With the increasing demand for data communication applications such as 5G, AI, and autonomous vehicles, cables are not only experiencing higher transmission speeds but also an increase in the number of channels for each cable. In the past, multi-channel measurements might have been omitted without causing significant issues in transmission. However, with today’s interfaces boasting speeds of over 20Gbps, the data volume for multi-channel transmission has become substantial. Any issues with a single channel could lead to system crashes, potentially jeopardizing safety, as seen in applications like autonomous vehicles. Therefore, each channel must undergo testing to ensure system stability and safety thoroughly.
How to Accelerate the Time-Consuming 20-Hour Cross Calibration Process?
In servers, commonly used form factors include PCIe, MCIO, GENZ, and SAS, among others. While these form factors may have interfaces with fewer channels (x4), many still primarily use x8 or even x16 interfaces. For an x8 interface, there are a total of 16 pairs of high-frequency signals (TX + RX), and for x16, there could be up to 32 pairs. To measure these, a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) requires an external RF switch.
However, does having a switch reduce the burden? For an x8 form factor, a 64-port switch is needed, and using conventional cross-calibration methods would take at least 20 hours, even without any errors or speed reductions.
To address this, Allion collaborated with the renowned German company Rohde & Schwarz (R&S). R&S employed patented algorithms to shorten the calibration process from 20 hours to 40 minutes. With the integration of equipment like the Vector Network Analyzer (R&S ZNB43), a 64-port switch (R&S OSP 320), and Allion’s proprietary testing fixtures and automation software, the entire system was consolidated into an automated solution – the Allion Cable-Connector Multiport System 40G (ACMS4), significantly enhancing the competitiveness of development and production line operators.
No More Waiting for Measurement Reports
In addition to a 30 times increase in calibration efficiency, manual consolidation of raw data from measurements, which could involve tens of thousands of records, into reports could take up to 20 hours. Allion addressed this challenge when developing the automation software. Leveraging its own lab experience, Allion designed templates for automated report generation and programmed the best data processing logic. For example, for an 8x MCIO cable, ACMS4 can produce a report in just 60 seconds, a staggering 1200 times faster than manual processing.
ACMS4’s Overall Measurement Efficiency
The most widely used network analyzers on the market typically have 4 ports. When using such analyzers to measure the high-frequency signals of all lanes of an 8x MCIO cable, manual processing could take around 8-9 hours without measurement errors. This time-consuming operation is a pain point in the current market – no vendor can guarantee that every high-speed cable shipped has been tested. However, ACMS4 can overcome this challenge! It can complete all measurements in just 2 minutes, a whopping 240 times faster than manual methods. The ultra-fast measurement speed is ACMS4’s greatest advantage, allowing for 100% verification of high-speed cables before shipping.
ACMS4 Production Line Setup Example
Allion has already deployed ACMS4 for multiple cable suppliers’ production lines. The primary reason for this is that Allion’s proprietary automation software can be customized to meet the needs of customers’ production lines. For example, in an 8x MCIO cable production line where testing is critical, each cable can be tested in 15-30 seconds, and the test results and data can be uploaded to the customer’s specified storage space (either on-premises or cloud-based) automatically. Production line operators only need to connect the cable to the fixture and scan the cable’s QR code with a scanner to start testing automatically. With this testing speed, coupled with a three-shift production line, over 3000 cables can be verified, achieving the goal of 100% verification in the production line.
Faster, Easier, Better: Allion ACMS Series Service
Based on its close collaboration with the transmission cable industry, Allion has summarized its three major advantages, assisting customers in achieving comprehensive automatic high-frequency measurement capabilities and controlling the quality history of production lines.
Faster：
Allion’s comprehensive professional team, combined with expertise in hardware, software, testing, and development, provides consulting services to customers in various product development stages. With its accumulated technical experience, Allion can quickly address customers’ challenges, and ACMS’s excellent performance in timing can help customers achieve 100% testing requirements for high-frequency production lines.
Easier：
In addition to excellent testing speed, Allion’s ACMS system supports barcode scanner-triggered testing projects. In large-scale testing processes, testers no longer need to rush, and customized software services can better meet the habits and needs of testers and research and development departments.
Better：
In terms of customization, ACMS can integrate with production line cloud-based big data systems, allowing product data to be easily viewed. This integration enables real-time feedback on any issues in the operation of the production line.
Allion’s ACMS series can provide exclusive solutions for customers’ cables for different applications, supporting bandwidths of 20GHz for ACMS, 40GHz for ACMS4, 50GHz for ACMS5, and 60GHz for ACMS6. In addition to providing the entire ACMS series of equipment and customized software for sale, Allion also offers measurement services to assist customers with quality verification for small-scale production or shipment.
If you have any requirements, please contact with us.