System and method for deterministic testing of packet error rate in electronic devices
A method and system for testing packet error rate in electronic devices by transmitting a series of data packets from a testing device to a device under test (DUT) and setting a predefined number of received error-free data packets; evaluating whether a number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets and transmitting additional data packets from the testing device to the DUT, at a power level known to produce zero received-packet errors in a correctly operating DUT, if the number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT does not equal the predefined number of received error-free data packets. Additional possible embodiments include evaluating whether a total number of data packets from the series of data packets and the additional error-free-power-level data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets and transmitting a confirmation data packet to the testing device in response to reception by the DUT of the predefined number of received error-free data packets.
1. A method of testing a communication device comprising:
transmitting a series of data packets from a testing device to a device under test (DUT);
setting a predefined number of received error-free data packets;
evaluating whether a number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets;
transmitting additional data packets from the testing device to the DUT if said number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT does not equal the predefined number of received error-free data packets;
evaluating whether a total number of said number of data packets from the series of data packets and the additional data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets; and
transmitting a confirmation data packet to the testing device in response to and only after reception by the DUT of said predefined number of received error-free data packets.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
said series of data packets is transmitted at a first power level; and
said additional data packets are transmitted at a second power level.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said second power level is greater than said first power level.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said additional data packets are transmitted at a power level expected to produce a zero packet error rate in the DUT.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the DUT recognizes said additional data packets in response to the second power level.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the packet error rate (PER) is calculated according to:
PER=([ Q/N]× 100)
where N is the predefined number of received error-free data packets and Q is the number of data packets received error-free by the DUT from said additional data packets.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication device is wireless.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmitting steps occur wirelessly.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
said number of data packets from the series of data packets equals said predefined number; and
the additional data packets equal said predefined number.
10. A method of testing a communication device comprising:
transmitting one or more data packets from a testing device to a device under test (DUT) in a test-ready sequence;
determining whether the DUT is test-ready and transmitting a confirmation data packet from the DUT to the testing device in response thereto;
transmitting a series of data packets from the testing device to the DUT;
setting a predefined number of received error-free data packets;
evaluating whether a number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets;
transmitting additional data packets from the testing device to the DUT if said number of data packets from the series of data packets received error-free by the DUT does not equal the predefined number of received error-free data packets;
evaluating whether a total number of said number of data packets from the series of data packets and the additional data packets received error-free by the DUT equals the predefined number of received error-free data packets; and
transmitting another confirmation data packet to the testing device in response to and only after reception by the DUT of said predefined number of received error-free data packets.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the transmitting of one or more data packets from a testing device to a DUT in a test-ready sequence is performed as an initial test sequence of the DUT.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
said series of data packets is transmitted at a first power level; and
said additional data packets are transmitted at a second power level.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein said second power level is greater than said first power level.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein said additional data packets are transmitted at a power level expected to produce a zero packet error rate in the DUT.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the DUT recognizes said additional data packets in response to the second power level.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein the packet error rate (PER) is calculated according to:
PER=([ Q/N]× 100)
where N is the predefined number of received error-free data packets and Q is the number of data packets received error-free by the DUT from said additional data packets.
17. The method of claim 10 , wherein the communication device is wireless.
18. The method of claim 10 , wherein the transmitting steps occur wirelessly.
19. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
said number of data packets from the series of data packets equals said predefined number; and
the additional data packets equal said predefined number.
20. Test system for an electronic device comprising:
a controller coupled to a testing device via a first communications channel and operatively configured to command software functions of the testing device to control a device under test (DUT);
the testing device coupled to the DUT via a second communications channel and operatively configured to send, receive, and analyze electronic signals;
the DUT operatively configured to include a means of setting a predetermined number of error-free data packets representing a deterministic number of received error-free data, wherein the DUT transmits a confirmation data packet to the testing device in response to and only after reception by the DUT of the predefined number of received error-free data packets.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the means of setting a pre-determined number of error-free data packets comprises an internal look-up table (LUT).
22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the test system is wireless.
23. The system of claim 20 , wherein the testing device is wirelessly connected to the DUT.
24. The system of claim 20 , wherein the DUT is configured to receive data packets, decode the data packets and produce a return transmit signal for analysis by the testing device.