External hard drives have become an essential device for storing data, videos, music, or using them as backups. As the demand for storage grows, the capacity of external hard drives continues to increase, while their physical size decreases. However, one constant factor is the reliance on a transmission cable. Consumers are cautious when selecting these cables because their quality directly impacts usability. Manufacturers need to ensure each cable meets high standards to avoid reputation damage and the costly process of handling customer complaints.
Potential Risks
When an external hard drive is performing high-speed data transfers, consumers eagerly expect the fastest speeds possible. However, using a subpar transmission cable can lead to multiple issues, with signal degradation being the most common. When an external hard drive uses a low-quality cable, the signal can weaken due to impedance mismatch, electromagnetic interference, or other external factors. Signal degradation can not only reduce transmission speeds but also lead to data distortion, affecting the integrity of the data on the external hard drive.
Actual Case
Allion Labs once encountered a client issue where an external hard drive experienced frequent transmission interruptions and unsatisfactory speeds when accessing data from a PC. Upon thorough testing and analysis, we discovered that the problem was caused by the accompanying transmission cable. Our verification revealed poor insertion loss, which could lead to an increased bit error rate or frequent reconnections, ultimately impacting the hard drive’s transmission performance and causing consumer misunderstandings and mistrust in the product’s performance.
Allion Labs possesses a comprehensive array of instruments and equipment. For instance, we have more than ten Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) for measuring Insertion Loss, covering a bandwidth range from 20 GHz to 67 GHz. In addition to the common 4-port VNAs, Allion Labs also has 8-port VNAs to meet diverse and specific client measurement needs.
Apart from our complete equipment setup, Allion Labs offers the following advantages:
Faster, Easier, Better!
Faster：
Allion Labs is equipped with a wide range of facilities covering environmental aging, mechanical, and high-frequency electrical testing. In addition to various testing and verification services, we excel in troubleshooting product issues. With years of accumulated experience, we can swiftly assist clients in resolving product problems.
Easier：
Allion Labs provides the most comprehensive services in the industry. Upon receiving client inquiries, our technical team promptly conducts project evaluations. Whether at the initial product development stage or during sample optimization, we offer clients open technical discussions and appropriate testing recommendations.
Better：
Leveraging our extensive testing expertise and experience, Allion Labs can provide all-encompassing improvement methods and testing suggestions for customized tests and non-standard certification tests requested by clients. This approach helps reduce costs and time spent during the product development process.
If you have any requirements or questions, please contact us.