NB-IoT Edge Signal Testing for Base Station Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for network nodes supporting multiple carriers and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) signals lack standardization and effectiveness in simulating challenging conditions, particularly in ensuring compliance with emission requirements across various radio frequency bandwidths, leading to inefficiencies in identifying potential interference and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for generating wireless test signals that include NB-IoT signals placed at the edges of the radio frequency bandwidth, along with additional test signals, to simulate challenging conditions and mimic real-world scenarios, thereby reducing the number of test cases while ensuring compliance with predetermined criteria, including the use of power-boosted signals to enhance leakage testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test signals are generated at the edges of the radio frequency bandwidth to simulate challenging conditions, then the rigor of compliance testing is improved, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing procedure is segmented into distinct test configurations, each targeting specific edge cases and interference scenarios. By dividing the comprehensive compliance testing into manageable segments (different signal placements, power levels, and carrier combinations), the patent maintains rigorous testing while making the complex procedure more structured and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-defining standardized test configurations that cover worst-case scenarios before actual compliance testing begins. These pre-configured test signals and scenarios are prepared in advance based on anticipated challenging conditions, allowing the testing to be both rigorous and systematically organized rather than ad-hoc.
2Reliability
If multiple test signals are used to cover all operating conditions, then the completeness of compliance verification is improved, but the time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing test signals on the most critical operating conditions, particularly edge cases and interference scenarios that are most likely to reveal compliance issues. Rather than uniformly testing all possible conditions with equal depth, the methodology concentrates testing resources on partially covering the most significant scenarios, achieving sufficient compliance verification without exhaustive testing of every possible condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying key test parameters such as signal frequency placement (edge vs. center), power levels, and carrier combinations to cover different operating conditions. By changing these parameters across a defined set of test configurations rather than maintaining fixed test conditions, the patent achieves comprehensive compliance verification across multiple scenarios efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If test signals are placed towards the edge of the radio frequency bandwidth, then the ability to detect leakage and interference issues is improved, but the difficulty of meeting compliance criteria increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively placing test signals at edge positions where leakage and interference are most likely to occur, before actual operation. This preliminary positioning of test signals at critical locations allows potential compliance issues to be detected and addressed in the design phase, preventing problems rather than merely reacting to them during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of edge-placed signals (which create more leakage and interference) into a beneficial testing tool. By deliberately positioning test signals at edge locations where compliance is most difficult to achieve, the methodology uses these challenging conditions to reveal and address potential issues, ultimately leading to more robust compliant designs.
4Ease of operation
If a standardized set of test configurations is implemented, then the uniformity of testing approach is improved, but the flexibility to adapt to different network node configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing test configurations that are applicable across multiple network node types and configurations. The standardized test scenarios are formulated to be universally applicable to different base station implementations while maintaining consistent testing methodology, allowing the same test framework to verify compliance across diverse network infrastructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by allowing the standardized test configurations to be adaptively applied to different network node configurations. While the core test methodology remains uniform and standardized, the specific implementation can dynamically adjust to accommodate different carrier frequencies, bandwidths, and network architectures, maintaining both consistency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and computer program for generating wireless signals for testing a network node for transmitting Narrow Band Internet of Things signals, for compliance with predetermined criteria, the network node being configured to support multiple carriers and to support operation within at least one radio frequency bandwidth. The method comprises: controlling a wireless signal generator to generate one test signal in a frequency band towards one edge of one of the at least one radio frequency bandwidth and one further test signal in a frequency band towards the other edge of the same one of the at least one radio frequency bandwidth, the one test signal comprising a Narrowband Internet of Things test signal.