts one by one through host computer software. Existing tooling often treats the power supply and identification processes as two separate steps. Even when the product is powered on, the test module cannot automatically read the product's identification (such as model, hardware version, MAC address, etc.) to dynamically call the corresponding target test program. Operators often need to manually select test scripts in the host computer software. If the "human recognition" fails or the wrong configuration is selected, it will not only lead to test failure but may also damage the equipment due to mismatched test items (such as performing a high-configuration stress test on a low-configuration product). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an automated testing fixture for server switches to address the technical problems of the disconnect between power supply and identification in existing automated testing equipment, the inability to automatically match and execute the corresponding test program after the product is powered on, resulting in low testing efficiency and easy damage to the equipment due to human error.

[0005] This invention provides an automated testing fixture for server switches, comprising: The main body of the tooling has a test station for accommodating the product to be tested; A product adapter module is located on the main body of the tooling. The product adapter module includes a power adapter and a communication adapter. The power adapter is used to electrically connect to the product under test, and the communication adapter is used to communicate with the product under test. An identity recognition module is disposed on the tooling body. The identity recognition module is used to read the identity information of the product to be tested and output the corresponding recognition signal. An automated testing module is located within the main body of the tooling and is electrically connected to the identification module and the communication adapter. The automated testing module has a pre-installed test program library and is configured to: receive different identification signals, match the corresponding target test program based on the identification signals, and after successful matching, call the target test program and perform automated testing on the product to be tested through the communication adapter.

[0006] In one embodiment, the tooling body has a U-shaped mounting cavity, and the inner sidewall of the U-shaped mounting cavity is provided with multiple layers of the test stations at intervals along the vertical direction; the number of the power adapter, the communication adapter, and the identification module is equal to the number of the test stations and corresponds one-to-one.

[0007] In one embodiment, a plurality of power adapters are distributed vertically at intervals on the outer wall of the fixture body and are at the same height as the corresponding test station; a plurality of communication adapters are distributed vertically at intervals on the outer wall of the fixture body and are at the same height as the corresponding test station; a plurality of identification modules are distributed vertically at intervals within the U-shaped mounting cavity and are at the same height as the corresponding test station, and the identification modules are matched one-to-one with the identification code of the product under test; The power adapter is electrically connected to the product under test via a cable, and the communication adapter is communicatively connected to the product under test via a cable.

[0008] In one embodiment, the power adapter and the communication adapter, located at the same height, are respectively located on opposite sides of the test station.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the test stations is provided with a slide rail extending in a horizontal direction, at least one end of the slide rail extending to the outer side wall of the fixture body to form an opening, and the product to be tested is slidably installed on the test station through the opening of the slide rail.

[0010] In one embodiment, the U-shaped mounting cavity extends through the tooling body along the extension direction of the slide rail, and the two ends of the slide rail extend to the openings on both sides of the U-shaped mounting cavity; the product to be tested can be slidably mounted on the test station through either opening on either side of the slide rail.

[0011] In one embodiment, the testing station is provided with a positioning groove or positioning protrusion on the inner side of the slide rail to fit the protrusion or groove on the product to be tested for positioning and installation, thereby preventing the product to be tested from sliding off the slide rail.

[0012] In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a high-voltage interface and a low-voltage interface; the high-voltage interface is used to electrically connect to the power input terminal of the product under test, and the automated test module inputs operating voltage and current to the product under test through the high-voltage interface to power the motherboard and core components of the product under test. The low-voltage interface is used to electrically connect the low-voltage test points of the product under test. The automated test module inputs low-voltage control signals to the product under test through the low-voltage interface, or collects low-voltage status feedback signals from inside the product under test.

[0013] In one embodiment, the communication adapter includes a management network port and a serial communication port. The management network port is used to communicate with the business network interface of the product under test. The automated testing module establishes a TCP / IP network connection through the management network port to send network layer test commands to the product under test and obtain network performance data. The serial communication port is used to communicate with the console interface of the product under test. The automated testing module establishes a low-level control channel with the product under test through the serial communication port to read the hardware serial number of the product under test.

[0014] In one embodiment, the identification module includes at least one of an optical barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a near-field communication reader, a visual recognition camera, or a contact probe.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the automated testing fixture for server switches provided in this embodiment of the invention, by integrating an identity recognition module and an automated testing module, realizes intelligent control of the entire process from the access of the product under test (referring to AI server or switch products) to the execution of the test. Its specific beneficial effects are mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. This invention achieves intelligent and automated testing processes, improving testing efficiency. The automated testing fixture breaks away from the traditional separation of power supply and identification in testing fixtures. Through an identification module, it automatically reads the identification information of the product under test. The automated testing module can respond instantly and automatically match the target test program in the test program library based on the identification signal. This "plug-and-test" linkage mechanism eliminates the intermediate steps of manually selecting scripts and configuring parameters, significantly shortening test preparation time and substantially improving the testing throughput and overall efficiency of the production line.

[0016] 2. Eliminating the risk of human error and ensuring equipment safety: Addressing the problem in existing technologies where mismatched test items (e.g., under-configuration testing) due to human error can damage equipment, this invention utilizes a machine-automated identification and target test program matching logic to fundamentally eliminate the possibility of human error in configuration selection. The system strictly calls the corresponding target test program based on the product's actual identification (e.g., model, hardware version, serial number), ensuring the accuracy of test conditions and effectively preventing hardware damage caused by overvoltage, overcurrent, or erroneous commands, thus reducing production losses.

[0017] 3. Improved testing accuracy and data traceability: This invention replaces manual operation with standardized automated processes, ensuring consistent test execution. Each test initiation is uniquely linked to the identifier of the product under test, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between test data and the product's identity, facilitating subsequent quality traceability and big data analysis. This not only enhances the reliability of factory testing but also provides precise data support for enterprises to optimize production processes.

[0018] In summary, the automated testing fixture of this invention effectively solves the pain points of existing technologies, such as the disconnect between power supply and identification processes and reliance on manual intervention, by constructing a closed-loop linkage mechanism between the identity recognition module and automated testing. This not only achieves "plug-and-play" testing and a high degree of automation, significantly improving testing efficiency, but also fundamentally eliminates the risk of equipment damage caused by human error in configuration selection, providing a reliable technical guarantee for the high-quality and high-efficiency production of server switches. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automated testing fixture of the present invention, in which the product to be tested is installed; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the automated testing fixture with the product to be tested installed. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the automated testing fixture. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the test flow chart for the automated test fixture.

[0021] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Automated testing fixtures; 10. Fixture body; 11. Testing station; 12. U-shaped mounting cavity; 13. Slide rail; 14. Positioning groove; 15. Heat dissipation hole; 20. Product adapter module; 21. Power adapter; 211. High-voltage interface; 212. Low-voltage interface; 22. Communication adapter; 221. Management network port; 222. Serial communication port 30. Identification module; 31. Optical barcode scanner; 32. Radio frequency identification reader / writer; 2. Product to be tested; 201. Identification code; 202. Power input terminal; 203. Low voltage test point; 204. Business network interface; 205. Control console interface. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setup," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides an automated testing fixture 1 for server switches. This automated testing fixture 1 works in conjunction with automated testing production line equipment for a product under test 2 to perform online automated testing. The automated testing fixture 1 includes a fixture body 10, a product adapter module 20, an identification module 30, and an automated testing module, all located on the fixture body 10. The fixture body 10 serves as the basic platform and structural support frame for the entire testing fixture, primarily providing a stable mounting base for the product adapter module 20, the identification module 30, and the automated testing module, and includes a testing station 11 for accommodating the product under test 2. The product adapter module 20 includes a power adapter interface 21 and a communication adapter interface 22. The power adapter interface 21 is used for electrical connection to the product under test 2, and the communication adapter interface 22 is used for communication connection to the product under test 2. The identification module 30 is used to read the identification information of the product under test 2 and output corresponding identification signals. The automated testing module is located inside the fixture body 10 and is electrically connected to the identity recognition module 30 and the communication adapter 22 respectively. The automated testing module has a pre-built test program library and is configured to: receive different identification information (i.e. the identity of the product 2 to be tested), match the corresponding target test program based on the identification signal, and after successful matching, call the target test program and perform automated testing on the product 2 to be tested through the communication adapter 22.

[0026] It should be clarified that the products to be tested here mainly refer to AI servers or switches. Server testing primarily includes: hardware and firmware verification, CPU testing, memory module testing, network performance testing (including network communication / USB, Ethernet, serial communication / WIFI communication), hard drive performance testing, etc.; operating system and service deployment; core application functions; reliability and stress testing, current / voltage / voltage withstand / long-term load / fault simulation, etc.; security compliance and interface testing. Switch product testing primarily includes: basic function and configuration testing, CPU testing, memory module testing, network performance testing (including network communication / USB, Ethernet, serial communication / WIFI communication), hard drive performance testing, etc.; operating system and service deployment; core business function testing; reliability and stress testing, current / voltage / voltage withstand / long-term load / fault simulation, etc.; security compliance and interface testing.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3The tooling body 10 has a U-shaped mounting cavity 12, and multiple test stations 11 are arranged vertically along the inner wall of the U-shaped mounting cavity 12. This multi-layer three-dimensional layout makes full use of vertical space, significantly increasing the number of test stations 11 within a limited area, improving the space utilization of the equipment and the test capacity (throughput) of a single test. At the same time, the design of the U-shaped mounting cavity 12 facilitates the quick loading and unloading of multiple test stations 11 by operators or robotic arms, improving the convenience of operation. In order to achieve efficient parallel testing and precise automated control, in this embodiment, the number of power adapters 21, communication adapters 22, and identification modules 30 are equal to the number of test stations 11, and the three are set one-to-one with the test stations 11. Specifically, each test station 11 is equipped with a dedicated power adapter 21, communication adapter 22, and identification module 30. This one-to-one correspondence configuration has the following significant advantages: First, it enables multiple products under test 2 to simultaneously perform independent power supply, identification, and automated testing, achieving true multi-channel parallel testing without interference and greatly improving testing efficiency. Second, this one-to-one correspondence configuration establishes a precise mapping relationship between physical location and test logic, ensuring that the identification information read by the identification module 30 can uniquely correspond to a specific test station 11. This allows the automated testing module to accurately call the corresponding target test program, effectively avoiding test errors caused by location confusion and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the testing process.

[0028] It is worth noting that, firstly, the U-shaped mounting cavity 12 and the multi-layer test station 11 are not the only embodiments of the tooling body 10 of this invention. In other embodiments, the shape of the tooling body 10 can be flexibly adjusted according to the space requirements of the actual production environment. For example, the tooling body 10 can also adopt a rectangular cabinet, an open rack, or a drawer-type structure; the arrangement of the test stations 11 is also not limited to vertical stacking within the U-shaped mounting cavity 12, but can also adopt a horizontal array arrangement, an inclined arrangement, or a ring arrangement according to heat dissipation requirements or operating habits. Secondly, the number of test stations 11 is not limited. As long as each test station 11 is independently configured with a corresponding power adapter 21, a communication adapter 22, and an identification module 30, independent power supply, automatic identification, and accurate matching of the test program for the product under test can be achieved, all of which fall within the technical scope sought to be protected by this invention.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2Multiple power adapters 21 are vertically spaced on the outer wall of the fixture body 10 and at the same height as the corresponding test station 11; multiple communication adapters 22 are vertically spaced on the outer wall of the fixture body 10 and at the same height as the corresponding test station 11; multiple identification modules 30 are vertically spaced on the fixture body 10 and at the same height as the corresponding test station 11, and each identification module 30 is matched one-to-one with the identification code 201 of the product under test 2. The power adapters 21 are electrically connected to the product under test 2 via cables, and the communication adapters 22 are communicatively connected to the product under test 2 via cables. It is understood that in this embodiment, multiple power adapters 21, communication adapters 22, and identification modules 30 are respectively located on the outer wall of the fixture body 10 and are arranged at the same height as the corresponding test fixture. This provides a clear physical alignment benchmark, facilitating operators or robotic arms to quickly and accurately connect the product to be tested 2 to the corresponding test station 11 based on its height position. This achieves rapid connection of the power and communication interfaces and precise alignment of the identification code 201, significantly shortening loading and unloading time and improving operational efficiency. In this embodiment, the power adapters 21 and communication adapters 22 are preferably located on the outer wall of the fixture body 10 and at the same height as the test station 11. Furthermore, the power adapters 21 and communication adapters 22 at the same height are preferably located on opposite sides of the test station 11, which greatly reduces the length of external connection cables, avoids cable tangling, and facilitates the management, maintenance, and heat dissipation of external cables.

[0030] It should be noted that, in another embodiment of the present invention, without the need for external cable connection, the power adapter 21 and / or communication adapter 22 can also adopt a built-in automatic alignment structure. Specifically, the power adapter 21 and communication adapter 22 are directly embedded in the inner wall or bottom of the corresponding test station 11. When the product to be tested 2 is installed on the test station 11, the corresponding port on the product to be tested 2 is automatically aligned with the power adapter 21 and communication adapter 22 in the test station 11 and realizes electrical and communication connection, and then the identification and automated testing functions can be performed.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in conjunction with reference to... Figure 2 and Figure 3Each testing station 11 is equipped with a horizontally extending slide rail 13. At least one end of the slide rail 13 extends to the outer wall of the fixture body 10 to form an opening. The product to be tested 2 is slidably installed in the testing station 11 through the opening of the slide rail 13. It should be noted that the design of the slide rail 13 provides a clear movement trajectory for the product to be tested 2. The operator or robotic arm only needs to place the product to be tested 2 into the opening of the slide rail 13 and push it in horizontally. This avoids the product to be tested 2 from tilting or getting stuck during placement, or the interface not aligning due to improper placement, and plays an excellent role in mechanical guidance and error prevention.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, reference continues to be made. Figure 3 To improve the production line compatibility and logistics efficiency of the tooling, the U-shaped mounting cavity 12 extends through the tooling body 10 along the extension direction of the slide rail 13. Both ends of the slide rail 13 extend to the openings on both sides of the U-shaped mounting cavity 12. The product 2 to be tested can be slidably mounted on the testing station 11 through either opening on either side of the slide rail 13, thus achieving double-sided sliding mounting. Here, the through-hole U-shaped mounting cavity 12 provides ample space for double-sided sliding mounting, supporting both manual double-sided collaborative loading and unloading, and facilitating the configuration of automated robotic arms on both sides. The through-hole U-shaped mounting cavity 12 also facilitates internal air circulation and flexible cable arrangement, improving the heat dissipation performance and maintenance convenience of the tooling body 10.

[0033] Preferably, Figure 3 This illustrates that the testing station 11 has a positioning groove 14 or a positioning protrusion on the inner side of the slide rail 13 to accommodate the protrusion or groove on the product under test 2 for positioning and installation, preventing the product under test 2 from sliding off the slide rail 13. It can be understood that the positioning groove 14 on the inner side of the slide rail 13 aligns and engages with the protrusion on the product under test 2, or the positioning protrusion on the inner side of the slide rail 13 aligns and engages with the groove on the product under test 2, forming a rigid mechanical limit, effectively restricting the maximum sliding stroke of the product under test 2 and eliminating the risk of slippage. On the other hand, by differentiating the position and shape of the positioning groove 14 or protrusion, a physical error-proofing effect can also be achieved, preventing different specifications of the product under test 2 from being placed in the wrong testing station 11.

[0034] It is worth noting that the slide rail 13 is designed to serve as a guide for installation, and the positioning groove 14 or protrusion within the slide rail 13 serves as a rigid limiting function. In other embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical structure for achieving the installation guidance and rigid limiting of the product under test 2 can also have various alternative forms. For example, the guide structure can be replaced by the slide rail 13 with a guide rail, a limiting groove, or a guide wheel, etc.; and the rigid limiting structure can also be replaced by the positioning groove 14 or the positioning protrusion with a limiting baffle, an elastic locking pin, a positioning pin, or a stop block, etc.

[0035] Preferably, the communication cable of the present invention is an anti-interference shielded cable to shield electromagnetic interference and ensure the stability of the testing process. In addition, heat dissipation holes 15 are provided on both sides and the cover plate of the fixture body 10 to provide heat dissipation function.

[0036] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 The power adapter 21 includes a high-voltage interface 211 and a low-voltage interface 212. The high-voltage interface 211 is used to electrically connect to the power input terminal 202 of the product under test 2. The automated test module inputs operating voltage and current to the product under test 2 through the high-voltage interface 211 to power the motherboard and core components of the product under test 2. The low-voltage interface 212 is used to electrically connect to the low-voltage test point 203 of the product under test 2. The automated test module inputs a pressure control signal to the product under test 2 through the low-voltage interface 212, or collects the first state feedback signal inside the product under test 2. It should be noted that the power adapter 21 in this embodiment adopts a design of separate high-voltage and low-voltage interfaces, which has the following significant advantages: First, this design realizes the "out-of-band management" and low-level penetration capability of the test system. Even when the operating system or network protocol stack of the product under test 2 has not been started, or even when the motherboard fails and the communication network port fails, the automated test module can still directly perform forced control (such as reset, enable) or status monitoring on the underlying hardware of the motherboard through the low-voltage interface 212, ensuring the continuity of the test process. Secondly, the physical and electrical separation of the strong and weak current interfaces effectively avoids the interference of surges and electromagnetic noise during high-voltage startup on weak status feedback signals, improving the accuracy of underlying data acquisition. At the same time, this separation design completely eliminates the risk of short circuit breakdown that may be caused by mixing high and low voltage, greatly improving the safety of the test fixture and the service life of the equipment.

[0037] It is worth noting that the separate design of strong and weak current interfaces is not the only feasible embodiment of the power adapter interface 21 of this invention. In other embodiments of this invention, depending on the specific interface definition or testing requirements of the product under test 2, the power adapter interface 21 may also adopt a composite interface form integrating strong and weak current (such as a high-density hybrid connector), or be further subdivided into more independent interface units according to functional requirements. As long as the interface structure can meet the power supply and signal interaction requirements of the automated test module for the product under test 2, it falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0038] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference continues to... Figure 2The communication adapter 22 includes a management network port 221 (MGMT) and a serial communication port 222 (COM). The management network port 221 is used to connect to the business network interface 204 of the product under test 2. The automated testing module establishes a TCP / IP network connection through the management network port 221 to send network layer test commands to the product under test 2 and obtain network performance data. The serial communication port 222 is used to connect to the console interface 205 of the product under test 2. The automated testing module establishes a low-level control channel with the product under test 2 through the serial communication port 222 to read the hardware serial number (SN code) of the product under test 2. It should be noted that splitting the communication adapter 22 into a dual-channel parallel design of MGMT and COM has the following advantages: First, this design achieves penetrating access and identity verification of the low-level hardware. Even before the operating system or network protocol stack of the product under test 2 is started, the automated testing module can still directly read the low-level information such as the hardware serial number (SN code) of the product under test 2 through the low-level control channel established by the serial communication port 222, providing a reliable identity basis for subsequent accurate matching of the target test program. Secondly, this design achieves physical and logical isolation between the "control link" and the "business link." Management port 221 focuses on high-throughput TCP / IP network performance testing, while serial communication port 222 serves as an independent secure channel responsible for underlying control. Even under extreme stress testing conditions such as network congestion or crashes, the underlying control channel remains unobstructed, effectively preventing the test system from losing connection due to network paralysis, greatly improving the security and stability of the testing process. Finally, the dual-channel parallel design provides the test system with more comprehensive fault diagnosis capabilities. The automated testing module can acquire macroscopic network performance data through management port 221, while simultaneously collecting microscopic underlying hardware status data through serial communication port 222. Cross-verification of these two data points enables rapid and accurate location of product faults, improving the reliability of test results.

[0039] It is worth noting that the dual-channel parallel design is not the only feasible embodiment of the communication adapter 22 of this invention. In other embodiments of this invention, depending on the specific interface definition or testing requirements of the product under test 2, the communication adapter 22 may also adopt an integrated composite communication interface, or be further subdivided into more independent communication interface units (such as adding dedicated debugging network ports or fiber optic interfaces) according to functional requirements. As long as the communication interface structure can meet the data interaction, low-level control, and identification requirements between the automated testing module and the product under test 2, it falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0040] Finally, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the identification module 30 includes at least one of an optical scanner (QR code or barcode), a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader / writer, a near field communication (NFC) reader, a visual recognition camera, or a contact probe. The optical scanner primarily reads tag information affixed to the casing or motherboard of the product under test 2. This typically includes structured coded data such as the product's unique serial number (SN code), MAC address, product model (PN code), hardware version number, and production batch number. The RFID reader / writer reads RFID electronic tags embedded or affixed to the product non-contactly via wireless radio frequency signals. The tags typically contain a globally unique ID code, product specifications, and factory configuration parameters. In multi-layer testing stations, RFID also supports rapid reading at distances of several centimeters to several meters, suitable for batch parallel identification. The near field communication reader reads encrypted data from the NFC tag or chip embedded in the product. This typically includes the product's unique identifier, device MAC address, firmware version number, etc. NFC communication has an extremely short communication range (typically within a few centimeters) and high security, making it suitable for close-range, precise identity handshakes and data interaction when a product under test is pushed into the testing station. Visual recognition cameras capture images of the product surface using industrial cameras and extract information using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or AI visual algorithms. They primarily read the serial number (SN), MAC address label, and product model directly printed or laser-engraved on the product's casing / motherboard. They can even help determine the product's hardware version by recognizing external features (such as the number of interfaces and the shape of the heatsink). Contact probes connect directly to reserved test points on the motherboard of the product under test via physical contacts. They primarily read the underlying hardware serial number (SN code), chip-level MAC address, and factory configuration data in the EEPROM stored at the motherboard's lowest hardware level. This method bypasses the operating system, directly obtaining the lowest-level hardware identity information, offering extremely high accuracy and anti-counterfeiting capabilities.

[0041] The automated testing fixture 1 for server switches provided by this invention has the following main advantages: 1. To achieve intelligent and automated testing processes and improve testing efficiency, the automated testing fixture 1 of this invention breaks away from the traditional separation of power supply and identification in testing fixtures. Through the identification module 30, it automatically reads the identification information of the product under test 2. The automated testing module can respond instantly and automatically match the target test program in the test program library based on the identification signal. This "plug-and-test" linkage mechanism eliminates the intermediate steps of manually selecting scripts and configuring parameters, significantly shortening test preparation time and significantly improving the test throughput and overall efficiency of the production line.

[0042] 2. Eliminating the risk of human error and ensuring equipment safety: Addressing the problem in existing technologies where mismatched test items (e.g., under-configuration testing) due to human error can damage equipment, this invention utilizes a machine-automated identification and target test program matching logic to fundamentally eliminate the possibility of human error in configuration selection. The system strictly calls the corresponding target test program based on the product's actual identification (e.g., model, hardware version, serial number), ensuring the accuracy of test conditions and effectively preventing hardware damage caused by overvoltage, overcurrent, or erroneous commands, thus reducing production losses.

[0043] 3. Improved testing accuracy and data traceability: This invention replaces manual operation with standardized automated processes, ensuring consistent test execution. Each test initiation is uniquely linked to the identity of the product under test, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between test data and the product's identity, facilitating subsequent quality traceability and big data analysis. This not only enhances the reliability of factory testing but also provides precise data support for enterprises to optimize production processes.

[0044] In summary, the automated testing fixture 1 of this invention effectively solves the pain points of the prior art, namely the disconnect between power supply and identification links and the reliance on manual intervention, by constructing a closed-loop linkage mechanism between the identity recognition module and automated testing. This not only achieves "plug-and-play" testing and high automation of the testing process, significantly improving testing efficiency, but also fundamentally eliminates the risk of equipment damage caused by manual misconfiguration, providing a reliable technical guarantee for the high-quality and high-efficiency production of server switches.

[0045] Finally, refer to Figure 4 The testing process of the automated testing fixture 1 of the present invention mainly includes the following steps: S10. Loading and positioning: The product to be tested 2 is installed to the test station 11 by manual labor or robotic arm to complete the physical fixation and interface docking, and realize the electrical connection and communication connection of the product to be tested 2. S20. Identity recognition: The identity recognition module 30 automatically reads the identity information (such as SN code, MAC address, etc.) of the product under test 2. If the recognition is successful, the corresponding recognition signal can be output; if the information recognition fails, the product needs to be reloaded and repositioned. S30, Program Matching: The automated testing module receives the identification signal, automatically matches the corresponding target test program, and loads and executes it; if the product identity matching is successful, it is loaded and executed; if the product identity matching fails, a reminder warning is issued and the material needs to be reloaded and repositioned. S40. Test execution: Call the target test program and automatically test the function, performance and underlying status of the product under test 2 through the communication adapter 22 and the power adapter 21. S50. Result Judgment and Unloading: The system automatically judges the test results, binds the identity information to store the test report, and prompts or executes the sorting and unloading of qualified / unqualified products (OK / NG). Specifically, the indicator lights on the tooling body 10 display different colors according to the test results (such as green for qualified and red for unqualified), prompting the operator or robotic arm to perform diversion processing.

[0046] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated testing fixture for server switches, characterized in that, include: The main body of the tooling has a test station for accommodating the product to be tested; A product adapter module is located on the main body of the tooling. The product adapter module includes a power adapter and a communication adapter. The power adapter is used to electrically connect to the product under test, and the communication adapter is used to communicate with the product under test. An identity recognition module is disposed on the tooling body. The identity recognition module is used to read the identity information of the product to be tested and output the corresponding recognition signal. An automated testing module is located within the main body of the tooling and is electrically connected to the identification module and the communication adapter. The automated testing module has a pre-installed test program library and is configured to: receive different identification signals, match the corresponding target test program based on the identification signals, and after successful matching, call the target test program and perform automated testing on the product to be tested through the communication adapter.

2. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the tooling has a U-shaped mounting cavity, and the inner sidewall of the U-shaped mounting cavity is provided with multiple layers of the test stations at intervals along the vertical direction; the number of the power adapter, the communication adapter, and the identification module is equal to the number of the test stations and corresponds one-to-one.

3. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple power adapters are vertically spaced on the outer wall of the fixture body and are at the same height as the corresponding test stations; multiple communication adapters are vertically spaced on the outer wall of the fixture body and are at the same height as the corresponding test stations; multiple identification modules are vertically spaced within the U-shaped mounting cavity and are at the same height as the corresponding test stations, and each identification module is matched one-to-one with the identification code of the product under test; The power adapter is electrically connected to the product under test via a cable, and the communication adapter is communicatively connected to the product under test via a cable.

4. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power adapter and the communication adapter, located at the same height, are respectively situated on opposite sides of the test station.

5. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the test stations is provided with a slide rail extending in a horizontal direction. At least one end of the slide rail extends to the outer side wall of the fixture body to form an opening, and the product to be tested is slidably installed in the test station through the opening of the slide rail.

6. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 5, characterized in that, The U-shaped mounting cavity extends through the tooling body along the extension direction of the slide rail, and the two ends of the slide rail extend to the openings on both sides of the U-shaped mounting cavity; the product to be tested can be slidably mounted on the test station through either opening on either side of the slide rail.

7. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 5, characterized in that, The testing station is provided with a positioning groove or positioning protrusion on the inner side of the slide rail to fit the protrusion or groove on the product to be tested for positioning and installation, so as to prevent the product to be tested from sliding off the slide rail.

8. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power adapter includes a high-voltage interface and a low-voltage interface; the high-voltage interface is used to electrically connect to the power input terminal of the product under test, and the automated test module inputs working voltage and current to the product under test through the high-voltage interface to power the motherboard and core components of the product under test. The low-voltage interface is used to electrically connect the low-voltage test points of the product under test. The automated test module inputs low-voltage control signals to the product under test through the low-voltage interface, or collects low-voltage status feedback signals from inside the product under test.

9. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication adapter includes a management network port and a serial communication port. The management network port is used to connect to the business network interface of the product under test. The automated testing module establishes a TCP / IP network connection through the management network port to send network layer test commands to the product under test and obtain network performance data. The serial communication port is used to communicate with the console interface of the product under test. The automated testing module establishes a low-level control channel with the product under test through the serial communication port to read the hardware serial number of the product under test.

10. The automated testing fixture for server switches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identity recognition module includes at least one of an optical barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a near-field communication reader, a visual recognition camera, or a contact probe.

Images