Central Test Control Unit for Wireless Measurement Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of modern wireless communication technologies increases the complexity of test setups in measurement systems for devices like WIFI, UMTS/LTE, and 5G/6G electronic devices, making it cumbersome to configure and operate these systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a measurement system that includes centrally configuring and verifying the setup of a measurement system using a central test control unit, which is communicatively coupled to measurement application devices and devices under test, allowing for easy management and operation of complex measurement systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement application devices are used to perform complex test measurements, then the measurement capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A central test control unit is introduced as an intermediary device that manages and coordinates multiple measurement application devices. This control unit receives test configurations, distributes them to appropriate measurement devices, and aggregates results, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the complexity burden on individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is segmented into independent functional modules: the central test control unit and multiple measurement application devices. Each device can be configured and operated independently while contributing to the overall test measurement function, making the system more versatile and easier to manage despite increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different tests are configured in the measurement system, then the measurement versatility is improved, but the configuration time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest configuration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Test configurations are prepared and validated in advance by the central test control unit before actual measurements are performed. This preliminary configuration and verification process ensures that all test setups are correct and ready, reducing on-site configuration time and operational complexity when executing multiple tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measurement system is configured manually for each test, then the flexibility is improved, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest setup flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The central test control unit serves multiple functions: it manages system resources, distributes test configurations to various measurement devices, coordinates test execution, and aggregates results. This multi-functional approach provides flexible test setup capabilities while significantly simplifying operation, as users interact with a single unified interface rather than configuring each device individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4404483A1Method, central test control unit, measurement system
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4404483A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4404483A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4404483A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for operating a measurement system that comprises at least one measurement application device and at least one device under test, the method comprising centrally configuring the measurement system for a test measurement, centrally verifying the correct setup of the measurement system, and performing the test measurement with the measurement system. In addition, the present disclosure provides a respective central test control unit and a respective measurement system.