How to Optimize Wireless Communication Quality and Make Interoperability an Issue of the Past

iST’s verification analysis and testing services include focused ion beam (FIB) circuit editing, engineering sample preparation, failure analysis, signal integrity test, material analysis, reliability test, chemical analysis/consultancy, etc. For example, wired signal interoperability verification is a type of connectivity signal integrity test for which we have a dedicated lab and team and covers a wide range of products, from consumer devices to IT systems. In addition to tests for the seven types of wired communication standards mentioned above, iST can also issue certifications for four of those standards: Display Port, DisplayHDR, HDMI, and MHL. For product analysis, we also offer testing services for everything from ports and PCBs to laptops, desktops, televisions, etc.Interoperability Test

On the other hand, because the interoperability of wired communication protocols involves an extensive range of issues, the signal test integrity team of iST offers testing services for all 6 phases of a product’s life cycle. During the first phase of IC development, iST can test different versions of each standard to help customers fix errors and edit the IC to ensure the chip’s functional integrity. The second phase is the integration of the IC application platform, where we can provide various testing instruments and environments to help customers develop IC designs for the system integration platform. iST’s team and lab can also perform system development assessments. During the board-side system signal quality verification in phase 3 and reliability test in phase 4, iST can assist customers with testing both the stability and integrity of the product’s signal.

Phase 5 is compliance testing for various types of standards to certify that products meet specification requirements. Standards like HDMI and DisplayPort have specifications set by their respective associations, and products must meet these requirements to be approved to use the logo of these standards. iST can provide testing for most of the standards currently available in the market.

Lastly, phase 6 tests are for interoperability between branded equipment. Due to multiple brands of equipment coexisting in the market, interoperability issues between products will lead to poor user experience and causing the aforementioned negative comments on the internet. Companies are therefore encouraged to focus on interoperability tests before product delivery to avoid potential negative press from affecting the sales of the product.

Due to a multitude of brands and standards existing on the market, it is difficult to cover all wired communication standards. However, the scope of iST’s testing service includes not only mainstream standards but also newer standards or standards with limited application areas. If a customer needs to test a standard that iST does not yet provide, we will use our extensive experience to quickly grasp the key assessment points of the standard and build a suitable platform to complete testing in a short period of time.

Even though we possess comprehensive capability for testing and verifying standards, what can clients do to ensure the smoothness of the subsequent processes? The client should first internally define the product’s key features and then work with departments in the client’s company to develop a testing plan. While this sort of planning can take more time than the subsequent testing itself, the process is bound to help with ensuring the interoperability of the product once it hits the market.Interoperability Test

Generally speaking, large brands usually have their own standard testing plan, and our extensive experience in this field can help clients meet the testing requirements of these brands. At the same time, the signal test integrity team of iST is also equipped with a combination of new and existing equipment to optimize the efficiency of the testing process. In addition to offering testing programs for large brands, our’ experience in the field can also aid small and medium-sized manufacturers. iST understands from experience the most commonly seen and difficult to solve obstacles these companies may encounter, and knows precisely how to solve these obstacles. For example, although large equipment manufacturers tend to globalize their product specifications, they still make specific adjustments for different sales regions. Companies must fine-tune their product design to successfully connect with them. Therefore, before establishing a test program, we will look to understand the client’s marketing region and then make recommendations to modify the testing program accordingly such that test items with the highest relevancy are selected to improve product interoperability.