GRL C2-EPR: Automated USB PD Compliance Tester for All Specifications

Why is USB PD© compliance testing so challenging?

The USB Power Delivery over Type C© connector is a charging solution that appears simple on the outside, but becomes more complex as you look into it. Owing to ever-developing fast charging standards and USB data speeds, designing devices compatible with USB Type C© connector often proves to be a challenge.

Equipped with complimentary PowerSuite Pro, Sample Scripts, and an extensive selection of APIs, the GRL-USB-PD-C2-EPR (C2-EPR) tester allows users to easily run programs in C# or Python. As a Source and Sink Emulator, the C2-EPR is designed to cut time and cost often associated with USB Power Delivery compliance testing. 

Additionally, the C2-EPR can also empower engineers and manufacturers to validate and debug USB Power Delivery (USB PD) solutions for voltages of up to 240W in a fraction of the usual test time by automating compliance test procedures, 

Which USB Power Delivery specifications does C2-EPR support?

The C2-EPR supports the USB PD 3.1 specification while being fully backwards compatible with the legacy 100W Power Delivery specification. This allows the tester to carry out USB PD© compliance tests for all specifications, including Alt Mode, Qualcomm Quick Charge 5, and legacy quick charge.

Product capability

Clicking on the product capability tab of the C2-EPR will pull up informational mode and compliance mode. Informational mode allows manufacturers to conduct the following functions:

• Read device capabilities
• Run test cases

Under compliance mode, users can kickstart compliance testing by following these steps:

1. Fill in the [Project Name] field.
2. Click on [Load XML VIF File] under the VIF Data Operation section and upload the relevant .xml file. The C2-EPR program will then automatically parse out capabilities supported by the product, including VIF and port label parameters.
3. Go to the [Test Config] tab located on the left-hand column. This will allow users to select tests they wish to run. 
   1. Under normal circumstances, users will select the [All Supported Certifications]. 
   2. The tester will automatically list relevant test cases based on the VIF. Simply select all power delivery test cases displayed.
   3. Click [Start Execution]
4. While the test is running, users will be able to view the following information
   1. Top right: Protocol decode. All protocol decodes are timestamp offset and are aligned with the signals which can be used for easy debugging.
   2. Bottom right: Signals on VBus voltage, current, and CC lines

Power loading related test cases

Multiple EPR request load test

Power loading related test cases are typically the last test cases to load. Users will be able to verify whether their device can obtain the Extended Power Range (EPR) voltage of 48 volts as well as the incremental increase of current until the maximum of 5A is attained.

Voltage transition test

Under this test, the C2-EPR will verify if the device can properly handle voltage transition.

Verifying test results

Expanding upon test results will allow users to delve into the specifics of whether their device met USB power delivery specifications, and what they can do to debug their device in cases of failure. Clicking on a failed test component will open up the protocol decode and allow users to check the packet and root cause of failure.

Selecting the [Download Current DUT Report Data] button will allow users to obtain results in html, pdf, and xml formats. Results will also include waveforms which can be recalled later using GRL software.

A faster way to comply with USB PD

Test your devices the smart way with GRL C2-EPR, designed for accurate and efficient testing of the full USB Power Delivery specification range. Schedule a demo to watch this game changing solution in action, or explore other USB Type-C© solutions for your business.