Successful Applications - Recab HW test platform

Recab HW Test Platform

The customer approached Recab looking for a special test system for development of communications services. Recab had previously carried out several projects with similar technical requirements, so it was a good match. All design work was done in cooperation with the end customer, most of it before the specification was fixed – the usual situation when a customer is developing cutting-edge technology.

System responsibilityA key factor for the customer was Recab’s ability to take system responsibility. We had to handle all technical issues, logistics, liability and insurance. This is common for Recab in major development projects. Customers want a contract that clearly delineates who handles problems if anything goes wrong.

“All design work was done in cooperation with the end customer, most of it before the specification was fixed – the usual situation when a customer is developing cutting-edge technology.”

Synchronization, determinacy, expandability
The Recab HW test platform is a versatile µTCA platform that is based on SRIO backplane connectivity due to certain requirements that no other topologies could meet. Synchronization and determinacy are the key factors.

Another key factor is expandability. It has to be easy to expand the number of Freescale processors up to as many as 12 boards, enabling the number of simulated users in a mobile network to be increased.

The test system has now been delivered for over 8 years, with 300+ deliveries, enabling our customer to focus on developing their world-class application.

System requirements

• Special requirements on the system clock
• Custom FPGA implementation
• Expandable system
• Long lifetime
• Lifecycle management
• 24 hour burn-in test, with software and load-test
• Integration with system responsibility

Technical specifications

• µTCA topology
• 19” rack mounting
• 48 VDC power supply for telecommunications
• Freescale AMC
• MCH with SRIO support
• Special clock and connectors
• Minimum backplane bandwidth of 10Mbit/s
• Custom FW implementation
• 24/7 operation