Automated RF testing at low cost

A test system comprising both hardware and software gives handset manufacturers access to automated RF testing at a significantly lower costRFI Global Services has developed Omnipass, a system comprising hardware and software which gives handset manufacturers access to automated RF testing at a significantly lower cost. Owning a validated RF Cellular conformance test platform is an expensive business. With a purchase price typically in excess of GBP1M ($2M), ongoing maintenance of 15% of the purchase price, upgrades over its working life and staffing costs to operate the system, an RF test system can cost upwards of GBP0.5M ($1M) per year.

A modestly priced RF Automation system which can reduce staffing costs or increase the test system utilisation by just 10% provides a very compelling return on investment (ROI).

Omnipass works for almost any mobile terminal and currently supports RF testing platforms from Rohde and Schwarz and Anite, and in the future will support the Anritsu TRX RF system and protocol test systems from a variety of vendors.

The application is hosted and run on an external PC without impacting on test system performance.here is no need for test system customisation nor is any additional loading placed on the test system.

Omnipass supports all commonly used test support equipment, while allowing easy updating to include new devices.

It schedules all tasks during the automation process, fully automating RF conformance test cases (including environmental conditions).

Other features include four methods of powering on the mobile, full control and command logging for traceability purposed required for ISO17025, mobile state monitoring and the ability to save and re-use configurations.

Omnipass also forms a part of RFI's managed services designed to give manufacturers more options and control over test costs.

Richard Jacklin, director and head of RFI Cellular explains: 'We are actively committed to developing flexible and innovative approaches to testing that will give manufacturers more choice'.

One aspect of Omnipass is that it can be controlled remotely over the internet allowing RFI to manage and run tests at the manufacturer's lab, freeing up engineers for other activities.

This also paves the way for RFI to 'sponsor' the manufacturer's lab and run accredited tests remotely.

Benefits include reduced manpower cost and potentially frees up the test system to be used under RFI's accreditation and management.

The automation system consists of two pieces of custom hardware to enable the automation process; an electromechanical switch actuator, used to switch 'on and off' the terminal under test and an automation controller providing the software with an interface to control power and switch contacts for the mobile terminal (and control for the mechanical switch actuator).