RFI Global Services launches 'OMNIPASS'

29 March 2007

RFI Global Services, today announced the launch of OMNIPASS, bringing handset manufacturers access to automated RF testing at a significant lower cost.

Owning a validated RF Cellular conformance test platform is an expensive business. With a purchase price typically in excess of £1M ($2M), ongoing maintenance of 15% of the purchase price, upgrades over its working life and staffing costs to operate the system, an RF test system can cost upwards of £0.5M ($1M) per year. A modestly priced RF Automation system which can reduce staffing costs or increase the test system utilisation by just 10% provides a very compelling Return On Investment (ROI). RFI Global Services has developed OMNIPASS, an automated system comprising hardware and software, to meet this need.

OMNIPASS works for almost any mobile terminal and currently supports RF testing platforms from Rohde & Schwarz and Anite, and in the future will support the Anritsu TRX RF system and protocol test systems from a variety of vendors. The application is hosted and run on an external PC without impacting on test system performance. There is no need for test system customisation nor is any additional loading placed on the test system. OMNIPASS supports all commonly used test support equipment, while allowing easy updating to include new devices. It schedules all tasks during the automation process, fully automating RF conformance test cases (including environmental conditions). Other features include four methods of powering on the mobile, full control and command logging for traceability purposed required for ISO17025, mobile state monitoring and the ability to save and re-use configurations.

OMNIPASS also forms a part of RFI's managed services designed to give manufacturers more options and control over test costs. Richard Jacklin, director and head of RFI Cellular explained,

"We are actively committed to developing flexible and innovative approaches to testing that will give manufacturers more choice. One aspect of OMNIPASS is that it can be controlled remotely over the internet allowing RFI to manage and run tests at the Manufacturer's lab, freeing up engineers for other activities. This also paves the way for RFI to 'sponsor' the manufacturer's lab and run accredited tests remotely. Benefits include reduced manpower cost and potentially frees up the test system to be used under RFI's accreditation and management."

The automation system consists of two pieces of custom hardware to enable the automation process; an Electro-mechanical Switch actuator, used to switch 'on and off' the terminal under test and an Automation Controller providing the software with an interface to control power and switch contacts for the mobile terminal (and control for the mechanical Switch actuator).

For further information, please e-mail marketing@rfi-global.com, telephone + 44(0) 1256 312000 or visit www.rfi-global.com

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