A system for testing automatic network frequency band switching of a communication module
By designing a combination of signal shielding structure and adjustable programmable attenuator, the problem of inaccurate signal attenuation in existing technologies is solved, enabling accurate testing and network switching capability evaluation of communication modules in special network environments, thereby improving testing accuracy and communication quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI YIKE COMM TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
Smart Images
Figure CN224460025U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to the fields of wireless communication testing, simulated base stations, radio frequency signal attenuation, and network switching technology; specifically, it relates to a system for testing the automatic switching of network frequency bands of a communication module. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the 5G RedCap communication modules installed on low-altitude drones and eVTOL flying cars will face various network switching scenarios in actual flight operations, so network switching tests need to be conducted in simulation tests.
[0003] The purpose of the network switching test is to weaken the signal of the communication module's network connection through manual control, and then observe whether the communication module can automatically select to connect to other networks, thus judging the communication module's ability to automatically select networks.
[0004] However, in actual scientific research simulation tests at this stage, when the signal of the already injected network weakens, the signal strength of other signals will also be weakened, making it impossible to attenuate only the signal of the already injected network, resulting in inaccurate test results. Utility Model Content
[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to design a system for testing the automatic switching of network frequency bands of a communication module. When the network signal of the communication module is weakened by controlled attenuation, a shielding structure is designed for the module testing subsystem to introduce only the already registered network signal and shield other spatial network signals. This more accurately simulates the actual network environment fluctuation scenario, observes whether the communication module can automatically select to register other networks, tests the network registration capability of the communication module, and more accurately tests the signal strength when the communication module switches networks. This improves the accuracy of the test, enables the communication module to automatically select a good network in special network environments, improves the communication quality of the communication module, and thus ensures good product performance.
[0006] This utility model provides a system for testing the automatic switching of network frequency bands of a communication module, comprising: a signal control system, wherein the signal control system is connected to a PC and a module testing subsystem, the module testing subsystem includes a signal shielding box, and the signal transmitting end of the signal control system extends into the interior of the signal shielding box.
[0007] Specifically, the signal control system is connected to a PC via a programmable line. The PC sends control commands to the signal control system via the programmable line, and the control commands can be adapted to different base station equipment of the signal control system.
[0008] The module testing subsystem only introduces network signals that have been registered, shielding and isolating other spatial network signals to avoid the phenomenon that other spatial network signals are also attenuated due to the introduction of other spatial network signals.
[0009] Furthermore, the communication module to be tested is installed inside the signal shielding box, and the communication module is connected to a communication antenna.
[0010] Without shielding, it is impossible to attenuate only the registered network signal. This invention places the communication module inside a signal shielding box, allowing the registered network signal to enter the shielding box without introducing other spatial network signals, thus achieving the effect of attenuating only the registered network signal without affecting other spatial network signals.
[0011] After the communication module is powered on, it executes a network search process, scanning for space network signals through the communication antenna. The network search process generally includes the following steps:
[0012] Upon powering on, the device recognizes the SIM card, selects the corresponding carrier network, scans for network signals, and reads the frequency band configuration table inside the communication module (which frequency bands are supported). It scans each frequency band according to the frequency bands supported by the communication module, typically starting from the first configured band, sorting them by signal strength. Frequency bands that reach the set signal strength threshold are arranged from highest to lowest (the threshold varies depending on the chip platform). Then, it finds the network with the best signal among these frequency bands for registration.
[0013] If the environment in which the communication module is located currently only has one frequency band (such as frequency band A), it will register the network corresponding to this frequency band (frequency band A).
[0014] Furthermore, the signal control system includes an analog base station, which is connected to an adjustable programmable attenuator. The adjustable programmable attenuator is connected to a test antenna, which extends into the interior of the signal shielding box.
[0015] This invention adds an adjustable programmable signal attenuator, which controls the signal strength output from the analog base station to the signal shielding box, reducing the signal received by the communication module to the signal strength level at the time of network switching.
[0016] Preferably, the simulated base station, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the test antenna are connected sequentially via radio frequency (RF) lines, which can isolate external spatial network signals. The signal attenuation value of the adjustable programmable attenuator is increased by controlling it via a PC.
[0017] For network switching tests, it is necessary to control the signal strength of the frequency band already registered by the communication module to be weakened, but not to weaken the signals of other spatial networks. Therefore, a solution of simulating base stations and signal attenuators is adopted to introduce controllable test frequency band signals separately.
[0018] The analog base station supports all frequency bands of the communication protocol.
[0019] Furthermore, the module testing subsystem is interactively connected to a communication module status monitoring system, which is interactively connected to the PC.
[0020] The communication module status monitoring system monitors the network status in real time, providing information such as network connectivity, signal strength, and data transmission speed. It can also promptly detect network faults, such as signal loss or data transmission interruption, and alert testers to perform fault recovery through an early warning mechanism, thereby reducing test interruptions caused by network failures.
[0021] The communication module status monitoring system can optimize network configuration and parameter settings and improve network performance by monitoring network status.
[0022] Furthermore, the module testing subsystem is connected to a communication module power control system, which is connected to the PC and includes a programmable power supply.
[0023] Specifically, the programmable power supply is connected to the communication module via a power cord.
[0024] The operating voltage of the communication module is set by a PC, and the programmable power supply is turned on to power on the communication module.
[0025] After the communication module is powered on, it automatically searches for networks and registers with the network with the best signal (such as frequency band A). When the PC computer controls the programmable power supply to power off, the communication module shuts down.
[0026] Furthermore, the PC is equipped with a command serial port, which is connected to the programmable power supply, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the communication module.
[0027] Specifically, the instruction serial port on the PC is connected to the programmable power supply, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the communication module via serial cables. Control signals can be transmitted to the programmable power supply, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the communication module through the instruction serial port, thereby enabling simultaneous control of the programmable power supply, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the communication module.
[0028] Furthermore, the signal shielding box is equipped with a module testing fixture inside, and the communication module is clamped and mounted on the module testing fixture.
[0029] The module test fixture, serving as a tool to assist in controlling the position or movement of communication modules, plays a crucial role in automated network switching testing. This fixture can both mount and hold communication modules, and also provide stability and accuracy to the communication modules through control and adjustment.
[0030] Furthermore, the adjustable programmable attenuator is internally equipped with multiple stages of switching circuits, each stage of which has a different resistance value and is connected in series.
[0031] Different resistance values in each stage of the switching circuit result in different signal attenuation. Combining multiple stages of switching circuits creates a variety of different resistance values, producing different signal attenuation levels, thus allowing adjustment of the signal attenuation rate.
[0032] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0033] The system architecture of the automatic network frequency band switching test communication module provided by this utility model is simple and reasonable, with strong overall integrity. When the network signal of the communication module is weakened by controlled attenuation, the shielding structure of the module test subsystem introduces only the already registered network signal and blocks other spatial network signals. This can more accurately simulate the actual network environment fluctuation scenario, observe whether the communication module can automatically select to register other networks, test the network registration capability of the communication module, and more accurately test the signal strength when the communication module switches networks. This improves the test accuracy, enables the communication module to automatically select a good network in special network environments, improves the communication quality of the communication module, and ensures good product performance. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0035] In the attached diagram:
[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the component structure of the test communication module for automatically switching network frequency bands according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0037] Figure 2 This is an architecture diagram of the test communication module for automatically switching network frequency bands according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0038] Figure 3 This is a multi-stage switching circuit diagram of the adjustable programmable attenuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0039] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
[0040] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0041] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, and third may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."
[0042] This utility model provides a system for testing the automatic switching of network frequency bands of a communication module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the signal shielding box of the module testing subsystem contains a module testing fixture, on which the communication module (5G RedCap) to be tested is clamped and mounted. The module testing fixture serves as a tool to assist in controlling the position or movement of the communication module; it can both mount and clamp the 5G RedCap communication module and control and adjust its stability and accuracy.
[0043] The 5G RedCap communication module is installed inside a signal shielding box. The signal transmitter of the signal control system extends into the shielding box, allowing only registered network signals to enter while preventing signals from other network domains from being introduced. This effectively attenuates registered network signals without affecting other network signals, avoiding the attenuation of other network signals caused by their introduction. The signal control system is connected to a PC via a programmable cable. The PC sends control commands to the signal control system through the same cable, and these commands are adaptable to different base station equipment within the signal control system.
[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the module testing subsystem is interactively connected to the communication module status monitoring system, which in turn is interactively connected to a PC. The communication module status monitoring system monitors network status in real time, providing information such as network connectivity, signal strength, and data transmission speed. It can also promptly detect network faults, such as signal loss or data transmission interruptions, and alert testers through a warning mechanism to perform fault recovery, minimizing test interruptions caused by network failures.
[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the analog base station of the signal control system is connected to an adjustable programmable attenuator, which is connected to a test antenna. The test antenna extends into the signal shielding box. This scheme, using an analog base station and signal attenuator, introduces a controllable test frequency band signal, reducing the signal strength only in the frequency band already registered with the communication module. The adjustable programmable signal attenuator controls the signal strength output from the analog base station to the signal shielding box, reducing the signal received by the 5G RedCap communication module to the signal strength level at the time of network switching. The analog base station, adjustable programmable attenuator, and test antenna are connected sequentially via RF cables, which isolate external network signals. The signal attenuation value of the adjustable programmable attenuator is increased via a PC.
[0046] In this embodiment, two simulated base stations (simulated base station 1 and simulated base station 2) are set, each using a different frequency band. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the signal transmitted by simulated base station 1 is the test frequency band, and the signal transmitted by simulated base station 2 is the module's candidate frequency band. The 5G RedCap communication module products mounted on low-altitude drones and eVTOL flying cars support seven frequency bands: n1 / n3 / n28 / n41 / n77 / n78 / n79. The two simulated base stations were set up using frequency band traversal during testing.
[0047] Configure the frequency band A and other network parameters of the transmission signal of the simulated base station 1 [including: communication cell number, channel, bandwidth, signal strength (RSRP set to -60dBm) etc.], and enable the simulated base station 1 on the PC to transmit the test frequency band signal of the module.
[0048] The transmission signal of simulated base station 2 is set to frequency band B, and other network parameters are configured [including: communication cell number, channel, bandwidth, signal strength (RSRP set to -70dBm), etc.]. The frequency band B and other network parameters of simulated base station 2 are different from those of simulated base station 1. The PC computer controls and enables simulated base station 2 to transmit the signal of the selected frequency band of the module.
[0049] The 5G RedCap communication module connects to the communication antenna. After the communication module is powered on, it executes a network search process, scanning for spatial network signals through the communication antenna. The network search process generally includes the following steps:
[0050] Upon powering on, the system recognizes the SIM card, selects the corresponding carrier network, scans for network signals, and reads the frequency band configuration table inside the communication module (showing which frequency bands are supported). It scans each frequency band according to the supported bands, typically starting with the first configured band, sorting them by signal strength. Bands reaching the set signal strength threshold are arranged from highest to lowest (the threshold varies depending on the chip platform). Then, it finds the network with the best signal among these bands and registers it. If the communication module's environment currently only has one frequency band (e.g., band A), it registers the network corresponding to that single frequency band (band A).
[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the module testing subsystem is connected to the communication module power control system, which is connected to a PC. The communication module power control system includes a programmable power supply (such as...). Figure 1 (As shown). The programmable power supply is connected to the 5G RedCap communication module via a power cord. The PC sets the operating voltage of the 5G RedCap communication module, controlling the programmable power supply to turn on the operating voltage, thus powering on the 5G RedCap communication module. After powering on, it automatically searches for networks and registers with the network with the best signal. The PC then controls the programmable power supply to power off, shutting down the 5G RedCap communication module.
[0052] The PC is equipped with a command serial port, which is connected to the programmable power supply, adjustable programmable attenuator, and 5G RedCap communication module. The command serial port is connected to the programmable power supply, adjustable programmable attenuator, and communication module via serial cables. Control signals can be transmitted to these components simultaneously. In this embodiment, the PC sends the command AT+CREG? via the serial cable to query the current network registration status of the 5G RedCap communication module (whether network registration was successful; a return value of 1 indicates successful registration, and 0 indicates failure). If registration is successful, the PC sends the command AT+CELLINFO to query the 5G RedCap communication module, which returns the network information after registration, including parameters such as frequency band, cell number, channel, bandwidth, and signal strength. The 5G RedCap communication module is registered to the frequency band A. When the signal received by the 5G RedCap communication module in frequency band A is weak, the 5G RedCap communication module will search for other frequency bands it supports according to the network selection rules. Therefore, it will switch the registered network to frequency band B, record the signal strength parameter value in the AT+CELLINFO return value of the module before the switch, and then traverse other frequency bands (simulated base station frequency band A and simulated base station frequency band C, simulated base station frequency band A and simulated base station frequency band D, simulated base station frequency band B and simulated base station frequency band C, etc.) to test whether all supported frequency bands can switch to other frequency band networks after the signal strength weakens.
[0053] The PC controls the attenuation value of the adjustable programmable attenuator, which gradually increases in 1dB increments. Each time the attenuation increases, the PC sends two commands, AT+CREG? and AT+CELLINFO, to query the status of the communication module.
[0054] The adjustable programmable attenuator has multiple stages of switching circuitry internally (see...). Figure 3 The circuits within the dashed boxes (each stage of the circuit) have different resistance values, and each stage is connected in series. Because the resistance values of each stage are different, the signal attenuation is different. Combining multiple stages of switching circuits results in many different resistance values, producing varying signal attenuation levels, thus allowing for adjustment of the signal attenuation rate.
[0055] The system architecture of the test communication module in this embodiment is simple and reasonable, with strong overall integrity. When the network signal of the communication module is weakened by controlled attenuation, the shielding structure of the module test subsystem introduces only the already registered network signal and blocks other spatial network signals. This can more accurately simulate the actual network environment fluctuation scenario, observe whether the communication module can automatically select to register other networks, test the network registration capability of the communication module, and more accurately test the signal strength when the communication module switches networks. This improves the test accuracy and enables the communication module to automatically select a good network in special network environments, thereby improving the communication quality of the communication module.
[0056] The technical solution of this utility model has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A system for testing the automatic switching of network frequency bands by a communication module, characterized in that, include: A signal control system is provided, which is connected to a PC and a module testing subsystem. The module testing subsystem includes a signal shielding box, and the signal transmitting end of the signal control system extends into the interior of the signal shielding box.
2. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 1, wherein, The signal shielding box contains the communication module to be tested, which is connected to a communication antenna.
3. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 2, wherein, The signal control system includes an analog base station, which is connected to an adjustable programmable attenuator. The adjustable programmable attenuator is connected to a test antenna, which extends into the interior of the signal shielding box.
4. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 2, wherein, The module testing subsystem is interactively connected to the communication module status monitoring system, which is interactively connected to the PC.
5. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 2, wherein, The module testing subsystem is connected to a communication module power control system, which is connected to the PC and includes a programmable power supply.
6. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands of a test communication module according to claim 5, wherein, The PC is equipped with a command serial port, which is connected to the programmable power supply, the adjustable programmable attenuator, and the communication module.
7. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 2, wherein, The signal shielding box is equipped with a module testing fixture inside, and the communication module is clamped and mounted on the module testing fixture.
8. The system for automatically switching network frequency bands for a test communication module of claim 3, wherein, The adjustable programmable attenuator has multiple levels of switching circuits inside, each with a different resistance value, and each level of switching circuit is connected in series.