Measurement device and method for creating its wiring diagram

Abstract

To provide a measuring device that can improve the efficiency of measurement tests. [Solution] The device includes a measuring instrument equipment configuration storage unit 12 that stores the equipment configuration incorporated in the measuring instrument 11, a measurement test selection unit 13 that allows the user to select a test item to be measured, a measurement condition analysis unit 14 that analyzes the measurement conditions for the selected test item, a connection condition selection unit 16 that allows the user to input the frequency band to be measured and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 used in that frequency band as connection conditions for the selected test item, a recommended connection calculation unit 17 that calculates a connection method that satisfies the connection conditions and measurement conditions and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring instrument 11 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 is reconnected, and a connection method display unit 18 that displays the connection method calculated by the recommended connection calculation unit 17 as a connection diagram.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for performing a measurement test on a mobile terminal.

Background Art

[0002] When developing a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a data communication terminal, it is necessary to test whether the developed mobile terminal can communicate normally. For this reason, a test is performed in which the mobile terminal to be tested is connected to a test device that operates as a pseudo base station that simulates the functions of an actual base station, communication is performed between the test device and the mobile terminal, and the content of this communication is confirmed.

[0003] Among such tests, there is a conformity test for confirming whether a mobile terminal conforms to the standards of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).

[0004] In the fifth-generation mobile communication system (hereinafter, also referred to as "5G"), frequency bands are defined over a wide range in FR1 (Frequency Range 1: 410 to 7125 MHz) and FR2 (Frequency Range 2: 24250 to 71000 MHz). In addition, the formulation of FR3 (Frequency Range 3: 7125 to 24250 MHz) in the intermediate frequency band between FR1 and FR2 is in progress. ​​​​​​​​​ [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7379744 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, with this configuration, a base station device must be prepared for each connection to be switched, leading to increased costs. Also, if the number of antennas on the terminal device increases, the number of distributors and couplers must be increased accordingly, further increasing costs.

[0009] Furthermore, because distributors and couplers are connected in multiple stages, signal loss increases significantly, making it impossible to set the signal level according to the standard definition.

[0010] As the number of frequency bands used increases, the number of antennas on mobile devices will also increase, which is expected to complicate the connection between the mobile device antennas and the measuring equipment.

[0011] Furthermore, the combination of frequency bands, such as the NSA (Non-Standalone) method which links LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G, and high-order CA (Carrier Aggregation), is also increasing with the addition of new functions to mobile terminals. When conducting measurement tests on these, users must either switch connections each time or consider wiring configurations that allow measurement tests to be conducted continuously without switching connections.

[0012] The connection configuration between the mobile terminal and the measuring device, which allows for continuous measurement testing even if the connection configuration between the mobile terminal and the measuring device changes, becomes more complex as the number of antennas on the mobile terminal increases, making it time-consuming and troublesome for users to figure out.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a measuring device that can improve the efficiency of measurement tests by reducing the number of times the connection to the mobile terminal's antenna needs to be changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention relates to a measuring device (1) that communicates with a mobile terminal (100) using a measuring instrument (11) equipped with multiple ports connected by cables to multiple antenna terminals of the mobile terminal, and performs a measurement test of signals transmitted by the mobile terminal, comprising: a measuring instrument equipment configuration storage unit (12) that stores the equipment configuration incorporated in the measuring instrument; a measurement test selection unit (13) that allows the user to select a test item to be measured; a measurement condition analysis unit (14) that analyzes the measurement conditions of the selected test item; a wiring condition selection unit (16) that allows the user to input the frequency band to be measured and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal used in that frequency band as wiring conditions for the selected test item; a recommended wiring calculation unit (17) that calculates a wiring method that satisfies the wiring conditions and the measurement conditions and minimizes the number of times the cables between the ports of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal are reconnected; and a wiring method display unit (18) that displays the wiring method calculated by the recommended wiring calculation unit as a wiring diagram.

[0015] This configuration allows the wiring method that satisfies the wiring and measurement conditions while minimizing the number of cable reconnections to be displayed as a wiring diagram. Therefore, the efficiency of measurement tests can be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the recommended wiring calculation unit formulates the wiring conditions and the measurement conditions, and calculates the wiring method that minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal is reconnected under the formulated conditions by optimizing the combination.

[0017] This configuration allows for the calculation of a wiring method that satisfies the wiring and measurement conditions while minimizing the number of cable reconnections, through optimization of combinations. Therefore, the wiring method can be easily calculated, improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0018] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the wiring method display unit displays the frequency band that can be measured by the wiring diagram, along with the wiring diagram.

[0019] This configuration displays the wiring diagram along with the frequency band that can be measured using that diagram. Therefore, it is easy to determine the measurable frequency band from the displayed wiring diagram, improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0020] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the wiring method display unit displays the frequency band that can be measured by the wiring diagram, along with the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal used in that frequency band.

[0021] This configuration displays the frequency bands that can be measured using the wiring diagram, along with the antenna terminals of the mobile devices used in those frequency bands. Therefore, the displayed wiring diagram allows for easy identification of the measurable frequency bands and the antenna terminals used in those bands, improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0022] Also, the wiring diagram creation method of the present invention is a wiring diagram creation method for a measuring device (1) that communicates with a mobile terminal and performs a measurement test on a signal transmitted by the mobile terminal using a measuring instrument (11) having a plurality of ports connected to a plurality of antenna terminals of the mobile terminal by cables, the method comprising: a step of allowing selection of a test item to be measured; a step of analyzing measurement conditions for the selected test item; a step of, for the selected test item, inputting as a wiring condition a frequency band to be measured and an antenna terminal of the mobile terminal to be used in the frequency band; a step of calculating a wiring method that satisfies the wiring condition and the measurement condition and minimizes the number of cable reconnections between the ports of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminals of the mobile terminal; and a step of displaying the calculated wiring method as a wiring diagram.

[0023] With this configuration, a wiring method that satisfies the wiring condition and the measurement condition and minimizes the number of cable reconnections is displayed as a wiring diagram. Therefore, the efficiency of the measurement test can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The present invention can provide a measuring device capable of improving the efficiency of a measurement test.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a wiring condition setting screen of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display when there is no reconnection of the wiring diagram of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of display of the first pattern when there is one reconnection of the wiring diagram of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of display of the second pattern when there is one reconnection of the wiring diagram of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for creating a wiring diagram for a measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In Figure 1, the measuring device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to transmit and receive RF (radio frequency) signals to and from the mobile terminal 100 via a wired connection using a coaxial cable or the like, acting as a pseudo-base station.

[0027] The measuring device 1 comprises a measuring instrument 11, a measuring instrument configuration storage unit 12, a measurement test selection unit 13, a measurement condition analysis unit 14, a terminal antenna characteristic storage unit 15, a wiring condition selection unit 16, a recommended wiring calculation unit 17, and a wiring method display unit 18.

[0028] The measuring instrument 11 transmits and receives RF signals to and from the mobile terminal 100 under the control of the measurement test selection unit 13. The measuring instrument 11 outputs the communication status with the mobile terminal 100 and other information to the measurement test selection unit 13.

[0029] The measuring instrument 11 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 using 5G technology in accordance with the 5G standard.

[0030] The measuring device 11 is equipped with an RF port for transmitting and receiving RF signals with the mobile terminal 100. By connecting the RF port and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 with a cable, the measuring device 1 and the mobile terminal 100 can transmit and receive RF signals.

[0031] The measuring instrument 11, for example, has multiple slots, each of which has multiple RF ports. Furthermore, the functions that can be provided are determined on a per-slot basis. Functions that can be provided by a slot include the output of interference waves.

[0032] The measuring instrument configuration storage unit 12 stores the configuration of the equipment incorporated into the measuring instrument 11. For example, the measuring instrument configuration storage unit 12 stores the number of ports connected to the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100, and the functions that can be used with each port.

[0033] The measurement test selection unit 13 displays the conformance test items on a display unit (not shown) according to instructions entered into an operation unit (not shown), such as a keyboard or mouse, and allows the user to select the conformance test items to be measured. The measurement test selection unit 13 also controls the measuring instrument 11 according to instructions entered into the operation unit to execute the conformance test measurement and displays the results on the display unit.

[0034] The measurement condition analysis unit 14 analyzes the measurement conditions for the conformance test items and outputs the results to the recommended wiring calculation unit 17. The measurement condition analysis unit 14 analyzes the measurement conditions for the selected conformance test items, such as whether specific equipment must be used.

[0035] The terminal antenna characteristic storage unit 15 stores antenna information of the mobile terminal 100. The terminal antenna characteristic storage unit 15 stores antenna characteristic data such as the number of antennas of the mobile terminal 100 and the combination of antennas used for each band indicating the frequency band to be measured.

[0036] The connection condition selection unit 16 prompts the user to input the antenna of the mobile terminal 100 to be used for the band as a condition for the test item to be measured. For example, the connection condition selection unit 16 displays a screen on the display unit that prompts the user to input the antenna to be used for each band, and the user inputs the band and the antenna to be used by operating the operation unit.

[0037] The recommended wiring calculation unit 17 calculates a wiring method that satisfies the wiring conditions for the band specified by the wiring condition selection unit 16 and the measurement conditions for the test items selected by the measurement test selection unit 13, and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 is reconnected.

[0038] The wiring method display unit 18 displays the wiring method calculated by the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 as a wiring diagram showing the cable connection status between the port of the measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100.

[0039] Here, the measuring device 1 is composed of a computer device (not shown) equipped with a communication module for communicating with the mobile terminal 100. This computer device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device such as a hard disk drive, input / output ports, and a touch panel (not shown).

[0040] The ROM and hard disk drive of this computer device store programs that enable the computer device to function as measuring device 1. In other words, the CPU executes the programs stored in the ROM using the RAM as a working area, thereby enabling the computer device to function as measuring device 1.

[0041] Thus, in this embodiment, the measuring instrument configuration storage unit 12, the measurement test selection unit 13, the measurement condition analysis unit 14, the terminal antenna characteristic storage unit 15, the wiring condition selection unit 16, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17, and the wiring method display unit 18 are all composed of a CPU, and the measuring instrument 11 is composed of a communication module.

[0042] In a measuring device 1 with such a configuration, the wiring condition selection unit 16 displays a wiring condition setting screen, for example, as shown in Figure 2, to allow the user to input the wiring conditions.

[0043] In Figure 2, you can enter the band name in the "Band" column. By checking the "Use" column, you can set that band to be used.

[0044] The "UL" column allows you to enter the uplink connection conditions. The "MIMO" column within the "UL" column allows you to indicate whether or not to use a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) configuration. Checking the "MIMO" column enables a MIMO configuration.

[0045] In the "UL" column, you can enter the numbers of the antennas to be used for the uplink in the "Tx1" and "Tx2" columns.

[0046] The "DL" column allows you to enter the downlink connection conditions. The "MIMO" column within the "DL" column allows you to indicate whether or not to use a MIMO configuration. Checking the "MIMO" column enables a MIMO configuration.

[0047] In the "DL" column, the "Rx1", "Rx2", "Rx3", and "Rx4" columns allow you to enter the numbers of the antennas used for downlink. In the example in Figure 2, the mobile terminal 100 is equipped with antennas numbered 0 through 8.

[0048] For example, the "Band A" band is configured to use antenna 1 for the uplink and antennas 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the downlink.

[0049] Figure 2 allows you to set the connection conditions for multiple bands and whether or not to use each band in the measurement test.

[0050] Based on the wiring conditions set in this manner and the measurement conditions analyzed by the measurement condition analysis unit 14 from the test items selected by the measurement test selection unit 13, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 calculates a wiring method that satisfies the wiring conditions and measurement conditions and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 needs to be reconnected.

[0051] The recommended wiring calculation unit 17, for example, performs a combination optimization process to calculate a wiring method that satisfies the wiring conditions and measurement conditions and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 needs to be reconnected.

[0052] The recommended wiring calculation unit 17 defines the decision variables as follows: x s,r,a,p ∈ {0,1} (s = 0,1) (r = 0,1,2,3) (a = 0,...,A-1) (p = 0,...,P-1)

[0053] s is the slot index of the measuring instrument 11, and r is the index of the RF port for each slot. In this example, there are two slots, and each slot has four RF ports, for a total of eight RF ports.

[0054] 'a' is the index of the antenna of the mobile terminal 100. a=1 indicates antenna 1. A is the total number of antennas.

[0055] p is the index of the reconnection pattern. p=1 indicates the second pattern. P is the total number of patterns.

[0056] x s,r,a,p This value can be either 0 or 1. If it is 0, there is no connection for that s,r,a,p combination, and if it is 1, it indicates that the RF port of measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of mobile terminal 100 are connected by a cable for that s,r,a,p combination.

[0057] For example, x 0,0,0,0 If =1, it indicates that RF port 0 of slot 0 is connected to antenna 0 with the first reconnection pattern. Also, x 1,2,3,4 If =1, it indicates that RF port 2 of slot 1 is connected to the 3rd and 5th reconnection patterns of the antenna.

[0058] Such xs,r,a,p In this case, all x s,r,a,p The problem then becomes deciding whether the value is 0 or 1.

[0059] To address this issue, we define constraints. For example, when using a splitter, one RF port can be connected to two different antennas on the mobile terminal 100, so the constraint can be expressed by the following equation.

[0060]

number

[0061] This means that for some s, r, and p, the sum of all values ​​from a=0 to A-1 is less than or equal to 2.

[0062] Furthermore, since all antennas used in a given band must be connected to an RF port somewhere, the constraint can be expressed by the following equation.

[0063]

number

[0064] For the antenna used in the measurement band, ensure that the above equation holds true using the same rewiring pattern.

[0065] The recommended wiring calculation unit 17 calculates a wiring method by a program that optimizes combinations to output a solution that satisfies the test conditions and minimizes the number of rewiring patterns, for example, by inputting such test conditions as parameters and aiming to minimize the number of rewiring patterns.

[0066] The wiring method display unit 18 displays all x calculated by the recommended wiring calculation unit 17. s,r,a,p Based on the results, the connection status is displayed as a wiring diagram.

[0067] The wiring method display unit 18 displays a wiring diagram, for example, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a case where the wiring conditions shown in Figure 2 are met, and measurements can be taken under all conditions with one connection pattern using two splitters.

[0068] In Figure 3, below the wiring diagram, a list of the bands that can be measured with this pattern is displayed based on the input wiring conditions.

[0069] As shown in the wiring diagram in Figure 3, by connecting the RF port of the measuring device 1 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 with a cable and a splitter, measurements can be performed while satisfying the conditions for Bands A through F shown in Figure 2.

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show cases where the wiring conditions shown in Figure 2 are met, and measurements can be taken under all conditions with two connection patterns without using a splitter.

[0071] In Figures 4 and 5, below the wiring diagram, a list of the bands that can be measured with this pattern is displayed from the input wiring conditions.

[0072] In Figure 4, this connection allows measurements in Bands B, D, ... to be performed without changing the cable connections.

[0073] In Figure 5, this connection allows measurements in Bands A, C, ... to be performed without changing the cable connections.

[0074] Note that in Figures 3 to 5, the lines indicating the cables to be connected are shown in a single color, but using different colors for each cable would make connections easier.

[0075] The wiring diagram creation process using the measuring device 1 configured as described above according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The wiring diagram creation process described below is started when the user selects to create a wiring diagram.

[0076] In step S1, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 initializes the wiring conditions. After executing the process in step S1, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 executes the process in step S2.

[0077] In step S2, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 reads the antenna characteristic data of the mobile terminal 100 from the terminal antenna characteristic storage unit 15. After executing the process in step S2, the wiring condition selection unit 16 executes the process in step S3.

[0078] In step S3, the wiring condition selection unit 16 displays the wiring condition setting screen and prompts the user to input the wiring conditions. After executing the process in step S3, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 executes the process in step S4.

[0079] In step S4, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 formulates the test conditions based on the wiring conditions input by the wiring condition selection unit 16, the measurement conditions analyzed by the measurement condition analysis unit 14, and the equipment configuration of the measuring instrument 11 stored in the measuring instrument equipment configuration storage unit 12. After executing the process in step S4, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 executes the process in step S5.

[0080] In step S5, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 takes the formulated test conditions as input and, with the aim of minimizing the number of rewiring patterns, uses a program to find a solution that satisfies the test conditions. After executing the process in step S5, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 executes the process in step S6.

[0081] In step S6, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 determines whether or not a solution that satisfies the test conditions has been found.

[0082] If the wiring method display unit 18 determines that a solution satisfying the test conditions has been found, it executes the process in step S7. If the wiring condition selection unit 16 determines that a solution satisfying the test conditions has not been found, it executes the process in step S3 to request a review of the wiring conditions.

[0083] In step S7, the wiring method display unit 18 interprets the wiring from the obtained solution and creates a wiring diagram. After executing the process in step S7, the wiring method display unit 18 executes the process in step S8.

[0084] In step S8, the wiring method display unit 18 displays the created wiring diagram. After executing the process in step S8, the wiring method display unit 18 terminates the wiring diagram creation process.

[0085] As described above, in the embodiment, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 calculates a wiring method that satisfies the wiring conditions for the band specified by the wiring condition selection unit 16 and the measurement conditions for the test items selected by the measurement test selection unit 13, and minimizes the number of times the cable between the RF port of the measuring instrument 11 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 is reconnected, and the wiring method display unit 18 displays the calculated wiring method as a wiring diagram.

[0086] This allows the wiring diagram to display the wiring method that satisfies the wiring and measurement conditions while minimizing the number of cable reconnections. Therefore, the efficiency of measurement tests can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the recommended wiring calculation unit 17 formulates the wiring conditions and measurement conditions, and calculates the wiring method that minimizes the number of times the cable between the RF port of the measuring instrument 11 and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal 100 is reconnected under the formulated conditions by optimizing the combination.

[0088] This allows for the calculation of a wiring method that satisfies the wiring and measurement conditions while minimizing the number of cable reconnections, through optimization of combinations. Therefore, the wiring method can be easily calculated, improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0089] Furthermore, the wiring method display unit 18 displays the wiring diagram along with the bands that can be measured according to that wiring diagram.

[0090] This displays the wiring diagram along with the bands that can be measured using that diagram. Therefore, it is easy to identify the measurable bands from the displayed wiring diagram, improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0091] Furthermore, the wiring method display unit 18 displays the bands that can be measured according to the wiring diagram, along with the antenna terminals of the mobile terminal 100 used for those bands.

[0092] This displays the bands that can be measured using the wiring diagram, along with the antenna terminals of the mobile terminal 100 used for those bands. Therefore, it is easy to identify the measurable bands and the antenna terminals used for those bands from the displayed wiring diagram, thereby improving the efficiency of measurement tests.

[0093] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Measuring device 11 Measuring instruments 12 Measuring instrument configuration storage section 13 Measurement Test Selection Section 14 Measurement condition analysis section 15 Terminal antenna characteristic memory unit 16. Wiring Condition Selection Section 17 Recommended Wiring Calculation Section 18 Wiring Method Display Section 100 mobile devices

Claims

1. A measuring device (1) that communicates with a mobile terminal (100) and performs a measurement test of the signal transmitted by the mobile terminal, using a measuring instrument (11) equipped with multiple ports connected by cables to multiple antenna terminals of the mobile terminal, A measuring instrument equipment configuration storage unit (12) that stores the equipment configuration incorporated into the measuring instrument, A measurement test selection unit (13) that allows the user to select the test item to be measured, A measurement condition analysis unit (14) analyzes the measurement conditions of the selected test items, A wiring condition selection unit (16) inputs the frequency band to be measured and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal used in that frequency band as wiring conditions for the selected test item, A recommended wiring calculation unit (17) calculates a wiring method that satisfies the aforementioned wiring conditions and measurement conditions, and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal is reconnected. A measuring device comprising a wiring method display unit (18) that displays the wiring method calculated by the recommended wiring calculation unit as a wiring diagram.

2. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the recommended wiring calculation unit formulates the wiring conditions and the measurement conditions, and calculates the wiring method that minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal is reconnected under the formulated conditions by optimizing the combination.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wiring method display unit displays the frequency band that can be measured by the wiring diagram together with the wiring diagram.

4. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the wiring method display unit displays the frequency band that can be measured by the wiring diagram, along with the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal used in that frequency band.

5. A method for creating a wiring diagram for a measuring device (1) that communicates with a mobile terminal (100) using a measuring instrument (11) equipped with multiple ports connected by cables to multiple antenna terminals of the mobile terminal, and performs measurement tests on signals transmitted by the mobile terminal, wherein A step to select the test items to be measured, The steps include analyzing the measurement conditions for the selected test items, The selected test item involves inputting the frequency band to be measured and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal used in that frequency band as connection conditions, A step of calculating a wiring method that satisfies the aforementioned wiring conditions and measurement conditions, and minimizes the number of times the cable between the port of the measuring instrument and the antenna terminal of the mobile terminal is reconnected. A method for creating a wiring diagram, comprising the step of displaying the calculated wiring method as a wiring diagram.

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