LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture and system thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture and a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test system. The test fixture comprises a communication interface converter, a LoRaWAN SOC module, a start key and an indicating lamp. The communication interface converter is respectively connected with an upper computer and the LoRaWAN SOC module; the LoRaWAN SOC module is respectively connected with the LoRaWAN module to be tested through a radio frequency feeder line and a serial port; and the LoRaWAN SOC module is also respectively connected with the start key and the indicating lamp. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency index testing device can be well suitable for LoRaWAN module radio frequency index testing on the production side, and the radio frequency performance testing cost is effectively reduced on the premise that the testing precision meets the LoRaWAN communication protocol standard requirement; and meanwhile, the device has the advantages of simple structure, convenience in operation, visual test result and friendly experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automated testing, and in particular to a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture and a system thereof. Background Art

[0002] During the manufacturing process of LoRaWAN modules, problems such as defective incoming materials, electrostatic damage, and transportation vibration can degrade or even completely disable the module's RF performance. Therefore, the RF performance of LoRaWAN modules must be tested before shipment. Transmitter performance typically involves testing transmit power and center frequency deviation, while receiver performance typically involves testing receiver sensitivity. R&D typically uses spectrum analyzers and vector signal generators to test these RF performance indicators. However, these instruments are expensive for production, hindering cost reduction. Furthermore, according to the LoRaWAN communication protocol standard, these RF indicators do not require extremely high precision; they can be kept within a certain threshold range.

[0003] In summary, it is necessary to provide a reasonable and low-cost LoRaWAN RF indicator test solution to replace instrument testing, thereby reducing the RF testing cost on the production side. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture and system for the production side, which can realize reasonable and low-cost LoRaWAN radio frequency index testing.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture, including communication interface converter, LoRaWAN SOC module, start button and indicator light;

[0007] The communication interface converter is connected to the host computer and the LoRaWAN SOC module respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module is connected to the LoRaWAN module under test through a radio frequency feeder and a serial port respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module is also connected to the start button and the indicator light respectively.

[0008] Optionally, the LoRaWAN SOC module includes a microcontroller and a LoRaWAN radio frequency unit connected to each other; the microcontroller is respectively connected to the communication interface converter, the LoRaWAN module under test, the start button and the indicator light.

[0009] Optionally, a shielding box is further included; the communication interface converter and the LoRaWAN SOC module are arranged inside the shielding box.

[0010] Optionally, the shielding box is provided with absorbing foam, and the isolation is greater than 60dB.

[0011] Optionally, the communication interface converter is a USB TO TTL adapter.

[0012] Optionally, a display panel is further included; the start button and the indicator light are arranged on the display panel.

[0013] Optionally, a module slot is further included; the LoRaWAN module to be tested is placed in the module slot.

[0014] Optionally, a pressing rod is further included; the pressing rod is arranged above the module slot and can be pressed downward after being activated.

[0015] Optionally, the indicator light includes a first indicator light corresponding to a passed test and a second indicator light corresponding to a failed test; the first indicator light and the second indicator light are respectively connected to the LoRaWAN SOC module.

[0016] The second technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0017] The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test system includes a host computer, a LoRaWAN module under test, and the above-mentioned LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture.

[0018] The beneficial effect of this utility model lies in the fact that, by cooperating with a host computer and utilizing a LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture with a LoRaWAN SOC module integrated with the LoRaWAN modulation scheme, it is possible to replace specialized RF test instruments to perform RF performance testing on the LoRaWAN module under test. For production, this can significantly reduce the cost of RF performance testing of LoRaWAN modules. Furthermore, the test fixture is highly integrated, requiring no wiring, and features a display panel for convenient operation and displaying test results. This provides a user-friendly experience, offering easy operation, high test efficiency, and intuitive test results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the interface layout of the shielding box in the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a LoRaWAN SOC module in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a communication interface converter in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an indicator light in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a start button in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fixture panel in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a press-fit rod in a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Description of labels:

[0028] 10. Test fixture; 20. Host computer; 30. LoRaWAN module under test;

[0029] 11. Communication interface converter;

[0030] 12. LoRaWAN SOC module;

[0031] 13. Start button;

[0032] 14. Indicator light;

[0033] 15. Shielding box;

[0034] 16. Display panel;

[0035] 17. Module slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to explain in detail the possible application scenarios, technical principles, specific solutions that can be implemented, and the purpose and effects of the present invention, the following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments listed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] References to "embodiments" herein mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the word "embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it particularly limit its independence or relevance to other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any manner to form a corresponding implementable technical solution.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs; the use of relevant terms herein is only for describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used to describe a logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and both A and B exist. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the objects before and after are in a logical "or" relationship.

[0040] In the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship of quantity, priority or sequence between these entities or operations.

[0041] Without further restrictions, in the present invention, the words "include", "comprise", "have" or other similar expressions used in sentences are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. These expressions do not exclude the presence of additional elements in the process, method or product including the elements, so that the process, method or product including a series of elements may include not only those limited elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also include elements inherent to such process, method or product.

[0042] Consistent with the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this utility model, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple," such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," are also understood in this manner, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the space-related expressions used, such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention or facilitating the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", "set", etc. used should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the technical field of the present invention, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] In order to explain the technical content, achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is given in conjunction with the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 , the first embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0047] This embodiment provides a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture, such as Figure 1 As shown, the test fixture 10 includes a communication interface converter 11, a LoRaWAN SOC module 12, a start button 13 and an indicator light 14;

[0048] The communication interface converter 11 is connected to the host computer 20 and the LoRaWAN SOC module 12 respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module 12 is connected to the LoRaWAN module 30 under test through a radio frequency feeder and a serial port respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module 12 is also connected to the start button 13 and the indicator light 14 respectively.

[0049] The working principle of the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture described in this embodiment is as follows:

[0050] After pressing the start button, the RF performance test begins. The host computer and the LoRaWAN SOC module cooperate to test the RF performance of the tested LoRaWAN module, including center frequency deviation, transmission function and receiving sensitivity. The test results are compared with the thresholds pre-set in the LoRaWAN SOC module. If they are within the threshold range, the test passes; if they are not within the threshold range, the test fails. The test results are indicated by the indicator light.

[0051] Specifically, the host computer and the LoRaWAN SOC module cooperate to implement the test principle of the RF performance test of the LoRaWAN module under test as follows:

[0052] 1. Center Frequency Offset Test Principle: Define the base frequency point of 868.000MHz as the 0kHz frequency offset point. The corresponding frequency offsets are 867.999MHz as -1kHz, 867.998MHz as -2kHz, and so on, up to 867.990MHz as -10kHz, and 868.010MHz as +10kHz. This means that the center frequency offset test range of the LoRaWAN SOC module in the test fixture is set to -10 to +10kHz. This is specifically configured on the host computer. After pressing the start button, the LoRaWAN SOC module uses serial port instructions to make the LoRaWAN module under test transmit a single carrier for 3 seconds. During this period, the LoRaWAN SOC module receives signals from 867.990MHz to 868.010MHz in 1kHz steps. It then compares the RSSI values ​​read from the register using a bubble sort. The highest value is the actual transmission frequency. Subtracting the base frequency of 868MHz from the highest value yields the center frequency deviation of the LoRaWAN module under test.

[0053] 2. Transmit power test principle: The point with the maximum RSSI value of the actual transmission frequency measured in the previous step is the actual transmission point. The transmission power is the transmission value obtained after calculation and compensation based on the actual transmission frequency of the LoRaWAN module under test.

[0054] 3. Receive sensitivity: The LoRaWAN SOC module in the test fixture transmits LoRaWAN modulation commands to the LoRaWAN module under test and reads the RSSI value received by the LoRaWAN module under test. The received RSSI value obtained after calculation and vector signal source correction is the receive sensitivity value.

[0055] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the LoRaWAN SOC module includes a microcontroller and a LoRaWAN radio frequency unit connected to each other; the microcontroller is respectively connected to the communication interface converter, the LoRaWAN module under test, the start button, and the indicator light. Optionally, the LoRaWAN SOC module can be directly implemented using the ASR6601SE chip from ASR Corporation.

[0056] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the communication interface converter is a USB to TTL adapter. Here, the adapter used in the test fixture to connect to the host computer is a universal USB to TTL adapter, which can better be compatible with various types of host computers and further improve the universal performance of the test fixture.

[0057] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the start button can be a physical button or a touch virtual button; accordingly, the indicator light can be a physical LED light or a virtual simulated lighting effect.

[0058] As a preferred specific example, Figure 1 As shown, the tester further includes a display panel 16; the start button 13 and the indicator light 14 are provided on the display panel 16. Here, the start button 13 and the indicator light 14 are integrated on the display panel 16, which facilitates the user to directly perform the start operation and intuitively confirm the test results through the display panel, which has the advantage of simplicity and clarity.

[0059] As another preferred specific example, the indicator lights include two indicators: a first indicator light corresponding to a test pass and a second indicator light corresponding to a test failure; the first indicator light and the second indicator light are respectively connected to the LoRaWAN SOC module. Preferably, the first indicator light and the second indicator light are distinguished by different colors or clear text. For example, the first indicator light has a green light effect, and the second indicator light has a red light effect. Preferably, the indicator light may also include a third indicator light corresponding to the start of the test, so that the user can intuitively understand the test progress.

[0060] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, Figure 1As shown, the test fixture 10 also includes a shielding box 15; the communication interface converter 11 and the LoRaWAN SOC module 12 are disposed inside the shielding box 15. Here, the shielding box serves to shield the wireless signal of the LoRaWAN module under test from being transmitted to the LoRaWAN SOC module via radiation, causing the LoRaWAN SOC module to output a small signal result, thereby causing a false positive (test failure).

[0061] Preferably, the shielding box is made of cast aluminum. Preferably, the shielding box is provided with absorbing foam, and the isolation is greater than 60dB at 868MHz. Figure 2 As shown, the shielding box 15 is provided with an SMA interface, a DB26 interface, a 2-way DB9 interface, and an SMA interface from left to right.

[0062] The LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture provided in this embodiment not only has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, intuitive test results and other user-friendly advantages; it is also well suited for conducting LoRaWAN module RF indicator tests on the production side, effectively reducing the cost of RF performance testing while ensuring that the test accuracy meets the requirements of the LoRaWAN communication protocol standard.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 3-6 , the second embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0064] This embodiment further expands upon the first embodiment and specifically refines the structure of each module in the test fixture.

[0065] The LoRaWAN SOC module in the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in this embodiment integrates a general microcontroller U1 and a LoRaWAN radio frequency unit.

[0066] Specifically, the circuit structure of the LoRaWAN SOC module is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the 16th and 17th pins of the microcontroller U1 are respectively connected to the communication interface converter, i.e., the 21st and 20th pins of U2 in the USB TO TTL adapter, and the two interact using serial communication, so that the host computer sets the judgment threshold to the communication interface converter.

[0067] Pins 49 and 50 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module are connected to the serial port of the LoRaWAN module under test, and the two interact using serial port communication to send test instructions to the LoRaWAN module under test and receive data returned by the LoRaWAN module under test.

[0068] Pin 20 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is connected to the indicator light circuit. Specifically, it is connected to the current-limiting resistor R4 in the indicator light circuit and then to the base of the PNP transistor Q2. When pin 20 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is set low, the PNP transistor Q2 in the indicator light circuit turns on, lighting the green LED 2. When pin 20 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is set high, the PNP transistor Q2 in the indicator light circuit turns off, turning off the green LED 2.

[0069] Pin 21 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is connected to the indicator light circuit. Specifically, it is connected to the current-limiting resistor R3 in the indicator light circuit and then to the base of the PNP transistor Q1. When pin 21 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is set low, the PNP transistor Q1 in the indicator light circuit turns on, lighting the green LED 1. When pin 21 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is set high, the PNP transistor Q1 in the indicator light circuit turns off, turning off the green LED 1.

[0070] Pin 48 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is connected to the start button circuit. Specifically, it is connected to K1 in the start button circuit. When K1 is pressed, pin 48 of the microcontroller U1 in the LoRaWAN SOC module is set low, and the microcontroller U1 begins executing the test process; otherwise, it remains in a high-level standby state.

[0071] The circuit structure of the communication interface converter in the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it is a USB TO TTL adapter, preferably implemented using the CP2104 chip.

[0072] Specifically, the USB level side of the USB TO TTL adapter is connected to the host computer through the USB interface J1, and the TTL level side is connected to UART0 of its U2. Its function is to convert the USB level and TTL level into each other, so that the host computer can interact with the LoRaWAN SOC module, and the test threshold of the LoRaWAN SOC module can be set using the host computer.

[0073] The circuit structure of the indicator light in the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it includes the first indicator light corresponding to the test passing, that is, Figure 4 The LED_PASS circuit LED2 on the left, and the second indicator light corresponding to the test failure, that is Figure 4LED_FAIL circuit on the right is LED1.

[0074] Preferably, LED2 uses a 5mm green LED lamp, LED1 uses a 5mm red LED lamp, the working current is 10-20mA, and a PNP transistor LMBT3906 is used to enhance the driving current and perform on-off control.

[0075] The circuit structure of the start button in the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 shown.

[0076] Preferably, the start button K1 uses a 10mm round non-self-locking button. When the button is pressed, it is connected to the ground and inputs a low-level signal to the LoRaWAN SOC module to start the test of the LoRaWAN SOC module.

[0077] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the third embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0078] This embodiment is based on or further expands upon the first embodiment, and specifically further refines the framework structure of the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture.

[0079] The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture provided in this embodiment also includes the following Figure 7 The fixture panel shown in the figure is equipped with a module slot 17 and a display panel 16. The display panel 16 includes three indicator lights 14 and a start button 13. The module slot is used to lock the LoRaWAN module under test, ensuring accurate contact between the probe and the module. The display panel is equipped with a start button and an indicator light. The start button is used to trigger the test signal, and the indicator light indicates the test result.

[0080] Furthermore, the LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture of this embodiment also includes the following Figure 8 The pressing rod shown is arranged above the module slot and can press downward after activation to connect the pin header of the tested LoRaWAN module placed in the module slot to the female header. Preferably, the stroke of the pressing rod is 60mm.

[0081] The fourth embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0082] Based on any of the above embodiments, this embodiment further provides a LoRaWAN module RF performance test system, comprising a host computer, a LoRaWAN module under test, and the LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture described in any of the above embodiments. The specific structure of the LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture will not be repeated here; for details, please refer to the descriptions of Examples 1 to 3.

[0083] The host computer in this embodiment can be a PC, an industrial computer, or other intelligent devices such as an intelligent mobile device.

[0084] The LoRaWAN module RF performance test system provided in this embodiment, through the cooperation of a host computer and a LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture, utilizes the LoRaWAN SOC module integrated with the test fixture and adopts the LoRaWAN modulation scheme. This system can test the RF performance of the LoRaWAN module under test. Furthermore, the test accuracy meets the requirements of the LoRaWAN communication protocol standard. More importantly, it is also low-cost. Therefore, the LoRaWAN module RF performance test system provided in this embodiment is well-suited for conducting LoRaWAN module RF performance testing on the production side, helping to reduce the cost of RF performance testing.

[0085] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the description and drawings of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied in the relevant technical field, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. LoRaWAN module RF performance test fixture, characterized by: Includes communication interface converter, LoRaWAN SOC module, start button and indicator light; The communication interface converter is connected to the host computer and the LoRaWAN SOC module respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module is connected to the LoRaWAN module under test through a radio frequency feeder and a serial port respectively; the LoRaWAN SOC module is also connected to the start button and the indicator light respectively.

2. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The LoRaWAN SOC module includes a microcontroller and a LoRaWAN radio frequency unit connected to each other; the microcontroller is respectively connected to the communication interface converter, the tested LoRaWAN module, the start button and the indicator light.

3. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a shielding box; the communication interface converter and the LoRaWAN SOC module are arranged inside the shielding box.

4. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 3, wherein: The shielding box is provided with absorbing foam and has an isolation greater than 60dB.

5. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface converter is a USB TO TTL adapter.

6. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a display panel; the start button and the indicator light are arranged on the display panel.

7. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a module slot; the LoRaWAN module to be tested is placed in the module slot.

8. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 7, wherein: It also includes a pressing rod; the pressing rod is arranged above the module slot and can be pressed downward after being activated.

9. The LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator light includes a first indicator light corresponding to a passed test and a second indicator light corresponding to a failed test; the first indicator light and the second indicator light are respectively connected to the LoRaWAN SOC module.

10. LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test system, characterized by: The invention comprises a host computer, a LoRaWAN module to be tested, and a LoRaWAN module radio frequency performance test fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images