Production Line Testing

Unigraf’s Test Automation Software Development Kit (SDK) is called Test System Interface (TSI). TSI.exe is a hardware-independent, high-level Software API (Application Programming Interface). TSI consists of specific command scripts (test cases) that can be used to run specific tests on UCD series test tools. Combining these individual test cases into macros enables automated tests for testing e.g. video, audio, link and USB-C connector pins. TSI supports testing of all crucial functionalities of DisplayPort, HDMI and USB-C DP Alt Mode devices.

The use of TSI and the test cases significantly simplifies integrators’ need to do application-specific programming. TSI ensures the compatibility of the application software with any Unigraf test equipment hardware. Both TSI and Test Cases ensure the user flexibility for future upgrades and, what is a major cost factor, re-use of the written code of the software.

Unigraf’s test automation tools enable a different level of test automation integration based on your needs.

Using TSI API with C++

You can integrate the controlling of UCD-series test tools and TSI test scripts into existing test systems with C++ code. Unigraf’s high level TSI API enables easy integration of automated tests into existing test systems.

TSI Scripting Tools and Command Line

Using TSI scripting tools and running tests from the command line is the simplest test automation solution. TSI SDK includes test scripts that you can use to control the test tool. You can create macros by combining several scripts. Macros enable combining multiple TSI scripts into one batch file that can complete a specific test sequence e.g. for CRC video tests or testing of USB-C connector pins.

You can use Unigraf’s UCD Console GUI to configure the test parameters. As all devices are different, it is crucial to make sure that the test parameters work seamlessly with your device. After configuring and making test runs on the UCD Console, you can save the test parameters into a known location. You can then call test scripts and macros from the command line.

Use Test Third-Party Test Management Software

Using a 3rd Party Test Management Software is another common way to automatize testing. Unigraf’s UCD-series Test Tools are compatible with 3rd Part Test Management SWs such as National Instruments TestStand.

Contact Unigraf for information on test automation with TestStand.

There are multiple benefits in using Unigraf test tools to test cables:

• UCD-200/300 series test tools are approved for HDCP 2.3 compliance testing by DCP
• UCD-200/300 series test tools are compact on size making them easy to integrate into existing test systems
• By using a proper test tool with automated test scripts you can remove human error from testing. For example, individual dead pixels are not detectable with the human eye and that is why CRC tests are needed to detect defective frames in the video stream.
• With a proper test tool, you can detect common issues such as soldering issues, component issues, raw material problems and faulty assembly.
• With UCD Console GUI you can run and configure tests and get real-time feedback from e.g. link and video preview features.
• Ready-made automated scripts are available to run tests and record results in convenient .txt and html reports.
• Test scripts are easy to use and instructions and support is available in English and Chinese.
• Test scripts can be easily modified to fit different DUTs

Here we have addressed some of the most common questions regarding automated testing for production line

How long is the test duration?

Test duration heavily depends on the amount test items included in the script. Also, the DUT will have an impact on the test time as some DUTs might require longer timeouts between tests. Each script will always be optimized for a specific DUT with a specific set of test items. Once the test engineers have defined the target for the test duration, Unigraf test automation experts will work with the engineer to reduce the test time as much as possible within the given framework.

How do you check the video is stable?

With CRC tests you can check that the video is stable. CRC (Cyclic redundancy check) is an error-detecting code commonly used in digital networks and storage devices to detect accidental changes to raw data. You can find CRC tests in UCD Console under Source DUT testing tab. There are four different CRC tests available.

CRC Based Single Reference Frame Video Test

The test compares captured frames to a provided reference. UCD test device compares the video mode (Frame Width, Height, BPP and optionally Frame rate) to provided parameters and after that captures frames and compares the CRC (check sum) of their three color components to the provided reference until the number of bad frame limit
provided is detected or the provided total number of frames is reached.

CRC Based Single Frame Video Stability Test

The test verifies that the captured video is stable. UCD test device captures a frame and sets the CRC of its color components as reference. After that UCD test device captures frames and compares their CRC (check sum) to the reference until the number of bad frame limit provided is detected or the provided total number of frames is reached.

CRC Based Sequence of Reference Frames Test

The verifies that a sequence of frames is captured in the right order. UCD test device compares the video mode (frame Width, Height, BPP and optionally Frame rate) to provided parameters. After that captures frames to find a frame with matching CRC (check sum) of their three color components to the first provided reference. After the first matching CRC is found it compares the

CRC Based Continuous Sequence of Reference Frames Test

The test verifies that a sequence of frames is captured in the right order many times repeatedly. UCD test device compares the video mode (frame Width, Height, BPP and optionally Frame rate and Color format) to provided parameters. After that captures frames to find a frame with matching CRC (check sum) of their three color components to the first provided reference. After the first matching CRC is found it compares the CRC of the following frames until the Number of frames tested parameter is reached. After that it resets the list and starts from the first CRC. The list is repeated until timeout or until the provided number of repetitions is reached.

Are automated scripts available for other devices and interfaces?

Yes. All Unigraf UCD series devices support test automation. UCD devices are available for HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C interfaces.

Can I create my own scripts?

Yes. By using the TSI-X Reference manual as a guide you can create your own test automation scripts to test different types of DUTs such as TVs, monitors, mobile phones etc.