TCU manufacturing testing

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Efficient production test solutions for multi-technology Telematics Control Units

The Telematics Control Unit (TCU) is the fundamental part of a vehicle that enables wireless connectivity to the outside world. It integrates modems such as a Network Access Device (NAD) for various wireless standards such as 2G, 4G (LTE), 5G, C-V2X, Bluetooth (BLE), UWB, WiFi & GNSS as well as infotainment services such as AM/FM, DAB+ and HD-Radio^TM. Additionally, the TCU also hosts the supporting modules such as antennas, eSIM, signal processing, power management and interfaces to in-vehicle networks such as CAN and Ethernet. Because it enables the wireless connectivity for important functions such as eCall, ADAS, OTA software updates, diagnostics, audio and navigation, testing its correct operation on a functional and RF level is essential in the lab and on the production line.

TCU manufacturing test systems from Rohde & Schwarz provide complete test coverage across all required technologies and provide the speed and scalability necessary to ensure efficient measurement of these highly complex and critical modules.

Your challenges

Ensure full, standards-compliant test coverage for multi-technology TCUs
Maximize efficiency of operational production lines by increasing throughput & maximizing yield
Quickly set up new production lines or adapt existing ones to bring new products to market
Minimize lifecycle costs and equipment footprint
Production sites work on global scale and require local full service & maintenance support

Features of Rohde & Schwarz test solutions

R&S®ExpressTSVP cPCIe/PXIe-based modular instrument platform covering all non-RF TCU interfaces
R&S®CMW100 or R&S®CMP180 testers support parallel wireless testing of multiple DUTs
Ability to make board-level (FCT, ICT & BS) and End-of Line (EoL) test
RF shielded chambers with isolation of up to 80dB
Use our support, system integrators or your own capabilities for application-specific, turn-key solutions

Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz solutions

Cost efficiency from scalable, future-proof, integrated solutions covering all relevant wireless technologies
Increased yield from high accuracy, low error-budget test system
Optimized test time by simultaneous test of multiple technologies and devices
Reduced life cycle cost due to on-site calibration of equipment on factory floor (incl. IATF-16949)
Maximized uptimes due to global service and spare part availability based on cost-efficient SLAs

If you would like further information about our test solutions, please contact us.

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TCU production testing expert

Thomas Seeger, IPTE, Head of Test Central Europe

"Combining R&S's industry-leading connectivity test equipment with IPTE's expertise in automated assembly, we provide turnkey solutions for testing Telematic Control Units. Our services include handling, adaptation, and customized test applications, tailored to customer needs. With deep RF testing experience and automotive industry knowledge, we bridge development, validation, and production, helping customers accelerate time-to-market and improve efficiency."

Martina Neuherz, Market Segment Manager Automotive, Rohde & Schwarz

“TCUs are becoming ever-more complex with increased number of wireless standards being added and embedded intelligence. This, combined with the pressure to bring a prototype design from the development lab to high-volume production as fast as possible, is well appreciated at Rohde & Schwarz.

That is why we have developed the R&S Telematics Control Unit test platform, able to simultaneously test multiple technologies and devices in the minimum time with maximum accuracy and a very small footprint, less cabling and simplified handling. Ultimately, it optimizes the complex task of TCU production testing and ensures the performance and function of these critical vehicle modules.”

TCU testing products

R&S® Express TSVP: Test system versatile platform

Key facts:

Modular test platform based on PXI Express
Perfect for board-level and EoL testing in combination with R&S -RF instruments
Embedded CPU with state-of-the-art performance

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R&S® Compact TSVP: Test system versatile platform

Key facts:

Modular test platform based on PXI
Perfect for board-level and EoL testing in combination with R&S -RF instruments
Internal signal routing via R&S analog measurement bus

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R&S®CMW100 Communications manufacturing test set

Key facts:

Continuous frequency range up to 6 GHz
Parallel testing on up to eight bidirectional RF ports
Wide range of methods to reduce test time and maximize capacity utilization
Fanless for silent operation – highest reliability due to dustproof housing

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R&S®CMP180: Radio Communication Tester

Key facts:

Up to two independent RF channels (2x VSA / 2x VSG)
Increased number of RF ports (2x8)
Self-alignment for accuracy adjustment at any time

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R&S®CMP200: Radio Communication Tester

Key facts:

UWB Tx, Rx, ToF and AoA measurement
Parallel testing of multiple DUTs
5G FR2 capability
Ideal for R&D and production

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R&S®CMQ200 shielding cube

Key facts:

Perfect for mass production OTA testing
Drawer concept for automated handling
Ready for UWB, 5G and other technologies

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R&S®TS7124 RF shielded box

Key facts:

Shielding effectiveness > 80 dB
Customizable antenna configuration
Robust design for over 1 million opening and closing cycles

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Resources for TCU production testing

Partnership video: R&S and IPTE collaborate on 5G TCU production testing

Find out how the collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and IPTE enables TCU vendors to bridge the gap between product development, validation and automated production.

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Webinar: Manufacturing test of automotive ECUs with maximum efficiency

Mass production of Electronic Control Units (ECU) requires fully automated, reliable and compact test solutions. Watch this webinar to learn more about how to test complex ECUs with high-speed digital interfaces (e.g. automotive Ethernet) and conventional communications (e.g. CAN, CAN-FD, LIN). You will get insights into In-Circuit, Boundary Scan and Functional Testing of analog and digital components on a production line.

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Application Card: Efficient Testing of Electronic Control Units in Automotive Applications

Today’s cars are highly integrated and interconnected. Up to 150 embedded electronic control units (ECUs) in a car secure a convenient and safe driving experience. Download this application card to find out how to test ECUs on a production line.

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Application Note: Automotive UWB Device Testing Over the Air

OTA UWB device testing reflects the usage of DUT in a real conditions and provides an accurate characterization of its performance. In this application note, the R&S® OTA test solution covering transmitter (Tx), receiver (Rx) and Time of Flight (ToF) testing in Wireless Automated Testing (WMT) environment is described based on the NXP Trimension™ NCJ29D5 UWB automotive IC.

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