Protocol-Triggered Waveform Analysis for Wireless Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test systems for complex wireless data communication devices struggle to identify and measure signal errors and distortion in real-time due to their complexity, high bandwidth, and unpredictable signal interactions, limiting their ability to perform automated and efficient testing.
Innovation Solution
A combined wireless traffic, protocol, and signal analyzer that integrates waveform analysis with protocol and traffic functions, using Digital-to-Analog (D/A) and Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversions, digital PHY signal processing, and trigger logic to selectively analyze signal waveforms, reducing the need for extensive data capture and enabling automated testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive raw signal data is captured for post-processing measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but storage cost and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing protocol information and waveform data at the time of signal transmission rather than relying on post-processing of extensive raw data. The waveform capture is triggered by protocol events (such as packet reception or transmission completion), allowing measurements to be performed on relevant signal segments before they are lost or become difficult to process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary waveform data associated with specific protocol events rather than capturing and processing all raw signal data. By linking waveform captures to triggering protocol information (such as packet boundaries, error detections, or QoS parameter changes), the system extracts only the relevant signal portions needed for measurement, reducing storage and processing requirements.
2Productivity
If real-time signal error and distortion measurements are performed, then testing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges protocol analysis functions with waveform analysis functions into a single integrated platform. The waveform capture device is triggered by protocol information from the same system that analyzes packet data, combining what were previously separate functions (protocol analysis and signal measurement) into a coordinated system that shares data and processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from protocol layer analysis to trigger waveform captures at the physical layer. When protocol information indicates an error condition, QoS parameter change, or significant event, the waveform capture is triggered to measure the underlying signal. This feedback mechanism enables real-time measurements driven by actual system behavior rather than continuous monitoring.
3Reliability
If automated testing is implemented for complex wireless devices, then testing consistency is improved, but test design difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system uses the device under test's own protocol information and signal generation to trigger and coordinate waveform captures. The DUT's protocol processing naturally provides the triggering events (packet transmissions, receptions, errors) that initiate waveform analysis, allowing the system to test itself without requiring external complex test sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide communication test systems for the testing of packet data communication devices, systems and networks. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a test system containing an integrated traffic, protocol and waveform analyzer is disclosed that includes a traffic generator/analyzer and a protocol engine that triggers a waveform analyzer to analyze the signal waveform of a device under test at a predetermined point. Such a test system may offer improved capabilities such as a more selective and accurate measurement of complex signal waveforms, more automated measurements of waveforms pertaining to wireless communication data streams, and more rapid identification and measurement of waveforms corresponding to errored packets.