Over-the-Air Bluetooth Low Energy Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing Bluetooth low energy devices are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for physical connections, which restrict testing quality and area, and are susceptible to cable failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing Bluetooth low energy devices over-the-air, establishing a Bluetooth low energy connection between a device under test and a tester, enabling test modes, and transmitting radio frequency test packets without physical control lines, allowing channel hopping and secure key implementation for efficient testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical connection is used to control the Bluetooth low energy device for testing, then the testing can be performed according to standardized specifications, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless Bluetooth low energy communication system. The tester and device under test establish a BLE connection to transmit control commands and receive test data, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining standardized testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The Bluetooth low energy connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wireless communication for control commands, transmits test data, and enables channel hopping for frequency testing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate physical connections and control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If control cables are used to connect to the Bluetooth low energy device, then the device can be controlled for testing, but the testing area is restricted and cable failures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical cable connection and replaces it with a wireless Bluetooth low energy communication system. This substitution removes the physical constraint on testing area while maintaining full device control capability through wireless commands and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional cable-connected control to three-dimensional wireless spatial control. The tester can communicate with the device under test across any distance within the BLE range, enabling testing in previously inaccessible locations and configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical connections are used for testing, then standardized Bluetooth low energy radio frequency tests can be performed, but the testing process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The Bluetooth low energy connection performs multiple testing functions through a single wireless link, including radio frequency measurements, channel hopping tests, and data transmission tests. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate testing systems and connections required, simplifying the overall testing process while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing a Bluetooth low energy device over-the-air is described, wherein a Bluetooth low energy connection is established. An enable test mode command is transmitted to the device under test. The testing is started with transmitting at least one of a test transmission command and a test receiving command. Test radio frequency test physical layer packets are transmitted in a channel to be tested. A channel switching sequence takes place. At least one of a stop transmission command and a stop receiving command is transmitted once the intended testing on the channel to be tested has been completed. Further, a testing system is described.