Protocol Tester for Mobile Radio Device Testing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing mobile radio devices can only evaluate devices that were used to record signals in a real mobile radio network, making it difficult to distinguish between device-specific deviations and protocol compliance, as different models may respond differently while still adhering to the standard.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs a protocol tester with a signal generator to simulate a mobile radio network, allowing for testing in either strict or tolerant mode, where permissible deviations in response signals are defined and logged, enabling the differentiation between correct and incorrect responses based on the wireless standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strict comparison of response signals is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and testing versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic testing mode selection mechanism that allows switching between strict mode (for precise protocol compliance checking) and tolerant mode (for broader device compatibility). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its comparison strictness based on testing requirements, thereby maintaining measurement precision when needed while expanding versatility when testing different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of response signal comparison strictness by introducing two distinct operating modes. In strict mode, exact matching is enforced for high precision. In tolerant mode, the system accepts deviations within acceptable ranges defined by the protocol specification, thereby testing different device types without false failures. This parameter change enables the system to balance precision and versatility.
2Measurement precision
If device-specific response patterns are enforced, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its validation behavior based on the selected mode. In tolerant mode, it automatically accepts multiple valid response patterns defined by the protocol, making operation easier for testers dealing with different device types. In strict mode, it enforces exact matching for precise validation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mode parameter that changes the validation criteria. When set to tolerant mode, the system allows variations in response signal ordering and content within protocol-defined ranges, simplifying operation across diverse devices. When set to strict mode, it enforces exact matching for precise validation. This parameter change enables flexible operation while maintaining precision when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tolerant mode is used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully designs the tolerant mode to maintain measurement precision by validating responses against protocol specification ranges rather than allowing arbitrary deviations. The system checks whether response signals fall within acceptable ranges defined by the mobile radio protocol, ensuring that precision is maintained while adapting to different device models. This resolves the contradiction by showing that tolerance and precision can coexist when tolerance is grounded in protocol specifications.
4Measurement precision
If strict mode is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between strict and tolerant modes based on testing objectives. For routine compatibility testing, tolerant mode is used to maintain high productivity. For critical validation requiring high precision, strict mode is activated. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for productivity when precision requirements are moderate, while maintaining precision when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reproducible method for testing mobile radio devices in different tolerant test modes by generating a reproducing an instruction sequence that can be programmed or that can be obtained from measurement data, for controlling a protocol test that simulates a mobile radio network and that sends signals to the mobile radio device and tolerates allowable deviations of the received response signals of the mobile radio device according to mobile telephony standards in the tolerant mode while keeping a protocol of the unacceptable deviations as errors, and that terminates the test upon ever deviation in the strict mode and outputs the protocol on an output device once the test is finished.