Non-Link RF Transceiver Testing via Wireless Session Sniffing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular testing requires costly link-based tester signal transmission hardware, making it impractical for over-the-air (OTA) end-of-line (EoL) testing of wireless devices without a real operating signal link between the device under test (DUT) and an access point.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a non-link RF data packet signaling link, where a separate, lower-cost communication device initiates a communication session with the DUT, allowing a tester to monitor and transmit trigger-based test (TBT) data packets to perform parametric testing at the physical (PHY) layer, eliminating the need for link-based hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If link-based tester signal transmission hardware is used for cellular testing, then testing reliability and accuracy are improved, but testing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex link-based tester hardware with a lower-cost alternative using a wireless communication device (such as a smartphone or tablet) running test software. This cheaper device establishes a wireless link to the DUT and performs testing functions that traditionally required sophisticated dedicated test equipment, thereby significantly reducing testing cost while maintaining adequate testing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the physical link-based hardware connection with a wireless communication link. Instead of using dedicated test equipment with physical connections to the DUT, the system uses a wireless communication device to establish a wireless link and transmit test signals, replacing the mechanical/hardware-based testing approach with a software-driven wireless communication approach.
2Measurement precision
If a real operating signal link between DUT and access point is required, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless communication device perform multiple functions: it acts as both a standard wireless communication device for establishing the link and as a test equipment for performing measurements and analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated test equipment and complex setup, as the same device used for normal communication operations can also perform testing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device uses its own built-in wireless communication capabilities and processing resources to perform testing functions. Instead of requiring external dedicated test equipment, the device serves itself by utilizing its existing hardware and software resources to establish the link, transmit test signals, and analyze results, thereby reducing setup complexity and external dependencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for using a wireless radio frequency (RF) data packet signaling link to enable non-link control of testing of a data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) in which a communication session between a tester and a DUT for purposes of testing the DUT may first be initiated by a separate, commonly available, and lower cost, communication device. Following its establishment, the tester may monitor the communication session, e.g., via wireless signal sniffing, to acquire and use associated device identification information to join the session and transmit trigger based test (TBT) data packets for initiating a test sequence within the DUT. Hence, use of a non-link capable tester to perform parametric testing of a DUT at the lowest network architecture layer, e.g., the physical (PHY) layer, may be enabled.