GTS PinProbe

➢ Comprehensive band & standards coverage：600MHz~6GHz & 5G NR (FR1)、LTE、WiFi

➢ Innovative technology: parallel multi-antenna OTA testing(patented ODC method)

➢ High efficiency: DUT loaded once, tests for multi-antenna and multi-mode can be done

➢ High confidence: test results correlate with TRP test

➢ High reliability: system-level self test & on-line self test

➢ Wide DUT compatibility: suitable for various multi-antenna UEs, cellphone, smart watch, PDA

➢ Customizable design for manufacturing: manual or pneumatic operation etc.

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General Test Systems (GTS) Inc.

PinProbe®

5G(FR1) UE Manufacturing OTA Test System

* Pictures are for reference only, please prevail in kind.

GTS PinProbe

1

Undoubtedly, 5G’s large-scalecommercialization will come true within nextfew years. In the mass production, the userequipment(UE), such as cellphone, tablet andnotebook will have to face new OTA testingchallenges. For the 5G NR FR1 frequency bands,we have to find some feasible solutions to solvefollowing issues, otherwise we will encounterthe low efficiency and high cost problem in themass production.

1. More tested frequency bands

IMT allocates new frequency bands to the5G FR1: 3.3G~3.4G for global(except Europeand North America); 3.4G~3.6G for Europe;3.6G~3.7G for global(except Africa and someAsian countries); 4.8G~4.9G for Asia-Pacific.Meanwhile, the manufacturing test equipmentshould be compatible with all LTE bands.

More tested bands will bring morechallenges in designing the probe antennas ofthe production test systems. In addition, therequirements of Wi-Fi bands coverage ,miniaturization structure and low system costwill demand innovations in designing suitable

probe antennas to satisfy all these productiontest system requirements.

2. More tested antennas

Including the new tested 5G bands, the 5GFR1’s UE will probably be integrated with morethan 4 different wireless standards antennas. Itmeans that the 5G UE’s total test volume will beseveral times higher than 4G UE’s. If followingthe single-antenna and single-mode serialtesting model, the total time consumption willbe several times that of LTE UE, so the testingcost will be increased significantly.

3. Old system impactable with new bands

In 4G era, the tests in the high cellularfrequency bands and 5.8GHz Wi-Fi band havea common technical challenge, that is the testresults from a small coupling testing boxcannot be correlated with that of largechamber. Using these test results to judge theDUT’s pass or fail will lead to a low testconfidence, in the other word, the test error isrelatively high.

Now most new 5G FR1 bands are withinhigh frequency range, such as 3.3G~3.7GHz,4.8G~4.9GHz. So the previous high test error insmall coupling box will continue to bothermanufacturing engineers, and prevent theeffective implementation of mass production.

New Challenges to 5G Mass Production “ODC” --5G manufacturing test solution

1. “ODC” accepted by 3GPP MIMO OTA

Applying ODC(Over-the-air direct connec-tion) to MIMO OTA test is a 3GPP standardtest method(refer to TS 37.544), so calledRTS(Radiated Two Stage) method. Taken the4x4 MIMO OTA test as an example, 4 probeantennas are virtually connected to 4 DUTreceiving antennas one by one, thatequivalents to connecting each pair of

antennas via a virtual cable. With such setup,the DUT’s noise impact can be really includedinto the performance test. That is the basicconcept of ODC. Based on this theory, the4x4 MIMO OTA test has been realized, andresults shown below.

2. “ODC” applied to PinProbe

GTS innovatively applies the ODC toPinProbe multi-antenna fast test system for 5GUE mass production. With 6 internal probeantennas, PinProbe can simultaneously test 6

DUT antennas with ODC method, the final testtime just equals to testing single antenna.

PinProbe is equipped ultra-wide-bandantennas 600MHz~6GHz, covering full 5G FR1

and Wi-Fi frequencies. Single test system(onestation) can perform all 5G, LTE and Wi-Fi tests,which will reduce the repeated DUTplacements and improve the manufacturingtest efficiency significantly. Furthermore, thePinProbe’s advanced test algorithm andsystem software promise the test resultscorrelation with that of large chamber in allfrequency bands.

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GTS PinProbe

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PinProbe Test System Theory

1. PinProbe structure and working theory

The test system is composed of a compact

shielding box, six customized probe antennas,

a self-test antenna, one set of DUT loading

mechanism and RF/USB connectors, as shown

in figure 1. The drawer type loading mechanism

can convoy the DUT into the shielding box; the

probe antennas controlled by dedicated test

software can be moved horizontally alone x/y

axis to search the best test position for each

DUT’s antenna.

When doing DUT transmission test,

multiple DUT transmitters(antennas) can

transmit signal at the same time, the

correspondent probe antennas can receive

signal simultaneously, and vice versa for the

DUT receiving test. The system hardware

together with the test software will ensure that

one probe antenna is linked to one tested

antenna via ODC, and the cross channel

isolation is larger than 15dB, so other

transmitters’ interference to the target

transmitter(antenna) is neglectable.

2. PinProbe test process

The detail process of DUT’s initialization test

is shown in right flow chart. First of all, DUT’s

basic information is needed, such as antenna

number and approximative positions(the

position description is defined in the operation

manual); turn on DUT transmitter or receiver,

the auto-searching software tool will detect

best position for each probe antenna; the test

software will start the test for initial calibration

parameters, record the results and set the test

parameters for dedicated DUT. After finishing

the initialization, the parallel transceivers test

for multi-antenna DUT is ready.

Once the initial test for the DUT is

completed, the obtained test parameters are

applicable to the tests of same model DUT.

Before the mass production, these system

initialization settings can be uploaded to other

PinProbes via the network, then the whole

production test systems settings can be done

automatically. It will significantly simplify the

PinProbe test systems configuration process for

mass production.

DUT parameters input： fill in the number of antennas, positions, tested channels, modes(wireless standards) and Pass/Fail limits, etc.

DUT loading: place the DUT onto the PinProbe fixture, close the door

System self-test: execute close-loop system self check, pass then go to next step, otherwise prompts warning for system maintenance or part exchanging

2D scanning：power on DUT, the scanning tool moves probe antennas, searches and selects best test points which are done by PinProbe test software automatically.

Parameters calibration: The test software executes the “system+DUT” initial calibration, obtains and records a set of DUT test parameters, generates test waveform files.

Transceiver test：Based on previous DUT test parameters, frequency bands, channels and test modes , test waveform files and receiving signal analysis function, PinProbe executes the DUT transmission and receiving test. Judges the Pass/Fail of DUT according to previous setting limits, shows the results to operator.

PinProbe Test Flow Chart

Figure1. PinProbe System Structure

GTS PinProbe

3

GTS patented technology “ ODC”

（ Over-the-air Direct Connection ） can

connect multiple test probes to multiple

tested antennas one by one via OTA, the

cross channel isolation is larger than

15dB( means the cross channel signal

strength is lower than that of direct

channel) which is the theoretical base for

realizing simultaneous multi-antenna test.

[1]China Patent Numbers：201820678179.X 201910354915.5

201910354541.7

2. PinProbe test correlates with TRP test

According to above test results: when

both Tx1 and Tx2 were turned on, after

applied the ODC algorithm, the Rx1 and

Rx2 receiving power were consistent with

the power transmitted by Tx1 or Tx2 only.

This proved that two antennas can be

tested simultaneously. That works for 4

antennas test also.

Large amount of specifications

verification and repeatability verifications

had been done, the ODC algorithm can

make the PinProbe system’s test results

correlate with TRP/TIS results at large

chamber. It ensures the accurate

judgement on DUT for the mass

production test. A comparison sample

as below:

PinProbe System Features

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1. ODC realizes the parallel multi-antennas test [1]

Tx Ant.Rx1 Power

(dBm)

Rx2 Power

(dBm)

Tx1 only -15 -20

Tx2 only -21 -17

Tx1+Tx2

w/o ODC -14.5 -15.3

Tx1+Tx2

w/ ODC -15.1 -16.85

Uncertainty 0.1 0.15

Dual-antenna test results

ODC System Diagram

GTS PinProbe

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Firstly, PinProbe employs precisely

designed mini probes. These tiny probes

can be easily installed into a small shielding

box for production line testing. Secondly,

with system-level design optimization, these

probes are placed close to each other, but

the isolation between antennas can still be

more than 35dB. Finally, aided by the ODC

algorithm, the PinProbe system with

multiple mini-probes can execute multi-

antenna parallel test, which improves the

test efficiency and accuracy extraordinarily.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

-60

-55

-50

-45

-40

-35

探头间隔离度

（d

B）

频率 （GHz）

极化平行的两个探头，探头边沿间距11mm

极化垂直的两个探头，探头边沿间距11mm

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3. Mini Probe, high isolation 4. EPP high performance absorbers[2]

PinProbe test box is equipped with GTS

patented Expanded Polypropylene(EPP)

absorbers. The EPP material is a kind of light

weight closed porous foam, which has the

characteristics of hardness, solvent-resistant,

environment-friendly. It is light weight, high

strength, in-deformable, heat-resistant. This

absorber shows the good absorbing

performance for the electromagnetic wave

within a small space, provide a low reflection

environment, reduce the test uncertainty,

improve the test accuracy.

[2]China Patent Number：201520962731.4 201630008913.8

GTS PinProbe

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Refine Details, Pursue PerfectionFlexible, Reliable and Stable

1. Cylinder

The drawer-type sliding door is driven by

the cylinder and guide shafts. The cylinder’s

operating pressure is 0.15~0.7Mpa with high

guild precision of piston rod, small cylinder

diameter and quick response. There is a

stop block to limit the cylinder retraction.

2. Antenna installation & positioning

In order to ensure the installation

accuracy, all motion modules are positioned

through dowel pin holes. The electric sliding

table is driven by a stepping motor,

maximum loading 3Kg. Total weight of

antenna module is less than 1Kg. The sliding

table is driven by a T-type screw with self-

locking function, its repeated-positioning

error is less than 0.06mm.

3. Fixture

PinProbe’s maximum DUT size is

200x80mm, different model DUT uses

dedicated fixture. When placing the DUT,

two vertical sides of fixture are for alignment,

the opposite two sides have compression

springs which can help to hold the DUT

tightly and ensure the placement position’s

consistency.

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GTS PinProbe

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Modular Structure, Simple MaintenanceAutomatic Self-Test, Fast Trouble-Shooting

1. RF links quality checking

By measuring the pathloss

between probe antennas and

communication antenna, test

engineer can detect the system

working status and identify the

broken antenna quickly and

accurately, then replace parts and

fix the problem immediately.

3. Antenna exchanging

The antenna

positioning control

module is at the rear of

PinProbe. Open the back

door, then see the mini

mechanical frame with

motion modules on it.

One test probe can be

exchanged within 10

minutes, all test probes

can be exchanged within 1

hour.

4. Electrical maintenance

The electrical

maintenance ports are on

the two sides of PinProbe.

According the actual

conditions, the engineer can

adjust the control valve of

cylinder, wire the gas pipe

and cables, etc.

2. Control modules exchanging

Electrical control modules,

such as power supply, driving

circuit and single-chip-

microcomputer, etc. are all on

the top of PinProbe. By opening

top cover, the parts exchanging

and repair can be done

conveniently.

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GTS PinProbe

➢ Tx➢ Rx

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Major Test Items:

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➢ Supports 3D measurement, cut selectable

2D measurement and the single point

measurement.

➢ User-defined test step, test angle and

test configuration.

➢ Arbitrary selection of test point to review

all test data of it.

➢ Wide variety of test assistant functions,

such as anti-drop-call, auto-recall and

abnormal situation warnings. Improves

the testing processes’ reliability and

fluency.

➢ Comprehensive raw test data and log

files management. Traceable and non-

modifiable test process.

➢ Batch processing function supports

creating task list for continuous and

automated unattended tests.

➢ Resourceful built-in templates,

preconfigured parameters compatible

with different instruments and test

platforms. Simple manipulations

effectively prevent operational errors.

➢ Supports 3D display, antenna pattern

arbitrary angle rotation, viewing and

cutting to help R&D engineer to visually

analyze and diagnose problem .

GTS MaxSign100 system’s control and test

automation software is developed based on the

Net Framework 4.0 platform. It is fully complied

with CTIA test standards and kept up to date

with the latest specification. The MaxSign100

provides a wide range of applications, flexible

configurations, smooth test processes, stable

operation, as well as a simple but friendly GUI.

It can meet different test requirements in

different product stages, and cover the whole

product life cycle from R&D, pre-certification,

conformance to QA in manufacturing.

MaxSign100 Professional OTA Test SoftwareSimple, Extensible , Customizable

GTS PinProbe

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PinProbe System Specifications

Test

ab

ility

Functions RF test, UE performance fast scan

Applications Production Test for wireless terminal

DUT types Small multi-antenna UE(cellphone, smart watch, PDA, etc.)

Test methodology Over-the-air Direct Connection(ODC)

Frequency range 600MHz~6GHz

Test items RF spec.：Tx/Rx

Shielding ＞70dB

Measurement distance 3~5mm

DU

T

Max. size 200mm×80mm×20mm (L×W×H)

Max. weight 5kg

Pro

be

Ante

nna

Numbers 6

Scan accuracy 0.2mm

Polarization Circular

Ab

sorb

er

Base material EPP

Height 60mm

Absorbing rate ≥10dB

Cham

ber

Exterior dimensions 500mm×500mm×900mm (L×W×H)

Door size 200mm×100mm (W×H)

Weight 100kg

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GTS PinProbe

Configuration and Ordering Information

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PinProbe Hardware

Shielding

Chamber

Including shielding box, door,

interface module, RF cables,

communication cables, etc.

Electrical Control

Module

Including electrical cards and

sliding table mechanism, etc.

Pneumatic control

ModuleCylinder and it’s control units

RF Switch Module 1 to 6 RF switching

Probe Antenna 0.6-6GHz × 6

Communication

Antenna0.6-6GHz × 1

PinProbe Software

Scanning

Module

Including inner motion

module’s 2D scanning

control , instrument

control, switch control

and DUT control, etc.

Positioning

Module

Including inner motion

module’s positioning

control , instrument

control and DUT control,

etc.

Calibration

Module

Test data calibration,

display and report

generation

Instruments Supported

Wireless Test Set

General Tx/Rx

measurement

instruments

Address

Email

567 Manor Ridge Crest., Waterloo,

ON，Canada N2K 0B4,

lily.qin@generaltest.com

Address

Email

680-D Davenport Rd, Waterloo,

ON, Canada N2V 2C3

yihong.qi@generaltest.com

Headquarters

Add.:

Tel.:

Fax:

Email:

Building A 101-104, Taohuayuan high-

tech Park, Baoan, Shenzhen, China

(+86) 0755 2940-3544

(+86) 0755 2974-8114

sales@generaltest.com

North America

North America R&D Center

Services and Maintenance

Calibration Free for 1st Time

Maintenance Free for 1st Year

S/W Upgrade Free for 1st Year

GTS PinProbe

Accurate • Simple • Fast • Agile

Product information might be changed without notice.