Video Electronic Testing

Abe Technologies provide Video electronic testing and certification

Provides video electronic testing equipment and certification testing system

Provide corresponding testing equipment and testing certification systems for video electronic products based on interface protocols such as USB Type-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, etc

Video electronic testing equipment includes: USB Type-C tester, USB Type-C production line tester, USB Type-C analyzer, DisplayPort signal generator, DisplayPort channel detector, DisplayPort protocol analyzer, DP compatibility testing equipment, HDMI signal generator and analyzer, HDMI tester, etc

Providing a testing and certification system includes:

DisplayPort Link Layer certification testing system

DisplayPort PHY Layer authentication testing system

Display ID/EDID certification testing system

Adaptive Sync certification testing system

DP 1.4a DSC certification testing system

HDCP 2.3 certification testing system

Dolby Vision certification testing system

HDR10+certification testing system

The main applications of Unigraf products are: Compliance Testing, R&D Debugging, Production line testing, Test Automation

Compliance Testing

Unigraf is a trusted provider of VESA, HDMI, DCP LLC and HDR10+ Technologies approved Compliance Test Tools. The world’s leading electronics manufacturers are using Unigraf’s tools to validate their products.

Link Layer Compliance Testing for DisplayPort

DP 2.1 Link Layer CTS Testing

UCD-500 Gen2 is a DP 2.1 Link Layer CTS Test Tool. It supports testing DP Sinks and Sources with UHBR 20 Max Bit Rate Capability with both USB-C and DP connectors.

DP 1.4a Link Layer CTS Testing

DisplayPort version 1.4 was first published in 2016, and it was updated to 1.4a in 2018. Unigraf continued a pioneering approach to DisplayPort Link Layer CTS testing by introducing UCD-400, a HBR3 capable 8K video analyzer and generator. The selection of tests available for UCD-400 provides all tests needed for VESA Certified DP 1.4a Link Layer CTS including DSC testing for DisplayPort Sinks and Sources.

CTS Test Set Controlled via PC GUI

UCD-Console is a common GUI for all UCD-300/400/500 series products. For DP 1.4a Link Layer CTS testing UCD Console features ready-made test sets that you can easily select, run and monitor. Watch the video below to see how easily you can perform DP 1.4a Link Layer CTS tests on DisplayPort Sinks and Sources.

HDCP 2.3 Compliance Testing

VESA Requires HCDP Testing For DisplayPort Logo Certification

In 2018 VESA announced that it now requires HDCP testing as part of the DisplayPort testing requirement for certification. If a DisplayPort receiver or transmitter supports HDCP (as reported in the product CDF) it shall be tested as part of the certification requirements for obtaining the DisplayPort Logo. (Source: VESA)

UCD Series as Approved Test Tools

Unigraf’s DisplayPort 1.4a Test Tool UCD-400 is approved for testing HDCP 2.3 compliance of Transmitter, Receiver and Repeater devices. For testing Transmitters and Receivers Unigraf offers a 4K video analyzer and generator, UCD-323. Further, 4K video analyzer UCD-301 is approved for testing DisplayPort Transmitters.

The HDCP 2.3 CTS tools are available beyond the DisplayPort connector. UCD-340 is the only DCP Approved HDCP 2.3 CTS Test Tool for testing USB-C DP Alt Mode Transmitters and Receivers devices.

Easy-to-use GUI as a controller

HDCP 2.3 CTS tests are controlled via Unigraf’s UCD Console user interface. UCD Console features built-in test sets for HDCP 2.3 CTS tests. You can easily select and run the HDCP 2.3 tests. The video below shows how easily you can select, configure and run HDCP 2.3 CTS tests with UCD Console GUI.

HDMI CTS Testing

Unigraf’s UCD-323 Gen2 is an approved HDMI CTS test tool for HF2-59 ALLM CTS Sink DUT tests. The test package includes the following products:
• UCD-323 Gen2 (065059)
• HDMI Reference Source (MT6613)
• ULT-01 Latency Tool (066722)
• ALLM CTS Sink DUT license (MT6687)

Dolby Vision™ Testing

What is Dolby Vision™?

Dolby has worked closely with industry leaders over the last 50 years to make the stories and experiences as engaging as possible—first with noise reduction, then 5.1 surround and 7.1 surround, and now with Dolby Vision™. Dolby Vision™ transforms the way you experience movies, TV shows, and games with incredible brightness, contrast, and color that bring entertainment to life before your eyes. By fully leveraging the maximum potential of new cinema projection technology and new TVs’ display capabilities, Dolby Vision™ delivers high-dynamic-range (HDR) and wide-color-gamut content. The result is a refined, lifelike image that will make you forget you are looking at a screen.

4K televisions have “more pixels” and newer standards for UHD TV also include high frame rates, but these standards don’t make each pixel able to better represent the full range of brightness we see in reality. Dolby Vision™ is the Dolby Laboratories solution to meet this challenge. The current TV and Blu-ray standards limit maximum brightness to 100 nits and minimum brightness to 0.117 nits, while also limiting the range of colours that can be displayed. Dolby Vision™ colour depth allows up to 10,000-nit maximum brightness. (Dolby 2016)

Dolby Vision Testing

In the compatibility test for Dolby Vision™ Unigraf will provide playback and capturing of the test video and audio content with UCD-series test tools. Dolby will provide customers with the SDK (Software Development Kit) that enables analyzing the Dolby Vision™ video captured with UCD-series test tools. UCD-series test tools also support Dolby Vision signaling test using Dolby Vision VSIF and Dolby Vision Vendor Specific Extended Metadata Packets (EMP) using TMDS. With the Dolby SW package, UCD-series test tools are a mandatory tool for any e.g. television or monitor manufacturer that is willing to have a Dolby Vision™ certificate on their products.

8K Dolby Vision Test Tools

UCD-451 for DisplayPort

UCD-451 is an approved video generator for testing Dolby Vision on DisplayPort™ 1.4a sink devices with HBR3 max bit rate capability. Thanks to an extended 32GB memory, UCD-451 enables the verification of 8K Dolby Vision™ content.

UCD-452 for HDMI

UCD-452 is an approved Dolby Vision Test Tool and 10K Video Generator for testing HDMI 2.1 sink devices up to 10K video modes. Thanks to an extended 32GB memory, UCD-452 enables the verification of 8K Dolby Vision™ content.

4K Dolby Vision Test Tools

UCD-323 is an approved Dolby Vision Test Tool and a 4K video generator for testing HDMI 2.0 sink devices up to 4K video modes.

HDR10+ Compliance Testing

Unigraf’s UCD-323 and UCD-422 are approved for HDR10+ compliance testing. Unigraf’s HDR 10+ Display Device Test License allows HDR 10+ adopters to generate HDR 10+ specific patterns that are required by HDR 10+ LLC to certify Sink devices such as TVs and Monitors for HDR 10+.

Unigraf’s solution integrates Klein K-10A colorimeter for automated testing of HDR 10+ Display Device tests allowing users to set and play the patterns without having to manually measure luminance values of HDR 10+ patterns. Users that do not have Klein K-10A colorimeter will be able to manually record measured luminance values into the software GUI. This solution is easy to use and reduces the time required to run HDR 10 Display Device certification tests.

DisplayPort PHY Compliance Test Automation

Automate PHY CTS

Unigraf provides companion test tools to be used with Oscilloscopes in testing PHY compliance on DisplayPort.

UCD-323 Gen2

UCD-323 Gen2 is a companion tool for PHY test equipment to perform automated DP 2.0 PHY compliance testing for Source and Sink DUTs.

DPT-200

DPT-200 is operating as a DP AUX Controller to automate the DP PHY testing of DisplayPort sink devices with a compliant PHY Test Equipment. DPT-200 is already compatible with Keysight.

DPR-100

DPR-100 operates as a DP AUX Controller to automate the DP PHY testing of DisplayPort source devices with a compliant PHY Test Equipment. With the AUX Controller firmware, DPR-100 is compatible with Keysight, Teledyne LeCroy and Tektronix oscilloscopes.

Automate Compliance Testing

All Unigraf’s Compliance Test Tools are delivered with ready-made test sets. These test sets can be easily configured and run from the UCD Console PC GUI. With the provided TSI SDK, all Compliance Tests can be automated.

R&D Debugging

R&D engineers around the world rely on Unigraf’s Test Tools while developing new products in R&D laboratories. Fundamental elements of R&D Debugging are the ease of use, flexibility and state of the art features. With Unigraf’s test tools you can rely on easy-to-use tools with full test automation capabilities.

What to Test?

Video & Audio

New HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 specifications enable video up to 10K resolution. Live preview of the captured video and audio alongside detailed information of the incoming or outgoing streams are a must when determining the stability and quality of the video. Further, different CRC based video tests enable detailed testing of the video stream stability and quality.

Connector Pins

USB-C Connector Pins

One of the most common manufacturing defects on USB-C devices such as smartphones are poorly soldered connector pins. The USB-C connector is capable of delivering and receiving up to 100W of power. For safety purposes, it is essential to test that the USB-C connector pins are properly soldered into the circuit board. A poorly manufactured USB-C connector can cause the cable or the device to overheat. This has known to cause the melting of the cable or serious overheating of the device causing terminal damage.

HDMI & DisplayPort Connector Pins

Common manufacturing defects on HDMI and DisplayPort devices are poorly manufactured connector pins. A poorly soldered or grounded connector can result as a defected signal which can cause the video to fail. Some modern receiver devices have a high-quality receiver chip which can correct a defected signal. However, all receivers are different and even if your transmitter device works with one monitor, it does not mean that it will work with all monitors. Therefore, it is crucial to use an actual test tool to test HDMI and DisplayPort connectors.

AUX Channel

For the handshake between the transmitter and receiver device, DisplayPort has a dedicated bus, the AUX Channel. Since the transmitter device controls the process, it makes requests for the receiver. The only way how the receiver can communicate with the transmitter is by issuing a pulse in the Hot Plug Detect (HPD) signal.

Since the AUX Channel is the key element in the transmitter/receiver communication, the core to understanding the handshake process is logging the AUX Channel communication. AUX Channel Monitor is an essential companion for any DisplayPort test engineer during debugging Link or HDCP protocol related issues or when running Compliance Tests. The capability to analyze the details of the handshake between the Source and the Sink is often the key issue for being able to reveal and solve an interoperability problem. Especially when working with standard Sinks and Sources with limited debugging capabilities, an AUX Channel Monitor will essentially shorten the debugging time.

DPCD

The message transfer between DisplayPort transmitter and receiver occurs by reads and writes to the DisplayPort Configuration Data (DPCD) register of the receiver device. By reading certain registers in the DPCD, the transmitter will be aware of the capabilities of the receiver. During the process of establishing the data links, the Link Training, source writes to DPCD to indicate the target link configuration and the receiver, in turn, writes there the result of each link training stage.

Recalling the detailed meaning of each bit in the tens of DPCD registers is challenging. Therefore it is essential for the productivity of the debug process that the tool used readily parses DPCD content in AUX Reads and writes to the terminology commonly used by e.g. VESA DP Specification.

USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode

Unigraf DPA-400 AUX Channel Monitor is compatible also with DisplayPort Alternate Mode in the USB-C interface. With the Unigraf provided cable, you can connect the DPA-400 between any two USB-C devices and monitor the AUX Channel transactions related to the DP Alt mode.

Link & EDID

Link

It is crucial to monitor and control the link between the receiver (e.g. monitor) and transmitter device (e.g. game console). With a proper test tool, you can monitor and control the link status.

EDID

Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is a metadata format for display devices (e.g. monitors) to describe their capabilities to a video source (e.g. gaming consoles). When testing transmitter devices, it is crucial to ensure that the device will work with a variety of different kinds of receiver devices (e.g. monitors and TVs).

UCD Console comes with a built-in EDID tool. You can use the EDID tool to simulate different monitors and make sure that your transmitter device works seamlessly with different monitors. You can read EDID from receiver devices and save the EDID on your PC. You can then load the EDID file into the UCD series test tools and the test tool will act as the receiver device. Further, a separate EDID Editor enables modifying the EDID.

HDCP Encryption

HDCP content encryption is used in DisplayPort, DVI and HDMI interfaces. For receiver and transmitter devices it’s crucial to be able to read and write HDCP protected content. Further, VESA requires HDCP 2.3 Compliance testing as part of the DisplayPort certification. All Unigraf UCD-series Test Tools offer support for HDCP 1.4/2.3.

Test For Interoperability and Better Quality

Ensure interoperability

Obtaining a certificate from e.g. VESA or DCP requires thorough testing. Only with officially approved test tools you can fully make sure that your transmitter or receiver device works according to the specifications. It is crucial to use the approved test tools already in the development phase as it is the only way to ensure that everything is designed according to the specifications from start to finish. Testing and manufacturing products according to standards are the only way to make sure that your device works seamlessly with other devices available in the market.

Avoid Quality Problems

Proper test tools enable removing human error from testing. For example, some modern monitors and TV’s have high-quality receiver chips that can correct a defected signal. Therefore, even if a transmitter device works with a monitor does not imply that it will work with all monitors. Also, it is impossible for the human eye to detect minor defects in a video stream with a resolution up to 8K@60Hz. Using receiver devices as a test tool for transmitter devices and vice versa is not sufficient.

As the same connector that transfers video, audio and data can transfer power up to 100W, the damage caused by poor design can be extensive. If soldering or assembly of the connector pins is done poorly, there is a chance for the cable or device to overheat and cause some serious damage. Unigarf has developed a unique Electrical Test that you can use to test that all connector pins are properly soldered and assembled. Electrical Test can reveal problems in both power delivery and link caused by poor signal continuity through connector pins.

Automate R&D Debugging

Three Options for Test Automation

With automated testing, you can remove human error from testing and considerably fasten the testing process. In R&D Debugging you can easily select the tests you want to automate and free your time for other tasks while the automated testing sequences take care of the testing. Unigraf’s Test Tools enable three different options for implementing automated testing. Click the link below for detailed information about different test automation options.

Production line testing

Using proper test tools is the only way to make sure that products are manufactured flawlessly. Automated testing in the production line will save time and remove human error from testing.

Test for Better Quality

Proper test tools enable removing human error from testing. For example, some modern monitors and TV’s have high-quality receiver chips that can correct a defective signal. Therefore, even if a transmitter device works with a monitor does not imply that it will work with all monitors. Also, it is impossible for the human eye to detect minor defects in a video stream with a resolution up to 8K@60Hz. Using receiver devices as a test tool for transmitter devices and vice versa is not sufficient.

As the same connector that transfers video, audio and data can transfer power up to 100W, the damage caused by poor design can be extensive. If the soldering or assembly of the connector pins is done poorly, there is a chance for the cable or device to overheat and cause some serious damage. Further, a defective signal can cause the video signal to fail. Unigarf has developed a unique Electrical Test that you can use to test that all connector pins are properly soldered and assembled. Electrical Test can reveal problems in both power delivery and link caused by poor signal continuity through connector pins. Unigraf’s test tools featuring Electrical Testing are UCD-340/240 and UCD-301.

Unigraf TSI SDK

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.

Different options for Automated Testing

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.

Test Tools for Production Line Testing

UTC-274

UTC-274 is a test automation tool for testing two USB-C products in production line and R&D environments. UTC-274 features a versatile and reliable way of testing connector pins of the USB-C interface. UTC-274 is delivered with an SDK with a set of automatic test script samples and support for Python scripting.

UCD Series Test Tools

All Unigaf’s UCD-series test tools support test automation. UCD-240 and UCD-300 series test tools are specially designed for production line testing. They are cost-effective, robust and flexible tools that can be easily integrated into any existing test systems.

UCD-240

UCD-240 is an automated test solution designed specifically for testing USB-C products in the production line environment. UCD-240 features an efficient and effortless way of USB Type-C sinks and sources. UCD-240 test coverage includes all necessary features of USB-C interface.

The provided TSI SDK enables user access to the vital test parameters and configured tests can be easily run from the command-line. Unigraf’s TSI SDK enables easy integration of automated tests into existing test systems. UCD-240 is also fully compatible with third-party test management software e.g. NI TestStand.

UCD-323 and UCD-301

UCD-323 is a 4K@60Hz capable video analyzer and generator for testing DisplayPort (up to HBR2) and HDMI 2.0 transmitter and receiver devices. UCD-323 is an approved test tool for Dolby Vision™ testing.

UCD-301 is a 4K@60Hz capable video analyzer for testing DisplayPort (up to HBR2) and HDMI 2.0 transmitter devices. UCD-301 is delivered with Electrical Test which enables testing of connector pins.

Test Automation

Automated tests help us save time and remove human errors from testing.  All tests supported by Unigraf’s test tools can be automated from simple R&D debugging tests to complicated compliance tests and fast-paced production line tests. There are different ways to automate tests and Unigraf’s test automation solutions make sure that you find the best solution for your needs.

TSI SDK for Test Automation

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.

Configure Tests with UCD Console

Unigraf’s PC GUI, UCD Console, can be used to configure the tests. Since all devices have different characteristics they require different test parameters in order for the automated tests to run smoothly. By configuring the tests in UCD Console and saving the test parameters in your test library, you can run the tests via TSI.exe.

Different Options for Test Automation

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

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.

3rd Party Test Management Software

The video below shows an example of automated CRC video tests run on USB-C smartphone. First, the tests are configured in UCD Console GUI and the run from the command line using TSI scripts.