Automation and Validation of USB Type C Interface

Abstract

As technology has advanced from USB 1.0 to USB 2.0 and from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 devices, the connector has still remained the same. Even after USB 3.1 the speed has increased, but the size limitations still persist. Devices which requires USB have massive USB ports which does not fit on smart phones, game controllers and digital cameras, and the other devices where plug in via USB is required. To facilitate this, Type C was introduced. Type C is a new technology that can support new USB standards like USB 3.1 and USB power delivery. USB Type C is most commonly used in Intel platforms and has replaced USB Type A and Type B connectors. Intel has integrated Type C features on its platform. Apple has started its use in the MacBook, but its not restricted to Apple-only technology, it will shortly be appearing in other devices also. This project is based on the Type C interface and its automation. Automation aim is to reduce execution time, man hours as well as the dependency on human labor. The purpose of this project is to determine the validation challenges and find effective solution for it. There are multiple challenges which user are facing, some of them are validation of Type C. It is a new technology hence the validation and the debugging methods are not well defined hence it creates a drift in execution and debugging. Various debugging tools are used in the Intel projects to enhance the quality of the validation/debugging and automation helps in reducing the validation time. For an instance if the stress test is done manually, it will take more than 9 hour and same can be done in 3 hours only with the help of automation.