On November 19, Sharkoon introduced the USB 3.0 Quickport HDD dock, a docking station with an external USB 3.0 interface for SATA hard disk drives. A SATA hard drive inserted into the docking station can utilize the greater speed provided by USB 3.0 when connected to a SuperSpeed USB supported computer. HDD docks are utilized primarily by those in the IT industry, a useful tool for manipulating data on numerous hard drives without the burden of enclosing those drives in an enclosure or PC.
External hard drives are one of the areas that can benefit most from the increased speeds of SuperSpeed USB technology. The dock is compatible with 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch SATA HDDs. And compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X systems, the QuickPort dock connects to PCs via USB and uses a DC connection for power.
The company simultaneously launched a PCI expansion card, which allows users to upgrade their desktop PC with SuperSpeed USB technology, making it possible to utilize SuperSpeed USB peripherals. Sharkoon’s HDD dock has a retail price of around $75. The USB 3.0 host controller card contains an NEC µPD720200 chip and two SuperSpeed USB ports which can connect directly to the PCI-x1 slot on a PCs motherboard and is available for $60.
Industry firm In-Stat predicts that SuperSpeed USB technology will have a broad release by 2012, with around 70 percent of external hard drives, desktops and notebooks containing USB 3.0 ports. SuperSpeed USB compliance and certification will be critical to ensure interoperability in the USB ecosystem.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
USB Battery Charging Test Tool For Mobile Phones, Devices
(November 17th, 2009)
Recently, Allion announced a USB Battery Charging Test Fixture pre-sale, which runs through the end of this month. This USB testing tool easily measures the performance of mobile phone device chargers. The test fixture looks at power consumption, over shoot (signal or function exceeding steady-state value), under shoot (signal or function lower than steady-state value) and short-recover time. The USB test fixture was developed to adhere to the Battery Charging 1.1 Specification defined by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).USB Battery Charging 1.1One feature that makes USB a compelling interconnect technology is its battery charging ability. As USB devices become more powerful and advance with new features, new battery charging capabilities are needed. This is where the USB Battery Charging 1.1 specification, which was released as a new USB Device Class specification earlier this year, comes into play.
New capabilities enabled by Battery Charging 1.1:
Device detection whether they are attached to a PC or charging port. When attached to a charging port, devices can draw power before they are recognized.
Portable devices with dead batteries are now able to draw current from a PC before they are recognized.
Devices plugged into a docking station can act as host to downstream peripherals, while drawing current from the docking station.
The Accessory Charger Adapter enables a portable device with a single Micro-USB connector to charge at the same time it is attached to another device, such as a headset.
Portable devices can reduce connector costs by offering battery charging, connection to a host and/or connection to a peripheral using a single Micro-USB receptacle.
USB test equipment can effectively enhance testing during all product development stages. Allion strives to deliver the most cost effective and competitive testing fixtures to fulfill the needs of developers. Quality testing ultimately leads to quality products and financial savings for customers.
Recently, Allion announced a USB Battery Charging Test Fixture pre-sale, which runs through the end of this month. This USB testing tool easily measures the performance of mobile phone device chargers. The test fixture looks at power consumption, over shoot (signal or function exceeding steady-state value), under shoot (signal or function lower than steady-state value) and short-recover time. The USB test fixture was developed to adhere to the Battery Charging 1.1 Specification defined by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).USB Battery Charging 1.1One feature that makes USB a compelling interconnect technology is its battery charging ability. As USB devices become more powerful and advance with new features, new battery charging capabilities are needed. This is where the USB Battery Charging 1.1 specification, which was released as a new USB Device Class specification earlier this year, comes into play.
New capabilities enabled by Battery Charging 1.1:
Device detection whether they are attached to a PC or charging port. When attached to a charging port, devices can draw power before they are recognized.
Portable devices with dead batteries are now able to draw current from a PC before they are recognized.
Devices plugged into a docking station can act as host to downstream peripherals, while drawing current from the docking station.
The Accessory Charger Adapter enables a portable device with a single Micro-USB connector to charge at the same time it is attached to another device, such as a headset.
Portable devices can reduce connector costs by offering battery charging, connection to a host and/or connection to a peripheral using a single Micro-USB receptacle.
USB test equipment can effectively enhance testing during all product development stages. Allion strives to deliver the most cost effective and competitive testing fixtures to fulfill the needs of developers. Quality testing ultimately leads to quality products and financial savings for customers.
Monday, November 16, 2009
SATA Revision 3.0
(November 11th, 2009)
In May 2009, Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) released the SATA Revision 3.0 specification, which builds upon the success of previous generations of SATA storage device interface technology. Here’s a quick snapshot of the benefits and applications for this new spec:
SATA 3.0 Benefits
Link speeds of 6 Gb/s – twice as fast as SATA Revision 2.0
Low cost
Low power consumption
Backward compatible with previous SATA generations
SATA Interface Usage Found In:
Storage units
Disk drives
Optical
Tape drives
Host bus adaptors
Currently, products based on SATA Revision 3.0 are being introduced to the market for consumers to purchase. Recently, ASUS released the P7P55D-E Premium and P6X58D Premium motherboards. These motherboards contain both SATA 6G (a reference to the 6Gb/s signaling rate) and SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) technology, providing consumers with the connections available both inside and outside of the box. As more SATA 6G technology reaches consumers, it will pave the way for faster internal and external storage, significantly enhancing the computing experience.
Products that have successfully completed rigorous testing for SATA specification interoperability and compliance, assuring products work with other SATA certified devices, are added to the SATA Integrators List . An easy way to participate in SATA interoperability testing is to work with an independent test lab.
Authorized by SATA-IO since 2004, Allion is one of the first official SATA independent test labs offering third party validation for products seeking SATA certification. Each SATA certified logo indicates adherence to the respective SATA specification and can be used on product packaging, Web sites and collateral when the product passes SATA interoperability testing.
Several products incorporating SATA Revision 3.0, including the Marvell® 88SE9128 controller (utilized in the ASUS motherboards), Seagate Barracuda® XT hard drive and Toshiba’s line of 7,200 RPM 2.5-inch Hard Disk Drives, are currently available in the market. Additional certified products will be available in the first half of 2010.
Learn More:
SATA Thinks Small With mSATA
SuperSpeed USB Momentum
In May 2009, Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) released the SATA Revision 3.0 specification, which builds upon the success of previous generations of SATA storage device interface technology. Here’s a quick snapshot of the benefits and applications for this new spec:
SATA 3.0 Benefits
Link speeds of 6 Gb/s – twice as fast as SATA Revision 2.0
Low cost
Low power consumption
Backward compatible with previous SATA generations
SATA Interface Usage Found In:
Storage units
Disk drives
Optical
Tape drives
Host bus adaptors
Currently, products based on SATA Revision 3.0 are being introduced to the market for consumers to purchase. Recently, ASUS released the P7P55D-E Premium and P6X58D Premium motherboards. These motherboards contain both SATA 6G (a reference to the 6Gb/s signaling rate) and SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) technology, providing consumers with the connections available both inside and outside of the box. As more SATA 6G technology reaches consumers, it will pave the way for faster internal and external storage, significantly enhancing the computing experience.
Products that have successfully completed rigorous testing for SATA specification interoperability and compliance, assuring products work with other SATA certified devices, are added to the SATA Integrators List . An easy way to participate in SATA interoperability testing is to work with an independent test lab.
Authorized by SATA-IO since 2004, Allion is one of the first official SATA independent test labs offering third party validation for products seeking SATA certification. Each SATA certified logo indicates adherence to the respective SATA specification and can be used on product packaging, Web sites and collateral when the product passes SATA interoperability testing.
Several products incorporating SATA Revision 3.0, including the Marvell® 88SE9128 controller (utilized in the ASUS motherboards), Seagate Barracuda® XT hard drive and Toshiba’s line of 7,200 RPM 2.5-inch Hard Disk Drives, are currently available in the market. Additional certified products will be available in the first half of 2010.
Learn More:
SATA Thinks Small With mSATA
SuperSpeed USB Momentum
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Windows 7 Testing and Ecosystem Interoperability
This week marked the availability of Windows 7 to consumers worldwide. The operating system is being touted as a vast improvement over its predecessor, Windows Vista. One item that Microsoft focused intensely on when developing Windows 7 was user experience – providing a smooth, snappy and bug free experience for its customers.
So what steps are necessary to deliver a positive experience across the millions of possible PC configurations in the marketplace?
Earlier this summer, we detailed the Windows Logo Program. This program, primarily for hardware manufacturers, ensures that systems and devices will function properly with Windows operating systems (Windows Server® 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7). It also signals to consumers that the product has been tested to verify it meets Microsoft standards for Windows compatibility. This is essential as consumers worldwide load their new Windows 7 discs into millions of PCs from hundreds of manufacturers. What could be a compatibility nightmare appears to be a smooth transition that is bolstering Microsoft’s position in the market. To further ensure that consumers do not run into any roadblocks while making the transition to Windows 7, Microsoft has enhanced the requirements to receive a logo for Windows 7 hardware.
So what steps are necessary to deliver a positive experience across the millions of possible PC configurations in the marketplace?
Earlier this summer, we detailed the Windows Logo Program. This program, primarily for hardware manufacturers, ensures that systems and devices will function properly with Windows operating systems (Windows Server® 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7). It also signals to consumers that the product has been tested to verify it meets Microsoft standards for Windows compatibility. This is essential as consumers worldwide load their new Windows 7 discs into millions of PCs from hundreds of manufacturers. What could be a compatibility nightmare appears to be a smooth transition that is bolstering Microsoft’s position in the market. To further ensure that consumers do not run into any roadblocks while making the transition to Windows 7, Microsoft has enhanced the requirements to receive a logo for Windows 7 hardware.
A new requirement mandates that firms seeking a Windows Logo first secure a USB certification. USB certification is a critical certification in the PC industry, and it will minimize the chance of a consumer’s USB device not performing as anticipated with the Windows operating system. The new policy is critical for hardware vendors and system manufacturers, who are preparing to submit their USB devices and systems for Windows Logo Program submission.
Simply stated, any devices (webcams, keyboards, mice) or hosts (desktops, laptops or netbooks) seeking a Windows logo must first receive certification from the USB Implementers Forum. This certification guarantees compliance to the USB standard and in turn, promotes the greatest level of interoperability between USB hosts and devices.
For consumers, this new requirement is an important step. It will ensure that purchased devices carrying the Windows and certified USB logos will work as expected with their PC bearing the logos.
Simply stated, any devices (webcams, keyboards, mice) or hosts (desktops, laptops or netbooks) seeking a Windows logo must first receive certification from the USB Implementers Forum. This certification guarantees compliance to the USB standard and in turn, promotes the greatest level of interoperability between USB hosts and devices.
For consumers, this new requirement is an important step. It will ensure that purchased devices carrying the Windows and certified USB logos will work as expected with their PC bearing the logos.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
SuperSpeed USB Momentum
(October 26th, 2009)
During the week of Intel Developer Forum San Francisco (Sep. 22-24), the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced that the first certified SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) commercial product was available. Commercial availability of the host controller from NEC Electronics Corporation advances the technology toward broad adoption among host and peripheral manufacturers.
Allion covered the NEC host controller unveiling last May and the certification of the device by the USB-IF is an indication to PC manufacturers that the component will be interoperable with the entire SuperSpeed USB device ecosystem. The NEC Electronics host controller uses a PCI Express 2.0 bus, allowing designers to add up to two USB 3.0 interfaces to systems containing the PCIe interface.
What USB 3.0 Brings to the TableSuperSpeed USB also brings compelling enhancements to the popular USB standard. SuperSpeed USB delivers data transfer rates up to 10 times faster than Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), optimizes power usage and offers backward compatibility with previous generations of USB (see Comparing USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for more).
USB 3.0 AdoptionSo when will USB 3.0 be in the hands of consumers? Analyst firm In-Stat anticipates that SuperSpeed USB will expand upon the broad market adoption of the current USB standard and will make up about 30 percent of the USB market within five years. However, recent announcements from storage manufacturers Buffalo, Freecom and Active Media Products indicate that SuperSpeed USB consumer products will be on store shelves before the end of 2009.
The timeline for USB 3.0 test specification availability is still being determined, but as the technology reaches broader adoption, it is certain test labs will be enabled to verify SuperSpeed USB designs and products.
During the week of Intel Developer Forum San Francisco (Sep. 22-24), the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced that the first certified SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) commercial product was available. Commercial availability of the host controller from NEC Electronics Corporation advances the technology toward broad adoption among host and peripheral manufacturers.
Allion covered the NEC host controller unveiling last May and the certification of the device by the USB-IF is an indication to PC manufacturers that the component will be interoperable with the entire SuperSpeed USB device ecosystem. The NEC Electronics host controller uses a PCI Express 2.0 bus, allowing designers to add up to two USB 3.0 interfaces to systems containing the PCIe interface.
What USB 3.0 Brings to the TableSuperSpeed USB also brings compelling enhancements to the popular USB standard. SuperSpeed USB delivers data transfer rates up to 10 times faster than Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), optimizes power usage and offers backward compatibility with previous generations of USB (see Comparing USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for more).
USB 3.0 AdoptionSo when will USB 3.0 be in the hands of consumers? Analyst firm In-Stat anticipates that SuperSpeed USB will expand upon the broad market adoption of the current USB standard and will make up about 30 percent of the USB market within five years. However, recent announcements from storage manufacturers Buffalo, Freecom and Active Media Products indicate that SuperSpeed USB consumer products will be on store shelves before the end of 2009.
The timeline for USB 3.0 test specification availability is still being determined, but as the technology reaches broader adoption, it is certain test labs will be enabled to verify SuperSpeed USB designs and products.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
SATA thinks small with mSATA
Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO), the consortium behind serial ATA technology, is developing a new specification that will outline a mini-SATA (mSATA) interface controller. The new connector will enable easy SATA integration in small form factor devices. mSATA will offer the same speed and reliability of today’s SATA interface standards; providing system designers and manufacturers high performance and cost-effective storage solutions for small CE products like notebooks and netbooks.
According to PC World the new specification maps SATA signals onto the current small form factor connector Mini PCI Express. This allows for the seamless integration of storage, primarily solid state drives (SSD), into a variety of netbooks and other small, portable electronic devices.The BenefitsOne compelling benefit of the small mSATA connector is that companies can increase storage offerings of devices without sacrificing physical space, a precious commodity on today’s devices. mSATA will support 1.5 Gb/s and 3 Gb/s data transfer rates.
Technology AdoptionAn indication that the technology will see widespread adoption among netbook SSD manufacturers is recent news by storage manufacturer Toshiba introducing a line of mSATA SSDs. The drives are produced using Toshiba’s new 32nm process technology and are available in 30 and 62 GB capacities. Performance was outlined as 180 MBps reading speed with a maximum writing speed of 70 MBps – impressive performance for components designed for low cost PCs.
Testing TimelineThe mSATA connector and products were showcased at Intel Developer Forum in September. No concrete timeline has been given for when the mSATA test specification will be available, but Allion has been testing SATA for many years and looks forward to testing mSATA products.
According to PC World the new specification maps SATA signals onto the current small form factor connector Mini PCI Express. This allows for the seamless integration of storage, primarily solid state drives (SSD), into a variety of netbooks and other small, portable electronic devices.The BenefitsOne compelling benefit of the small mSATA connector is that companies can increase storage offerings of devices without sacrificing physical space, a precious commodity on today’s devices. mSATA will support 1.5 Gb/s and 3 Gb/s data transfer rates.
Technology AdoptionAn indication that the technology will see widespread adoption among netbook SSD manufacturers is recent news by storage manufacturer Toshiba introducing a line of mSATA SSDs. The drives are produced using Toshiba’s new 32nm process technology and are available in 30 and 62 GB capacities. Performance was outlined as 180 MBps reading speed with a maximum writing speed of 70 MBps – impressive performance for components designed for low cost PCs.
Testing TimelineThe mSATA connector and products were showcased at Intel Developer Forum in September. No concrete timeline has been given for when the mSATA test specification will be available, but Allion has been testing SATA for many years and looks forward to testing mSATA products.
From Production to Primetime: TV Testing Makes Viewing Experience Better
Connecting a digital TV to the wide variety of devices found in a home theater can present challenges. TV signals input/output (I/O) interfaces, standards, and device variety are complex, and they can lead to poor connectivity among TVs and devices.
TV tests aid television developers by ensuring product interoperability between the TV and top consumer devices. In determining the top consumer devices, factors such as market share, customer satisfaction, sales ranking and device generation are considered. A reputable testing facility will purchase the newest devices and buy devices from specific locales. TV tests ultimately help developers sell their products by delivering quality products, which lead to positive reviews.
Some common tests to ensure that the TV can function as it should include:
Cable Capability Test: verifies that the TV and devices work properly with bundled cables.Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) test: checks whether the TV can offer DLNA setup and if the TV can play back all supported DLNA files on the connected devices.Full Connection Test: verifies that every I/O port on the TV works properly.Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) Test: verifies CEC function.Input Switching Testing: alters signal sources (switches analog and digital signal source) and verifies the TV’s input and interface functions.Power Function Test: verifies the TV works correctly after powering on or off the TV and devices.Play Back Test: checks if the TV can properly play back media content of the connected device and from the USB interface and determines if the TV can display all supported resolutions.
Ideally, the TV test environment will simulate the most common scenarios for consumers connecting their devices to their TVs. Third party testing at facilities like Allion Test Labs ensure that TVs will properly function.
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