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Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual

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Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual
The Advanced Cable Tester v2 (ACT v2) provides an easy-to-
use web interface that allows for remote operation and logging.
The ACT v2 can be operated over USB or over Ethernet. The
ACT v2 can also be configured to operate in a stand-alone
mode that does not require a host PC. The tester provides audio
and visual pass/fail indicators for qualification of cables without
the need for the graphical interface.
Designed to be modular and flexible, the ACT v2 has
replaceable modules that are designed to support specific types
of cables. The following cable types are currently supported and
more cables will be included in the future:
• USB Type-C to USB Type-C
• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Standard-A
• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Standard-B
• USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Micro-B
• USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Standard-B
• USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Micro-B
• USB Type-C to MFi Lightning
• USB 3.1 Standard-A to MFi Lightning
• HDMI Type A to HDMI Type A
A complete battery of tests is performed when a cable is
plugged in. These test include:
• Continuity/Wiring - cable specific and customizable
• DC Resistance - pin and wire measurements, Rd, Rp, Ra,
and more
• Signal Integrity - configurable from 518 MHz to 12.8 GHz on
up to 5 differential pairs
• E-Marker Verification - PD2/PD3 verification, Quiescent
Current
• Apple MFi Mandated Tests - Over Voltage Protection,
Quiescent Current, Source Measurement Unit Tests
Advanced Cable Tester v2
User Manual v2.0.0
May 17, 2019

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  • Page 1 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual The Advanced Cable Tester v2 (ACT v2) provides an easy-to- use web interface that allows for remote operation and logging. The ACT v2 can be operated over USB or over Ethernet. The ACT v2 can also be configured to operate in a stand-alone mode that does not require a host PC.
  • Page 2 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 1 Quick Start Guide The Advanced Cable Tester v2 was designed with the factory in mind. Once a valid cable connector module is installed and the user has selected a valid test profile, the tester is configured and ready to test.
  • Page 3 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Enter the USB IP address from the product label on the back of the ACT v2 tester. This will take you to the main web application interface. Install a cable connector module into the module bay of the ACT v2 tester.
  • Page 4 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Once the tests complete, the cable will either Pass or Fail the test requirements. The appropriate state will be displayed on the LCD screen and the web application. To re-test the same cable, click the Re-Test button in the web application.

  • Page 5: General Overview

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware and how to use both. Figure 1 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware Designed to be modular and flexible, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 has replaceable modules that are designed to support specific types of cables. Table 1 lists all the cable...
  • Page 6 - Over Voltage Protection, Quiescent Current, Source Measurement Unit Tests The Advanced Cable Tester v2 can be operated with or without a computer or tablet. The tester provides clear audio and visual feedback to test operators to indicate whether DUT passed or failed for fast processing.
  • Page 7 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 E-Marker testing reads the data from all E-Markers present on the cable, then validates the advertised data and power capabilities against the actual measured parameters of the cable. Additionally, the values of fields such as Vendor ID, Product ID, Test ID, firmware and hardware versions can be specified by the operator, for easy pass/fail...

  • Page 8: Device Specifications

    3 Device Specifications 3.1 Hardware Specifications Figure 2 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware Table 2 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 - Front Screen LCD screen provides pass/fail and progress information. Please see Standalone Operation Overview for more information about how to use the ACT v2 in standalone mode.
  • Page 9 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 3 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware - Back Table 3 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 - Back...
  • Page 10 3.1.1 Securing the ACT v2 to a Work Surface Figure 4 : Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware with brackets installed. Optional mounting brackets can be installed on the ACT v2 tester so that it can be secured to a work surface.

  • Page 11: Software Specifications

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 3.2 Software Specifications • The web interface requires the latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome web browser • Test Profiles: Held in non-volatile storage on the Promira platform • Test Results: Up to 1 million test results are stored in a circular buffer in non- volatile storage.

  • Page 12: General Operation

    4 Advanced Cable Tester v2 Hardware 4.1 General Operation The Advanced Cable Tester v2 was designed with the factory in mind. Once a valid cable connector module is installed and the user has selected a valid test profile, the tester is configured and ready to test.
  • Page 13 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 computer or tablet in the 10.0.0.0/24 range. The IP address of the USB interface can be found on the labels on the back of the device. Windows 1. Connect ACT v2 to PC with USB cable.
  • Page 14 Otherwise, close this window, skip RNDIS driver installation in the next step and continue to the following step. 3. Install RNDIS driver: a. Right-click on Total Phase Platformdevice and select Update Driver Software... When prompted to choose how to search for device driver software, choose Browse my computer for driver software.
  • Page 15 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 e. The Total Phase ACT v2 device is now installed and ready for use. 4. From the Start menu, select Control Panel | Network and Internet | Network and Sharing Center. 5. Select Change adapter settings on the left panel.
  • Page 16 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 5 : Windows Change adapter settings window. 7. Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4).
  • Page 17 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 6 : Windows Network Interface Properties dialog. 8. Select Obtain IP address automatically and also select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  • Page 18 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 7 : Windows IPv4 Properties dialog. 9. Select OK and Close to dismiss the dialogs. 10. In order to make sure it is ready or to know the IP address of the Advanced Cable Tester v2, right-click on the USB Ethernet/RNDIS Gadget adapter, select Status and then select Details..
  • Page 19 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 8 : Windows Connection Details. 11. Select OK and Close to dismiss the dialogs. Linux 1. Connect ACT v2 to PC with USB cable. 2. Use ifconfig -a to determine the network interface of ACT v2. If you do not recognize which one is the new interface, compare the lists from ifconfig -a before and after plugging in the device.
  • Page 20 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 3. The Advanced Cable Tester v2 will be shown as tppx. Mac OS X 1. Connect ACT v2 to PC with USB cable. 2. Select Network under System Preferences. 3. Select Total Phase Platform Figure 9 : Mac OS X Network Preferences window.

  • Page 21: Web Management Interface

    192.168.11.1. The network preferences can be modified using the web management interface of the Advanced Cable Tester v2 to discover the address that was assigned. The web management interface can also be used to configure a static IP address for the ACT v2 tester.

  • Page 22: Device Information

    When submitting a support request, please make sure that this information is included in your request as it will help the Total Phase support team more rapidly diagnose any potential problems.

  • Page 23: Clock Control

    4.3.3 Firmware/License Update Firmware and license updates are easy to perform through the web management interface. Both types of updates will be provided as a PMU file from Total Phase. To install the PMU: 1. Click on Choose File and select a PMU file on your local file system 2.
  • Page 24 4.4 Powering the Advanced Cable Tester v2 To ensure consistent and reliably tests, the ACT v2 tester must be powered by the included power adapter. If another power adapter is used, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 device may not have enough power to operate properly.

  • Page 25: Operation Overview

    After the test is complete, once the cable is removed from the Advanced Cable Tester v2, it is ready to start a test as soon as the next cable is installed.
  • Page 26 Testing state. In the Testing state, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 will test the cable against the parameters defined in the selected test profile. Once the test is complete and the test report is saved in the internal database, the tester will be in the Done state.

  • Page 27: Standalone Operation

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 6 Standalone Operation Once the ACT v2 tester has been configured with a test profile via the web interface, it can be operated directly without a computer or tablet. The on-board LCD screen and audio will provide the operator with feedback on the current state of the tester and the pass/fail status of the inserted DUT.
  • Page 28 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Fail The inserted cable has failed one or more of the test requirements. Detailed test results can be accessed via the web application. A fail audio cue will also play upon completion of the tests.

  • Page 29: Connector Modules

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 7 Connector Modules The Advanced Cable Tester supports testing a large variety of cables via a system of easily interchangeable modules. Each module is rated for 10,000 tests, guaranteeing cost effective and accurate cable test results.
  • Page 30 This is to ensure that a worn connector is not used for testing. Once the Advanced Cable Tester v2 has been configured with a test profile and is in the READY state, the LED under the connector to use will be illuminated. The ACT v2 will...

  • Page 31: User Interface Overview

    • Responsive design: Single web interface is compatible with mobile browsers, tablets, and PCs. • Standalone mode: Advanced Cable Tester v2 can operate without a connection to a host device. • Test profiles: stored on the device. Test profiles can be imported and exported to share between devices.

  • Page 32: Language Support

    System messages and alerts will also appear in the main body. Similar to the LCD screen on the Advanced Cable Tester v2, the sidebar on the left side of the screen displays the current state of the tester.
  • Page 33 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 15 : Web Application - Sidebar Status Table 6 : States of the Advanced Cable Tester v2...
  • Page 34 8.2.1 Installing a Connector Module The functionality of the Advanced Cable Tester v2 application will be limited until a module is physically installed in the tester. If there is no module, the header will indicate "No Module" and the following message will be displayed in the application:...

  • Page 35: Test Profile

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 16 : Web Application - Invalid Module Message 8.2.2 Test Profile Below the status indicator is the current test profile section. In the example below, the current test profile is "USB Full-Featured Type-C Cable, SuperSpeed Gen2, 5A, PD3."...

  • Page 36: Cable Testing

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Changing Test Profile Figure 21 : Web Application - Workflow to change test profile. The Change button allows the operator to change the currently selected profile. Clicking the button will open a modal dialog which will present all the test profiles that are available based on which connector module is installed.
  • Page 37 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 22 : Web Application - Test Progress Once a test is complete, a test report summary is displayed. In general, the test summary displays when the test was run, the test profile that defined the test parameters, any custom tags defined, the detected cable terminations (and their...
  • Page 38 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 23 : Web Application - Passing Cable Test Figure 24 : Web Application - Failing Cable Test Click on the Details button to see the detailed test report. Additionally, it is possible to...
  • Page 39 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Re-testing a Cable After a cable test is complete, it is possible to re-test the cable by clicking on the "Re- Test" button. 8.2.4 Test limit warning Warning messages will appear as the ACT v2 or the installed connector modules approach the end of their usable life.
  • Page 40 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 8.3 Reports All cable test stored on the ACT v2 are accessible in the Reports section and are listed in a table format. Individual test reports can be viewed by clicking on the test report of interest.
  • Page 41 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 the Select or Unselect buttons. These buttons will only select or unselect the visible page of test reports. Delete One or more selected test reports can be deleted by clicking the Delete button. A confirmation dialog will appear to confirm the number of reports that will be deleted.

  • Page 42: Report Management

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 8.4.1 Report Management Users also have the ability to Export or Delete the report directly in the individual test report view. The export and delete functionality is the same as on the Reports page.

  • Page 43: Continuity Tests

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Green Green pins were the pins involved in a passing test. In tests where there is a source and sink, green pins indicate the source pin or pins on a passing test. In tests where there is a source and sink, light green pins indicate the sink Light Green pin or pins on a passing test.
  • Page 44 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Pass/fail status of the test Status Wire Name of the wire/signal Plug 1 The pins on Plug 1 that are actually to be associated with this wire/signal. Expected Plug 1 The pins on Plug 1 that are expected to be associated with this wire/signal.

  • Page 45: Signal Integrity

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Table 9 : DC Resistance Test Report Pass/fail status of the test Status High-level grouping of measurements, e.g. VBUS pins Group Human readable name for the pin/wire being measured Label Sources Pins on the source side of the measurement...
  • Page 46 8.4.6 E-Marker E-Marker tests check for the presence or absence of E-Marker chip(s) in USB Type-C connectors. The Advanced Cable Tester v2 supports Power Delivery Specification, Revision 2 (PD2) and Power Delivery Specification, Revision 3 (PD3). The presence/ absence test reports are grouped by PD specification and present the following...
  • Page 47 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 32 : Web Application - Individual Test Report - E- Marker Section Table 11 : E-Marker Presence Test Report Pass/fail status of the test. If there is no pass/fail indicator, the test report is...

  • Page 48: Overvoltage Protection

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Expected Expected VDO value Measured Actual VDO value 8.4.7 Lightning Plug This test report is only available to unit that have been licensed for MFi members. This report will indicate what type of Lightning connector was found in the cable under test.
  • Page 49 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 34 : Web Application - Individual Test Report - Quiescent Current Section Table 14 : Quiescent Current Test Report Pass/fail status of the test. If there is no pass/fail indicator, the test...
  • Page 50 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 35 : Web Application - Individual Test Report - Source Measurement Unit Section Table 13 : Source Measurement Unit Test Report Pass/fail status of the test. Status Group High-level grouping of measurements, e.g. Current Limit Test Label The scenario being tested, this is specific to the specification of the cable.

  • Page 51: Profiles Management

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 36 : Web Application - All Test Profiles The test profiles table is a list of the names of all test profiles available on the ACT v2 and the module associated with the test profile. The number of test profiles displayed can be changed by using the Rows drop-down menu to change the number of rows visible.
  • Page 52 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 appended to the Profile Name. Once the profile has been copied, the application will automatically open this profile in edit mode. Delete It is not possible to delete system test profiles. Only user generated test profiles can be deleted.

  • Page 53: Profile Management

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 37 : Web Application - Individual Profile 8.6.1 Profile Management Four actions are available to users to manage test profiles in the list view. The user can Export, Copy, Edit, and Delete the profile.

  • Page 54: Test Parameters

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Copy The test profile can be copied by clicking on the Copy button. The new profile will have " COPY" and a timestamp appended to the Profile Name. Once the profile has been copied, the application will automatically navigate to the new copy.
  • Page 55 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 8.6.3 Test Profile Editing A user defined test profile can be edited by clicking the Edit button at the bottom of the test profile page. Figure 38 : Web Application - Individual Profile - Edit Mode In the edit interface, required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
  • Page 56 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Text field Text fields support entry of Unicode text. Number field Data in number fields can be entered in all common formats: binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal. Binary strings must be prefixed with "0b", octal strings must be prefixed with "0o", and hexadecimal strings much be prefixed with "0x".
  • Page 57 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Figure 39 : Web Application - Individual Profile - Insertion Loss Field To add a new frequency and dB loss pair, simply enter the data into the blank fields at the bottom of the table and click the + button. The new data pair will be added as a new row in the table at the appropriate location.

  • Page 58: Device Information

    To cancel the changes made, click on the Cancel button. Please note that any changes made will be lost and are not recoverable. 8.7 Settings The Settings section provides general information about the Advanced Cable Tester v2 and the ability to change core settings. Figure 42 : Web Application - Settings 8.7.1 Device Information...
  • Page 59 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Device Name The Device Name appears in the main navigation header throughout the Advanced Cable Tester v2 web application. If multiple ACT v2 tester are in use, it provides an easy way to differentiate the devices. To change the name of the tester, simply enter the new name and click the Update button.
  • Page 60 This section displays information specific to the cable connector module that is currently installed in the Advanced Cable Tester v2. The ACT v2 detects when a module has been inserted or removed and will update the information displayed here. If no cable module is installed, the interface will indicate that "No Module Installed."...
  • Page 61 Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 Test Count The total number of cable tests that have been performed on the Connector Module. A Connector Module is rated for up to 10,000 cable tests at which point the wear on the connectors make test results unreliable.
  • Page 62 Total Phase product could cause personal injury or loss of life. Should a Total Phase product be used in such an unauthorized manner, Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Total Phase, its...

  • Page 63: Contact Information

    Advanced Cable Tester v2 User Manual v2.0.0 use, even if such claim alleges that Total Phase was negligent in the design or manufacture of its product. 9.3 Contact Information Total Phase can be found on the Internet at http://www.totalphase.com/. If you have support-related questions, please go to the Total Phase support page at http:// www.totalphase.com/support/.

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