V2X Test Equipment Synchronization Using DUT-Derived GNSS Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory test equipment for V2X communication devices cannot reliably perform reproducible tests under real-world conditions due to the inability to handle external GNSS signals without additional interfaces, leading to increased costs and efforts.
Innovation Solution
Utilize a laboratory test equipment synchronized with a GNSS signal by deriving timing information from data packets transmitted by the device under test, adapting its internal time to decode these packets, and transmitting synchronized test data packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laboratory test equipment is used for real-world testing, then testing can be performed under real-world conditions, but the equipment cannot handle external GNSS signals resulting in non-reproducible tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism where the device under test acts as a mediator between the external GNSS signal source and the laboratory test equipment. The DUT receives the external GNSS signal, derives reference time, and transmits data packets synchronized to this reference time. The test equipment then synchronizes itself by processing these packets, effectively using the DUT as an intermediary to bridge the gap between external signal sources and laboratory equipment without requiring direct GNSS signal handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying approach where the test equipment does not directly receive or process the original external GNSS signal. Instead, it receives copied timing information embedded within data packets transmitted by the device under test. The DUT copies the reference time from the external GNSS signal and embeds it in transmitted packets, allowing the test equipment to synchronize using this copied timing information rather than requiring direct access to the original signal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional GNSS interface is added to laboratory test equipment, then external GNSS signals can be handled, but costs and efforts for testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing communication interface of the laboratory test equipment universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions. The interface continues to handle its original communication tasks while also receiving and processing data packets that contain embedded timing synchronization information. This multi-functionality allows the same interface to both communicate test data and synchronize with external GNSS timing without requiring a separate dedicated GNSS signal interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The device under test performs self-service by autonomously handling the GNSS signal reception and processing. The DUT independently receives the external GNSS signal, derives reference time, and synchronizes its data packet transmissions accordingly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the test equipment to have specialized GNSS signal handling capabilities, as the DUT performs all necessary GNSS processing functions on its own.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simulated GNSS signal is replaced with real GNSS signal, then real-world testing is enabled, but test reproducibility cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization function into two independent parts: signal reception and timing extraction. The device under test handles signal reception from external GNSS sources and extracts reference time information. The test equipment handles timing synchronization by processing data packets that contain this extracted reference time. This segmentation allows the system to use real external GNSS signals while maintaining synchronization accuracy, as each component performs only its specialized function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying to transfer timing information from the external GNSS signal to the test equipment through the device under test. The DUT copies the reference time from the external GNSS signal and embeds it in transmitted data packets. The test equipment then copies this timing information from the packets to synchronize its operations. This multi-stage copying process enables the use of real external signals while maintaining precise synchronization through faithful reproduction of timing information.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of real-world testing of a device under test with laboratory equipment. The method comprises the steps of: - Transmitting at least one data packet by means of a device under test at a certain reference time, wherein the reference time is derived from a global navigation satellite system signal, - Receiving the data packet by means of a test equipment, wherein the data packet received has been transmitted by the device under test at the reference time, - Processing the data packet received by means of the test equipment such that the test equipment synchronizes itself with the reference time, and - Transmitting at least one test data packet by means of the test equipment, wherein the test data packet is synchronized with the reference time.