Multi-Partner Mobile Communication Test Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of modern mobile user equipment requires more flexible test equipment to reproduce real-world communication conditions, as existing test devices struggle to effectively test a wide range of functions, especially in mixed cellular and Device-to-Device (D2D) communication environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication test device with multiple transmit-receive units, signal generators, and configurable test interfaces that can emulate various communication partners, including base stations and user equipment, to generate and analyze test signals based on predefined specifications, allowing for flexible and realistic testing of RF properties and communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simple test equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to test all functions of modern user equipment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The test device employs a single transmit-receive unit that can generate test signals representing multiple different communication partners (base stations, other user equipment, D2D devices). This multi-functional capability allows one unit to perform what would traditionally require multiple dedicated test units, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator is configured to dynamically generate test signals that can represent different communication partners through time-division multiplexing or frequency-division multiplexing. The system can adaptively change signal characteristics to simulate various network environments, making the test equipment versatile without requiring physical reconfiguration for each test scenario
2Measurement precision
If dedicated test apparatus for each function is used, then testing precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test functions into a single integrated transmit-receive unit. The signal generator can produce test signals for different communication partners and the test processor analyzes responses according to predefined test specifications, merging what would traditionally be separate test instruments into one unified system that maintains testing accuracy through standardized measurement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
A single test device performs multiple testing functions by configuring the signal generator to represent different communication partners. The same hardware infrastructure supports testing of various user equipment functions including cellular communication, D2D communication, and network interaction, eliminating the need for multiple specialized apparatus while maintaining measurement precision through consistent test methodologies
3Reliability
If real radio communication network environment is used for testing, then testing realism is improved, but reproducibility deteriorates due to limiting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the actual complex radio communication network environment, the patent creates a simplified copy or model of the network using a test device that generates synthetic test signals representing base stations and other communication partners. This virtualized test environment reproduces essential network behaviors and interactions in a controlled, reproducible manner while maintaining the realism needed to validate user equipment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The test device acts as an intermediary between the user equipment under test and the idealized test scenarios. It mediates by generating controlled test signals that simulate network conditions and analyzing responses, providing a stable, reproducible test environment that bridges the gap between real-world complexity and controlled experimentation
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication test device for testing a mobile user equipment comprises a number of transmit-receive units with a signal generator, wherein the signal generator of at least one transmit-receive unit generates test signals, which rep-resent at least two different communication partners of the mobile user equipment, a number of test interfaces, which connect the transmit-receive units with the mobile user equipment and transmit the test signals to the mobile user equipment, and a test processor, which analyzes the reaction of the mobile user equipment to the transmitted test signals based on a predefined test specification.