Validation testing is the process of determining if your product works as intended before it’s deployed in the field. For device manufacturers, this step in the product development lifecycle is critical in answering important questions like:
- What are the capabilities and limitations of my device?
- What potential defects may exist?
- Is my device interoperable with existing devices in the field?
In this first blog in a series on validation testing, I’ll discuss the difference between verification vs validation testing for wired and wireless devices and explain different benefits that validation testing offers to help extend the life of your device and ultimately deliver an exceptional product to your end customers.
Verification vs Validation? What’s the Difference?
You might have heard the term verification testing used interchangeably with validation testing, but these two terms shouldn’t be confused. Although interrelated, verification testing is the process of determining whether a product in development meets specific requirements. Verification testing is used to satisfy internal business or customer requirements, but it can also be used for government regulations or standards bodies looking to comply with an outlined specification.
Independent verification and validation (IV&V) testing is when an independent third party performs the testing. There are several considerations and needs that go into a business’ decision to undergo testing by a third party, and I’ll cover that topic more in the next blog in this series.
Do I need validation testing for my wired or wireless device?
When it comes to wired and wireless devices, there are many factors that can contribute to a poor performing devices, such as RF and impulse noise ingress immunity, analogue front-end design, EMC shielding, antenna positioning and more.
Because of those factors, there are several reasons why it makes sense to validate your product before deploying hundreds or thousands of devices and deploying it in live environments.
- Identify potential product defects. Characterization testing using an anechoic chamber can help you understand your device’s performance. This type of testing can help uncover potential defects related to antenna or signal strength, for example. Additional testing can be done in a controlled environment (i.e., semi-anechoic chamber) to understand how your device will perform in simulated real world use-cases and how it interoperates with other devices.
- Ensure a superior customer experience. Additional testing can be done in a less controlled environment (i.e., test house) to understand how your device will perform in a real world environment and how it interacts with other interferences and devices.
Companies who validate their devices will benefit from decreased service calls and lessen the risk of a dampened brand reputation. By understanding the performance of your device before deployment, you’ll save time and money that can be used to delivering great experiences to your customers.
Validation Testing with Kyrio
I hope you understand validation testing and how it can help in ensuring that your networked device work as intended in the field, ultimately enabling a successful user experience for your end customers.
If you’re a CableLabs member or vendor, then you’ve likely worked with Kyrio for your CableLabs certification needs. Separate from certification testing, Kyrio provides deep technical analysis into the performance of your networked device so you can make informed business decisions.
Stay tuned for our next blog on IV&V testing and how you can use it as a differentiator for your products. In the meantime, watch the video below to learn about Kyrio’s testing capabilities.
