RF Transceiver Testing Without Special Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing of low power RF data packet signal transceivers, such as Bluetooth Low Energy devices, is complex and time-consuming due to the need for special drivers and software, and the uncertainty of channel selection during link initiation, which delays test completion and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves exchanging data packets between a tester and a device under test using multiple signal channels without requiring special drivers or software, allowing for testing of RF data packet signal transceivers by selectively receiving and transmitting link initiation and response packets, enabling faster testing without establishing a synchronized communication link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If special drivers and testing software are included in the DUT and tester to enable wireless testing of BLE devices, then testing can be performed after final assembly when I/O ports are no longer available, but testing complexity and time increase, thereby increasing testing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing functionality from the final assembled device by performing tests during intermediate manufacturing stages when I/O ports are still accessible. This eliminates the need to embed special drivers and testing software in the final product, thereby reducing testing software complexity while maintaining manufacturing accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs testing actions preliminarily during the manufacturing process before the device is fully assembled and I/O ports are encapsulated. By conducting tests at this earlier stage, the need for complex post-assembly wireless testing software is eliminated, as the device can be tested while still accessible through conductive means.
2Ease of operation
If the tester waits for the DUT to initiate communication link establishment before testing, then the DUT operates autonomously without requiring special control mechanisms, but test time is extended due to uncertainty in channel selection and link initiation timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the tester with expected communication parameters, channel sequences, and response protocols before the DUT initiates link establishment. This allows the tester to be ready to immediately respond and capture test data as soon as the DUT transmits, eliminating waiting time while maintaining DUT operational autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the tester monitors communication channels for DUT-initiated link establishment attempts and provides immediate responsive actions. The tester can detect when the DUT begins transmission and automatically respond with appropriate test signals, reducing idle time while preserving the DUT's autonomous operation.
3Productivity
If multiple data packets are transmitted in rapid succession during link initiation sequence, then more test data can be collected faster, but the complexity of synchronizing and analyzing these packets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rapid succession of data packets into distinct, identifiable test events with clear delimiters and timing characteristics. Each packet or packet sequence is treated as a separate testable unit with defined start and end conditions, allowing high-speed transmission while maintaining analytical simplicity through structured segmentation of the data stream.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for testing a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) including communicating via at least one of multiple available signal channels. Data packets exchanged between a tester and DUT as a normal part of a communication link initiation sequence are selectively exchanged and suppressed to enable testing of the DUT without requiring inclusion of special drivers within the DUT, special test software within the tester or establishment of a synchronized communication link between the tester and DUT. For example, in the case of a Bluetooth low energy transceiver, advertisement, scan request and scan response data packets can be used in such manner.