RF Transceiver Test Control via Baseband Signal Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless device test systems are inefficient due to the significant time spent handling and sending control signals, which contributes to high testing costs and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing RF signal transceiver devices using existing external signal interfaces, such as baseband connectors, to convey control signals directly to the device, reducing the need for external interactions by utilizing control circuitry and RF circuitry to transmit and receive signals, and employing plug-insertion detection to initiate test sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional test systems use external control signal interfaces, then device controllability is maintained, but test time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control signal transmission with existing audio signal pathways by injecting control signals into the audio interface. This merging of control and audio functions eliminates the need for separate control interfaces, reducing test time while maintaining device controllability through the unified audio interface pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both audio signals and control signals simultaneously. This universal usage of the existing audio interface for dual purposes reduces the need for additional dedicated control interfaces, thereby decreasing test time without adding interface complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple external control signals are transmitted, then device control capability is maintained, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control signals are merged into the existing audio signal pathway, allowing simultaneous transmission of control commands through the audio interface. This consolidation increases throughput by eliminating multiple separate control connections while preserving full device control capability through the unified signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio interface is utilized for multiple functions including audio processing and control signal transmission. This multi-functionality increases test throughput by using existing infrastructure for control purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control channels that would reduce throughput.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional control signal handling is used, then device controllability is ensured, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its own existing audio interface infrastructure to handle control signals, making the system self-sufficient. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional external control signal handling infrastructure, reducing production costs while maintaining device controllability through the device's own resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio interface serves dual purposes of audio processing and control signal handling. This multi-functionality reduces production costs by utilizing existing hardware for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control signal handling components and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling test flow of a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver device under test (DUT) by inducing an interrupt via an internal signal interface or an external signal interface (with one example of the latter being a baseband signal interface for conveying audio signals). With exemplary embodiments, one or more DUT control signals are provided to or otherwise initiated within the DUT by inducing an interrupt, including inducement via use of the signal interface. With further exemplary embodiments, one or more test control signals are also provided to RF circuitry that responds by transmitting one or more RF receive signals for the DUT and receives from the DUT one or more RF transmit signals related to the one or more DUT control signals.