Abstract: A system and method for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connectivity integrity with a device under test (DUT). An output RF signal is provided to a RF signal port and looped back for analysis along with an input RF signal, which includes a reflected signal component related to the output RF signal, from the RF signal port. By measuring magnitudes of combinations of the input and loopback RF signals, e.g., at multiple signal frequencies, it can be determined whether the RF signal port is properly terminated by the DUT.

Abstract: A method of facilitating wireless testing of multiple radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver devices under test (DUTs). Using multiple antennas within a shielded enclosure containing the DUTs, multiple wireless RF test signals radiated to the DUTs can have their respective signal phases controlled to maximize the direct-coupled signals to their respective intended DUTs while minimizing the cross-coupled signals. Additionally, the wireless RF test signals radiated to the DUTs can have their respective signal magnitudes controlled to normalize the direct-coupled signals to their respective intended DUTs while still sufficiently reducing the cross-coupled signals. As a result, compensation is provided for the multipath signal environment within the shielded enclosure, thereby simulating wired test signal paths during wireless testing of the DUTs.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating testing of a plurality of communication devices. The tester and devices under test (DUTs) are first synchronized as a way of confirming test readiness on the part of the DUTs, Following that, a test sequence is initiated by the tester. The synchronization and test initiation can be accomplished using signals with differing signal magnitudes or device identifiers. The test sequence can be a DUT transmit signal test in which each DUT transmits data packets in accordance with one or more predefined test sequences. Alternatively, the test sequence can be a DUT receive signal test in which the tester transmits data packets to the DUTs with differing signal frequencies or signal magnitudes.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the sensitivity of a data packet signal receiver are provided by varying the power level or modulation or both of a received data packet signal in a predetermined controlled sequence of data packet signals.

Abstract: A local oscillator (LO) of a test system is set to an initial frequency whereupon a device under test (DUT) transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal to the test system. Characteristics of the RF signal are measured with the test system and used to identify magnitudes and frequencies of spurious signal products. The LO of the test system is reset to one or more subsequent frequencies that are offset from the initial frequency. One or more subsequent RF signals are transmitted from the DUT to the test system, with the DUT maintaining its original signal settings. Characteristics of the subsequent RF signals are measured with the test system and used to identify magnitudes and frequencies of spurious signal products for each of the subsequent LO frequencies. The spurious signal products that have shifted in frequency for each of the subsequent LO frequencies as self-generated signal products can then be identified.

Abstract: A system and method for testing signal reception by a data packet signal transceiver. By monitoring signals provided to and returning from a device under test (DUT), e.g., stimulus and response signals, respectively, it can be determined whether and when the DUT has received a faulty data packet or received a valid data packet in a faulty manner. When such events occur, appropriate control signals are provided for instructing the test signal reception and analysis subsystem (e.g., a vector signal analyzer) to capture and retain for analysis such faulty data packet or valid data packet received in a faulty manner. This enables the data packet reception test results to identify the number of data packets correctly received within the prescribed time interval and identify which data packet reception faults are due to reception of a faulty data packet or reception of a valid data packet in a faulty manner.

Abstract: System and method for implementing a Vector Network Power Meter (VNPM) as a new class of electronic test instrument that uses a novel topology based upon a reflectometer to combine the functionality of a Power Meter with that of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The VNPM overcomes application limitations of the two existing classes of test instruments, including parallel and simultaneous measurement capability, in-circuit operation, and improved accuracy and repeatability by eliminating the calibration of interconnecting cabling. Also provided are alternate implementations of a correlator for the reflectometer which reduce the size and complexity of the correlator while extending its frequency range without limit.

Abstract: A system and method for using a N×N multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) data packet signal transceiver for testing multiple data packet signal transceivers. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a N×N MIMO access point can be used for simultaneous testing of multiple single input, single output (SISO) data packet signal transceivers. Selective data packet signal corruption (e.g., in the form of data packet signal attenuation), allows for individual testing of the transmit signals from respective ones of the data packet signal transceivers.

Abstract: The invention described herein utilizes devices under test (DUTs) outfitted with stored, predefined test sequences, testers equipped with vector-signal generation (VSG) and vector-signal analysis (VSA) functionality, and novel methods for combining loopback and single-ended test functions in order to obtain higher testing efficiency for DUTs using Bluetooth or other time-division duplex (TDD) based communications.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating testing of multiple data packet signal transceivers involving data-packet-signal replication and one or more status signals indicating successful and unsuccessful receptions of confirmation signals. Based upon the one or more status signals, one or more control signals cause the replicated data packet signals to be distributed to the devices under test (DUTs) such that, following successful and unsuccessful receptions of confirmation signals, corresponding replicated data packet signals are caused to fail to conform in part or to conform, respectively, with a predetermined data packet signal standard.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester exchanges multiple test signals wirelessly with the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals are controlled in accordance with feedback signals from the DUT and test equipment. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signals, thereby enabling minimizing of apparent signal path loss between the tester and DUT to effectively simulate an electrically conductive signal path.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). Using multiple antennas within a shielded enclosure containing the DUT, multiple wireless RF test signals resulting from a RF test signal radiated from the DUT can be captured and have their respective signal phases controlled in accordance with one or more signal characteristics, including their respective signal power levels, their respective signal phases as received, and a signal power level of a combination of the received signals. Such phase control of the captured wireless RF test signals can be performed individually for any DUT tested within the shielded enclosure, thereby providing compensation for the multipath signal environment within the shielded enclosure irrespective of the placement of the DUT, and thereby simulating a wired test signal path during wireless testing of the DUT.

Abstract: A system and method for testing signal reception by a data packet signal transceiver. By monitoring signals provided to and returning from a device under test (DUT), e.g., stimulus and response signals, respectively, it can be determined whether and when the DUT has received a faulty data packet or received a valid data packet in a faulty manner. When such events occur, appropriate control signals are provided for instructing the test signal reception and analysis subsystem (e.g., a vector signal analyzer) to capture and retain for analysis such faulty data packet or valid data packet received in a faulty manner. This enables the data packet reception test results to identify the number of data packets correctly received within the prescribed time interval and identify which data packet reception faults are due to reception of a faulty data packet or reception of a valid data packet in a faulty manner.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester transmits multiple test signals wirelessly to the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals transmitted by the tester are controlled in accordance with feedback signal data from the DUT. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signal data, thereby enabling dynamic optimization of the wireless communication channel condition number k(H).

Abstract: A system and method for the execution of a program comprises a user-defined sequence of standard hardware and analysis module commands of an instrument, in the context of a tester comprising a plurality of VSAs and VSGs, or other hardware measurement modules types, where the coordination of command execution and resource availability is built into the system as an inherent part of its overall architecture. As such, the commands are the same as those ordinarily executed in piecemeal fashion, but are now automatically and sequentially executed in an atomic and deterministic manner through the coordinated interaction of embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connectivity integrity with a device under test (DUT). An output RF signal is provided to a RF signal port and looped back for analysis along with an input RF signal, which includes a reflected signal component related to the output RF signal, from the RF signal port. By measuring magnitudes of combinations of the input and loopback RF signals, e.g., at multiple signal frequencies, it can be determined whether the RF signal port is properly terminated by the DUT.

Abstract: System and method for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connections with multiple devices under test (DUTs) tested concurrently using replicas of a RF test signal. Cabled signal connections between the signal source and the DUTs are monitored by sensing levels of outgoing and related reflection RF signals. These signal levels are compared against similar signal levels when the outgoing RF signals are provided to reference impedances. Alternatively, the cabled signal connections have lengths of known signal wavelengths and the RF test signal frequency is swept such that minimum and maximum time delays between the outgoing and reflection RF signals go through minimum and maximum signal cycles with a difference of at least one full cycle. The reflection RF signal magnitude and phase are monitored, from which peak and valley signal level differences and phase changes are identified to determine return loss and phase changes indicative of DUT connection.

Abstract: A system and method for testing multiple data packet signal transceivers concurrently in which scalar and vector signal testing are separated. Concurrent testing of scalar signal characteristics of multiple data packet signals from the data packet signal transceivers can be performed while also performing testing of vector signal characteristics of portions of each of the multiple data packet signals, thereby requiring less test time for performing all desired signal tests.

Abstract: A method for testing a packet data signal transceiver via its packet data signal interface. The packet data signal interface is used to convey test packet data signals from the test equipment to the DUT, and response packet data signals responsive to such test packet data signals from the DUT to the test equipment.