How to Test USB-C Cable and Connector Compliance

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ENA Vector Network Analyzer
+ ENA Vector Network Analyzer
ENA Vector Network Analyzer
+ ENA Vector Network Analyzer

Testing USB-C cables and connectors based on USB-IF test requirements

Testing the new USB4 Type-C standard cable assemblies requires a series of integrated test parameters corresponding to the incidental and reflective behaviors over a frequency range. The increased bit rates of 80 Gbps to support USB4 protocol bring additional signal integrity challenges, making the test requirements on cables and connectors more stringent. The channel operating margin (COM) and high-speed integrated S-parameter tests include up to 44 sets of S-parameter measurements and execution of USB-IF compliance test tools to verify the results.

Testing USB-C cables using a 4-port vector network analyzer (VNA) can be very manual—calibration, measurement setup, and test execution are time-consuming and prone to user errors. Using modular multiport network analyzers such as PXIe VNA and a switch matrices system capable of handling multiport measurements with compliance test software ensures it meets compliance test requirements and is robust.

USB-C cable and connector compliance test solution

Validating USB-C cable and connector compliance requires a series of S-parameter measurements based on USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) compliance test specifications. The Keysight USB-C cable and connector compliance test solution enables compliance tests and other RF measurements and provides debug characterize tool to ensure product interoperability. The solution comprises the E5080B Vector Network Analyzer running the S96011B Enhanced Time-Domain (E-TDR) application and S94USBCB USB Type-C interconnects compliance test software. Adding the L8990M-0LZ switch matrices system enables a 4-to-20 port switching that fully automates the compliance test process with a 90% improvement in test throughput.
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