Cloud-Based RF Test Device for Dynamic Protocol Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional RF test equipment is expensive, inflexible, and inefficient in resource utilization, as it cannot quickly adapt to new RF technologies or update test items and specifications, leading to obsolete equipment and suboptimal resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A software-defined, cloud-based RF test device comprising a remote RF test box with an RF processing unit and low-level processor, and a cloud server that stores algorithms for various wireless communication protocols, allowing for dynamic test pattern updates and efficient resource utilization across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional RF test equipment is used, then testing can be performed with established methods, but the equipment is expensive and easily rendered obsolete due to evolution of new RF technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to new RF technologies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to new RF technologies by allowing remote updates of test algorithms and parameters through the communication interface. The test equipment can be reconfigured via the processor to implement new testing methods without physical hardware changes, enabling continuous adaptation to evolving RF standards and protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The test equipment is designed with universal functionality to support multiple RF testing scenarios through a single platform. The processor-executable algorithms can be updated to cover different RF technologies and test requirements, making one piece of equipment capable of performing diverse testing functions across various wireless communication standards.

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional RF test equipment generates and determines test patterns internally, then testing can be performed autonomously, but the test time is longer and the equipment cannot effectively and quickly update test items and specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous testingVSAvoidtest time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Test algorithms and patterns are prepared and stored in advance in the memory device, allowing the processor to quickly execute pre-configured test sequences. This preliminary preparation enables faster testing by eliminating the need for real-time generation of complex test patterns during the actual measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A communication interface acts as an intermediary between external systems and the test equipment, enabling rapid updates of test specifications and algorithms. This intermediary channel allows test items and parameters to be quickly modified and transmitted to the processor without requiring physical access or complex reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional RF test equipment includes as many test items as possible, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but the computing resources and capabilities are not maximized when required computing resources are not high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidcomputing resource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing resources are dynamically allocated based on the actual test requirements. The processor can adjust the complexity and intensity of testing algorithms in real-time, scaling computational efforts to match the specific needs of each test scenario, thereby optimizing resource utilization while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Test parameters such as algorithm complexity, sampling rates, and processing intensity can be modified to match available computing resources. The system can adaptively adjust these parameters to ensure effective use of computing capabilities while still achieving thorough testing coverage across all necessary test items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient RF testing system that can rapidly adapt to new protocols, optimize resource usage, and reduce the need for frequent equipment upgrades, enhancing test efficiency and deployment on production lines.

Implementation Method 1

the RF processing unit receives the RF signal transmitted from the DUT, and down-converts the RF signal transmitted from the DUT into a baseband signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion (down-conversion):

Implementation Method 2

or up-converts the baseband signal into an RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion (up-conversion):

Data Source

PatentUS11431424B2Software-defined configurable cloud-based RF test device and method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 QUANTA COMPUTER INC
  • US11431424B2 patent drawing
  • US11431424B2 patent drawing
  • US11431424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A test device suitable for a predetermined wireless communication protocol includes a remote RF test box and a cloud server. The remote RF test box used to control a DUT to transmit or receive an RF signal includes an RF processing unit and a low-level processor. The RF processing unit receives the RF signal from the DUT, and down-converts the RF signal from the DUT into a baseband signal. The low-level processor converts the baseband signal into a digital signal. The cloud server stores an algorithm corresponding to the predetermined wireless communication protocol, communicates with the remote RF test box through a communication interface, receives and decodes the digital signal, and determines whether the DUT meets the predetermined wireless communication protocol through the algorithm of the predetermined wireless communication protocol.