Generic RF test Automation Demo using NI-RFmx API (Spur)

[BrianWee]

Description

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Overview

This demo is making use of the new NI RFmx Spectral Analysis Toolkit API to perform the generic RF automated test.

This version currently will only perform automated spurious measurement for Transmit/Receive Module (TRM).

AutomatedTest plan and results are saved in excel & xml format.

Description

In this demo, it will allow the user to,

1. Generate a test plan for TRM module test in generator mode or receiver mode.
2. Automatically detect the spur of interest.
3. Easily configure the 'excluded band from carrier' when performing the spurious test. Exclude band (+/-Hz) excludes +/-Hz from carrier frequency in the frequency sweep. Setting 0Hz in Exclude band (+/-Hz) parameter will include the carrier in the test.
4. Easily switching to 'VSA only' mode when the user needs to connect their own signal source.
5. Generate results in a table with a short report of pass or fail.

* note that the automated calibration routine for external cable loss/etc is not included in this demo.

Steps to Implement or Execute Code

Instructions to start up the following VIs.

1. Firstly, run the LV project files - TRM_RA.lvproj.
2. For test automation : Under the 00AUTOMATION virtual folder- run TRM_auto - RFmx automation EXAMPLE.vi.
3. For benchmarking : under the 00AUTOMATION virtual folder - run RFmxSpecAn Spur Example-Benchmark.vi.
4. For standalone spur measurement :  Under the 00AUTOMATION virtual folder - TRM_RFmxSpur -EXAMPLE.vi.

Instruction to run TRM_auto - RFmx automation EXAMPLE.vi

To run the test automation VI,

1. Firstly, run the TRM_auto - RFmx automation EXAMPLE.vi and use the following instruction.
2. Select 'VSA only' LED button to ON if the Signal is externally generated.
3. In the occasion where 'vsa only' is set to ON, an UI will pop up for external RF source setting confirmation when the application is running.
4. Click on 'initialise' button to initialise the hardware.
5. Click on 'Modify testplan' button to check and modify the testplan if needed.
6. Click on 'Load testplan' button to load or reload the testplan before pressing the Run test button.
7. Make sure the Load testplan is reloaded after you modify the testplan.
8. Select Measurement tab to show spurious measurement UI.
9. Click on 'Run test' to start the automated measurement.
10. The testplan and results is saved in the '01SweepConfig' folder.

*Note on RF pulse setting configuration in trasmit mode (5673 only).

• There isn't an option on the main UI to change the characteristic of the pulse.
• Open up the block diagram of TRM_auto - gen run (with stop).vi
• Change to Frames Period, IQ rate and time slots constants
• Check out the standalone TRm_RFvsg-pulsed RF example.vi on how to configure those constants.

Requirements

Software

LabVIEW 2013 SP1, NI-RFSA 2.9, NI-RFSG 1.9.7, NI RF device drivers with RFmx-2014.05

Hardware

User's RF signal sources or VSG PXIe-5673 or PXIe-5644R (code modification needed)

VSA PXIe-5665 or PXIe-5644R

The screen shots of the demo

Test plan generator

Main automation VI (setup tab)

Main VI (measurement tab)

Test results example ( in excel)

Any attached Code is provided As Is. It has not been tested or validated as a product, for use in a deployed application or system, or for use in hazardous environments. You assume all risks for use of the Code and use of the Code is subject to the Sample Code License Terms which can be found at: http://ni.com/samplecodelicense

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