PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9157930-B2
Application Number: US-201113103892-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Bidirectional radio-frequency probing

Abstract:
Wireless electronic devices may include wireless communications circuitry such as a transceiver, antenna, and other wireless circuitry. The transceiver may be coupled to the antenna through a bidirectional switch connector. The switch connector may mate with a corresponding radio-frequency test probe that is connected to radio-frequency test equipment. When the test probe is mated with the switch connector, the transceiver may be decoupled from the antenna. During transceiver testing, radio-frequency test signals may be conveyed between the test unit and the transceiver using the test probe. During antenna testing, radio-frequency test signals may be conveyed between the test unit and the antenna using the test probe. Transceiver testing and antenna testing may, if desired, be conducted in parallel using the test probe.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of testing wireless communications circuitry in an electronic device with test equipment that includes a radio-frequency test probe, wherein the wireless communications circuitry includes a transceiver, antenna circuitry coupled to the transceiver through a transmission line path, and a switch connector interposed in the transmission line path between the transceiver and the antenna circuitry, the method comprising:
 connecting the radio-frequency test probe to the switch connector; and 
 while the radio-frequency test probe is connected to the switch connector, gathering radio-frequency test measurements on the antenna circuitry and the transceiver. 
 
     
     
       2. The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein gathering the radio-frequency test measurements on the antenna circuitry and the transceiver comprises:
 gathering the radio-frequency test measurements on the antenna circuitry and the transceiver in parallel while the antenna circuitry is electrically decoupled from the transceiver. 
 
     
     
       3. The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the test equipment further comprises a test unit, and wherein gathering the radio-frequency test measurements comprises:
 with the test unit, transmitting radio-frequency test signals to the radio-frequency test probe via a radio-frequency cable. 
 
     
     
       4. The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein connecting the radio-frequency test probe to the switch connector comprises:
 decoupling the transceiver from the antenna circuitry. 
 
     
     
       5. A method of testing wireless communications circuitry in an electronic device with test equipment that includes a radio-frequency test probe, wherein the wireless communications circuitry includes transceiver circuitry, antenna circuitry coupled to the transceiver circuitry through a transmission line path, and a switch connector interposed in the transmission line path between the transceiver circuitry and the antenna circuitry, and wherein the switch connector includes a first conductive member that is coupled to the transceiver circuitry and a second conductive member that is coupled to the antenna, the method comprising:
 connecting the radio-frequency test probe to the switch connector by using a signal conductor in the radio-frequency test probe to depress the second conductive member so that the first conductive member is decoupled from the second conductive member; and 
 while the radio-frequency test probe is connected to the switch connector, gathering radio-frequency test measurements on the antenna circuitry, wherein the transceiver circuitry comprises a transceiver selected from the group consisting of: a cellular telephone transceiver, a wireless local area network transceiver, and a satellite navigation system receiver. 
 
     
     
       6. A method of testing wireless communications circuitry in an electronic device with test equipment that includes a radio-frequency test probe, wherein the wireless communications circuitry includes transceiver circuitry, at least one antenna coupled to the transceiver circuitry through a transmission line path, and a switch connector interposed in the transmission line path between the transceiver circuitry and the antenna, and wherein the switch connector includes a first conductive member that is coupled to the transceiver circuitry and a second conductive member that is coupled to the antenna, the method comprising:
 using a signal conductor in the radio-frequency test probe to make contact with the second conductive member that is coupled to the antenna by mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector to decouple the first conductive member from the second conductive member; and 
 using an additional signal conductor in the radio-frequency test probe to make contact with the first conductive member that is coupled to the transceiver circuitry. 
 
     
     
       7. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the signal conductor and the additional signal conductor comprise test pins, wherein the radio-frequency test probe has a length, and wherein mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector comprises:
 inserting the test pins in notches located between the first and second conductive members; and 
 rotating the radio-frequency test probe about a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the length of the test probe so that the first and second conductive members are deflected away from each other. 
 
     
     
       8. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the radio-frequency test probe includes a blade member in which the signal conductor and the additional signal conductor are formed, and wherein mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector comprises:
 wedging the blade member between the first and second conductive members to decouple the first and second conductive members. 
 
     
     
       9. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the test equipment further comprises a test unit coupled to the radio-frequency test probe via at least one radio-frequency cable, the method further comprising:
 with the test unit, performing transceiver testing by gathering radio-frequency test measurements on the transceiver circuitry; and 
 with the test unit, performing antenna testing by gathering radio-frequency test measurements on the antenna. 
 
     
     
       10. The method defined in  claim 9 , wherein the transceiver testing and the antenna testing are simultaneously performed. 
     
     
       11. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first and second conductive members comprises a flexible conductive member, and wherein mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector:
 with a tip portion in the radio-frequency test probe, pushing against at least one of the first and second conductive members so that the first and second conductive members are disconnected from each other. 
 
     
     
       12. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the switch connector further includes a conductive shorting member that electrically connects the first and second conductive members when the switch connector is in an unmated state, and wherein mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector comprises:
 with the radio-frequency test probe, pushing against at least one of the first and second conductive members so that the at least one of the first and second conductive members is disconnected from the conductive shorting member. 
 
     
     
       13. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the switch connector further includes a conductive shorting member that electrically connects the first and second conductive members when the switch connector is in an unmated state, and wherein mating the radio-frequency test probe with the switch connector comprises:
 with the radio-frequency test probe, pushing against the conductive shorting member so that the conductive shorting member is disconnected from at least one of the first and second conductive members. 
 
     
     
       14. The method defined in  claim 6 , wherein the transceiver circuitry comprises a transceiver selected from the group consisting of: a cellular telephone transceiver, a wireless local area network transceiver, and a satellite navigation system receiver.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This relates to testing and, more particularly, to testing of electronic devices. 
     Electronic devices such as computers, cellular telephones, music players, and other electronic equipment are often provided with wireless communications circuitry. In a typical configuration, the wireless communications circuitry includes a radio-frequency transceiver that is coupled to an antenna through a radio-frequency switch connector. 
     A conventional radio-frequency switch connector contains a movable terminal and a fixed terminal. The movable terminal is electrically connected to the radio-frequency transceiver, whereas the fixed terminal is electrically connected to the antenna. During normal device operation, the switch connector serves to electrically connect the transceiver to the antenna so that radio-frequency signals can be conveyed between the transceiver and the antenna. 
     During production testing, the switch connector may be mated with a corresponding coaxial test probe having a measurement pin. When the coaxial test probe is in the mated state, the measurement pin of the coaxial test probe makes contact with and displaces the movable terminal so that the movable terminal is disconnected from the fixed terminal. Decoupling the antenna from the transceiver using this approach allows for radio-frequency testing on the transceiver but not the antenna. 
     It would therefore be desirable to be able to provide improved device structures and test equipment that allow radio-frequency testing on the transceiver and the antenna. 
     SUMMARY 
     Electronic devices may include wireless transceiver circuitry and antenna circuitry. The transceiver circuitry may include a cellular telephone transceiver, a wireless local area network transceiver, a satellite navigation systems transceiver, and other wireless communications circuits. The antenna circuitry may include at least one antenna resonating element associated with a loop antenna, inverted-F antenna, strip antenna, planar inverted-F antenna, slot antenna, hybrid antenna that includes antenna structures of more than one type, or other suitable types of antennas. 
     The transceiver may be coupled to the antenna through a transmission line path (e.g., a path that includes one or more conductive trace segments, one or more radio-frequency cable segments, or other conductive paths suitable for conveying radio-frequency signals). A bidirectional switch connector may be interposed in the transmission line path between the transceiver and the antenna. The switch connector and the transceiver may be mounted on a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board). The switch connector may be mounted on the substrate or may be embedded in the substrate (e.g., the switch connector may be inserted in a corresponding slot in the printed circuit board). 
     The switch connector may include a first conductive member and a second conductive member. The first conductive member may be coupled to the transceiver, whereas the second conductive member may be coupled to the antenna. In some embodiments, the first and second conductive members are in direct physical contact with each other when the switch connector is in the unmated state. In other embodiments, the first and second conductive members are coupled to each other via a conductive shorting member when the switch connector is in the unmated state. 
     During radio-frequency test operations, test equipment may be connected to the switch connector to perform transceiver testing and antenna testing. The test equipment may include a radio-frequency test probe that can be used to mate with the bidirectional switch connector, a test unit that generates and analyzes radio-frequency test signals, and radio-frequency cabling (e.g., coaxial cables) that connects the test unit to the test probe. 
     In one suitable arrangement, the test probe may include a first conductive signal pin, a second conductive signal pin, and a ground pin. When the test probe is mated with the switch connector, the first conductive signal pin makes physical contact with the first conductive member, the second conductive signal pin makes physical contact with the second conductive member, and the ground pin makes physical contact with a corresponding grounding structure on the substrate. Mating the test probe in this way may decouple the first conductive member from the second conductive member (e.g., by causing at least one of the first and second conductive members to bend away from each other or by causing at least one of the first and second conductive members to be disconnected from the shorting member). The test unit may be used to send radio-frequency test signals through a first test port in the test unit, a first radio-frequency cable that is connected to the first test port, and the first signal pin to perform transceiver testing. The test unit may be used to send radio-frequency test signals through a second test port in the test unit, a second radio-frequency cable that is connected to the second test port, and the second signal pin to perform antenna testing. Transceiver testing and antenna testing may be performed in parallel, if desired. 
     In another suitable arrangement, the test probe may include a single conductive signal pin and a ground pin. The conductive signal pin may be configured to make contact with a selected one of the first and second conductive members. The test probe having a signal pin that is configured to make contact with the first conductive member is suitable for use during transceiver testing, whereas the test probe having a signal pin that is configured to make contact with the second conductive member is suitable for using during antenna testing. 
     In another suitable arrangement, the test probe may include a conductive signal pin, a nonconductive (or dummy) test pin, and a ground pin. The conductive signal pin may be configured to make contact with a selected one the first and second conductive members, whereas the nonconductive test pin may be configured to make contact with the conductive member other than the selected conductive member. The test probe having a conductive signal pin that is configured to make contact with the first conductive member and a dummy test pin that is configured to make contact with the second conductive member is suitable for use during transceiver testing, whereas the test probe having a conductive signal pin that is configured to make contact with the second conductive member and a dummy test pin that is configured to make contact with the first conductive member is suitable for using during antenna testing. 
     Further features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an illustrative electronic device under test in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of a conventional switch connector. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative switch connector that is embedded in a substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an illustrative test probe having two signal pins in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an illustrative switch connector with two test pads in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional side view of the switch connector of  FIG. 5A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of an illustrative switch connector having a rigid conductive member and a flexible conductive member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of the switch connector of  FIG. 6A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative switch connector having two flexible conductive members, where the switch connector is mounted on a substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the switch connector of the type shown in connection with  FIG. 7A , where the switch connector is embedded in a slot within the substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a top view of an illustrative switch connector having two conductive spring members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the switch connector of  FIG. 8A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a diagram of an illustrative test probe having two signal paths that can be used to mate with the switch connector of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view of an illustrative switch connector having two conductive spring members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of the switch connector of  FIG. 9A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9C  is a diagram of an illustrative rotatable test probe having two signal pins that may be used with the switch connector of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative switch connector having two conductive spring members pushing up against a conductive shorting beam in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative switch connector having two conductive spring members pushing up against a flexible conductive sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10C  is a diagram of an illustrative test probe having two signal pins that may be used with the switch connectors of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative switch connector having a spring-loaded conductive shorting member pushing up against two conductive spring members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional side view of the switch connector of  FIG. 11A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an illustrative switch connector having two conductive spring members pushing up against a conductive bridge member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional side view of the switch connector of  FIG. 12A  in the mated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Wireless electronic devices include antenna and transceiver circuitry that support wireless communications. Examples of wireless electronic devices include desktop computers, computer monitors, computer monitors containing embedded computers, wireless computer cards, wireless adapters, televisions, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, routers, and other electronic equipment. Examples of portable wireless electronic devices include laptop computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, cellular telephones, media players, and small devices such as wrist-watch devices, pendant devices, headphone and earpiece devices, and other miniature devices. 
     Devices such as these are often provided with wireless communications capabilities. For example, electronic devices may use long-range wireless communications circuitry such as cellular telephone circuitry to communicate using cellular telephone bands at 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz (e.g., the main Global System for Mobile Communications or GSM cellular telephone bands). Long-range wireless communications circuitry may also handle the 2100 MHz band. 
     Electronic devices may use short-range wireless communications links to handle communications with nearby equipment. For example, electronic devices may communicate using the WiFi® (IEEE 802.11) bands at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and the Bluetooth® band at 2.4 GHz. It is sometimes desirable to receive satellite navigation system signals such as signals from the Global Positioning System (e.g., to receive GPS signals at 1575 MHz). 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary wireless electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , device  10  may have a device housing such as housing structure  12  that forms a case for its associated components. Housing  12  may be formed from plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of these materials. In some situations, parts of housing  12  may be formed from dielectric or other low-conductivity material. In other situations, housing  12  or at least some of the structures that make up housing  12  may be formed from conductive elements (e.g., a conductive peripheral bezel member). 
     Device  10  may include within its housing at least one antenna  18 , radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry  16 , storage and processing circuitry  14 , input-output devices, and other electronic components. Transceiver  16  may be coupled to antenna  18  through a switch connector such as radio-frequency switch connector  22 . Storage and processing circuitry  14 , transceiver circuitry  16 , and switch connector  22  may be mounted on a substrate such as printed circuit board (PCB)  24 . Circuit board  24  may be, for example, a rigid printed circuit board formed from fiberglass-filled epoxy (e.g., FR-4) or may be a flexible printed circuit (“flex circuit”) formed from a sheet of polymer such as a polyimide sheet. Printed circuit board  24  may, if desired, be mounted to housing structure  12 . 
     Storage and processing circuitry  14  may include storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory configured to form a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), etc. Processing circuitry in storage and processing circuitry  14  may be used to control the operation of device  10 . This processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio codec chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. 
     Storage and processing circuitry  14  may be used to run software on device  10 , such as internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. To support interactions with external equipment, storage and processing circuitry  14  may be used in implementing communications protocols. Communications protocols that may be implemented using circuitry  14  include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols—sometimes referred to as WiFi®), protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such as the Bluetooth® protocol, cellular telephone protocols, etc. 
     Transceiver (sometimes referred to as a radio circuit)  16  may include satellite navigation system receiver circuitry for receiving satellite positioning signals at 1575 MHz, wireless local area network (WLAN) circuitry for handling the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi® (IEEE 802.11) communications bands and the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth® communications band, cellular telephone circuitry for handling telephone bands such as bands at 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz, and other types of transceiver circuitry. 
     Antenna  18  may include antenna resonating element conductive structures. Antenna  18  may be a loop antenna, inverted-F antenna, strip antenna, planar inverted-F antenna, slot antenna, hybrid antenna that includes antenna structures of more than one type, or other suitable types of antennas. The antenna resonating element conductive structures may, if desired, be formed from portions of housing structure  12 . The antenna resonating element conductive structures may also include patterned metal traces formed on a substrate such as a plastic support structure, a rigid printed circuit board, or a flex circuit. 
     Transceiver  16  may be coupled to antenna  18  through a transmission line path. Switch connector  22  may be interposed between transceiver  16  and antenna  18  in the transmission line path. For example, the transmission line path may include a first transmission line path portion  20 - 1  and a second transmission line path portion  20 - 2 . Path  20 - 1  may be coupled between switch connector  22  and transceiver  16 , whereas path  20 - 2  may be coupled between switch connector  22  and antenna  18 . The transmission line path may include conductive traces (e.g., microstrip transmission lines, stripline transmission lines, edge coupled microstrip or stripline transmission lines, etc.) formed on printed circuit board  24 , one or more segments of coaxial cable, and other suitable conduits through which radio-frequency signals may be conveyed between transceiver  16  and antenna  18 . 
     The wireless communications circuitry within housing  12  may be tested and calibrated during production of device  10 . The components being tested may sometimes be referred to as device structures under test. Device structures under test may include transceiver circuitry  16 , antenna  18 , switch connector  22 , and other wireless communications circuitry. These device structures under test may or may not be assembled within housing  12  during test operations. 
     During testing, at least one of transceiver  16  and antenna  18  may be coupled to test equipment for conducted (wired) radio-frequency testing. For example, transceiver  16  may be coupled to the test equipment to conduct transceiver testing, and antenna  18  may be coupled to the test equipment to conduct antenna testing. Transceiver testing and antenna testing may be conducted in parallel, if desired. Test equipment may include, for example, test unit  2  that can be used to perform desired radio-frequency performance measurements on the device structures under test, a test probe  6  that can be used to mate with switch connector  22 , and radio-frequency cable  4  (e.g., a coaxial cable) that connects test probe  6  to test unit  2 . Cable  4  may, for example, include an inner signal conductor surrounded by a tubular ground shielding layer, where the signal conductor and the ground shielding layer are separated by dielectric insulating material. 
     When test probe  6  is mated with switch connector  22 , antenna  18  may be decoupled from transceiver  16 . In one test configuration, radio-frequency test signals can be conveyed between transceiver  16  and test unit  2  using probe  6  (i.e., to conduct transceiver testing). In a second test configuration, radio-frequency test signals can be conveyed between antenna  18  and test unit  2  using probe  6  (i.e., to conduct antenna testing). Transceiver testing and antenna testing may be conducted simultaneously, if desired. 
     Test unit  2  may include a signal generator that generates radio-frequency test signals over a range of frequencies. These test signals may be provided to test probe  6  over radio-frequency cable  4 . Test unit  2  may also include a receiver that is capable of measuring wireless performance information for incoming signals (i.e., radio-frequency signals that are received by test probe  6  from transceiver  16  or antenna  18 ). 
     With one suitable arrangement, test unit  2  may be a vector network analyzer (VNA) and a computer that is coupled to the vector network analyzer for gathering and processing test results. Tester  2  may, for example, be the CMU300 Universal Radio Communication Tester available from Rohde &amp; Schwarz. This is, however, merely illustrative. Test unit  2  may be a radio communications tester of the type that is used to perform radio-frequency signaling tests for a variety of different radio-frequency communications bands and channels (e.g., test unit  2  may be a spectrum analyzer, a power meter, a wireless protocol tester, etc.). 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of a conventional switch connector. As shown in  FIG. 2 , conventional switch connector  114  is interposed in the transmission line path between transceiver  104  and antenna  106 . Transceiver  104  and switch connector  114  are mounted on printed circuit board  100 . Ground path  102  is formed in printed circuit board  100 . Transceiver  104  is grounded through via  108 . 
     Switch connector  114  contains a movable metal terminal such as movable terminal  118  and a fixed metal terminal such as fixed terminal  116 . Switch connector  114  is grounded through via  122 . Movable terminal  118  is connected to transmission line segment  110  (i.e., the transmission line segment connecting transceiver  104  to switch connector  114 ), whereas fixed terminal  116  is connected to transmission line segment  112  (i.e., the transmission line segment connecting antenna  106  to switch connector  114 ). When switch connector  114  is in the unmated state, movable terminal  118  makes physical contact with fixed terminal  116  to electrically connect transceiver  104  to antenna  106 . 
     Coaxial test probe  124  can be used to mate with switch connector  114 . Test probe  124  includes a test pin  126 . When test probe  124  is mated with switch connector  114 , test pin  126  makes contact with and displaces movable terminal  118  to a new position  118 ′ in the direction as indicated by arrow  120  (i.e., movable terminal  118  is temporarily disconnected from fixed terminal  116 ). Decoupling transceiver  104  from antenna  106  in this way allows for transceiver testing but not antenna testing. Conventional switch connector  114  may therefore sometimes be referred to as a “unidirectional” switch connector. 
     It may be desirable to provide a “bidirectional” switch connector that supports transceiver testing and antenna testing.  FIG. 3  shows one suitable arrangement in which a bidirectional switch connector is embedded (integrated) in PCB  24 . Board  24  may have a top surface, a bottom surface, and a ground path  26  formed in at least one of its layers. As shown in  FIG. 3 , switch connector  29  may include a ground test pad  30 , a conductive protruding member  34 , and a conductive spring member  38 . Conductive spring member  38  may be formed using metals such as copper, brass, silver, gold, and other suitable conductive materials. Transceiver  16 , transmission line portions  20 - 1  and  20 - 2 , ground pad  30 , and protruding member  34  may be formed on the top surface of PCB  24 , whereas spring member  38  may be attached to the bottom surface of PCB  24  and may extend from the bottom surface of PCB  24  to the top surface of PCB  24  (as an example). Ground pad  30  and transmission line portion  20 - 1  may be isolated by dielectric material  31 . 
     Spring member  38  may be coupled to path  20 - 1  through via  28 , whereas ground pad  30  may be coupled to ground path  26  through via  32 . Protruding member  34  may be coupled to transmission line portion  20 - 2 . When switch connector  29  is in the unmated state, spring member  38  may be in physical contact with protruding member  34  (e.g., spring member  38  may press up against a portion  36  of protruding member  34 ), and switch connector  29  may serve to electrically coupled transceiver  16  to antenna  18 . 
     A test probe such as test probe  40  may be used to mate with switch connector  29 . Test probe  40  may include pins (sometimes referred to as probe pins)  42 ,  44 , and  46 . At least one of the test probe pins may be spring-loaded to provide improved mate-ability for test probe  40  during test operations. When test probe  40  is mated with switch connector  29 , ground pin  42  may contact ground pad  30 , test pin  46  may contact protruding member  34 , and test pin  44  may contact and push down on spring member  38 , causing spring member  38  to bend to a new position  38 ′ (e.g., spring member  38  may be temporarily disconnected from protruding member  34 ). Decoupling transceiver  16  from antenna  18  using this approach may allow for transceiver testing and/or antenna testing. 
     In one suitable arrangement, pin  44  may be a conductive signal pin, whereas pin  46  may be a nonconductive (or dummy) pin. Test probe  40  of this type may be used to perform transceiver testing by conveying radio-frequency test signals between transceiver  16  and test unit  2  through signal and ground pins  44  and  42 . If desired, pin  46  need not be present in this example. 
     In another suitable arrangement, pin  44  may be a nonconductive dummy pin, whereas pin  46  may be a conductive signal pin. Test probe  40  of this type may be used to perform antenna testing by conveying radio-frequency test signals between antenna  18  and test unit  2  through signal and ground pins  46  and  42 . If desired, pin  44  may also be a ground pin. 
     In another suitable arrangement, pins  44  and  46  may both be conductive signal pins. Test probe  40  of this type may be used to perform transceiver testing and antenna testing in parallel by conveying a first set of radio-frequency test signals between transceiver  16  and test unit  2  using signal pin  44  and by conveying a second set of radio-frequency test signals between antenna  18  and test unit  2  using signal pin  46 . 
     A test probe having two signal pins may include at least two cable connector terminals. As shown in  FIG. 4 , test probe  500  may include first signal pin  502 , second signal pin  504 , ground pin  506 , first cable connector terminal  508 , and second cable connector terminal  510 . A first radio-frequency cable  4 - 1  may have a first end that is connected to a first test port  3 - 1  in test unit  2  and a second end that can be mated with first cable connector terminal  508 . A second radio-frequency cable  4 - 2  may have a first end that is connected to a second test port  3 - 2  in test unit  2  and a second end that that can be mated with second cable connector terminal  510 . 
     When cable  4 - 1  is mated with connector  508 , inner signal conductor  512  of cable  4 - 1  may be electrically connected to first signal pin  502 , as indicated by line  516 . When cable  4 - 2  is mated with connector  510 , inner signal conductor  512  of cable  4 - 2  may be electrically connected to second signal pin  504 , as indicated by line  518 . The ground shielding conductor  514  of cables  4 - 1  and  4 - 2  may be electrically connected to ground pin  506 , as indicated by line  520 . Test probes of this type may be used to support bidirectional testing of multiple wireless circuitry in parallel. 
     For example, test unit  2  may be used to perform radio-frequency test measurements on the transceiver and the antenna in parallel by transmitting and receiving test signals through test ports  3 - 1  and  3 - 2 , respectively. The transmitted and received test signals may be processed to compute complex impedance data (sometimes referred to as S 11  parameter data), complex forward transfer coefficient data (sometimes referred to as S 21  data), or other suitable data for determining whether the wireless circuitry satisfy design criteria. If desired, test unit  2  may include one test port or more than two test ports to support simultaneously radio-frequency testing for any number of wireless communications circuitry. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector. As shown in the perspective view in  FIG. 5A , bidirectional switch connector  200  may include first conductive landing member  204  and a second conductive landing member  206  encased within metal housing  202 . Landing member  204  may include protruding mounting member  208 , whereas landing member  206  may include protruding mounting member  210 . Landing member  206  may be movable (bendable), whereas landing member  208  is fixed within housing  202 . Landing members  204  and  206  (sometimes referred to as test pad structures) may be formed using flexible metal plates, sheets, or other conductive structures. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a cross-sectional side view of switch connector  200  mated with a corresponding test probe  212 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , switch connector  200  may be mounted on the top surface of PCB  24 . Switch connector housing  202  may be coupled to ground through path  220 . Protruding mounting member  208  may be coupled to transceiver  16  through transmission line path portion  20 - 1 , whereas protruding mounting member  210  may be coupled to antenna  18  through transmission line path portion  20 - 2 . If desired, switch connector  200  may be embedded in PCB  24  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). 
     Test probe  212  may include test pins  214 ,  216 , and  218 . When test probe  212  is mated with switch connector  200 , pin  218  (e.g., a ground pin) may make contact with connector housing  202 , pin  214  may make contact with fixed landing member  204 , and pin  216  may make contact with movable landing member  206  to cause member  206  to bend downwards about hinge axis  207  so that member  206  is decoupled from member  204 . Hinge axis  207  may, as an example, be parallel to the surface of PCB  24  and perpendicular to transmission line portion  20 - 1 . 
     At least one of test pins  214 ,  216 , and  218  may be spring-loaded. At least one of test pins  214  and  216  may be a conductive signal pin. For example, test probe  212  having conductive signal pin  214  and nonconductive pin  216  may be used during transceiver testing. As another example, test probe  212  having nonconductive pin  214  and conductive signal pin  216  may be used during antenna testing. As another example, test probe  212  having first conductive signal pin  214  and second conductive signal pin  216  may be used during simultaneous transceiver and antenna testing. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector.  FIG. 6A  shows a top view of an exemplary switch connector  230  having a rigid (fixed) conductive member  232  and a conductive spring member  234 . Switch connector  230  may be mounted on the top surface of the PCB or may be integrated in the PCB. Rigid member  232  may be shorted with path  20 - 1 , whereas spring member  234  may be shorted with path  20 - 2 . An associated ground pad  236  may be formed adjacent to switch connector  230  on the top surface of the PCB. When switch connector  230  is in the unmated state, spring member  234  may bear against a curved portion  233  of rigid member  232 . 
     A test probe such as test probe  240  may be used to mate with switch connector  230 . Test probe  240  may include a grounding pin  248  and a probe head member (sometimes referred to as a blade member)  242  having a tip. Blade member  242  may have a first conductive signal pad  244  on one side of its tip and a second conductive signal pad  246  on the other side of its tip. The first and second conductive signal pads are isolated by dielectric material similar to that of the PCB (as an example). During testing, test probe  240  may mate with switch connector  230  by wedging blade member  242  in a notch between rigid member  232  and spring member  234  (e.g., in a lateral direction along the surface of the substrate as indicated by arrow  250 ) to push spring member  234  away from rigid member  232 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows a top view of switch connector  230  in the mated state. As shown in  FIG. 6B , signal pad  244  may make physical contact with rigid member  232 , signal pad  246  may make physical contact with spring member  234 , and ground pin  248  may make physical contact with ground pad  236 . Test probe  240  may be a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 . If desired, test pad  246  need not be used during transceiver testing (e.g., test pad  246  may not be present). If desired, test pad  244  need not be used during antenna testing (e.g., test pad  244  may not be present). 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector.  FIG. 7A  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary switch connector  250  having a first conductive flexible member  252  and a second conductive flexible member  254 . Flexible members  252  and  254  may be formed using flexible conductive sheets or springs. Switch connector  250  may be mounted on the top surface of the PCB (as shown in  FIG. 7A ) or may be embedded in the PCB by inserting connector  230  (e.g., a removable switch component) in a corresponding slot  260  within the PCB (as shown in  FIG. 7B ). First flexible member  252  may be shorted with path  20 - 1 , whereas second flexible member  254  may be shorted with path  20 - 2 . When switch connector  250  is in the unmated state, flexible members  252  and  254  may press against each other at contact point  257 . 
     Test probe  240  of the type described in connection with  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be used to mate with switch connector  250 . During testing, test probe  240  may mate with switch connector  250  by wedging blade member  242  in a notch between flexible members  252  and  254  (e.g., inserted from above switch connector  250  as indicated by the direction of arrow  255 ) to push members  252  and  254  away from each other in the direction of arrows  256  and  258 . For clarity, the ground path associated with test probe  240  is not shown. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector.  FIG. 8A  shows a top view of an exemplary switch connector  270  having a first conductive spring member  272  and a second conductive spring member  274 . Switch connector  270  may be mounted on the top surface of the PCB or may be integrated in the PCB. Spring member  272  may be shorted with path  20 - 1 , whereas spring member  274  may be shorted with path  20 - 2 . When switch connector  270  is in the unmated state, spring members  272  and  274  may bear against each other at contact point  276 . 
     The test probe that may be used to mate with switch connector  270  may include a blade member  280 . Blade member  280  may have a first exposed conductive signal path  282  on one side and a second exposed conductive signal path  284  on the other side (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8C ). The first and second conductive signal paths are isolated by dielectric material similar to that of the PCB (as an example). As shown in  FIG. 8C , signal paths  282  and  284  may be formed at non-adjacent edges along blade member  280  (e.g., at diagonally opposing corners). Blade member  280  may also have a flat tapered tip portion  290  to help blade member  280  wedge between spring members  272  and  274  when the test probe is inserted from above switch connector  270 . If desired, blade member  280  may also be inserted laterally along the surface of the PCB to separate spring members  272  and  274 . 
       FIG. 8B  shows a top view of switch connector  270  in the mated state. As shown in  FIG. 8B , signal path  284  may make physical contact with spring member  272  at point  288 , whereas signal path  282  may make physical contact with spring member  274  at point  286 . Blade member  280  may be part of a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 . If desired, test path  282  need not be used during transceiver testing (e.g., test path  282  may not be present). If desired, test path  284  need not be used during antenna testing (e.g., test path  284  may not be present). 
     A rotatable test probe such as rotatable test probe  308  may also be used to mate with bidirectional switch connector  270 . As shown in the top view of  FIG. 9A , test probe  308  may include a first test pin  300  and a second test pin  302 . In the unmated state, switch connector  270  may have a first notch  304  and a second notch  306  formed between spring members  272  and  274 . When test probe  308  is engaged with switch connector  270 , first test pin  300  may be inserted in the first notch, whereas second test pin  302  may be inserted in the second notch. Test probe  308  may then be rotated about rotational axis  310  so that pins  300  and  302  are rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow  312 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows the switch connector  270  when test probe  308  has been rotated. As shown in  FIG. 9B , pin  300  may bear against spring member  274  to cause spring member  274  to bend in the direction of arrow  314 , whereas pin  302  may bear against spring member  272  to cause spring member  272  to bend in the direction of arrow  316 . Decoupling spring members  272  and  274  in this way may allow for bidirectional probing. 
     A perspective view of test probe  308  is shown in  FIG. 9C . As shown in  FIG. 9C , test probe  308  may be rotated about longitudinal axis  310 . An associated ground pin  318  may also be coupled to test probe  308  for making contact with a corresponding ground pad on the PCB. At least one of test pins  300  and  302  may be a conductive signal pin. For example, test probe  308  having conductive signal pin  302  and nonconductive pin  300  may be used during transceiver testing. As another example, test probe  308  having nonconductive pin  302  and conductive signal pin  300  may be used for during antenna testing. As another example, test probe  308  having first conductive signal pin  300  and second conductive signal pin  302  may be used during simultaneous transceiver and antenna testing (e.g., test probe  308  may be a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 10A  shows another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector. As shown in the cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 10A , switch connector  320  may include a first conductive spring member  324 , a second conductive spring member  326 , and a rigid conductive shorting member  322  (e.g., a T-shaped beam member). First spring member  324  may be coupled to the transceiver through path  20 - 1 , whereas second spring member  326  may be coupled to the antenna through path  20 - 2 . Switch connector  320  may be mounted on the top surface of PCB  24  (as shown in  FIG. 10A ) or may be embedded within PCB  24 . 
     When switch connector  320  is in the unmated state, first spring member  324  my press up against a first protruding portion  325  of rigid member  322 , whereas second spring member  326  may press up against a second protruding portion  327  of rigid member  322 . When conductive spring members  324  and  326  are both in physical contact with rigid shorting member  322 , radio-frequency signals may be conveyed between the transceiver and the antenna through switch connector  320 . 
     A test probe such as test probe  330  may be used to mate with switch connector  320 . Test probe  330  may have first and second test pins  332  and  334 . When test probe  330  is mated with switch connector  320 , pin  332  may push down against spring member  324  to cause spring member  324  to flex downwards in the direction of arrow  336 , whereas pin  334  may push down against spring member  326  to cause spring member  326  to flex downwards in the direction of arrow  338  (e.g., so that spring members  324  and  326  are temporarily disconnected from rigid shorting member  322 . If desired, shorting member  322  may be formed using a conductive sheet  322 ′ (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10B ). 
       FIG. 10C  shows a perspective view of test probe  330 . Test probe  330  may include a grounding pin  340  that can be used to mate with a corresponding ground pad formed on the surface of PCB  24 . Test probe  330  need not include both test pins  332  and  334 . For example, test probe  330  having conductive signal pin  332  and lacking pin  334  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  334 ) may be used during transceiver testing. As another example, test probe  330  having conductive signal pin  334  and lacking pin  332  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  332 ) may be used during antenna testing. As another example, test probe  330  having both conductive signal pins  332  and  334  may be used during simultaneous transceiver and antenna testing (e.g., test probe  330  may be a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 11A  shows another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector. As shown in the cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 11A , switch connector  400  may include a first conductive spring member  402 , a second conductive spring member  404 , and a spring-loaded shorting member  406 . First spring member  402  may be coupled to the transceiver through path  20 - 1 , whereas second spring member  404  may be coupled to the antenna through path  20 - 2 . Switch connector  400  may be mounted on the top surface of PCB  24  (as shown in  FIG. 11A ) or may be embedded within PCB  24 . 
     When switch connector  400  is in the unmated state, spring-loaded shorting member  406  may press up against a tip portion  403  of spring member  402  and a tip portion  405  of spring member  404  (e.g., a spring member  408  interposed between shorting member  406  and PCB  24  may serve to push member  406  upwards so that spring members  402  and  404  are connected through member  406 ). When conductive spring members  402  and  404  are both in physical contact with shorting member  406 , radio-frequency signals may be conveyed between the transceiver and the antenna through switch connector  400 . 
     A test probe such as test probe  410  may be used to mate with switch connector  400 . Test probe  410  may have a first test pin  412 , a second test pin  414 , and a nonconductive pin  416 . When test probe  410  is mated with switch connector  400 , nonconductive pin  416  may push down against shorting member  406  in the direction of arrow  420  (to compress spring member  408 ) so that shorting member  406  is temporarily disconnected from spring members  402  and  404  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11B ). In this mated state, test pin  412  may be electrically connected to spring member  402 , whereas test pin  404  may be electrically connected to spring member  404 . 
     Test probe  410  need not include both test pins  412  and  414 . For example, test probe  410  having conductive signal pin  412  and lacking pin  414  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  414 ) may be used during transceiver testing. As another example, test probe  410  having conductive signal pin  414  and lacking pin  412  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  412 ) may be used during antenna testing. As another example, test probe  410  having both conductive signal pins  412  and  414  may be used during simultaneous transceiver and antenna testing (e.g., test probe  410  may be a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show another suitable configuration for the bidirectional switch connector. As shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 12A , switch connector  350  may include a first conductive spring member  354 , a second conductive spring member  356 , and a conductive shorting (bridging) member  352 . Conductive shorting member  352  may be formed using a rigid metal beam structure or a flexible conductive sheet. First spring member  354  may be coupled to the transceiver through path  20 - 1 , whereas second spring member  356  may be coupled to the antenna through path  20 - 2 . Switch connector  320  may be mounted on the top surface of PCB  24  (as shown in  FIG. 12A ) or may be embedded within PCB  24 . 
     When switch connector  350  is in the unmated state, spring members  354  and  356  my press up against an edge portion  355  of shorting member  352 . When conductive spring members  354  and  356  are both in physical contact with shorting member  352 , radio-frequency signals may be conveyed between the transceiver and the antenna through switch connector  320 . 
     A test probe such as test probe  360  may be used to mate with switch connector  350 . Test probe  360  may have a first test pin  362 , a second test pin  364 , and a ground pin  366 . At least one of pins  362 ,  364 , and  366  may be spring-loaded, if desired. Pin  362  may be used to mate with spring member  354 , pin  364  may be used to mate with spring member  356 , and ground pin  366  may be used to mate with corresponding ground pad  358  formed on the top surface of PCB  24 . 
       FIG. 12B  shows a side view of switch connector  350  in the mated state. When test probe  360  is mated with switch connector  350 , pin  362  may push down against spring member  354  to cause spring member  354  to bend downwards in the direction of arrow  368 , whereas pin  364  may push down against spring member  356  to cause spring member  356  to bend downwards in the direction of arrow  368  (e.g., so that spring members  354  and  356  are temporarily disconnected from bridging member  352 . 
     Test probe  360  need not include both test pins  362  and  364 . For example, test probe  360  having conductive signal pin  362  and lacking pin  364  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  364 ) may be used during transceiver testing. As another example, test probe  360  having conductive signal pin  364  and lacking pin  362  (or having a nonconductive dummy pin  362 ) may be used during antenna testing. As another example, test probe  360  having both conductive signal pins  362  and  364  may be used during simultaneous transceiver and antenna testing (e.g., test probe  360  may be a test probe of the type described in connection with  FIG. 4 ). 
     The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110509
Publication Date: 20151013
Grant Date: 20151013
Priority Date: 20110509
Inventors: NICKEL JOSHUA G.
URIOSTE FERNANDO
GREGG JUSTIN
SYED ADIL
SLOEY JASON
HAYLOCK JONATHAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B17/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B17/0085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R31/2822", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R1/06772", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R1/06772", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B17/0085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B17/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R31/2822", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47141831