System and method for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connection integrity with multiple devices under test (DUTs) to be tested concurrently

摘要

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.

主权项

1. An apparatus including a test system for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connection integrity with multiple devices under test (DUTs) to be tested concurrently, comprising:
a plurality of signal ports for coupling to a plurality of DUTs to convey at least a portion of a plurality of outgoing RF signals and a plurality of reflection RF signals, wherein each one of said plurality of reflection RF signals is related to a respective one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals; signal routing circuitry responsive to a RF test signal by providing said plurality of outgoing RF signals, wherein each one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals corresponds to said RF test signal; signal sensing circuitry coupled between said signal routing circuitry and said plurality of signal ports, and responsive to said at least a portion of said plurality of outgoing RF signals and said plurality of reflection RF signals by providing a plurality of outgoing sense signals and a plurality of reflection sense signals indicative of respective magnitudes of each one of said pluralities of outgoing and reflection RF signals, respectively; and at least one of
a plurality of load impedances, wherein each one of said plurality of signal ports is further for selectively coupling to a respective one of said plurality of DUTs and a respective one of said plurality of load impedances,a load impedance and an additional signal port coupled to said load impedance to convey one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals and another reflection RF signal related to said one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals, wherein said signal sensing circuitry is further coupled to said additional signal port and responsive to one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals and said another reflection RF signal by providing another outgoing sense signal and another reflection sense signal indicative of respective magnitudes of said one of said plurality of outgoing RF signals and said another reflection RF signal, respectively, ora plurality of shunt impedances and a plurality of switch circuits coupled between said signal sensing circuitry and corresponding ones of said pluralities of signal ports and shunt impedances, and responsive to one or more control signals by coupling said signal sensing circuitry to respective ones of said pluralities of signal ports and shunt impedances.