An automated testing device for drone data links

Abstract

This invention provides an automated testing device for UAV data links, including an industrial control computer, a display, a spectrum analyzer, a programmable DC power source, a programmable adjustable attenuator, a fixed attenuator I, a fixed attenuator II, a power divider I, a power divider II, an RF switch, a shielded box I, and a shielded box II. The software of the industrial control computer includes a system management module and an automated testing module. The advantages of this invention are: it uses general-purpose testing equipment, is based on a computer-automated program, and controls the settings of each testing device via a bus to simulate remote control, telemetry, image data transmission and reception, and bit error rate statistics; it achieves automated testing of core functional performance indicators of UAV data links such as power consumption, transmit power, spectrum, functionality, receiver sensitivity, bit error rate, and latency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of communication technology, and in particular relates to an automated testing device for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data links. Background Technology

[0002] The data link of an UAV telemetry and control system refers to the link system through which data streams such as UAV remote control commands and telemetry information are generated, transmitted, received, processed, and output. Its basic components include a transmitting system, a receiving system, an antenna and feed system, and a signal processing and display system. Previous testing methods for such equipment were inefficient, labor-intensive, technically demanding, involved numerous and complex test items, and suffered from consistency issues. With the increasing standardization, serialization, and mass production of various UAVs, compatible Automatic Test Systems (ATS) can significantly reduce errors and inaccuracies, improve system production and development efficiency and testing standardization, and lower costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose an automated testing device for UAV data links to solve the problems of low efficiency, large workload, high technical requirements, numerous and complex test items, and test consistency in the existing technology.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] An automated testing device for UAV data links includes an industrial control computer, a display, a spectrum analyzer, a programmable DC power source, a programmable adjustable attenuator, a fixed attenuator I, a fixed attenuator II, a power divider I, a power divider II, an RF switch, a shielded box I, and a shielded box II.

[0006] The shielded box one shields the airborne terminal, and the shielded box two shields the ground terminal;

[0007] The industrial control computer is connected to the airborne terminal, the ground terminal, and the display. The programmable DC power supply is connected to the airborne terminal and the ground terminal. The airborne terminal is connected to a fixed attenuator one. The fixed attenuator one is connected to a power divider one. The power divider one is connected to an RF switch and a programmable adjustable attenuator. The programmable adjustable attenuator is connected to a power divider two. The power divider two is connected to an RF switch and a fixed attenuator two. The fixed attenuator two is connected to the ground terminal. The RF switch is connected to a spectrum analyzer.

[0008] Furthermore, the industrial control computer is used to run automatic test software to simulate the transmission and reception of remote control, telemetry, and image data; the display is used for human-computer interaction; the spectrum analyzer is used for testing the data link's transmit power and frequency domain functions; the programmable DC power supply is used to power the data link and monitor the current in real time; the programmable adjustable attenuator is used to set the attenuation and simulate spatial channel attenuation; the fixed attenuator is used for fixed attenuation of input and output signals; the power divider is used for splitting and combining radio frequency signals; the radio frequency switch is used for selecting radio frequency signals; and shielding boxes one and two are used to isolate spatial electromagnetic interference and block the air interface channel between the airborne terminal and the ground terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, the industrial control computer is connected to the airborne terminal via a network port and a serial port, and the industrial control computer is also connected to the ground terminal via a network port and a serial port.

[0010] Furthermore, the display is a touch screen and is an industrial-grade embedded display.

[0011] Furthermore, the radio frequency switch is a programmable coaxial type.

[0012] Furthermore, the industrial control computer adopts a rack-mount chassis.

[0013] Furthermore, the spectrum analyzer model is compatible with the operating frequency band of airborne or ground terminals.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixed attenuator is coaxial.

[0015] Furthermore, both power divider one and power divider two are two-way power dividers.

[0016] Furthermore, the programmable DC power source has multiple independent outputs.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the automated testing equipment for UAV data links described in this utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] (1) Using an industrial control computer as the control center, the whole machine test of the data link system can be carried out independently of the aircraft body, without relying on the remote control and telemetry data provided by the aircraft flight control and ground station, and without relying on the video data provided by the payload for testing;

[0019] (2) The number, type, rate, protocol, etc. of the interface can be flexibly configured through software, with good adaptability and strong versatility;

[0020] (3) It has a good human-machine interface. The software simulates remote control, telemetry and load data generation and transmission. Through bus automation control of test equipment such as spectrum analyzer, programmable DC power source, and RF switch, the test process can be fully automated, improving test efficiency and standardization, and has high economic value.

[0021] (4) It has login management and record storage and printing functions, which improves convenience while providing high security and traceability. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware principle block of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the software system block according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, an automated testing device for UAV data links is characterized by comprising an industrial control computer, a display, a spectrum analyzer, a programmable DC power source, a programmable adjustable attenuator, a fixed attenuator I, a fixed attenuator II, a power divider I, a power divider II, an RF switch, a shielding box I, and a shielding box II.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the industrial control computer is connected to an airborne terminal, a ground terminal, and a display, respectively; the programmable DC power supply is connected to the airborne terminal and the ground terminal, respectively; the airborne terminal is connected to a fixed attenuator one; the fixed attenuator one is connected to a power divider one; the power divider one is connected to an RF switch and a programmable adjustable attenuator, respectively; the programmable adjustable attenuator is connected to a power divider two; the power divider two is connected to an RF switch and a fixed attenuator two, respectively; the fixed attenuator two is connected to the ground terminal; and the RF switch is connected to a spectrum analyzer. A shielding box one shields the airborne terminal, and a shielding box two shields the ground terminal. In this embodiment, the functional performance indicators of normal equipment are determined using traditional testing methods. Based on these indicators, the attenuation of fixed attenuators, power dividers, line losses, and RF switches along the entire path is calibrated. The decision thresholds for equipment performance parameters are corrected in the simulation testing software, enabling parameter settings for attenuators, interface configurations, and spectrum analyzers. The fixed attenuator attenuation value is 30dB, the maximum input power of the fixed attenuator is not less than the output power of the power amplifier, and the RF signal attenuated by the fixed attenuator is less than the maximum input power requirement of the spectrum analyzer to avoid damaging the spectrum analyzer. Simultaneously, the power value is within the effective measurement range of the spectrum analyzer. Testing can only proceed after calibration. When testing the airborne terminal, the airborne terminal under test is placed in shielded box one and connected to the ground data terminal in shielded box two for functional and performance parameter testing. When testing the ground terminal, the ground terminal under test is placed in shielded box two and connected to the airborne data terminal in shielded box one for functional and performance parameter testing.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the industrial control computer is connected to the airborne terminal via a network port and a serial port, and is also connected to the ground terminal via a network port and a serial port; the display is a touch screen and is an industrial-grade embedded display; the RF switch is a programmable coaxial type; the industrial control computer uses a rack-mount chassis; the spectrum analyzer is model-compatible with the operating frequency band of the airborne terminal or the ground terminal; the fixed attenuator is coaxial type; both power divider one and power divider two are two-way power dividers; and the programmable DC power source has multiple independent outputs.In this embodiment, the industrial control computer adopts an Advantech ACP series 2U rack-mount chassis, which meets the requirements of transportation vibration and shock environments. It features rich interfaces, supports power-on self-start, and runs existing automated testing software. It is equipped with industrial computer network ports and serial ports, which interconnect with the serial and network ports of ground data terminals and airborne data terminals, respectively. Combined with the testing software, it simulates remote control, telemetry, and mission payload data transmission and reception, performs bit error rate testing, simulates video transmission functions, monitors link status, and controls modes, and generates test reports. The monitor is a 23.6-inch industrial-grade embedded monitor from UX / UX, IP65 waterproof, with good light transmittance, high clarity, precise positioning, and good scratch resistance. It is powered by 220V standard AC mains and is suitable for various industrial control equipment and smart terminals. The spectrum analyzer is a model matching the frequency band of the device under test, mainly used for spectrum and power measurement. This device utilizes existing microwave technology and modern digital processing algorithms, offering rich functionality and programmable control. Relying on analysis software on an industrial control computer, it can perform complex spectrum analysis and power measurement functions, record data, and print measurement results. The programmable DC power source supports multiple independent outputs, features a user-friendly digital panel control interface, supports save / retrieve lock functions, a large display screen, bright LED indicators, high output resolution, USB remote control, and intelligent temperature-controlled fans. The programmable adjustable attenuator's built-in program can automatically control microwave power levels, including the input power of the control signal measurement system and the output power of the signal generation system. Primarily used in various communication or microwave automatic test systems (ATE), it features small size, high precision, stability, and reliability, with an average power of 2W, a maximum frequency range of DC-3GHz, and an attenuation range of 0-127dB. It can be precisely adjusted in 1dB increments, with an attenuation accuracy of ±0.8dB, a VSWR of <1.5, and an insertion loss of <5dB. The fixed attenuator is coaxial, suitable for any application requiring power level reduction or circuit matching. It quantitatively absorbs energy from transmission lines, extends the power range, controls the power level, and can be equipped with a small power meter, integrated tester, or spectrum analyzer to accurately measure the power or spectrum of various RF microwave transmitters. (DTS) The series of coaxial fixed attenuators features an average power of 60W, a frequency range of DC-3GHz, attenuation accuracy of ±0.8dB, wide operating bandwidth, low VSWR, flat attenuation, strong pulse resistance, and strong burn-out resistance. The power divider uses a conventional two-way power divider to equally distribute the RF signal, resulting in low insertion loss, high isolation, large power tolerance, and good amplitude and phase balance. The RF switch uses a programmable coaxial RF switch with low insertion loss, high isolation, and convenient control of the RF signal selection channel through existing programs. The shielded enclosure is mainly used for wireless communication testing, EMI testing, coupling testing, etc. A suitable enclosure is selected based on the frequency band and size of the device under test. Advanced casting technology is used, with internal absorbing material for high isolation, and a variety of RF, low-speed, and power supply interfaces are provided.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the automatic testing software of the industrial control computer includes a system management module and an automated testing module. In this embodiment, the system management module has a login management function, verifying the legitimacy of the login user by setting an account and password, and allowing manual input of product information such as the name and serial number of the test equipment. The automated testing module monitors the power supply and power consumption of the equipment, performs functional tests such as remote control, telemetry, and image data transmission and reception, performs performance tests such as service rate, latency, and bit error rate, and performs RF performance tests such as frequency band, bandwidth, power, and duty cycle. The testing process can either select a single indicator for individual testing as needed, or automate the entire test with one click. After the test is completed, the test process is stored in the database through the data management module, and the user can generate reports of the test results as needed.

[0033] It should be noted that this utility model only improves the automated testing equipment and does not improve the control program. The control program and electrical components involved are all existing technologies.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle data link automated test equipment, characterized by: Includes industrial control computer, monitor, spectrum analyzer, programmable DC power source, programmable adjustable attenuator, fixed attenuator 1, fixed attenuator 2, power divider 1, power divider 2, RF switch, shielded box 1 and shielded box 2; The shielded box one shields the airborne terminal, and the shielded box two shields the ground terminal; The industrial control computer is connected to the airborne terminal, the ground terminal, and the display. The programmable DC power supply is connected to the airborne terminal and the ground terminal. The airborne terminal is connected to a fixed attenuator one. The fixed attenuator one is connected to a power divider one. The power divider one is connected to an RF switch and a programmable adjustable attenuator. The programmable adjustable attenuator is connected to a power divider two. The power divider two is connected to an RF switch and a fixed attenuator two. The fixed attenuator two is connected to the ground terminal. The RF switch is connected to a spectrum analyzer.

2. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The industrial control computer is used to run automatic test software to simulate the transmission and reception of remote control, telemetry, and image data; the display is used for human-computer interaction; the spectrum analyzer is used for testing the data link's transmit power and frequency domain functions; the programmable DC power supply is used to power the data link and monitor the current in real time; the programmable adjustable attenuator is used to set the attenuation and simulate spatial channel attenuation; the fixed attenuator is used for fixed attenuation of input and output signals; the power divider is used for splitting and combining radio frequency signals; the radio frequency switch is used for selecting radio frequency signals; the shielding box one and shielding box two are used to isolate spatial electromagnetic interference and block the air interface channel between the airborne terminal and the ground terminal.

3. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The industrial control computer is connected to the airborne terminal via a network port and a serial port, and the industrial control computer is also connected to the ground terminal via a network port and a serial port.

4. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display is a touch screen and is an industrial-grade embedded display.

5. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radio frequency switch is a programmable coaxial type.

6. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The industrial control computer uses a rack-mount chassis.

7. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spectrum analyzer model is compatible with the operating frequency band of airborne or ground terminals.

8. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed attenuator is coaxial.

9. The automated testing equipment for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both power divider one and power divider two are two-way power dividers.

10. An automated testing device for UAV data links according to claim 1, characterized in that: The programmable DC power supply has multiple independent outputs.

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