EOLT Systems

Testing intelligent connections

Modern communication cables have long been more than simple connections

Modern communication cables transmit high-speed data, perform additional functions and sometimes contain integrated electronics. MCD Elektronik’s EOL test systems enable precise end-of-line testing – from electrical connections and signal quality to standards-compliant high-speed analysis and functional testing.
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Challenges and concept

In addition to conventional electrical properties, modern communication cables must reliably support high-frequency data transmission, complex signal characteristics and integrated electronic assemblies. Particularly for USB-C connections with high data rates, signal quality determines subsequent system functionality.

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EOLT Systems

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Testing intelligent connections

Modular EOL test system for modern communication cables

MCD Elektronik developed a special end-of-line test system for this purpose, combining electrical, functional and signal-related tests in one solution. An MCD-developed backplane with up to twelve slots accommodates different test specimen-specific modules and supports application-specific combinations of connector types, interfaces and test scopes.

Low modules cover simple test tasks, while powerful high modules are used for complex applications. This allows the platform to be flexibly adapted to different cable types, new cable generations and customer-specific requirements.

System architecture
Up to 12 slots
Module concept
Low & high modules
Application range
Up to USB-C high-speed
Scope of testing and functions

The EOL test system checks conventional electrical properties as well as complex data, signal and electronics functions of modern communication cables:

EOL test system for communication cables
Front view of the test system
Measuring devices, controller and module drawers
MCD backplane with module slots
Detailed view of the module fixture
Slots for test specimen-specific modules
High module for communication cables
Detailed view of the test module
Connections and status display

Conventional cable and component properties are tested reliably and reproducibly.

  • Continuity tests
  • Short-circuit tests
  • Testing passive components
  • Testing resistors, capacitors and diodes

For high-speed applications, digital transmission and signal quality are analyzed specifically.

  • Complex USB tests
  • Signal integrity analysis using an eye diagram
  • Testing high-frequency-critical signal parameters
  • Validation of actual transmission quality

Communication cables with integrated electronic components can also be read, parameterized and programmed within the test process.

  • Audio tests
  • Reading integrated cable electronics
  • Parameterizing integrated electronics
  • Programming active components and EEPROMs

Test specimen-specific modules and the scalable platform enable rapid adaptation to different connection and cable types.

  • Up to twelve slots on the MCD backplane
  • Automatic detection of the test modules used
  • Support for standardized and customer-specific connectors
  • Flexible adaptation to new cable generations and customer requirements
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Scalable from standard connections to high-speed applications

The modular test platform covers conventional communication connections as well as USB-C applications with high data rates and integrated electronics. Different test scopes can therefore be implemented within a scalable system.

Test methods used and results

The EOL test system combines electrical cable and component tests with signal analyses and functional tests of integrated electronics to validate both the electrical function and actual transmission quality of modern communication cables.

Electrical cable and component testing
Continuity test
Short-circuit test
Testing resistors and capacitors
Testing diodes and other passive components
Signal and high-speed testing
Complex USB tests
Signal analysis using an eye diagram
Evaluation of high-frequency data transmission
Validation of signal quality and data integrity
Electronics and functional testing
Reading integrated electronic components
Parameterizing the cable electronics
Programming active components and EEPROMs
Audio tests within the test sequence
Flexibility and test result
Testing standardized and customer-specific connectors
Automatic integration of test specimen-specific modules
Fast adaptation to different cable types and generations
Complete validation of electrical function and transmission quality

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

Modern communication cables are often no longer passive cables but contain active components, microcontrollers or programmable electronics. Intelligent communication cables with complex connectors must therefore be tested functionally and non-destructively. In addition to interruptions and contact problems, protocol behavior, logic-based functions, high-frequency signal components and interface communication are tested.
The test system enables audio analyses, oscilloscope measurements of signal quality, EEPROM programming and real-time diagnostics via integrated embedded systems, among other functions. FFT analyses, frequency and level measurements, I²C communication and USB or LAN analyses can also be combined within one test sequence. This allows the electrical, digital and signal-related properties of a cable to be evaluated in a coherent functional test.
The EOL test system reliably detects different fault patterns, including data flow interruptions and short circuits as well as incorrectly assigned individual pins or improperly contacted interfaces. For high-speed transmissions, the system also checks for possible signal interference, shielding anomalies and signal integrity problems to ensure stable operation in accordance with specifications.
The modular cassette-system architecture enables adaptation to different cable types and connectors. Nine low-module slots and one high-module slot allow flexible configuration using interchangeable cassette modules. The system can therefore be specifically converted and expanded for new cable generations or changing customer-specific requirements.
Each cassette module has integrated logic and a counter for recording mating cycles. This makes it possible to track how often a plug-in module has already been contacted. The recorded contacts support wear-dependent predictive maintenance and thus contribute to the process stability of the test system.

KEY FACTS

Key facts at a glance

Test system
EOL test system / Special test system
Handling
Manual
Concept
Single test bench / modular cassette test system based on a VTS 2030 rack.
Test methods & scope
Electrical: voltage and signal parameters
RF / frequency: RF and frequency signals, signal quality
Audio: audio signals
Communication: communication signals
Programming: programming and parameterization functions
Components
VTS 2030 rack, MCD TestMate, Toolmonitors, AudioAnalyzer, multimeter, oscilloscope / PicoScope 6404E, RF backplane, cassette modules

Downloads

Detailed Information

Press Release
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Application Note
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REFERENCE PROJECTS

Infotainment systems

VTS 2030 – versatile test technology for complex electronic assemblies