Software can run in two different modes: production testing mode for operator use and engineering evaluation mode for technician/engineer use.

Production Testing Mode

This interface is kept as simple as possible making operation of use easy and keeping training of new personnel to a minimum.

Both of these factors are essential in a manufacturing environment. The operator GUI consists of two panels, where one provides control over the start and stop buttons, while the other panel shows a data sheet report. The start and stop buttons are duplicated on the fixture to provide a 'mouse free' environment if desired.

Using a one-button approach to testing, the operator is prompted to scan the barcode and close the lid of the test fixture to commence testing. Test results are highly visible to indicate testing in process or pass/fail results.

Engineering Evaluation Mode

This interface is designed to provide a highly flexible engineering tool for the purpose of debugging and troubleshooting. This mode operates simultaneously with production testing mode. This mode is designed with the engineer in mind. You have full control of the entire station from one central location. All screens are laid out logically, so that you can drill down to whatever level that is necessary to perform whatever operation desired. Every function and control needed to perform any testing is available from these screens. There are six panels that together provide a complete control over the whole system. This virtual test system allows the engineer to concentrate on evaluating his part, not having to remember how to get to a particular control or indicator. The panels or windows are related in a top-down hierarchy. You start at the top-level panel that represents the overall test station and you drill down as far as you want to operate or view the appropriate control. All the panels present live information on them throughout any testing or manual operation. This allows the engineer to stop in the middle of a test and view the condition of all the instrumentation at the time he interrupted the test.

Virtual Test Station Inter-relationship

Virtual Test Station Main Panel

This panel shows the structure of the entire RF test station. Each one of the rectangular areas represents one of the major parts of the system, such as Signal Generator, SINAD Meter, Power Supply, CIB, DUT, Spectrum Analyzer and RF Interface Assembly, and Frequency Counter. This panel provides an overview of the entire test station. You can monitor every major function at a glance. Summary information is displayed for each section. If you desire further detail you can "drill down" to each of the major sub-systems.

DUT Control Panel

This panel provides complete control over the DUT. Communications are either through the USB port or RS-232 interface. All the internal settings are adjustable from this panel.

• General Functions
  • In order to establish communications, the modem has to be initialized. This initializes the hardware and downloads a small program to the DUT to enable the internal BIST functionality. A 'READ' button allows you to read the EEPROM data and load all panels with current information. A main power switch takes the unit out of "sleep mode" and allows it to respond to commands.
• Transmit Functions
  • The transmitter has separate power supplies and can be turned on or off. Transmit frequencies and Mobi assigned channel numbers can be set to program the synthesizer to the proper mode. Internal modulation routines (part of the Built-In Self Test) are selected and turned on or off from this panel. The unit operates at either full power, or one of three back-off levels.
• Receive Functions
  • The receiver has separate power controls as well. It can be set to its receive frequency, or a Mobi assigned channel. There are demodulation commands to command the receiver and monitor the assigned channel. During BER testing, the BER level and data quality can be viewed here.
• Tuning Functions
  • This section lets you manually set all the internal DACs used to tune the reference ADC. This section also allows you to set the gain and offset for the modulation of the transmitter and for the demodulation circuitry of the receiver.
• Status Functions
  • This section displays the current values (when update button is depressed) of the internal monitoring circuitry.

CIB Control Panel

This panel provides a control over the CIB1 and CIB2. It allows the user to measure voltages at all the connected test points as well as to manage USB connection, the DUT Power, control signals, the serial port routing, and the digital multiplexers.

• CIB1 (Analog interface)
  • DUT Power
    • This section allows you to operate the relays on the interface board, to apply main power from the power supply, and to enable or disable (through relays) the USB interface.
  • Analog Input
    • Various voltages are monitored for different power supplies. The transmit modulation voltage is available here, as well as the RSSI and the receiver demodulation signal.
• CIB2 (Digital interface)
  • Control Lines
    • These are a variety of signals that are sent to the DUT (through level shifters) to perform a variety of functions.
  • RF Switches
    • The switches would normally be operated from the relay icons on the main panel, but they can also be operated here.
  • Serial Routing
    • The system COM port can be configured to drive one of the onboard RS-232 interfaces, or configured to 'sniff' the traffic between the two onboard processors.
  • Digital Multiplexer
    • This routes one of four signals to the frequency counter for measurement, and one of 12 digital signals to edge detection circuitry.

Radio EEPROM Panel

This panel allows the user to easily read and write into the radio's EEPROM. Information that is vital to the proper operation of the radio is stored here.

• Permanent Settings
  • These settings will be permanent throughout the life of the radio. These are read-only at all times and are used only to view the current settings.
• Hardware Settings
  • These settings are a combination of firmware values and alignment values set during the alignment phase of the testing. These are required to be properly set in order for the unit to perform within proper levels.

• Test Tracking
  • These settings are used during the life of the product to track test results and ensure that units do not pass through the manufacturing process without being properly aligned and meeting all test specifications.
• Other Stuff
  • Controls exist to read the current state of the EEPROM as well as to enable writing with proper authentication.

Power Supply Panel

This panel provides a detailed representation of the DUT battery power supply that would normally only be operated through the main panel on/off switch. Although the system would use the user defined test parameters for voltage and current limit, this panel allows you to enter directly into the panel to test the product at different bias conditions.

Spectrum Analyzer Panel

This panel provides a detailed representation of the spectrum analyzer. This allows users to control basic functions on the spectrum analyzer directly from the screen.

The plot is also shown in a smaller format on the main panel. This panel allows you to operate the spectrum analyzer functions in a separate window for more detailed analysis.

You can change the frequencies, the span, and the reference level. You can dump a trace from the display of the instrument and you have a full-featured marker on this panel for signal analysis.

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