NORA-W36 series - System integration manual
UBX-22021120 - R01
Product testing
Page 46 of 48
C1-Public
7.2
OEM manufacturer production test
As all u-blox products undergo thorough in-series production testing prior to delivery, OEM
manufacturers do
n’
t need to repeat any firmware tests or measurements that might otherwise be
necessary to confirm RF performance. Testing over analog and digital interfaces is also unnecessary
during an OEM production test.
OEM manufacturer testing should ideally focus on:
•
Module assembly on the device; it should be verified that:
o
Soldering and handling process did not damage the module components
o
All module pins are well soldered on the application board
o
There are no short circuits between pins
•
Component assembly on the device; it should be verified that:
o
Communication with host controller can be established
o
The interfaces between module and device are working
o
Overall RF performance test of the device including antenna
In addition to this testing, OEMs can also perform other dedicated tests to check the device. For
example, the measurement of module current consumption in a specified operating state can identify
a short circuit if the test result deviates that from that taken against a
“Golden Device”.
The standard operational module firmware and test software on the host can be used to perform
functional tests (communication with the host controller, check interfaces) and perform basic RF
performance testing. Special manufacturing firmware can also be used to perform more advanced RF
performance tests.
7.3
“Go/No go” tests for integrated devices
A “Go/No go” test compares the signal quality
of the Device under Test (DUT) with that of
“Golden
Device” in a location with
a known signal quality. This test can be performed after establishing a
connection with an external device.
A very simple test can be performed by just scanning for a known Bluetooth low energy device and
checking that the signal level (Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)) is acceptable.
☞
Tests of this kind may
be useful as a “go/no go” test but
are not appropriate for RF performance
measurements.
Go/No go tests are suitable for checking communication between the host controller and the power
supply. The tests can also confirm that all components on the DUT are well soldered.
A basic RF functional test of the device that includes the antenna can be performed with standard
Bluetooth low energy devices configured as remote stations. In this scenario, the device containing
NORA-W36 and the antennas should be arranged in a fixed position inside an RF shield box. The
shielding prevents interference from other possible radio devices to ensure stable test results.
