Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 5 - 2008 - (Page 9)

Outlining the beneﬁts Implementing the N2X system in the original test methodology resolved the problems previously identiﬁed. It automated the test process and removed the human intervention for anything other than inserting and removing the DUT into the test ﬁxture and recording test results (Figures 3 and 4). It also allowed test parameters (e.g., frame size, data rate and payload size) to be varied using either a Quick Test (pre-written scripts designed to accomplish routine test tasks on the N2X) or custom script to quantify the operation of each DUT. Additionally, the N2X system’s ability to test ﬁve DUT’s at one time, using the 16-port Ethernet test module, provided a 500 percent increase in test throughput. By scripting the test methodology into a single package that could be used for every test run, the issues of measurement repeatability, audit trail and traceability were resolved. Questionable metrics can now be traced back to the test script and evaluated in light of what has occurred during every test. Test results are logged to a data ﬁle on the N2X controller and may be accessed using FTP or TELNET from other PCs within the network. Conclusion While using re-purposed PCs in an in-house test system might seem like a good idea, often times a quality test strategy can be achieved with just a few minor tweaks in the process. In this case, use of the N2X system resulted in a repeatable, reliable and traceable test methodology for realizing cost savings (in terms of the test technician’s time), reduced test errors and ﬁxture wear and tear, and improved throughput. Figure 3. A key feature of the test scenario, as illustrated in this proﬁle conﬁguration, was the ability to send a single frame of Ethernet data, select and send another single frame of data, and then blast trafﬁc to verify the DUT’s ability to pass trafﬁc at a speciﬁed rate. Agilent’s N2X system allows up to 15 individual trafﬁc proﬁles on each port. Create N2X session Enable Port A Enable manufacturing test Send bidirectional UDP traffic Send bidirectional TCP traffic Enable Port B End test Verify traffic flow Verify traffic flow Document test results Figure 4. Using the proﬁle conﬁguration in Figure 3, an initial ﬂowchart was created that required no user intervention. Once the test bed is cabled, the program sends a single PDU from Proﬁle 1 and then Proﬁle 3. Finally it sends bi-directional trafﬁc using Proﬁles 4 and 5 to verify the DUT’s throughput capability. The entire process is repeated using Proﬁle 2 and Proﬁle 3 to conﬁgure the Port B trafﬁc. Agilent Measurement Journal 9

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 5 - 2008

Agilent Measurement Journal Issue 5 Finding a New Path when Assumptions Break Down Contents Testing MIPI D-PHY Protocols Oscilloscope Firmware Update DNA Replication Joining the LTE/SAE Trial Initiative Testing Proteins Praise for DC Power Analyzer Scripting Features for AMDS Testing Hybrid PCBA Systems Improving the Gene Expression System Workflow Turning a “Good Enough” Test Strategy into One That’s Reliable, Repeatable and Traceable Understanding the Effects of Limited-Bandwidth Channels on Digital Data Signals Introducing the 3GPP LTE Downlink Validating the 26 Validating the Physical and Protocol Layers in DDR Memory Interfaces Understanding Total Jitter Measurements of Low Probabilities Using Behavioral-Model Simulation to Accurately Predict First-Order PLL Performance Creating Synchronous High-Frequency Sampling across Multiple Digitizers Overcoming the Challenges of Testing FlexRay Networks Understanding Operating Life and Repeatability of Electromechanical Switches and their Effect on Total Cost of Ownership Implementing Micro and Nano LC/MS Techniques for High Sensitivity Lipidomics Analysis

Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 5 - 2008

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