Loop-back Test Circuit for Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication transmission/reception circuits cannot perform loop-back tests during wireless transmission due to the shared local oscillator between the transmission and reception circuits, which prevents direct connection to the antenna and thus hinders the execution of loop-back tests during active communication.
Innovation Solution
A transmission/reception circuit configuration that includes a loop-back test signal generation circuit, a selection unit, and a test circuit, allowing the generation and demodulation of loop-back test signals while sharing a local oscillator with the transmission and reception circuits, enabling loop-back testing during wireless transmission by modulating and demodulating signals within the same time slot as data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the transmission circuit and reception circuit share the same local oscillator to reduce circuit scale and costs, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the loop-back test cannot be executed during wireless transmission because the circuits are not directly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal path by introducing a switch that can separately connect the transmission circuit to the reception circuit for loop-back testing, independent from the antenna connection path. This allows the shared local oscillator configuration to be maintained while enabling direct circuit connection for testing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism that can change the connection state between transmission and reception circuits based on operational mode (normal communication vs. loop-back test). The switch dynamically reconfigures the signal path to enable loop-back testing during wireless transmission without requiring separate dedicated test hardware.
2Reliability
If a selector is used to separate the transmission circuit and reception circuit from the antenna for loop-back test, then the loop-back test can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the switch serve multiple functions: it acts as a normal signal routing component during wireless communication and simultaneously enables loop-back testing during transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated test switching mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining loop-back test capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the loop-back test functionality with the existing transmission/reception circuit architecture by utilizing the shared local oscillator and integrating the test path through the existing switch. This merging approach avoids adding separate complex test hardware while enabling loop-back testing.
3Productivity
If the transmission circuit and reception circuit are connected to the antenna for wireless transmission, then normal communication is enabled, but the loop-back test cannot be executed during active communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic alternation between normal wireless transmission mode and loop-back test mode during active communication. The switch periodically reconfigures the signal path to insert the loop-back test path into the transmission circuit while maintaining the shared local oscillator, allowing both normal communication and testing to occur during operational periods.
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
Enables the execution of loop-back tests during wireless transmission, reducing costs and adjustment time, and improving the verification accuracy of the reception circuit's operation without affecting normal data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
transmission circuit that mixes a local signal from the local oscillator and a transmission information signal, thereby generating a transmission signal
Implementation Method 2
reception circuit that mixes the local signal from the local oscillator and a reception signal, thereby acquiring a reception information signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A loop-back test is to be executed during wireless transmission in a circuit that performs wireless communication. A transmission circuit modulates a transmission information signal and supplies the transmission information signal, as a transmission signal, to an antenna. A loop-back test signal generation circuit modulates a predetermined signal to be modulated and supplies the predetermined signal to be modulated as a loop-back test signal. A selection unit selects one of a reception signal from the antenna or the loop-back test signal, and supplies the selected signal as a signal to be demodulated. A reception circuit demodulates the signal to be demodulated and acquires a reception information signal. A test circuit compares the reception information signal and the predetermined signal to be modulated.