RF Group Test Platform Using Phase-Shifting Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF device testing methods using vector network analyzers are inefficient and resource-intensive, particularly in high-volume testing scenarios, with challenges in system cost, operational complexity, and maintenance flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A test platform and group testing system that distributes measurement signals to multiple devices under testing, using phase shifters to introduce predetermined phase differences for signal orthogonality, enabling efficient and scalable measurement of scattering parameters through multiple signal paths and combining elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vector network analyzers measure each device sequentially, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but test efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device measurement paths into a single test platform, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple devices. The signal receiving paths merge responses from multiple devices through combining elements, enabling parallel processing that dramatically improves productivity while reducing total measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase shifters that apply predetermined phase differences to signals from different devices, creating orthogonal signal dimensions. This allows the measurement system to distinguish and separate individual device responses from combined signals, enabling simultaneous measurement without cross-contamination.
2Productivity
If multiple devices are tested simultaneously through signal distribution, then productivity improves, but device complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test platform is segmented into distinct functional modules: distribution elements that split input signals to multiple devices, signal receiving paths that collect device responses, combining elements that merge responses, and phase shifters that apply phase differences. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into separatable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase shifters as intermediary components between the signal receiving paths and the combining elements. These phase shifters mediate the signal combinations by applying predetermined phase differences, enabling the system to distinguish individual device responses while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
3Measurement precision
If phase shifters are used to create signal orthogonality, then measurement accuracy is maintained for multiple devices, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase parameter of signals by introducing predetermined phase differences through phase shifters. This parameter modification creates orthogonal signal dimensions that enable accurate separation and identification of individual device responses from combined signals, maintaining measurement precision for multiple devices tested simultaneously.
4Productivity
If traditional sequential testing is used, then system cost is lower, but productivity and test efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The test platform is designed as a universal system that can simultaneously test multiple devices of the same type through signal distribution and combination. This multi-functional capability allows a single platform to replace multiple sequential test setups, improving productivity while the shared resources help control overall system cost compared to having separate test equipment for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A test platform, group testing system, and group testing method for testing multiple devices under testing are provided. The test platform includes signal transmission paths with distribution elements that distribute a measurement signal from a single port of a measurement device to multiple devices under testing. Signal receiving paths include combining elements and phase shifters that combine response signals from the devices under testing. For devices receiving signals from a common distribution element, at least one phase shifter imparts a phase shift to establish a predetermined phase difference between response signals before combining. A controller switches the test platform between first and second measurement stages by controlling phase values. The measurement device determines scattering parameters of the devices under testing based on signals received during both measurement stages, which enables efficient simultaneous testing of multiple devices while maintaining measurement accuracy.