We have been using the Advanced Cable Tester - Level 1 Application with the Promira Serial Platform, and it’s been successful for debug and development. However, we are now setting up a production test system for USB Type-A to Type-C cables. In addition to needing to connect to both ends of this cable, because this system will be on the production floor, we need the device to handle up to 5,000 insertions.

Is there a way we can use this cable tester on the production floor? Is an adapter available to fulfill those two requirements?

Thanks for your questions! The Advanced Cable Tester is a great tool for debugging cable issues in design and development. However, to fulfill the requirements you mentioned, including 5,0000 insertions for production usage, we recommend the Advanced Cable Tester v2.

The Advantages of Using the Advanced Cable Tester v2 on the Production Floor

The Advanced Cable Tester v2 is durable and cost effective. It is designed specifically for a manufacturing environment and built to easily run tests with accurate results for a wide range of cables.

Ease of Use on the Production Floor

The Advanced Cable Tester v2 has an embedded LCD screen and an audible alarm that indicate pass/fail results. This simple pass/fail indicator makes it easy for anyone on the test floor to quickly and efficiently test cables. It also means the units can be operated without a computer nearby and without needing to interpret a test report.

Additionally, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 can store up to 1,000,000 test reports locally on the device. The test reports are logged automatically so there’s no need to worry about losing test data if the device is powered off.

A new feature on the Advanced Cable Tester v2 includes the ability to add custom tags to a test profile. This allows for tracking of a lot or batch number and other relevant test details. There’s also a feature for scanning serial number bar codes that allow for cable traceability back to the test report.

Supported Cable Testing

With its interchangeable modules, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 supports testing a large variety of cables including USB Standard-A to Type-C. Each module is rated for 5,000 tests. Here is a list of cable types that are supported today.

• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Standard-A
• USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Micro-B
• USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Standard-B
• USB Type-C to USB Type-C
• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Micro-B
• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Standard-B

• USB 3.1 Standard-A to Lightning USB2
• USB Type-C to Lightning USB2

• HDMI-A to HDMI-A
• DisplayPort to DisplayPort

As the cable interface is interchangeable, the system can be kept up to date as new modules are released to support new cable designs as long as the firmware is kept up to date as well.

The removable connector modules also make the for lower cost per test. At volume, testing is as low as $0.02 per test making the Advanced Cable Tester v2 better suited to a high volume production test environment than its predecessor.

Advanced Uses in the Lab

The Advanced Cable Tester v2 does more than display pass/fail results. The comprehensive set of tests includes pin continuity, DC resistance and resistors measurement, E-Marker verification, and signal integrity. With these tests, errors and discrepancies that are not aligned with the cable specifications can be uncovered, as well as help determine the source of failure.

For details, please see Cost Savings and Benefits of Cable Testing with the Advanced Cable Tester v2.

Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• • Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual
  • Advanced Cable Tester v2 Quick Start Guide
  • Testing USB, Apple Lightning, and Video Cables with the Advanced Cable Tester v2
  • How Cable Testing Ensures Safety and Quality of Manufacturing
  • Eye Diagram Basics and Embedded Systems
  • How Individual Cable Testing Helps Uncover Underlying Cable Issues and Ensures Quality in Production

We hope this answers your question. Need more information? You can contact us and request a demo that applies to your application, as well as ask questions about other Total Phase products.

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