Data Packet Signal Transceiver Sensitivity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless device test systems require extensive time and resources to determine signal sensitivity, particularly in measuring packet error rates, which limits efficiency and increases manufacturing costs due to the need for large numbers of data packets to establish sensitivity points like 10% packet error rate (PER), providing limited information when PER is 0% or 100%.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to test data packet signal transceivers by varying the test data packet signal power to achieve a range of packet error rates (PERs), focusing on the 50% PER point where the slope is steepest, allowing for more accurate and efficient determination of sensitivity points with fewer test packets, and using confirmation packets for real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sufficient number of data packets are sent to ensure at least 90% correct reception for sensitivity testing, then measurement precision is improved, but testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary testing at a higher PER threshold (e.g., 50% PER) before conducting the final sensitivity test. This preliminary action provides advance information about the DUT's performance characteristics, allowing the final test to be more efficient and require fewer packets while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from preliminary tests to guide the final sensitivity measurement. The results from initial testing inform adjustments to test parameters, enabling more accurate sensitivity determination with reduced packet counts by adapting the testing approach based on observed performance.
2Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine sensitivity points with specific PER thresholds, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to extensive testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Preliminary testing at relaxed PER thresholds provides early performance data that guides subsequent precise measurements, reducing the total number of packets needed for final sensitivity determination and increasing manufacturing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary test with excessive packet counts at a higher PER threshold to gather sufficient performance data, then uses this information to reduce packet requirements for the final precise sensitivity measurement, balancing accuracy with productivity.
3Measurement precision
If test parameters are optimized for accurate sensitivity measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple test stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensitivity testing process into distinct stages: a preliminary testing phase and a final measurement phase. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, maintaining measurement precision while making the overall process more manageable and systematic.
4Productivity
If fewer data packets are used for testing, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient statistical data
Solution Approach 1:
Preliminary testing collects statistical performance data at a higher PER threshold, providing a foundation that reduces the packet count needed for final precise measurement while maintaining statistical validity and measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a test data packet signal to test a data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) having an operating characteristic defined by a data packet error rate (PER) as a function of data packet signal power (PWR). The test data packet signal power is varied and a test PER is computed as a function of DUT response data packets and test data packets until a measured test PER or a computed test PER extrapolated from measured PERs is equal to a predetermined PER less than and greater than maximum and minimum PERs, respectively.