TDD Transceiver Tester Synchronization via Null Packet Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous testing of multiple time-division-duplex (TDD) data packet signal transceivers can lead to improper synchronization due to variations in start times, resulting in erroneous test results and increased testing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of replica null or TDD data packet signals by a tester to multiple TDD devices, where the signal characteristics are altered based on successful or unsuccessful receptions to ensure synchronization with the tester, preventing improper synchronization and allowing for accurate testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple TDD devices are tested simultaneously, then testing productivity increases, but synchronization errors occur due to variations in start times
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits a predetermined number of null data packets before actual testing to allow all TDD devices to synchronize their start times. This preliminary synchronization phase ensures that when actual test packets are transmitted, all devices are properly aligned and will not desynchronize during testing, thus maintaining both high productivity and synchronization accuracy.
2Reliability
If null data packets are transmitted for synchronization, then device synchronization improves, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits a predetermined limited number of null data packets (e.g., 16 packets) sufficient to achieve synchronization, rather than continuing indefinitely. This partial action provides just enough synchronization overhead to ensure reliability without excessive time loss, balancing the trade-off between synchronization accuracy and testing duration.
3Reliability
If data packet signal characteristics are modified to prevent improper synchronization, then synchronization accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies specific parameters of data packet signals (such as signal characteristics during null packet transmission) to prevent improper synchronization. By changing these controlled parameters, the system achieves improved synchronization accuracy while maintaining manageable device complexity through targeted rather than comprehensive signal modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for facilitating testing of multiple time-division-duplex (TDD) data packet signal transceivers. Replicas of a data packet signal are transmitted by a tester to multiple TDD devices under test (DUTs), where the replicated signal is either a null or TDD data packet signal. In one embodiment, replica null data packet signals are transmitted for a predetermined time interval sufficient for the DUTs to synchronize with the tester. In another embodiment, following successful and unsuccessful receptions of responsive signals from respective DUTs indicating successful reception of their respective replica TDD data packet signals and, therefore, synchronization with the tester, corresponding replica TDD data packet signals are provided with data packet signal characteristics causing such replica data packet signals to fail to conform or to conform, respectively, with a predetermined data packet signal standard. Following synchronization, test and responsive data packet signals can be exchanged between the tester and DUTs.