Over-the-Air Testing of Multiple Mobile Radio Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing multiple mobile radio devices are expensive and time-consuming, and cabled RF multiplexers are not feasible for a high number of radio channels, limiting efficient testing.
Innovation Solution
A method for over-the-air (OTA) testing of mobile devices under test (DUTs) involves simulating a first mobile radio cell for all DUTs, prompting one DUT to perform a handover to a second barred cell, subjecting it to an OTA test, and indicating its status, while repeating the process for other DUTs, with options for frequency band changes and transmission control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple independent test setups are used for testing multiple mobile radio devices, then each device can be tested simultaneously, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test capabilities into a single test setup by implementing a test system that can dynamically allocate radio resources. Multiple DUTs share the same test equipment through time-division multiplexing and radio resource control, allowing the system to test multiple devices sequentially without requiring separate test setups for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system dynamically reconfigures radio bearers and adjusts test parameters based on the current test subject. The system can switch between testing different DUTs by dynamically allocating radio resources and reconfiguring the test environment, enabling flexible and efficient multi-device testing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cabled RF multiplexers are used for testing, then radio channels can be multiplexed, but the solution becomes infeasible for a high number of radio channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical RF multiplexers with software-based radio resource management. Instead of using hardware multiplexers that require physical connections and become complex with many channels, the system uses virtualization and software control to manage multiple radio channels, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed to handle multiple radio channels and different test scenarios using a single universal platform. The system can dynamically allocate and reconfigure radio resources for different DUTs and test types, providing versatile radio channel handling without requiring dedicated hardware for each channel.
3Productivity
If test equipment is shared among multiple users, then resource utilization improves, but waiting time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test system maintains continuous operation by implementing overlapping test procedures. While one DUT is being tested, the system prepares the next test configuration and pre-configures radio resources. This ensures that equipment utilization remains high without significant idle time between tests, reducing waiting time while maintaining shared resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring test parameters, allocating radio resources, and preparing test environments before the actual test begins. This advance preparation minimizes setup time between tests and reduces waiting time for users while maintaining efficient equipment utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of operating a test system for over-the-air, OTA, testing of at least two mobile devices under test, DUTs. The at least two mobile DUTs have respective mobile subscriber identities, IMSIs. The method comprises simulating, by a mobile radio cell simulator connectable to the test system, a first mobile radio cell being open for attachment by all of said mobile DUTs, and attaching all of said mobile DUTs to the first mobile radio cell. The method further comprises simulating, by a mobile radio tester connectable to the test system, a second mobile radio cell being barred for attachment by said mobile DUTs. The method further comprises prompting, by the mobile radio cell simulator, one particular DUT of said mobile DUTs to perform a handover to the second mobile radio cell. The method further comprises subjecting, by the mobile radio tester, the particular DUT to an OTA test procedure within the second mobile radio cell. The method further comprises prompting, by the mobile radio tester, the particular DUT to leave the second mobile radio cell. The method further comprises indicating a status of the particular DUT subjected to the OTA test procedure.