Mercury - Manufacturing Verification Test Systems
Architecture
11 modular stations for targeted, accurate testing.
The Mercury Manufacturing Verification Test System is composed of eleven types of modular, customizable stations that can be used separately or together, in a combination that works best for you. They incorporate the latest RF measurement technology and test equipment available, forming a complete platform for all of your DOCSIS testing needs.
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| Mercury System map of modular stations |
PCB Label Station
This station is used to generate PCB barcode labels. The labels can then be attached to the PCB. Numerous labels can be printed out simultaneously, thus typically only one PCB Label Station is necessary to achieve high volume manufacturing.
Pre-Configuration Station
This station is used to calculate and store chassis serial numbers. It consists of a PC with 2 ethernet interfaces, bar code scanner, and Averna software.
Configuration / Chassis Label Station
Used to scan PCB numbers from a barcode label on PCB, this station also adds MAC addresses and Serial Numbers to the static database (ensuring no duplicates), sets the factory configuration MIBs, and starts an entry in the production database.
Calibration Station
This station performs downstream calibration of multiple UUTs in parallel. The station has connections for 32 UUTs, 16 of which are calibrated simultaneously. While one bank of 16 UUTs is being calibrated, the other is being connected, allowing for continuous testing.
Voice Test Station
The Mercury Voice Test Station performs signaling and voice frequency measurements on 24 telephony lines simultaneously. Testing is performed using signal generation and acquisition hardware in conjunction with voice interfaces.
Functional Test Station
This station performs CMTS registration, upstream calibration and verification, and network traffic testing on cable modems. Multiple modems are connected and tested in parallel, and the process continues until all UUTs have been tested. A custom Averna RF Test Interface is used to route 12 UUTs to the CMTS.
Final Configuration Station
The Mercury Final Configuration Station consists of a standard PC with Ethernet interface to communicate with the UUT. The station can verify that all tests have passed on the UUT, print bar code labels, and then turn off all factory MIBs.
Carton Label Print
This station consists of a standard PC with bar code scanner to read chassis labels for all UUTs in a carton. A large carton label that contains all carton UUT information is then printed.
Server Station
The Mercury Server Station consists of two identically configured “super” PCs. The server contains all Mercury System databases, and is used for updating configurations of all production test stations.
CMTS Configuration Station
This station contains six CMTSs; three for DOCSIS and three for EuroDOCSIS. The signals from the CMTS are routed to the Mercury Functional Test Station, Voice Test Station, and OBA Station. The PC at this station is used for configuring the CMTSs and is able to control signal level and signal-to-noise level of CMTS signals. An Averna CMTS interface is used for diplex filtering, noise injection, and control of upstream and downstream signal levels and noise levels. A single CMTS station with multiple CMTSs supplies upstream/downstream signals to the Functional Test Station and OBA Station.
Out-of-Box Assurance (OBA) Test Station
Functional Tests, RF Spurious Tests, and Voice Tests are performed on the OBA station on a sampled percentage of units from the production line. This station is also used for PHY-21 verification of units that have been calibrated at the Calibration Station. Typically, about 3-5% of manufactured UUTs are sampled for testing on the OBA station.
For all stations, LEDs indicate running, pass, and fail for each UUT. Averna supplies documentation with details for operation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
