FCT Systems

Infotainment systems

MCD Elektronik's single testers and test lines reliably and reproducibly test modern infotainment systems as complex overall systems.

Electrical functional testing verifies the basic electrical and functional properties of the test specimen. MCD functional test systems enable realistic, parallel testing of all relevant components and interfaces of a test specimen. Electrical parameters, communication interfaces and audio and system functions can therefore be tested and evaluated simultaneously under realistic conditions.
Make an appointment
Let's talk about your project
Challenges and concept

Functional testing of modern infotainment systems covers electrical parameters, communication interfaces, audio and signal paths as well as optical and haptic functions. For an efficient series process, different test tasks must be coordinated, measurement resources deployed selectively and reproducible test conditions ensured.

FCT-infotainment-testsystem-004_mcd-1300x975

Blinker, Kamera, Heizung und Assistenzsysteme.

FCT Systems

Außenspiegel

Infotainment systems

Parallel functional testing with intelligent resource management

MCD Elektronik's functional test systems enable the parallel, independent testing of multiple DUTs. Central sequence and resource control coordinates test sequences, measuring equipment and shared hardware. Independent test steps run in parallel, while expensive measuring devices are assigned to the test positions as required.

This reduces cycle times, makes efficient use of measurement resources and ensures reproducible test conditions. The modular design also enables flexible integration of different test specimens and adaptation to future test requirements.

Test principle
Parallel & independent
Measurement resources
Centrally assigned
System architecture
Modular & scalable
Scope of testing and functions

The functional test system combines electrical measurements, communication tests and audio, RF, video, optical and haptic functional tests in a modular test sequence:

Test rack with multiple infotainment test specimens
Overall view of the test setup
Multiple test stations in a modular arrangement
Test fixtures for infotainment systems
Detailed view of the test stations
Fixture and contacting of the test specimens
Measurement and test equipment for infotainment systems
Front view of the measurement technology rack
Audio, RF and signal components
Test system interface panel
Detailed view of the connections
LVDS, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and GPS

Multiple DUTs are tested independently while shared measuring equipment is centrally assigned as required.

  • Parallel functional testing of multiple infotainment systems
  • Central sequence control for coordinating shared hardware
  • Parallelization of independent test steps
  • Intelligent resource management for measuring and test equipment

Digital communication paths and interfaces are specifically tested as part of functional testing.

  • Testing USB interfaces
  • Testing Bluetooth functionality
  • Testing bus systems such as CAN, LIN and OABR
  • Integration of flashing processes

Audio and signal paths as well as wireless and high-frequency functions are analyzed and evaluated automatically.

  • Testing audio signals with the MCD AudioAnalyzer
  • Testing RF signals such as AM, FM and GPS
  • Testing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and GNSS functions
  • Testing and analysis of video signals

Additional functional areas and different product types can be integrated via the modular system architecture.

  • Testing optical functions
  • Testing haptic functions
  • Camera-based display testing
  • Flexible integration of different test specimens and measurement modules
mcd_plus_white
Efficient use of central measurement resources

Parallel test sequences and the demand-based allocation of shared measuring devices reduce cycle times and increase resource utilization. At the same time, the concept supports scalable test systems and reduces the need for duplicate measurement equipment.

Test methods used and results

For functional testing of modern infotainment systems, the functional test system combines electrical test methods, communication and signal tests, and optical and haptic tests with central resource and sequence control.

Electrical tests
Voltage measurements
Current measurements
Resistance measurements
Frequency measurements
Communication tests
Testing USB and Bluetooth
Testing Wi-Fi, GPS and GNSS
Testing CAN, LIN and OABR
Integration of flashing processes
Audio, signal and functional tests
Audio tests with the MCD AudioAnalyzer
RF tests for AM, FM and GPS
Testing and analysis of video signals
Camera-based display testing and optical and haptic functional tests
Process and system evaluation
Reduced cycle times through parallel test sequences
High resource utilization through central assignment of measuring equipment
Reproducible test results
Modular and scalable adaptation to different product types

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

An infotainment system is a central control unit that combines information functions (e.g. navigation and traffic data) and entertainment functions (e.g. music and video) with the control of vehicle settings (e.g. hands-free system and air conditioning), making them available via displays.
The functional test checks all relevant system functions and communication signals. These include communication with satellite and radio signals, navigation signals such as GPS or GLONASS, communication connections such as Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi, CAN, RS232 and BroadR-Reach, as well as driver assistance, operating and output components.
Functional testing of infotainment systems is very time- and resource-intensive due to the large number of functions, interfaces and usage scenarios. It also frequently requires expensive test and measurement equipment. Running tests in parallel and using intelligent resource management significantly reduces test and cycle times, improves utilization of available test equipment and optimizes the overall cost of the testing process.
In this context, predefined signals are used to stimulate the system so that audio output, signal processing, levels, frequency response and interfaces between the head unit, amplifier, speaker paths and other audio components can be analyzed. The MCD AudioAnalyzer and associated test software can record and control not only basic playback functions but also qualitative signal parameters and reproducible measured values.
The test system uses 2D barcode capture for measurement logging and type differentiation. This is especially important when testing several device variants, software versions, tuner configurations or different interfaces. The barcode can be used to uniquely identify the test specimen, load the appropriate test sequence and correctly document measured values, limits and results.

KEY FACTS

Key facts at a glance

Test system
Functional test system / Automated test system
Handling
Manual, semi-automatic or automatic – depending on the specific system design and degree of automation
Concept
Single test bench / Multiple test bench / Test line / Test cell with multiple fixtures – several test specimens can be tested in parallel
Test methods & scope
Electrical: voltage, current
RF frequency: frequency and RF signals
Audio / video: audio and video signals
Communication: communication signals
Optical: display and indicator testing
Haptic / mechanical: loads, forces, torques
Programming: flashing / parameterization
Components
AudioAnalyzer, Toolmonitor AudioAnalyzer, rack systems, test adapters, multiplexing, RF contacting, 2D barcode capture

REFERENCE PROJECTS

Testing intelligent connections

VTS 2030 – versatile test technology for complex electronic assemblies