Test & Measurement
Support for your product’s Test & Measurement Life-Cycle
We can help you manage the whole test & measurement life-cycle, providing support at any stage of the product verification process.
We can develop the right automated test equipment (A.T.E.) that will best service your needs to determine the performance of your product, helping you to arrive at your decisions quicker.
Our expert testing solutions include:
Functional Testing
Functional testing checks whether a product works as expected for its intended purpose. For example, a TV remote – we would test if pressing each button changes the channel as it should, and within the right time frame.
The more complex a product, the more functions there are to test, which can make the process take longer. Automation can be used to simulate button presses and other user actions, making it faster and more efficient.
Why do we need functional testing?
Functional testing is essential because it simulates real-life conditions the product may face throughout its lifecycle. It also allows us to replicate any potential faults which may occur due to user error or misuse.
How is it performed?
Functional testing can be broken down into different levels of complexity of the system’s performance based on the product.
For example, the touch screen on a mobile phone would be tested by interacting with apps to check response times. Additionally, the physical buttons on the side of the mobile phone would be tested, such as the lock/unlock button for responsiveness and correct functionality.
Performance specifications
Performance specifications are set by the product design engineer detailing how the product should perform under various conditions. Considerations for setting the specifications include market factors, such as the performance of competitor products (e.g. iPhone vs. Samsung) to ensure the product can compete effectively. The product also needs to adhere to necessary safety and performance standards.
Functional Test Plot
Test Fixture used for testing
Electronic Circuit Boards
Safety Testing
Safety testing looks at the risks a product might pose to people, animals, or the environment. This can be either during normal use or if something goes wrong. These tests are usually required by regulations set by organisations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
For example, a mobile phone needs to pass certain safety tests to ensure the battery won’t overheat or even explode under certain conditions. Safety testing is about making sure products are safe to use and meet the necessary standards before hitting the market.
Mechanical Integrity Testing
Mechanical Integrity Testing checks that mechanical systems are safe and can handle the conditions they’ll be under during use. Such as pressure vessels, pipes, and pumps. It includes things like visual inspections, pressure testing, and non-destructive testing (NDT) to find weaknesses or damage.
This testing is essential to make sure everything runs smoothly. Especially in industries like manufacturing or oil and gas, where equipment failure can lead to serious issues.
EMC Testing
Electromagnetic (EMC) testing will ensure electrical and electronic devices won’t interfere with other equipment or be affected by external electromagnetic fields.
It checks both emission (making sure devices don’t create harmful interference) and immunity (testing how well the device can handle interference from other devices). It’s a crucial part of making sure products meet standards and work well in environments where electromagnetic interference could be a problem.
Endurance Testing
Endurance testing checks how a product, material, or part holds up over time and after repeated use. It’s designed to simulate the wear and tear it will experience during its lifespan. This includes the effects of temperature changes, stress, and mechanical pressure.
This type of testing helps identify weaknesses before they cause failure, ensuring that the product lasts longer and works reliably. Endurance testing is commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
Environmental Testing
Environmental testing is carried out to verify if a product can function properly under different environmental conditions. This includes extreme temperatures, humidity, or shock and vibration. For example, a flight recorder needs to function over a wide range of conditions at high altitudes.
This is important to ensure products can still function properly in the potential conditions they could face in the real world.
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