Multi-Radio Self-Interference Testing via Element Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing radio frequency interference (RFI) in integrated radio systems within consumer electronics are inefficient, requiring extensive time and resources, especially during the design and manufacturing phases, and often fail to accurately evaluate self-generated RFI in multi-radio device platforms.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and computer program product for estimating radio in-band self-interference in platforms with multiple elements, involving identification and measurement of radio parameters in reverberation or anechoic test chambers, where each element's interference is evaluated by disabling others to determine disturbance levels and compare reference and disturbance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio systems are integrated in one device, then functionality and versatility are improved, but radio frequency interference between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the generated RFI signals as test signals to evaluate interference impact. Instead of treating RFI purely as harmful noise, the invention leverages it as a measurement signal to quantify interference between radio systems, turning the harmful effect into a useful testing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device tests itself for RFI by using its own radio systems as both the interference source and the victim receiver. The platform's own elements generate and measure interference without requiring external test equipment, enabling self-diagnosis and self-evaluation of radio compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If traditional RFI testing methods are used with signal emulators and anechoic chambers, then measurement accuracy is improved, but testing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform performs self-testing using its own receivers and radio elements. The victim receiver in the platform measures interference from other platform elements without needing external signal emulators or specialized anechoic chamber equipment, dramatically simplifying the test setup while maintaining measurement relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software control and automated measurement protocols as intermediaries to coordinate the testing process. The controller manages the sequential activation of radio elements and automated measurement of interference levels, replacing complex physical test equipment with intelligent control software.
3Reliability
If comprehensive RFI testing is performed on all platform configurations, then reliability is improved, but testing time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into individual radio element evaluations. Each radio system in the platform is tested separately by activating one element at a time while others remain inactive, allowing systematic evaluation of each potential interference source without requiring exhaustive multi-element simultaneous testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of radio elements and their potential interference paths before conducting measurements. The system automatically identifies which elements are transmitters, receivers, or passive components, and pre-configures the testing sequence to evaluate only relevant interference combinations, reducing unnecessary measurements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method is provided for testing radio properties of at least a module (MO) in a platform (P), wherein, the module comprises one or more elements (u1; uN) and the platform comprises one or more elements (e1; eP), wherein an element may comprise a receiver, each element potentially being susceptible to interference from the one or more other elements. The method comprises the steps of - importing (10) an identification of a plurality of elements (e1-eP; u1 - uN) and an identification of elements which have receivers (R) which are capable of measuring and communicating radio parameters; wherein for each (n) identified receiver (R), - enabling (12) the receiver (R) - performing and storing (14) a radio parameter measurement in which other identified elements are disabled (12) for a reference level measurement (NREF); and wherein for each other identified element different from the identified receiver, - performing and storing (18) a further radio parameter measurement for which the other element different from the identified receiver is enabled (16) for a disturbance level measurement of the given other enabled element with respect to the identified enabled receiver. There is further provided a computer program product for cost effectively testing for RFI and a module adapted for being inserted in a platform and temporarily storing measurement results.