Device for testing electrical characteristic parameters of multi-path power divider
By introducing a multi-way switch to optimize the multi-way power divider testing process, the problem of port quantity limitation is solved, and efficient and reliable multi-way power divider testing is achieved, which is suitable for batch or high-precision requirements and reduces hardware costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAN XIGU XINCHUANG ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the testing efficiency of multi-port power dividers is low due to the limited number of ports, requiring multiple cable replacements for testing, and making it impossible to complete the measurement of all ports at once.
By introducing a multiplexer, the untested signal port can be dynamically switched to a fourth port for testing by switching the conduction path of the multiplexer, simplifying the testing process and reducing the number of line changes.
It achieves high efficiency and reliability improvement in multi-channel power divider testing, reduces human error, has parallel testing capabilities, is suitable for batch or high-precision requirements, and has low hardware cost, reducing hardware modification costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224553316U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of testing device technology, specifically to a testing device for the electrical characteristic parameters of a multi-channel power divider. Background Technology
[0002] A power divider is a device that splits a single input signal into multiple output signals. The main test parameters for a power divider include the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of each port, insertion loss between input and output, isolation between output ports, amplitude imbalance, and phase imbalance. Currently, the E5080B vector network analyzer is used for testing power dividers. The E5080B is a four-channel device (port 1, port 2, port 3, and port 4). Figure 1 As shown, when testing a power divider with four or more channels, it is impossible to test all ports at once. It is necessary to change the cable and perform a second test, which is inefficient. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention provides a device for testing the electrical characteristic parameters of a multi-channel power divider. By introducing a multi-channel switch, the testing process of the multi-channel power divider is optimized, and the problem of low efficiency caused by the limitation of the number of ports in traditional methods is solved.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a multi-channel power divider electrical characteristic parameter testing device, comprising: a vector network analyzer, the vector network analyzer having a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port; a test board, the test board having a multi-channel power divider, and a SUM port and a first output port, a second output port, a third output port, and a fourth output port electrically connected to the multi-channel power divider; a multi-channel switch, the multi-channel switch having an RFC port and a first channel and a second channel; the first port of the vector network analyzer is connected to the SUM port of the test board, the second port and the third port are respectively connected to the first output port and the second output port of the test board, and the fourth port is connected to the RFC port of the multi-channel switch; the first channel and the second channel of the multi-channel switch are respectively connected to the third output port and the fourth output port of the test board via cables; by switching the conduction path of the multi-channel switch, the signals of the third output port and the fourth output port are sequentially switched to the fourth port for testing.
[0005] Preferably, the multiplexer is a single-pole double-throw radio frequency switch and supports programmable or manual switching.
[0006] Preferably, the untested output port of the test board does not require an external 50Ω load during the switching process.
[0007] Preferably, the vector network analyzer is a four-port E5080B model.
[0008] The advantages of this invention are as follows: The device simplifies testing procedures and reduces the number of cable changes. Traditional methods require multiple cable replacements to cover all ports; for example, a four-way power divider requires two tests. This solution completes the test in one go through switch switching, saving time and reducing human error. Furthermore, it features parallel testing capabilities. The second and third ports of the vector network analyzer can simultaneously measure two fixed outputs, and combined with the dynamic switching of the fourth port, it achieves synchronous acquisition of multiple parameters. Due to its loadless design, untested ports do not require an external 50Ω matching load, reducing preparation steps and hardware costs. If the multi-way switch supports programmable control, script control can be integrated to achieve fully automated testing. It also reduces connection disturbances; for example, fixed cable connections avoid impedance changes introduced by repeated plugging and unplugging, improving repeatability. Isolation testing is optimized; port pairing can be flexibly configured through switch switching, facilitating the measurement of isolation between output ports. This device only requires the addition of a low-cost multi-way switch, eliminating the need to upgrade the vector network analyzer or purchase multiple devices. Therefore, this solution effectively overcomes the physical limitation of the number of ports of the vector network analyzer through intelligent switching of multiple switches. Furthermore, the untested output ports on the test board do not require an external 50Ω load during the switching process, thus significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of multi-channel power divider testing. It is especially suitable for batch testing or high-precision scenarios, while maintaining a low hardware modification cost. Attached Figure Description
[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing testing method;
[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0012] In the diagram: 1. Vector Network Analyzer; 2. First Port; 3. Second Port; 4. Third Port; 5. Fourth Port; 6. Test Board; 7. SUM Port; 8. First Output Port; 9. Second Output Port; 10. Third Output Port; 11. Fourth Output Port; 12. Multiplexer; 13. RFC Port; 14. First Channel; 15. Second Channel. Detailed Implementation
[0013] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described 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.
[0014] according to Figure 2 As shown, a multi-channel power divider electrical characteristic parameter testing device includes: a vector network analyzer 1, which has a first port 2, a second port 3, a third port 4, and a fourth port 5, and is preferably an E5080B model with a four-port configuration. Test board 6 includes a power divider, a SUM port 7, and first output ports 8, 9, 10, and 11 electrically connected to the power divider; a multiplexer 12 is a single-pole double-throw RF switch that supports programmable or manual switching, and has an RFC port 13 and first channel 14 and second channel 15; the vector network analyzer 1 has a first port 2 connected to the SUM port 7 of test board 6, a second port 3 and a third port 4 connected to the first output port 8 and the second output port 9 of test board 6 respectively, and a fourth port 5 connected to the RFC port 13 of multiplexer 12; the first channel 14 and the second channel 15 of multiplexer 12 are connected to the third output port 10 and the fourth output port 11 of test board 6 respectively via cables; by switching the conduction path of multiplexer 12, the signals of the third output port 10 and the fourth output port 11 are sequentially switched to the fourth port 5 for testing.
[0015] This technical solution optimizes the testing process of the power divider by introducing a multiplexer 12, solving the inefficiency problem caused by the limited number of ports in traditional methods. The vector network analyzer 1 uses a four-port E5080B. Ports 2, 3, and 4 are directly connected to the power divider's input SUM port 7 and first output port 8 and second output port 9. Port 5 is dynamically switched between the remaining third output port 10 and fourth output port 11 via the multiplexer 12. The multiplexer 12, as a key expansion module, has its RFC port 13 connected to the fourth port 5 of the vector network analyzer 1, and its first channel 14 and second channel 15 connected to the power divider's third output port 10 and fourth output port 11, respectively. Through programmable or manual switching, signals from different output ports are alternately connected to the fourth port 5 of the vector network analyzer 1 for testing. The test board 6 secures the power divider and provides a standardized interface, eliminating the need for frequent cable plugging and unplugging.
[0016] In the specific testing process:
[0017] Initial test: The first port 2 of the vector network analyzer 1 excites the SUM port 7, and the second port 3 and the third port 4 directly measure the parameters of the first output port 8 and the second output port 9, such as VSWR and insertion loss.
[0018] Dynamic switching: The fourth port 5 is connected to the third output port 10 and the fourth output port 11 alternately by the multiplexer 12, thereby completing the test of the remaining ports.
[0019] Since the first port 2 to the first port 2 of the vector network analyzer 1 already cover the input and part of the output, the untested output ports, such as the fourth output port 11, are not measured when switching to the third output port 10. Therefore, there is no need to connect an additional 50Ω load, which simplifies the operation.
[0020] This device simplifies the testing process and reduces the number of cable changes: traditional methods require multiple cable replacements to cover all ports; for example, a four-way power divider requires two tests. This solution, however, completes the test in one go through switch switching, saving time and reducing human error. Furthermore, it features parallel testing capabilities. The second port 3 and third port 4 of the vector network analyzer 1 can simultaneously measure two fixed outputs, and combined with the dynamic switching of the fourth port 5, it achieves synchronous acquisition of multiple parameters. Due to its loadless design, untested ports do not require an external 50Ω matching load, reducing preparation steps and hardware costs. If the multiplexer 12 supports programmable control, script control can be integrated for fully automated testing. It also reduces connection disturbances; for example, fixed cable connections avoid impedance changes introduced by repeated plugging and unplugging, improving repeatability. Isolation testing is optimized; port pairing can be flexibly configured through switch switching, facilitating the measurement of isolation between output ports. This device only requires the addition of a low-cost multiplexer 12; there is no need to upgrade the vector network analyzer 1 or purchase multiple devices.
[0021] In summary, this solution effectively overcomes the physical limitation of the number of ports of the vector network analyzer 1 by intelligent switching of the multiplexer 12, and the untested output ports in the test board 6 do not require an external 50Ω load during the switching process. Therefore, it significantly improves the efficiency and reliability of the multi-channel power divider test, and is especially suitable for batch testing or high-precision scenarios, while maintaining a low hardware modification cost.
[0022] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A device for testing the electrical characteristic parameters of a multi-channel power divider, characterized in that, include: Vector network analyzer (1), wherein the vector network analyzer (1) is provided with a first port (2), a second port (3), a third port (4), and a fourth port (5); Test board (6), the test board (6) is provided with a multi-channel power divider, and SUM port (7) and first output port (8), second output port (9), third output port (10) and fourth output port (11) electrically connected to the multi-channel power divider; A multiplexer (12) is provided with an RFC port (13) and a first channel (14) and a second channel (15); The first port (2) of the vector network analyzer (1) is connected to the SUM port (7) of the test board (6), the second port (3) and the third port (4) are connected to the first output port (8) and the second output port (9) of the test board (6) respectively, and the fourth port (5) is connected to the RFC port (13) of the multiplexer (12). The first channel (14) and the second channel (15) of the multiplexer (12) are respectively connected to the third output port (10) and the fourth output port (11) of the test board (6) via cables; By switching the conduction path of the multiplexer (12), the signals of the third output port (10) and the fourth output port (11) are switched to the fourth port (5) for testing.
2. The multi-channel power divider electrical characteristic parameter testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiplexer (12) is a single-pole double-throw radio frequency switch and supports programmable or manual switching.
3. The multi-channel power divider electrical characteristic parameter testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The untested output port of the test board (6) does not require an external 50Ω load during the switching process.
4. The multi-channel power divider electrical characteristic parameter testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vector network analyzer (1) is a four-port E5080B model.