Top Leading Industry Standards (1): Windows, USB and Wi-Fi

Along with the fast-growing technology, technology standardization is not only promoting technology development but also providing a clear purchase direction to consumers.

According to today's market, Allion Test Labs has collected six top industry standards and specifications here below, which includes Microsoft Windows, USB, Wi-Fi, HDMI, DisplayPort and SATA. In the first article, we will introduce the first three industry standards.

1. Windows 

＊ Windows Logo

WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) is a Microsoft procedure for certifying that the hardware for  peripherals and other components is compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems. Vendors have to pass this test to ensure its product quality before obtaining the“Designed for Windows”logo. In addition, the program allows vendors to leverage the worldwide awareness of the Windows brand through the use of the windows logo. That logo, on the vendor's product packaging, advertising or website, signals to customers that the product has been tested to verify that it meets Microsoft standards for compatibility with Windows.

The majority of vendors are familiar with the Windows Logo Program because the popularity of Windows operating systems in computer market. However, building a self-test platform is an obstacle because of a variety of testing ranges and updated versions. Moreover, the complex Windows logo testing process has become one of the biggest challenges while vendors are performing the test, so most of the time they would ask for a third-party laboratory to perform it.

Windows Logo Program includes reliability, functionality and specification tests. To reach a higher quality of Windows certified logo products, vendors could perform other verification tests to increase its product usability and market value through Allion, the third-party test lab.

• Windows Logo Program
  http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg487360.aspx

• Windows Logo Program Service in USA  
  http://www.allion.com/whql.html

 

2. USB

＊Common USB Logo

The majority of people are familiar with USB, Universal Serial BUS (USB) makes connecting computer peripherals easier by providing a standard serial cable connection, eliminating the need for add-in cards, setting DIP switches or changing IRQs. Printers, keyboards, pointing devices, networking devices, monitors, scanners, and tape drives are among the type of products that use the USB standard.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is a non-profit organization formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology. To complement the specification and measurement of compliance in product space, the USB-IF has instituted a Compliance Program that provides reasonable measures of acceptability. Products that pass this level of acceptability are added to the Integrator's List and receive the rights of usage for the USB logo.

We have also included interoperability, embedded host TPL and electrical tests besides of USB-IF logo program. Recently, there are more venders to focus on the latest USB 3.0 specification in product development; therefore, the process of waiting for Platform Interoperability Lab (PIL) to test has become longer than before. Fortunately, Allion has been one of USB-IF Compliance Program testing labs to perform parts of USB 3.0 test categories, which helps accelerate time to market for USB 3.0 products for vendors.

• USB-IF Compliance Program
  http://www.usb.org/developers/compliance/
• USB-IF Compliance Program Service in USA
  http://www.allion.com/usb.html

 

3. Wi-Fi

＊Wi-Fi Logo

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless networking technology that provides wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. Wi-Fi is supported by Wi-Fi Alliance, the main purpose is to ensure the compatibility between any IEEE 802.11 products, and also promote Wi-Fi as a global wireless internet trademark. In addition, Wi-Fi Direct is an exciting new way to use Wi-Fi. Conducting the Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer technology, Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices can connect with other certified devices even without hotspot or Wi-Fi network to accomplish tasks such as synch, share, transfer, display and print.

Wi-Fi Certification Programs include IEEE 802.11 abgn, WPA, WPA2 and EAP spec products. Allion has developed test coverage for vendors to solve problems and improve its technique at very beginning of the stage.

• Wi-Fi Certification Programs
  http://www.wi-fi.org/certification_programs.php
• Wi-Fi Certification Programs Service in USA  
  http://www.allion.com/wi_fi.html

In the second article of “Top Leading Industry Standards”, we will continue introducing the next three industry standards which are including  HDMI, DisplayPort and SATA. Please keep following us on Allion Test Lab Resource Center!