Tektronix Delivers Automated Test for MHL CTS 2.0
December 20, 2012. Keeping pace with rapidly evolving standards, Tektronix Inc. has announced immediate availability of an automated test system for the latest Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) Compliance Test Specification (CTS) 2.0 covering transmitter (Tx), receiver (Rx), and dongle testing for both physical (PHY) and protocol layers. The system features a one-box instrument for PHY and protocol testing coupled with a direct synthesis based technology for Rx testing that reduces errors.
Developed by the MHL Consortium, the MHL specification is an HD video and digital audio interface for connecting mobile phones and portable devices to HDTVs and other home entertainment products. Tektronix announced a comprehensive test solution for MHL 1.2 earlier this year and as a contributor to the standard is moving quickly to support the latest specifications as they are released. MHL CTS 2.0 was released on October 16, 2012, and enables a number of important new innovations including Packed Pixel and 3D modes, which will mandate additional testing.
“The MHL specification is evolving rapidly while adding important new capabilities, all of which will increase adoption and importance of the MHL as a mobile industry standard,” said Brian Reich, general manager for performance oscilloscopes at Tektronix. “As the timing of our support for MHL 2.0 demonstrates, we are closely aligned with the MHL Consortium, while also protecting customer investments by allowing them to use MHL 1.2 test setups for MHL 2.0.”
“Tektronix has worked closely with Simplay Labs [an MHL Authorized Test Center] to provide an MHL 2.0 test system with enhanced value-added features,” said Joseph Lias, president of Simplay Labs. “Simplay Labs is dedicated to providing advanced testing solutions for standards-based consumer electronics products and we are looking forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Tektronix to support fully compliant, high-performance MHL 2.0 products in the marketplace.”
Tektronix’s MHL protocol analyzer software leverages the same Tektronix real-time oscilloscope, such as a DPO/DSA/MSO70000 Series, used for physical-layer testing to provide complete MHL protocol test. This one box approach enables a seamless transition between physical and link layers.
Testing efficiency is further enhanced with direct synthesis-based Rx and dongle testing that provides accurate MHL signal generation, including all of the impairments necessary to meet MHL CTS 2.0 requirements. The direct synthesis solution provides easier, more repeatable test set-ups and lower cost compared to complex sink-based solutions for generating signal impairments.
Option MHD with MHL CTS 2.0 support is available now worldwide. Setups used for MHL CTS 1.2 testing can continue to be used for CTS 2.0.