Wi-Fi module test system
By using a Linux embedded board in conjunction with a Windows host computer in the Wi-Fi module testing system, the problems of limited PCI-E interfaces and high cost of adapter boards were solved, enabling efficient and low-cost multi-module testing and simplifying the system restart process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EARDA TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing Wi-Fi module testing systems suffer from limited PCI-E interfaces, high adapter board costs, and low testing efficiency, especially when testing multiple modules, which requires multiple host computers and frequent system restarts.
An embedded board running Linux is used in conjunction with a Windows host computer. A Wi-Fi module is connected via an SDIO interface. The Linux system’s fast self-test mechanism is used for power-on checks and initialization, reducing the number of times the host computer needs to be restarted. Multiple embedded boards can be connected to a single host computer to reduce costs.
It improved testing efficiency, reduced testing costs, enabled simultaneous testing of multiple modules, and reduced system restart time.
Smart Images
Figure CN224205092U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to communication equipment testing technology, and more particularly to a Wi-Fi module testing system. Background Technology
[0002] The SDIO (Secure Digital Input and Output) Wi-Fi module is a transparent transmission module that conforms to the Wi-Fi wireless network standard based on the SDIO interface. This type of transparent transmission Wi-Fi module does not have the relevant Wi-Fi protocol stack built in, but the protocol stack is stored in the embedded board. It can realize the conversion of user main platform data to wireless network through SDIO port.
[0003] Figure 1 Here is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing Wi-Fi module testing system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, since the host computer running the Windows operating system does not have an SDIO interface, an adapter board with a PCI-E interface to an SDIO interface is required. The adapter board connects to the host computer via the PCI-E interface, and the SDIO interface of the adapter board connects to the Wi-Fi module. The wireless connectivity tester of the Wi-Fi module testing system can test multiple Wi-Fi modules simultaneously, with each Wi-Fi module connected to a corresponding host computer via the adapter board.
[0004] Existing Wi-Fi module testing systems have the following shortcomings:
[0005] 1. Since the number of available PCI-E interfaces on the host computer running the Windows operating system is limited, each Wi-Fi module is usually connected to a corresponding host computer through an adapter board. For an 8-port wireless connection tester, if you want to test 8 Wi-Fi modules at the same time, you need to use 8 host computers.
[0006] 2. Due to the limited use cases and scarcity of PCI-E to SDIO interface adapters on the market, PCI-E to SDIO interface adapters are expensive.
[0007] 3. After completing the test of one Wi-Fi module, replace it with a new Wi-Fi module and power it on for a cycle test. Due to the poor hot-swapping characteristics of the PCI-E interface and the underlying device detection mechanism of Windows, the host computer needs to be restarted once after each test to check and initialize the device. The power-on and power-off time plus the device check and initialization time takes about 30-60 seconds, resulting in low testing efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0008] This invention provides a Wi-Fi module testing system that can improve testing efficiency and reduce testing costs.
[0009] The Wi-Fi module testing system includes:
[0010] The host computer is equipped with a Windows operating system;
[0011] Multiple Linux embedded boards, each running a Linux operating system, are connected to the host computer.
[0012] Multiple Wi-Fi modules to be tested, each Wi-Fi module being connected to a corresponding Linux embedded board via an SDIO interface;
[0013] The Wi-Fi tester is connected to both the host computer and the Wi-Fi module.
[0014] Optionally, the Wi-Fi module testing system also includes multiple power-on clamps for holding the Wi-Fi module and for connecting to an external power source to supply power to the Wi-Fi module.
[0015] Optionally, the Linux embedded board includes a first interface, an SDIO interface, an interface conversion chip, a main control chip, a storage chip, a power interface, and a power circuit.
[0016] The first interface is connected to the host computer and the interface conversion chip respectively, the interface conversion chip is connected to the main control chip, and the main control chip is connected to the SDIO interface and the storage chip respectively;
[0017] The power interface is connected to the power-on clamp and the power circuit, respectively, and the power circuit is connected to the interface conversion chip, the main control chip and the storage chip, respectively.
[0018] Optionally, the first interface is a network cable interface, a USB interface, or an RS-232 interface.
[0019] Optionally, the main control chip can be any one of the ARM7, ARM9, ARM10 and ARM11 series that supports the Linux kernel.
[0020] Optionally, the power-on clamp is connected to the power interface via a probe or connector.
[0021] Optionally, the storage chip is a flash memory chip.
[0022] Optionally, the power supply circuit is a DC-DC converter circuit.
[0023] Optionally, the Wi-Fi module is provided with a second interface for connecting to the Wi-Fi tester, the second interface being a radio frequency interface.
[0024] Optionally, the wireless connectivity tester has eight radio frequency interfaces, each of which is connected to a corresponding Wi-Fi module.
[0025] This utility model provides a Wi-Fi module testing system, including a host computer, multiple Linux embedded boards, multiple Wi-Fi modules to be tested, and a Wi-Fi tester. The host computer runs a Windows operating system, and the Linux embedded boards run a Linux operating system. The Linux embedded boards are connected to the host computer, and each Wi-Fi module is connected to a corresponding Linux embedded board via an SDIO interface. The wireless connection tester is connected to both the host computer and the Wi-Fi modules. During the cyclic testing process, there is no need to frequently restart the host computer. The system utilizes the underlying mechanisms of the Linux system to perform self-testing, power-on checks, and initialization of the Wi-Fi modules. Since the self-testing, power-on checks, and initialization of the Wi-Fi modules by the Linux embedded boards are very short (approximately 2 seconds), testing efficiency is improved. Multiple Linux embedded boards can be connected to the same host computer, and Linux embedded boards are widely available and inexpensive, reducing testing costs. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing Wi-Fi module testing system;
[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a Wi-Fi module testing system provided by this utility model;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a Linux embedded board provided by this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Additionally, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no specific meaning.
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Wi-Fi module testing system provided by this utility model, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the Wi-Fi module testing system includes:
[0034] The host computer 110 is equipped with a Windows operating system.
[0035] Multiple Linux embedded boards 120, each running a Linux operating system, are connected to a host computer.
[0036] Multiple Wi-Fi modules 130 to be tested, each Wi-Fi module 130 is connected to a corresponding Linux embedded board 120 via an SDIO interface.
[0037] The wireless connection tester 140 is connected to the host computer 110 and the Wi-Fi module 130 respectively.
[0038] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2As shown, the Wi-Fi module testing system also includes multiple power-on clamps 150. The power-on clamps 150 are used to hold the Wi-Fi module 140 and to connect to an external power source to supply power to the Wi-Fi module 140. The power-on clamps 150 enable rapid installation and removal of the Wi-Fi module 140, improving testing efficiency.
[0039] Figure 3 This utility model provides a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a Linux embedded board, as shown below. Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the Linux embedded board 120 includes a first interface 121, an SDIO interface 123, an interface conversion chip 124, a main control chip 125, a storage chip 126, a power interface 127, and a power circuit 128.
[0040] The first interface 121 is connected to the host computer 110 and the interface conversion chip 124 respectively. The interface conversion chip 124 is connected to the main control chip 125. The main control chip 125 is connected to the SDIO interface 123 and the storage chip 126 respectively.
[0041] The power interface 127 is connected to the power-on clamp 150 and the power circuit 128 respectively. The power circuit 128 is connected to the interface conversion chip 124, the main control chip 125 and the storage chip 126 respectively.
[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first interface 121 may be a network cable interface (e.g., RJ-45 interface, RJ-11 interface), a USB interface (e.g., USB 2.0 interface, USB 3.0 interface) or an RS-232 interface connection, and this utility model does not limit it.
[0043] In some embodiments of this utility model, the main control chip 125 is any one of the ARM7, ARM9, ARM10 and ARM11 series that support the Linux kernel, and this utility model does not limit it.
[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, the storage chip 126 is a flash memory chip.
[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, the power supply circuit 128 is a DC-DC converter circuit that boosts or bucks the DC power input from the external power source and supplies power to the interface conversion chip 124, the main control chip 125, and the storage chip 126.
[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, the power-on clamp 150 is connected to the power interface 127 via a probe or connector.
[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, the Wi-Fi module 130 is provided with a second interface for connecting to the wireless connection tester 140, and the second interface can be a radio frequency interface.
[0048] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the wireless connectivity tester 140 has 8 radio frequency interfaces, each of which is connected to a corresponding Wi-Fi module 130, enabling simultaneous testing of 8 Wi-Fi modules 130 and improving testing efficiency.
[0049] For example, the testing process of a Wi-Fi module testing system is as follows:
[0050] After all devices are successfully connected, the host computer 110 sends test commands to the Linux embedded board 120 via the SSH protocol. The Linux embedded board 120 performs a self-test and software-loads the driver for the Wi-Fi module 130, waiting for the Wi-Fi module 130 to connect. After the self-test is complete, the Linux embedded board 120 opens the SDIO interface 123 to power on the Wi-Fi module 130, performing a power-on check and initialization. Based on the test commands issued by the host computer 110, the Linux embedded board 120 sends corresponding commands to the Wi-Fi module via the SDIO interface 123, causing the Wi-Fi module to emit electromagnetic waves of a specified format. The wireless connection tester 140 captures these electromagnetic waves, analyzes the data, and uploads the analysis results to the host computer 110. After all tests are completed, the Linux embedded board 120 software-unloads the driver for the Wi-Fi module 130 and closes the SDIO interface 123. The operator removes the tested Wi-Fi module 130, replaces it with a new Wi-Fi module 130 to be tested, and repeats the above process.
[0051] This utility model provides a Wi-Fi module testing system, including a host computer, multiple Linux embedded boards, multiple Wi-Fi modules to be tested, and a wireless connectivity tester. The host computer runs a Windows operating system, and the Linux embedded boards run a Linux operating system. The Linux embedded boards are connected to the host computer, and each Wi-Fi module is connected to a corresponding Linux embedded board via an SDIO interface. The wireless connectivity tester is connected to both the host computer and the Wi-Fi modules. During the cyclic testing process, there is no need to frequently restart the host computer. The system utilizes the underlying mechanisms of the Linux system to perform self-tests, power-on checks, and initialization of the Wi-Fi modules. Since the self-test, power-on checks, and initialization of the Wi-Fi modules by the Linux embedded boards are very short (approximately 2 seconds), testing efficiency is improved. Multiple Linux embedded boards can be connected to the same host computer, and Linux embedded boards are widely available and inexpensive, reducing testing costs.
[0052] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0053] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.
[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0055] The technical principles of this utility model have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this utility model without any inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A Wi-Fi module testing system, characterized in that, include: The host computer is equipped with a Windows operating system; Multiple Linux embedded boards, each running a Linux operating system, are connected to the host computer. Multiple Wi-Fi modules to be tested, each Wi-Fi module being connected to a corresponding Linux embedded board via an SDIO interface; A wireless connection tester is connected to both the host computer and the Wi-Fi module.
2. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple power-on clamps for holding the Wi-Fi module and for connecting to an external power source to supply power to the Wi-Fi module.
3. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Linux embedded board includes a first interface, an SDIO interface, an interface conversion chip, a main control chip, a storage chip, a power interface, and a power circuit. The first interface is connected to the host computer and the interface conversion chip respectively, the interface conversion chip is connected to the main control chip, and the main control chip is connected to the SDIO interface and the storage chip respectively; The power interface is connected to the power-on clamp and the power circuit, respectively, and the power circuit is connected to the interface conversion chip, the main control chip and the storage chip, respectively.
4. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first interface is a network cable interface, a USB interface, or an RS-232 interface.
5. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main control chip can be any one of the ARM7, ARM9, ARM10 and ARM11 series that support the Linux kernel.
6. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power-on clamp is connected to the power interface via a probe or connector.
7. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage chip is a flash memory chip.
8. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply circuit is a DC-DC converter circuit.
9. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Wi-Fi module is provided with a second interface for connecting to the Wi-Fi tester, and the second interface is a radio frequency interface.
10. The Wi-Fi module testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless connectivity tester has eight radio frequency interfaces, each of which is connected to a corresponding Wi-Fi module.