The client  →  GENCO ATC

      What was tested  →  Cable Set-Top Boxes

      Cover for cable set-top box tester case study
      CASE STUDY

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      The Challenge

      As the volume of returned but still usable consumer devices skyrockets, there’s a huge market to evaluate and repair them. Companies that can do this quickly and efficiently stand the best chance of succeeding in the highly competitive reverse-logistics (3PL) industry.

      GENCO ATC approached Averna for a turnkey solution that could automatically run a wide range of tests, including power up, video (RF, CVBS, S-Video, CAV, HDMI), audio (analog, digital, HDMI), LEDs, buttons, remote controls, Ethernet and HPNA.

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      14

      Turnaround Time for Complete Test Station Build (in Weeks)

      9

      Major Categories of Audio-Video Functions Tested

      16

      Number of UUTs Tested & Fixed Simultaneously

      9

      Number of Repeat Stations Ordered from Averna

      Diagram of set-top box tester solution for audio, video and connectivity

      The Solution

      Averna proposed its Multimedia Test Platform (MTP), a modular and automated, multi-up station that can simultaneously test multiple technologies such as audio, video, USB, Ethernet, and wireless while optimizing instrument use.

      The MTP is based on PXIe modules from National Instruments, including analog and digital audio and video analyzers. For test sequencing and execution, it employs NI TestStand and LabVIEW.

      For this project, Averna integrated GENCO ATC’s existing tests and sequences into the MTP, which itself was integrated into GENCO ATC’s Evalue8™ platform.

      Due to its flexible architecture, the MTP can test 8 set-top boxes at the same time. During testing, an operator loads 8 additional units on a second rack, so there’s no downtime during the screening and diagnostic cycles.

      Results & Benefits

      • Quickly analyzes defective set-top boxes and identifies problems for repair
      • Automation improves throughput while reducing handling and labor costs
      • Flexible architecture and fixturing enables client to process devices from multiple vendors

      With more than 10 MTPs now deployed, GENCO ATC has extended its automated test coverage to audio and video, increased productivity and lowered costs.

      SEE THE RESULTS