GPS Module Test System Auto-Calibrating Signal Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS module testing is time-consuming and inefficient, as it requires manual welding and lacks automatic calibration, making it difficult to ensure consistent sensitivity and usability across multiple tests.
Innovation Solution
A GPS module test system that includes a GPS test fixture for electrical contact, a satellite signal simulator, and a computer to dynamically calibrate test signals, allowing for automatic testing and compensation of signal attenuation without the need for manual welding, using a GPS signal sample database to set and adjust test parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual welding is used to connect GPS module to test board, then electrical connection is achieved, but welding quality varies and influences test quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual welding operations with automated pick-and-place mounting and reflow soldering equipment. The GPS modules are automatically mounted onto the test board using precision placement machines, and soldering is achieved through automated reflow processes, eliminating manual welding variability and improving both reliability and operational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If conventional test fixture is used without auto calibration, then testing process is simple, but test sensitivity consistency cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic calibration functionality that performs sensitivity calibration before actual testing begins. The system uses reference GPS modules with known characteristics to pre-calibrate the test fixture, establishing baseline sensitivity values that ensure consistent and accurate measurements throughout the testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the test system continuously monitors test results and compares them against reference values. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts test parameters and signal levels to maintain consistent sensitivity across multiple tests, ensuring measurement precision without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Productivity
If GPS module cannot be automatically tested, then test setup is simple, but testing cannot be performed repeatedly without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the test system automatically performs module mounting, signal calibration, testing, and result evaluation without manual intervention. The automated pick-and-place system mounts GPS modules, the calibration system adjusts signal levels, and the test system executes repeated tests automatically, enabling high-volume production testing while managing device complexity through integrated automation.
4Measurement precision
If tester cannot control satellite signal simulator to adjust RF power, then signal simulator is simple, but test accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the satellite signal simulator, allowing real-time adjustment of RF power levels during testing. The system can dynamically modify signal strength to simulate various GPS reception conditions, improving measurement precision by enabling tests under different signal scenarios while managing complexity through programmable control.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS module test system for automatically calibrating a test signal includes a GPS test fixture, a satellite signal simulator, and a computer. The GPS test fixture carries a GPS module under test and is electrically connected to the same through contact, so as to receive a digital signal generated by the GPS module after the test. The computer receives device information of the GPS module under test through the GPS test fixture, and controls the satellite signal simulator through a GPS signal sample database, so as to generate a GPS analog signal to test the GPS module under test. Thereafter, on receiving the digital signal generated by the GPS module under test and determining the received digital signal is attenuated, the computer automatically gains a transmitted test parameter, so as to transmit the GPS analog signal in a preferable state.