Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method of continuously monitoring a mobile telephone unit.
• the invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.
• the U.S. patent U.S. 4,554,410, for instance, teaches a method of testing an operational mobile unit, by manually activating a test program.
• a self-testing program can be activated in the mobile unit by depressing a key on the unit. Different tests can be run, depending on which key is depres ⁇ sed.
• the result of an executed self- test program can be displayed on the mobile unit.
• One drawback with this type of test is that it requires the presence of a user or of some other person, for instance a service tech- Oxan. Since activation of the test requires the presence of a person, the mobile is often tested less frequently than would otherwise be desirable. Neither is the user always aware of the most favourable occasion for activating a test, i.e.
• the present invention refers to the problem of monitoring continuously the function of a mobile telephone unit.
• the monitoring procedure can be carried outwithout any disturbing effect on a user of the mobile, i.e. regular monitoring can be carried out without requiring the user of the mobile to react and without causing any delay in the establishment of a call connection, for instance.
• the problem referred to is solved by automatically activating amonitoringprogram in themobile subsequent to the occurrence of predetermined events, such as a calling-subscriber release, for instance.
• procedures are also followed automatically in the mobile in accordance with the result of the monitoring program.
• the prevention of radio-signal transmissions is one example of a procedure that can be undertaken.
• the invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.
• the invention thus solves the problem of monitoring the function of a mobile unit regularly and automatically. This is achieved by activating a trigger signal in the mobile unit subsequent to the occurrence of certain predetermined events, for instance subsequent to a calling-subscriber release.
• the signal is used to start a testing program which generates a resultant signal.
• the resultant signal is compared with a desired resultant signal and procedures are automatically taken in the mobile unit in accordance with the result of the comparison, for instance the mobile may be shut down if it interferes with some other equipment.
• the aforedescribed process is made possible by an arrangement which includes means for activating the trigger signal in the mobile unit.
• the arrangement also includes means for selecting a testing program which carries out the test, andmeans forgenerating the resultant signal.
• the arrangement also includes means for comparing the resultant signal with the desired resultant signal and carrying-out procedures in the mobile unit automatically in accordance with the com ⁇ parison.
• An object of the present invention is thus to monitor a mobile unit regularly with the intention of ascertaining whether or not the mobile has a disturbing influence on another user or on the surroundings.
• Another object of the invention is to monitor the mobile automatically with the intention of liberating the user from monotonous and often occurring working procedures, so that important tests will not be avoided.
• a further object of the invention is to make the user aware that the mobile is afflicted with an error or a fault, for instance by showing the nature of the error or fault automatically on a display DISP on the mobile unit.
• Still another object of the invention is to prevent the mobile from having a disturbing effect on the surroundings. This is achieved, for instance, by automatically shutting down the transmitter of the mobile unit.
• the invention provides the important advantage of enabling mobile units to be tested without actively involving the user or other persons, for instance service technicians. Another advantage afforded by the invention is that testing can be carried outwithout the aid of external measuring instruments. Still another advantage afforded by the invention is that tests can be arranged to be carried out subsequent to certain given events. The most relevant and optimal test results are achieved thereby, for instance testing as to whether the transmitter can transmit within prescribed time intervals after a subscriber-call release. Tests can also be prevented from taking place at unsuitable times, for instance after power on. Since switching on of the mobile is often followed by the establishment of a call connection, a time-consuming test would be unsuitable after the mobile has switched on.
• Figure 1 is a block schematic illustrating a mobile telephone unit which includes a test arrangement and a test object.
• Figure 2 is a block schematic illustrating that part of the mobile telephone unit which is affected when testing a transceiver.
• Figure 3 is a flow sheet illustrating the procedure carried out in accordance with the invention when testing the trans ⁇ DCver.
• Figure 4a is a block schematic illustrating that part of the mobile telephone unit which is affected when testing the time relationship of a signal in a time slot.
• Figure 4b is a diagram illustrating the position of messages in different time slots when transmitting from a mobile to a base station.
• Figure 5 is a flow sheet which illustrates an inventive method in testing the time relationship of the signal.
• Figure 6a is a block schematic illustrating that part of the mobile telephone unit which is affected when testing digital components.
• Figure 6b is a block schematic illustrating a shift register.
• Figure 7 is a flow sheet illustrating an inventive method in testing the digital components.
• Figure 8 is a block schematic illustrating an inventive arrangement.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile telephone unit ME, which in the illustrated case is a mobile telephone although it may alternatively be some other form of mobile unit, for instance a mobile radio communications computer, with which the inventive concept can be applied.
• Themobile telephone unitME includes a test object TO and a testing arrangement PA.
• the test object TO in Figure 1 includes a logic device LA and a transceiver TR.
• the logic device LA includes mainly digital circuits, for instance customer-adapted circuits, so-called ASICs. The manner in which the logic device and the trans ⁇ DCver operate will be described immediately hereinafter with reference to a standard call.
• the digital components of the logic device LA handle speech from a mobile user, this speech arriving at the mobile via a microphone SI.
• Speech handling in the logic device LA includes signal processing after A/D-conversion. Signal processing includes time adaptation of the signal and the arrangement of check bits therein. This type of signal processing is con ⁇ sidered to be well known to one of normal skill in this particular field and will not therefore be described in detail. Data signals can also be processed in addition to speech signals. However, only the designation speech signal is used in the description of this embodiment.
• the transceiver TR in the test object TO includes a transmitter part TX which is connected to the logic device LA.
• the transmitter part TX receives a speech signal from the logic device LA and D/A converts and modulates the incoming speech signal in accor ⁇ dance with an agreed standard.
• the standard may be a GSM standard (Global System for Mobile communication) .
• the type of standard applied has no significance to the concept of the invention andwill not therefore be described in great detail.
• the modulated speech signal is directed to the desired destination with the aid of three switches, here referred to as the first, the second and the third switch SI, S2 and S3 respectively.
• a signal from the logic device LA is directed to the desired destination with the aid of two other switches, here referred to as the fourth and the fifth switch S4 and S5.
• the transmitter part TX is connected to an outgoing radio-frequency output RFO.
• the radio-frequency output RFO converts the modulated signal UT to radio waves which are transmitted to a radio signal receiver, for instance base stations in the telecommunica ⁇ tions system, via an antenna. Neither the antenna nor the base stations are shown in Figure 1.
• the transceiver TR also includes a radio signal receiver RFI which receives radio waves from a base station and converts the radio waves to a modulated signal IN of the same standard type as that men ⁇ tioned above with reference to the transmitter part TX.
• the radio signal receiver RFI is con ⁇ nected to a receiver part RX which includes a demodulator.
• the receiver part RX may be set to receive signals of a different carrier frequency than the carrier frequency used by the transmitter part TX of the mobile for transmission.
• the receiver part RX demodulates the modulated signal IN received from the radio signal receiver RFI to a speech signal TLI which, after A/D conversion, is sent to the logic device LA.
• the speech signal is processed in accordance with a method known to the person skilled in this art and, after D/A conversion, is sent to the earlier-mentioned loudspeaker SO.
• the mobile ME also includes a testing arrangement PA.
• the testing arrangement PA includes a control circuit CC, a program generator PRG, a comparison circuit CMP and a test circuit TC.
• the control circuit CC is connected to the program generator PRG, the comparison circuit CMP and the test circuit TC.
• the control circuit CC is also connected to the test object TO, a trigger device TA and an indicator IK in the mobile telephone. Although the latter two components TA and IK are mounted in the mobile telephone, they are located externally of the testing arrangement PA in the case of the illustrated embodiment.
• the comparison circuit CMP and the test circuit TC are connected to the program generator PRG and also to the test object TO.
• the mobile unit is digital, for instance of the TDMA-type (Time Division Multiple Access) although other types are conceivable, for instance FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) .
• TDMA-type Time Division Multiple Access
• FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
• CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
• Figure 2 illustrates schematically that part of the mobile unit ME which is used in an inventive method.
• the function of the parts shown in Figure 2 used when carrying out the method are described briefly below, after which the.
• the inventive method is described in detail.
• Figure 2 shows the control circuit CC in the testing arrangement PA mentioned above with reference to Figure 1.
• the control circuit CC functions to coordinate control signals as the method is carried out.
• the control circuit CC is connected to the trigger device TA, which in the case of the illustrated embodiment includes bit error monitoring means. The monitoring of bit errors in incoming radio signals form part of conventional mobile telephony technology and will not therefore be described in great detail.
• the control circuit CC is connected to an indicator IK, which in the present case includes a digital display DISP on which a message can be displayed to the user.
• the programgenerator PRG functions to generate a test program which is used to test the mobile unit ME.
• the comparison circuit CMP functions to mutually compare two signals.
• the transmitter part TX includes a signal input and a signal output.
• the transceiver part functions mainly to modulate signals incoming to the transmitter part.
• the transceiverpart RX also includes a signal input and a signal output.
• the receiver part RX functions to demodulate signals incoming to the receiver part RX. Com ⁇ munication between the transmitter part TX and the outgoing radio-frequency output RFO, and between the receiver part RX and the incoming radio signal receiver RFI is prevented with the aid of the switches SI and S3.
• a choice between estab- lishing or releasing a connection between the transmitterpart TX and the outgoing radio-frequency output RFO is made with the aid of the first switch SI.
• a choice between establishing or releasing a connection between the transmitter part TX and the receiver part RX can be implemented with the aid of the second switch S2.
• the switch S2 is shown schematically in the Figure as a conventional switch and may include a frequency converter which, during testing, converts a frequency transmitted from the transmitter part TX to another frequency suitable for reception in the receiver part RX. In the present case, this conversion is carried out because the receiver part RX is set to a frequency different to that of the transmitter part TX, as mentioned above. This frequency conversion has no significancewith regard to the inventive concept andwill not therefore be described in great detail.
• a system is also conceivable in which the transmitter part transmits on the same frequency as that received in the receiver part.
• a choice between establishing or releasing a connection between the radio signal receiver RFI and the receiver part RX can be implemented with the aid of the third switch S3.
• the switches SI, S2 and S3 are activated to establish or release a connec ⁇ tion with the aid of control bits in a so-called control sequence KOSE in the signal UT transmitted from the transmit ⁇ ter part TX.
• This is shown schematically in Figure 1 with the aid of arrow locations which symbolize the influence of the control sequence KOSE on the switches.
• the control sequence KOSE is digital and is transmitted on own conductors without being modulated. However, for the sake of simplicity, the control sequence is nevertheless described as part of the signal UT.
• the function of the aforedescribed components and the influence of the control sequence KOSE will become more apparent from the description of the inventive method as now described with reference to Figure 2.
• Figure 2 illustrates signalling in the inventive method.
• the solid arrows drawn in Figure 2 on the connections between the earlier described signal nodes illustrate the signalling direction between the nodes.
• the nodes may, for instance, be the program generator PRG in the testing arrangement PA and the transmitter part TX in the transceiver in the transceiver TR.
• the method illustrated with the aid of Figure 2 includes testing the transmitter part TX and the receiver part RX. It is particularly important to carry out a test of this nature after, for instance, exceeding a predetermined maximum value of the number of bit errors that can be thought to originate from the mobile unit.
• the inventive method comprises the following steps: Storing in the control circuit CC signal patterns which include signal patterns for different types of trigger signals that can occur in accordance with the illustrated example, for instance exceeding themaximumpermitted number of bit errors.
• the control circuit includes a memory unit in which the different signal patterns are stored.
• the trigger signal is compared with the contents of the memory unit and there is selected a preprogrammed program which corresponds to the signal pattern in the memory unit that coincides with the incoming trigger signal. This will be described in more detail further on.
• the method assumes that a maximum permitted value is determined for a number of bit errors in a signal processed in the receiver part and generated in a telephone call between two users in a predetermined time period. According to the present embodiment, the maximum permitted value stored in the trigger device TA has been determined manually as 5%.
• the method then comprises the following further steps:
• the number of bit errors corresponds to 6%.
• the trigger device TA includes means which enables the number of bit errors from the call to be compared with the permitted value.
• the trigger signal TSI is activated after establishing in the trigger device TA that the maximum permitted number of bit errors has been exceeded, as earlier mentioned. - Making a comparison in the control circuit CC between the trigger signal TSI and the earlier-mentioned signal patterns. 12
• the program start signal PST includes a start order to the program generator PRG commanding the generator to execute a preprogrammed program intended for testing the transmitter and receiver parts TX and RX.
• testing procedure that can be suitably carried out after having established that the maximum number of permitted bit errors has been exceeded.
• the testing procedure defined in the following method steps does not claim to embrace in detail a complete testing procedure, but shall be seen merely as a means of providing a better understanding of the inventive concept:
• the ideal signal IMS can be referred to as a reference signal or "set-point signal”.
• the ideal signal IMS is later used in a comparison procedure which will be explai ⁇ ned in more detail further on.
• the first structure signal MSI can be referred to more generally as an object signal.
• the first structure signal MSI includes a predetermined bit pattern which is well-suited for carrying out the testing procedure selected.
• the predeter- mined bit pattern in the first structure signal MSI includes the earlier-mentioned control sequence KOSE.
• the control sequence KOSE which is placed in that part of the total first structure signal MSI which is transmitted first, influences the switches SI, S2 and S3 in a manner which will be made apparent in the following description.
• modulation is effected in a manner which will adapt the signal to a format suitable for signalling in a GSM system.
• control sequence KOSE causes the first switch SI to interrupt the signal and adopt the state shown in Figure 2.
• the control sequence KOSE causes the second switch S2 to close, as shown in Figure 2.
• the control sequence KOSE causes the third switch S3 to break the signal, as shown in Figure 2.
• the first structure signal MSI is hereinafter designated a second structure signal MS2.
• the second structure signal may be referred to generally as an object evaluating signal.
• the inventive method then comprises the following further steps:
• the error message is "TR- ERROR".
• FIG. 3 is a flow sheet which illustrates the inventive signallingmethod.
• the flow sheet andthe following simplified description of the method are intended to be taken together with Figure 2 and the text associated therewith.
• the flow sheet illustrates the steps that are most essential to the inventive concept. The method will now be described with reference to Figure 3 comprises the steps of:
• Terminating the telephone call in accordance with block 104.
• the trigger signal TSI is activated after establishing in the trigger device TA that the maximum permitted number of bit errors has been exceeded, in accordance with block 105.
• the program start signal PST includes start commands for testing the transmitter part and the receiver part TX and RX, in accordance with block 108.
• the product signal PRS is sent to the control circuit CC, in accordance with block 109.
• TR-ERROR is shown on the display DISP on IK, in accor ⁇ dance with block 112.
• FIG 4a illustrates schematically that part of the earlier described unit ME which is used in a second method according to the invention.
• the mobile unit is a so- called TDMA mobile.
• the mobile transmits radio signals to and receives radio signals from a base station in certain predetermined time slots, and the transmitted speech is coded digitally.
• a TDMA system of, e.g. , the GSM type (Global System for Mobile communication) contains eight time slots in which a base station is able to transmit messages to and receive messages from different mobiles.
• Figure 4b illustrates how different signal sequences SS3-SS8 from different mobile units are placed in different time slots TS3-TS8. Only six of the eight time slots are shown in the Figure.
• the inventive method will be apparent from the following text and comprises testing the ability of the mobile unit to transmit its radio signals, i.e. signal sequences SS5, within the time slot TS5 allocated to the mobile. If the mobile transmits in a wrong time slot, this will have a disturbing effect on other mobiles.
• the function of those parts in the mobile according to Figure 4a used in the method will be described briefly below. This will be followed by a detailed description of the inventive method.
• Figure 4a shows the earlier-mentioned testing arrangement PA.
• the testing arrangement PA includes the control circuit CC, the program generator PRG and the test circuit TC.
• the control circuit CC is connected to both the program generator PRG and to the test circuit TC.
• the program generator PRG and the test circuit TC are connected to one another.
• the function of the test circuit TC in the method is to compare the propagation of an incoming signal in time with a predetermined propagation interval stored in the test circuit TC.
• the trigger device TA is connected to the control circuit CC.
• the trigger device TA includes means for monitoring a change in operator, i.e. monitoring the time when a change is made in telephone operators who handle the telephone services.
• the control circuit CC is also connected to the earlier described radio-frequency output RFO. This connection will be explained in more detail further on.
• the logic circuit LC is shown schematically in Figure 4a with the aid of a so-called "Or- gate” symbol between the control circuit CC and the radio- frequency output RFO and includes means for delivering signals to the radio-frequency output from either the control circuit CC or the logic device LA.
• an output signal is sent from the logic circuit LC to the radio-frequency output RFO.
• the radio-frequency output therewith prevents the transmis- sion of radio signals.
• FIG 4a illustrates that part of the test object TO which is used in the inventive method.
• the test object TO includes the earlier-mentioned logic device LA.
• the function of the logic device LAwith regard to controlling radio signals in a normal case, i.e. not during a test period but, e.g., during a telephone call, will be described first with reference to Figure 1.
• the radio signal receiver RFI receives a control message fromthe earlier-mentioned base station in the telecommunications system, via the antenna.
• the control message includes a command to the mobile ME to send messages to the base station within the specified time slot TS5.
• a TDMA system of the GSM type Global System for Mobile communication
• GSM Global System for Mobile communication
• the control message is processed in the logic device LA which causes the radio- frequency output RFO to transmit at the correct point in time, in accordance with the indicated time slot, i.e. within the indicated time slot TS5 without overlapping adjacent time slots.
• the message generated during the telephone call is sent to the base station in the time slot earlier pointed out.
• Figure 4a illustrates two switches, the fourth switch S4 and the fifth switch S5.
• a choice as to whether to set-up or to release a connection between the logic device LA and the logic circuit LC is implemented with the aid of the fourth switch S4.
• a choice as to whether to make or break a connection between the logic device LA and the test circuit TC in the testing arrangement PA is implemented with the aid of the fifth switch S5.
• the switches are activated to set-up or to break a connection with the aid of control bits in the aforementioned control sequence KOSE sent from the logic device LA. This activation of the switches will be explained in more detail further on in the text.
• the output of the logic circuit LC is connected to the radio- frequency output RFO.
• Figure 4a illustrates the signalling in the inventive signal ⁇ ling method.
• the signalling direction between the aforesaid signal nodes are shown by solid arrows drawn on the connec- tions between said nodes.
• Examples of signal nodes are the program generator PRG in the testing arrangement PA and the logic device LA.
• the method now described in more detail with reference to Figure 4a comprises controlling radio signals that are transmitted from the mobile in the correct time slot with no leakage into other, adjacent time slots. This type of testing is particularly important when a change of operator takes place, for instance.
• the method comprises the following steps: Storing in the control circuit CC signal patterns which include signal patterns fordifferenttypes oftrigger signals that can occur in the illustrated embodiment.
• the trigger signal TSI is triggered after establishing in the trigger device TA that the mobile has changed operator.
• the program start signal PST includes start commands to the program generator PRG to execute a program for testing the ability of the logic device to adapt the transmission of radio signals from the mobile to the base station within a predetermined time slot, in the illustrated case the time slot TS5.
• the followingmethod steps illustrate testing that is suitably carried out after establishing that a change of operator has taken place, in accordance with the invention.
• the testing method described in the following method steps does not claim to embrace a complete testing procedure in detail, but is merely intended to enable the inventive concept to be more easily understood:
• control signal KSl resembles the aforesaid control message which is sent from the base station during a call, with the intention of informing the mobile of the time slot in which it shall communicate with the base station.
• the control signal KSl includes information instructing the mobile to transit in time slot number five, TS5. - Transmitting the control signal KSl from the program generator PRG to the logic device LA.
• the time interval signal marks where transmission shall take place, i.e. within the limits of time slot 5 TS5, as marked in Figure 4b.
• the interval signal TIS is later used to ascertain that the mobile transmits in the correct time slot.
• the logic device generates a time evaluating signal KS2 whose function is to control the radio-frequency output RFO for transmission in the correct time slot.
• the time evaluating signal KS2 is sent from the logic device LA.
• the signal KS2 also includes the earlier-mentioned control sequence KOSE.
• the control sequence is placed in that part of the evaluating signal KS2 which is sent first from the logic device LA.
• the control sequence KOSE actuates the switches S4 and S5 in a manner which will be apparent from the following method steps.
• the control sequence causes the fourth switch S4 to break.
• the control sequence KOSE causes the fifth switch S5 to close.
• the time evaluation signal KS2 is transported from the logic device LA to the test circuit TC in the testing arrangement PA, instead of being sent to the radio frequency output RFO as in the normal case.
• the response signal SVS is contingent on the result of the comparison made in the preceding step.
• the response signal SVS lacks agreement with the time evaluating signal KS2 and the time interval signal TIS.
• One of the limits of the time slot which after signal processing has been marked in the time evaluating signal KS2 with the signal sequence SS5 shown in Figure 4b passes beyond the limits of the intended time slot TS5.
• the inventive method thereafter comprises the following steps:
• the response signal has an error in time adaptation.
• the time error signal includes a command to the radio-frequency output not to transmit radio signals.
• the radio-frequency output RFO prevents the transmission of radio signals.
• Figure 5 is a flow sheet illustrating the inventive signalling method.
• the flow sheet and the following simplified descrip- tion of the method are intended to be taken together with Figure 4a and its associated text.
• the flow sheet illustrates those steps that are most essential to the inventive concept. The method is carried out in accordance with the following description and in accordance with Figure 5:
• the trigger device TA Establishing in the trigger device TA that a change of operator has taken place, in accordance with block 202.
• this can be achieved by informing the mobile of a changed network code, where the network code signifies the operator identity.
• - Sending the trigger signal TSI from the trigger device TA to the control circuit CC in the testing arrangement PA.
• the trigger signal TSI is delivered after establishing in the trigger device TA that the mobile has changed operators, in accordance with block 203.
• the program start signal PST includes start commands for testing the ability of the logic device to adapt the transmission of radio signals from the mobile to the base station within the time slot TS5 indicated in the start signal PST, in accordance with block 206.
• the resultant response signal SVS is sent to CC, in accordance with block 207.
• the radio-frequency output RFO prevents the transmission of radio signals, in accordance with block 210.
• FIG. 6a illustrates schematically that part of the earlier- described mobile unit ME which is used in a third embodiment of the inventive method. Described below are the functions of those parts of the mobile unit that are employed in the method. This is followed by a detailed description of the inventive method.
• the trigger device TA of the Figure 6a embodiment is connected to the testing arrangement PA.
• the trigger device TA is a device which checks whether or not an identity module, a so- called SIM card, has been changed. A change of SIM card may place greater demands on the digital hardware of the logic device LA in the mobile unit ME.
• the inventive method descri ⁇ bed in more detail further on in the text will be explained with regard to testing the digital hardware in the mobile.
• the logic device LA is shown in Figure 6a.
• the logic device includes a circuit card KK.
• the circuit card includes four digital circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4, so- called ASICs.
• An ASIC is a customer adapted circuit which is manufactured for a particularly defined purpose, for instance for processing speech signals.
• the circuits also include inputs and outputs for receiving and transmitting signals respectively.
• the first circuit 1 includes an input II and an output 01.
• the second circuit 2 includes an output 02.
• the third circuit 3 includes an input 13 and an output 03.
• the fourth circuit 4 includes an input 14.
• the output OI of the first circuit 1 is connected to the input 14 of the fourth circuit via a first conductor path LBl.
• the output 02 of the second circuit 2 is connected to the input 13 of the third circuit via a second conductor path LB2.
• the output 03 of the third circuit is connected to the input II of the first circuit via a conductor path LB3.
• the conductor paths LBl, LB2 and LB3 have been shown in heavy full lines in Figure 6a.
• Figure 6a shows so-called control inputs Kl on each of the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4, with the aid of a common coupling point.
• the control inputs are only illustrated schematically in Figure 6a, and it will be understood that in reality an actual mobile telephone will include a multiple of inputs via which the circuits can be controlled, for instance switched to a test state. The manner in which the circuits are controlled will be made apparent further on in the description.
• the inputs/outputs II, 01, 02, 13, 03, 14 of the illustrated circuits 1, 2, 3, 4 with intermediate conductor paths LBl, LB2, LB3 merely constitute a few of the inputs/outputs and conductorpaths normally found in the logic device LA.
• Figure 6a shows only a few of the inputs/outputs and conductor paths that are normally present.
• the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be placed in a test state via the control inputs, by signalling from the program generator PRG.
• each in ⁇ put/output includes a shift register stage.
• the connections therebetween are shown in Figure 6a with a light or thin full line that passes through all inputs/outputs of the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• a binary character, for instance a logic "one”, on a circuit input can therewith be transported to another input/output of the circuitvia the shift registers.
• the shift registers between the inputs/outputs are shown in Figure 6b.
• a stepping signal SG is used to send a clock pulse to the clock input of the shift registers.
• a binary character on the signal input of a first shift register is transported from the register input to its output. The binary character is therewith present on the input of the second register.
• Logic signals can also be transported from an input/output of, e.g., the first circuit 1 to another in ⁇ put/output of the second circuit 2, with the aid of connec ⁇ tions between the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4. The reason for this type of test condition or state will be made apparent further on in the description.
• Figure 6a illustrates signalling in the inventive method. Solid arrows drawn on the connections in Figure 6a between the signal nodes illustrate the signalling direction between the nodes.
• the testing arrangement PA and the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the logic device LA are examples of signal nodes.
• the method illustrated with the aid of Figure 6a and which will now be described in more detail comprises controlling the conductor paths LBl, LB2, LB3 on the circuit card KK.
• This control includes the detection of interruptions or breaks in the conductor paths and/or short-circuiting between said paths. It is particularly important to carry out this type of test after, e.g. , changing SIM cards.
• the change of SIM cards may entitle the user of the mobile to access further services in the telecommunications system. These additional services may mean that previously unused components, e.g. memory circuits in the logic device LA, now become available after changing a SIM card.
• the method comprises the steps of:
• the trigger signal TSI is released after establishing that a change of SIM card has taken place.
• the program start signal PST includes a start command to the program generator PRG ordering the generator to execute a program for testing the conductor paths on the circuit card KK in the logic device LA.
• the following method steps illustrate testing which is suitably carried out after establishing the change of SIM cards, in accordance with the invention.
• the testing method incorporated by the following method steps does not claim to embrace a complete testing method in detail.
• the testing procedure is designated boundary scan and is described in standard IEEE 1149.1.
• the method shall only be seen as a means of enabling the inventive principle to be more easily under ⁇ stood:
• the first bit is a logic "one”.
• the second bit is a logic "zero".
• the aforedescribed method steps are repeated until all inputs/outputs have been provided with bits from the program generator PRG.
• the earlier-mentioned first bit has therewithmoved fromthe start input STI of the first circuit 1 via the connections in and between the circuits, through all circuits 1, 2, 3, 4, to a final input SLU on the fourth circuit 4.
• the outputs 01, 02, 03 transmit the bits incoming from the program generator PRG and stored on each output 01, 02 , 03 to those conductor paths LBl, LB2 and LB3 connected to the outputs.
• the bits are herewith stored in the shift register stages of the inputs, these stages having earlier been loaded with the inversion of the expected received bit.
• the ideal bit signal includes a bit pattern of the kind which would have been received ideally from the final output SLU, i.e. the pattern that would have arrived at the comparison circuit CMP from the final output SLU if all conductor paths LBl, LB2 and LB3 were whole and no short-circuits existed between the paths.
• the product signal PRS is contingent on the comparison made in a preceding step between the ideal bit signal IBS and the second bit signal BS2.
• the inventive method then comprises the following further steps:
• the product signal lacks agree ⁇ ment between the ideal bit signal IBS and the second bit signal BS2.
• Figure 7 is a flow sheet illustrating the inventive signalling method.
• the flow sheet and the following simplified descrip ⁇ tion of the method are intended to be read together with Figure 6a and its associated text.
• the flow sheet illustrates the steps that are most essential to the inventive concept. The method is carried out in accordance with the following description and in accordance with Figure 7 and comprises the steps of:
• the trigger signal TSI is released after establishing that a change of SIM card has taken place, in accordance with block 303.
• the program start signal PST includes start commands for testing the conductor paths on the circuit card KK in the logic device LA, in accordance with block 306.
• the product signal PRS is sent to the control circuit CC, in accordance with block 307. - Evaluating the product signal PRS in the control circuit CC, in accordance with block 308.
• test described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7 is not carried out during an ongoing telephone call. That is to say, if a card is changed immediately after an incoming call is connected the call will have priority over the test.
• a test of the aforedescribed kind takes typically from 1-2 seconds to complete.
• the boundary scan also includes other types of component tests, in addition to the aforedescribed test. These tests will not be described in detail, since they are considered to be well-known to the person skilled in this art.
• FIG 8 illustrates an example of an inventive testing arrangement PA.
• the arrangement PA includes a control circuit CC comprising a memory circuit 11 in which the earlier- mentioned signal patterns are stored.
• the control circuit CC also includes a receiver 12 which receives and stores a signal from the aforesaid trigger device TA.
• the control circuit CC includes a comparison circuit 13 which functions to compare the signal in the receiver 12 with the signal patterns in the memory circuit 11.
• the arrangement PA also includes the program generator PRG which is connected to the comparison circuit 13.
• the program generator PRG includes different program storage units Pi, P2 and P3, in which different programs are stored.
• Each program storage unit PI, P2 and P3 is connected to its respective output of a demultiplexer DEMUX which leads the signal to one of the program storage units PI, P2, P3 in accordance with the content of the signal received from the comparison circuit 13.
• Each program storage unit PI, P2 and P3 is connected to its respective input of a mul- tiplexer MUX.
• An output of the multiplexer MUX is connected to a signal generator SG.
• the signal generator is connected to the test object TO, the test circuit TC and to the comparison circuit CMP.
• the signal generator SG includes means for delivering signals to at least one of the units TO, TC or CMP connected to the output, in response to a signal incoming from the program storage units PI, P2 and P3 via the multiplexer MUX.
• the comparison circuit CMP includes means for comparing a signal from the signal generator SG with another signal incoming from the test object TO.
• the comparison circuit CMP also includes means for transporting the result of the comparison to the control circuit CC.
• the test circuit TC includes means for comparing a time signal from the signal generator SG with a time signal incoming from the test object TO.
• the test circuit TC also includes means for transporting the result of said comparison to the control circuit CC.
• the aforesaid control circuit CC includes an evaluating means 14 which receives and evaluates signals from the comparison circuit CMP and the test circuit TC, and means for activating a result means RES in accordance with the result of the evaluation.
• an evaluating means 14 which receives and evaluates signals from the comparison circuit CMP and the test circuit TC, and means for activating a result means RES in accordance with the result of the evaluation.
• Different types of events in the mobile incur different types of tests according to the aforedescribed examples. It is also conceivable that a combination of events will trigger predetermined tests. It is also conceivable for different parts of the testing arrangement, for instance the test circuit TC and the comparison circuit CMP, to be incor ⁇ porated in one and the same integrated circuit. It is also conceivable to incorporate the testing arrangement in the circuit which it is desired to test.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Monitoring And Testing Of Transmission In General (AREA)
• Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
• Paper (AREA)
• Control Of Driving Devices And Active Controlling Of Vehicle (AREA)

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• 1994
  • 1994-11-18 SE SE9404002A patent/SE503859C2/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 1995
  • 1995-11-03 US US08/836,346 patent/US6118982A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-11-03 AU AU39425/95A patent/AU695990B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1995-11-03 EP EP95937267A patent/EP0792563B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-11-03 CN CN95196270A patent/CN1089537C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1995-11-03 DE DE69532718T patent/DE69532718T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-11-03 WO PCT/SE1995/001301 patent/WO1996016523A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1995-11-03 JP JP51676396A patent/JP3828932B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 1997
  • 1997-05-09 FI FI972001A patent/FI115888B/sv not_active IP Right Cessation

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