RF Transceiver Test System Concurrent Operation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing of wireless devices with multiple RF signal transmitters and receivers capable of simultaneous operations poses challenges due to increased power demand and potential interference, which can affect the performance and adherence to wireless signal technology standards.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing RF data packet signal transceivers with multiple transmitters and receivers involves transmitting and receiving test data packets in a manner that allows for concurrent operations, using multiple test data packet signal sources and analyzing the responses to identify potential interference and performance issues, ensuring adherence to standard specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitters operate simultaneously, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but power supply demand increases causing frequency pushing/pulling and signal power reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The test system performs preliminary measurements of transmitter output power under individual operation conditions, then uses these pre-characterized data to calculate and apply compensation values before conducting concurrent operation tests. This preliminary characterization allows the system to predict and compensate for power supply effects without requiring real-time power supply stabilization during concurrent transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the testing approach from direct measurement under varying power conditions to a compensated measurement method where output power parameters are adjusted based on pre-measured compensation values. This parameter transformation converts a dynamic, unstable measurement problem into a controlled, compensated measurement process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one transceiver transmits while another receives, then device versatility is improved, but receiver blocking and frequency pulling occur due to transmitted signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a compensation value as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitted signal and the receiver measurement. By applying this compensation factor derived from pre-measured data, the system accounts for the blocking effect without requiring physical isolation or timing separation between transmit and receive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements to characterize the blocking effect of transmitters on receivers under various operating conditions. These pre-acquired compensation values are then applied during actual concurrent operation testing, allowing the system to compensate for blocking effects without requiring real-time intervention or physical modification of the signal paths.
3Reliability
If concurrent operations are tested, then device performance under real conditions is better evaluated, but test complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a compensation value calculation module that processes pre-measured data, and a measurement module that performs actual concurrent operation testing using the calculated compensation values. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specialized function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling comprehensive concurrent operation testing.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for testing a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) with multiple RF signal transmitters and RF signal receivers capable of concurrent operations. Multiple successions of test data packets from a tester to respective RF signal receivers of the DUT and multiple successions of responsive DUT data packets from respective RF signal transmitters of the DUT to the tester are conveyed such that multiple RF signal transmissions, multiple RF signal receptions, or RF signal transmission and reception are performed at least partially concurrently.