These call boxes regenerate the real world networks (like ATT, Verizon) inside the labs.When tests are performed in labs on the aforementioned call boxes it is called Lab testing.Usually the tests performed under sanity are : CS (Voice) call setup/end – Mobile Originated/Mobile Terminated, CS call maintenance (MO/MT) PS (data) throughput tests, Multi-RAB tests (CS+PS), SMS, MMS, Manual/Automatic network selection, Sleep mode (LP0) tests and flight mode tests among a few others. These call boxes are directly connected to devices which helps overcome interference from other users. The most important use is to do conformance tests on devices.We can also vary the different parameters affecting the device in the real world like SINR, RSCP, handover, etc. Every network has a document which consists of a huge set of tests that the device needs to pass in order for it to qualify to be released on to the network.

A device test Engineer’s responsibility is not to just execute the test cases but also to do a first hand analysis.What if the device doesn’t pass these tests? Every device that has been released into the market has passed these tests before being released. While testing the device for conformance, the device’s logs are also being recorded.

Each company which has a modem has its own proprietary logging tool for example Qualcomm’s QXDM. If a device fails a test a first hand analysis of the issue needs to be done to find out the root cause of the fail.

Qualcomm qpst and qxdm