RF Transceiver Test Interference Reduction via Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing of multiple LTE devices under standard conditions is hindered by signal interference from idle devices during concurrent testing, leading to reduced test efficiency and longer test times due to the lack of inherent mechanisms to mitigate such interference.
Innovation Solution
A method where a tester broadcasts power control instructions to reduce uplink signal power characteristics for idle LTE devices, using parameters like reduced power ramping step size, initial received target power, and maximum preamble transmissions to minimize interference during uplink signal measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple LTE devices are tested concurrently to improve productivity, then test efficiency increases, but signal interference from idle devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the uplink signal power characteristics of idle devices through broadcasted power control instructions. Specifically, the system changes parameters such as power ramping step size, preamble initial received target power, and maximum number of preamble transmissions to reduce interference from idle devices during concurrent testing of multiple LTE devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the tester as an intermediary that broadcasts power control instructions to idle devices. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to control and coordinate signal transmissions from multiple devices without direct device-to-device control, enabling concurrent testing while managing interference through centralized instruction dissemination
2Measurement precision
If the number of devices being tested concurrently is limited to reduce interference, then measurement precision improves, but test time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction by dynamically changing power parameters of idle devices through broadcasted instructions. By reducing power ramping step size, adjusting preamble initial received target power, and limiting maximum preamble transmissions, the system enables multiple devices to be tested concurrently while maintaining measurement precision through controlled interference levels
Data Source
AI summary
Method for testing one or more of a group of radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver devices under test (DUTs) with reduced signal interference from the remaining DUTs. A tester broadcasts a signal containing power control instructions about uplink signal power characteristics for communication with the tester. For example, for the LTE 3GPP standards, such characteristics could include power ramping step size, preamble initial received target power or maximum number of preamble transmissions for uplink signals transmitted from the DUTs. Following initiation of communication between the tester and one or more DUTs, the tester broadcasts a signal containing power control instructions to instruct the remaining DUTs to transmit any future signals with different uplink signal power characteristics. For the LTE 3GPP standards, such different characteristics could include reduced power ramping step size, reduced preamble initial received target power or reduced maximum number of preamble transmissions for uplink signals.