Product Test
What is Product Test?
Beyond Bring-up Test, there are numerous other types of testing in the product development cycle. Some of these tests are required by law, while others are discretionary. The discretionary tests include Engineering Verification Testing (EVT), Design Verification Testing (DVT), and Product Verification Testing (PVT). Each of these tests provide a degree of “robustness” testing that help predict the long-term reliability of the product. In many cases, these tests require custom software to automate the tests.
Compliance Testing is legally required for almost all electronic products. The specific compliance tests that are required are dependent upon the functionality of the device, the market where the device is being used, and the country/geographic location where the device will be sold. Examples of Compliance Testing commonly required for items sold in the US include FCC testing for emissions and UL testing for safety.
Arira’s Role in Product Test
Arira can help determine what product tests are required by law, and what tests are recommended for long-term reliability of the product. Once the tests to be performed have been determined, Arira can help author test plans for each. Some of the Product Tests can be executed within Arira’s lab, while others require external lab time.
Compliance testing must be run through an outside lab for certification and typically requires automated test software. An Arira team member can facilitate this testing at the lab. Compliance testing is typically run on 1-2 devices for each test type.
Engineering Validation Test (EVT)
This is a labor-intensive test that reviews performance of the design versus expectations. An Arira team member will measure and record signals with an oscilloscope. The results will be reviewed to determine if sufficient margin exists in the design. EVT is typically run on 1-2 devices.
Emissions and Radiation Testing
Arira can help author test plans to test for Compliance with regulatory standards such as FCC, CE, NEBS, and DO-160. These tests typically require automated software. An Arira team member can facilitate testing at the lab, review results, and make any necessary design updates based on the results.
Safety Testing
Arira can help determine whether safety testing is legally required for a product, and, if so, what specific tests are needed. Once a plan of action has been determined, an Arira team member can facilitate testing at the lab, review results, and make any necessary design updates based on the results.
Additional Product Test Deliverables
Design Validation Test (DVT)
Design Verification Testing (DVT) is run to verify functionality of the device under extreme conditions (i.e. max and min temperature, max and min input voltage, drop tests, etc.) Most of these tests require automated test software and special equipment available at outside labs. An Arira team member can facilitate this testing at the lab. DVT is typically run on 2-5 devices.
Product Validation Testing (PVT)
Product Verification Testing (PVT) is typically a longer duration test that ensures the unit continues to operate as expected over time. Frequently, these tests include changes to the environment (i.e. raising/lowering temperature) during the test period. Most of these tests require automated test software and may require special equipment available at outside labs. An Arira team member can facilitate this testing at the lab. PVT is typically run on 10+ devices.
Praise from Our Partners
Michael Johnson, Head of Products
Performance Software
"Arira has provided excellent engineering services for the development of hardware for an avionics product. Their highly skilled and experienced engineering resources have been invaluable in the overall support of high quality and efficient product development. Arira has proven to be very adaptable to the complex and changing requirements as well as providing invaluable support in working with other development partners. Arira delivers a great customer experience."
Justin Dollinger, Engineer
Room Inc.
"Arira Design is truly a one stop shop for everything electronic. The team has helped us with everything from circuit board design to firmware development to safety certifications of high voltage systems. The team is always quick to respond, treats us fairly, and operates gracefully when we tend to increase the scope mid-project. Overall, I would strongly recommend Arira Design to anyone looking for similar help."
Kenneth North, VP of Engineering
Elo Touch
"Elo has been using Arira Design for their schematic and layout review, as well as PCBA design services for the past 20 years. Arira offers a quick turnaround and detailed design review process. They've been able to find issues that even our internal resources have missed. Saving Elo weeks, if not months, of potential schedule impact by making these changes later. Arira's engineering review team, on numerous occasions, will get on a call to explain their findings so the same mistakes don't occur ... We would recommend Arira's services to anyone looking for schematic/layout review or design services."
Jim Reding, CEO
Aroma Retail
“Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Excellent R&D partner. We developed a control module with mobile app from scratch, for a new aroma diffusion machine with a completely unique user interface. The entire Arira team was highly knowledgeable, reliable, transparent, and professional. While the project was completed under budget and on time, and the final product far exceeded my expectations, the most important value to me was the relationship. Arira Design, with Craig Paulsen as my main point of contact, remains an important ally as they help me navigate the current global supply disruptions. I cannot over-express my gratitude for their concern and help in making sure I do not run out after launch of the new machine. It was Craig from Arira that reached out to me to alert me to the long-lead issues that required early purchase or substitutes; otherwise, I would not have seen it coming soon enough to adjust. I consider Craig and his crew an extension of my team.”
Client in stealth mode
"Arira just handles it. I can't say that enough. I can throw things over the fence, not look into every detail and they work with me to define our product. I don't feel overburdened with every single detail up front, and they're very quick to react and make changes. We've been able to keep designs flexible and serviceable. For a growing company looking to find our product market fit I can't imagine a better experience. Craig is a pleasure to work with, is incredibly knowledgeable and handles my stupid questions very well. The supporting engineers he's brought directly to us like James or behind the scenes have always been very professional and knowledgeable."