RF Transceiver Test Automation via Implicit Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless device test systems require explicit synchronization communications, which complicate the test flow and do not directly produce test results, increasing testing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing RF data packet signal transceivers that detects transitions between transmission and reception operations by using alternating power levels in test data packet signals, allowing the tester to control and coordinate test steps without explicit synchronization, using pre-loaded sequences and power sensing to adapt to the DUT's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explicit synchronization communications are used between tester and DUT, then test flow coordination is achieved, but testing time increases and test complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the explicit synchronization communication step from the test flow. Instead of using separate synchronization signals or handshaking protocols, the tester directly initiates test sequences and interprets DUT responses autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming synchronization interval while maintaining reliable test coordination through intelligent signal interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The tester performs self-service by autonomously determining test sequence execution without external synchronization commands. The system uses pre-loaded test sequences and automatically interprets DUT responses to coordinate subsequent test steps, making the test flow self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on explicit synchronization communications
2Reliability
If explicit synchronization communications are used between tester and DUT, then test flow coordination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the synchronization subsystem from the test architecture, eliminating the need for synchronization signal generators, dedicated synchronization channels, and associated control logic. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining coordination reliability through direct test signal interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The tester combines multiple functions into unified operations: test signal generation, response interpretation, and sequence coordination are performed by the same subsystem without requiring separate synchronization hardware. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable test flow management
3Productivity
If predetermined test sequences are pre-loaded in firmware, then testing efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different DUT operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic test sequence execution where the tester adapts pre-loaded test sequences based on real-time interpretation of DUT responses. The system dynamically adjusts subsequent test steps according to detected transitions in DUT operations, maintaining efficiency through structured sequences while achieving adaptability through responsive modification of test flow based on actual DUT behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from DUT responses to dynamically adjust test sequence execution. By monitoring DUT transmit/receive transitions and response patterns, the tester adapts the predetermined sequences to match actual DUT operations, combining the efficiency of pre-loaded sequences with the flexibility of real-time adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
Method for testing a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) including detecting transitions between RF data packet signal transmission and reception by the DUT, detecting transitions between different RF data packet signal transmission operations by the DUT, and detecting transitions between different RF data packet signal reception operations by the DUT.