Archive for the ‘Test Tools’ Category

USB Battery Charging Test Tool For Mobile Phones, Devices

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Recently, Allion announced a USB Battery Charging Test Fixture pre-sale, which runs through the end of this month. This USB testing tool easily measures the performance of mobile phone device chargers. The test fixture looks at power consumption, over shoot (signal or function exceeding steady-state value), under shoot (signal or function lower than steady-state value) and short-recover time. The USB test fixture was developed to adhere to the Battery Charging 1.1 Specification defined by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).

USB Battery Charging 1.1

One feature that makes USB a compelling interconnect technology is its battery charging ability. As USB devices become more powerful and advance with new features, new battery charging capabilities are needed. This is where the USB Battery Charging 1.1 specification, which was released as a new USB Device Class specification earlier this year, comes into play.

New capabilities enabled by Battery Charging 1.1:

  • Device detection whether they are attached to a PC or charging port. When attached to a charging port, devices can draw power before they are recognized.
  • Portable devices with dead batteries are now able to draw current from a PC before they are recognized.
  • Devices plugged into a docking station can act as host to downstream peripherals, while drawing current from the docking station.
  • The Accessory Charger Adapter enables a portable device with a single Micro-USB connector to charge at the same time it is attached to another device, such as a headset.
  • Portable devices can reduce connector costs by offering battery charging, connection to a host and/or connection to a peripheral using a single Micro-USB receptacle.

USB test equipment can effectively enhance testing during all product development stages. Allion strives to deliver the most cost effective and competitive testing fixtures to fulfill the needs of developers. Quality testing ultimately leads to quality products and financial savings for customers.

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New To Device Testing? Check Out Our Test Facility Basics

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

For those of you new to device testing, here’s a look into product testing at a third party testing facility.

Device testing ensures the quality and interoperability of a product. In order for devices to achieve certification from a company or standards organization, the device must pass compliance tests, which ensure it will work properly with other certified products.

Nearly all companies require conforming a product to stated specifications and protocols to ensure functionality and compatibility with products from other manufacturers. Test procedures are developed in partnership with standards organizations (such as Bluetooth SIG, USB Implementers Forum and Wi-Fi Alliance) and the industry leaders who guide enabling technology.

Device test labs offer test and measurement and can benefit developers throughout each product stage. Using a third party test lab offers neutrality, cutting-edge testing methods and the ability to observe and address trending problems. Testing labs provide valuable feedback to product developers and standards organizations. Using a third party test lab is often a cost effective test solution – developing an in-house test lab calls for expensive equipment that requires frequent updating and a dedicated staff proficient in device testing.

After a device reaches all benchmarks and passes all checkpoints, certification can be established. Working with a trusted test lab throughout product development ensures quality testing and moves the product along through the development cycle.