3102 Type-C Connection Exerciser

The MCCI Model 3102 Type-C Connection Exerciser with DTMF Audio Control extends the MCCI Model 3101 by adding a module that decodes Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signaling to provide an alternate method of remote control. Like the Model 3101, the Model 3102 provides a four-to-one USB switch to automate interoperability tests for systems using the Type-C connector. It uses the supplied Arduino and electronic switches to electrically plug and unplug any of the four different input ports. The Type-C plug can be connected to either of two Type-C receptacles, one Standard-A receptacle, or one Micro-B receptacle. The Type-C receptacles support USB 3.1 gen 1 and USB 2.0 (host and device). The Standard-A receptacle is fixed in USB host mode, and the Micro-B receptacle is fixed in USB device mode.

The Model 3102 was developed in conjunction with Microsoft. The main shield board is fully compatible with the Microsoft MUTT ConnEx-C; MCCI adds a suitable Arduino board and a DTMF shield, loads the firmware, and tests the assembled unit for proper operation. Microsoft provides a complete software stack for testing with the MUTT ConnEX-C using the Windows Operating System. The Model 3102 can also be used directly with customer-written test programs, by sending DTMF commands to a compatible audio port on the control computer, or by sending commands to a virtual serial port provided by the USB control connection.

The 3102 can test hardware that belongs to one of the following categories:

System: Desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, or phones running a SKU of a version of the Windows Operating System with an exposed USB Type-C port.

Dock: Any USB Type-C device that exposes more than one port.

Device: Any USB device with a USB Type-C port that can be attached to a system or dock. This category includes traditional USB devices as well as devices that support the accessory and alternate modes as defined in the USB Type-C Specification.

The 3102 connects to the System Under Test (SUT) by inserting the 3102’s Type-C plug (labeled J1) into a USB Type-C receptacle on the SUT. This direct connection ensures maximum fidelity for both signals and cable emulation, and makes special cables unnecessary. Test devices are attached via the four USB receptacles (labeled J2, J3, J4, J6); when selected, these act as peripherals to the SUT. The Arduino monitors amperage and voltage being drawn from the SUT, and displays relevant information on the LCD display.

The 3102 is controlled via an audio signal connected to a standard 3.5mm jack for running the different tests. The test controller proxy can be a desktop PC or a laptop, or the SUT itself (using an analog cable connected to the headset jack of the SUT).

The 3102 is normally powered via an external 9V to 12V supply (supplied), attached to the power connector on the Arduino.

Features

• Everything you need to start testing immediately. Shipped as a fully assembled and tested unit, with Arduino board, DTMF shield, audio cable, USB control cable, preinstalled firmware, and an international power supply.
• Automated USB Type-C interoperability testing.
• Transparent connection between SUT and DUT when in the connected state.
• Impedance controlled, low loss USB data path.
• Uses Pericom PI3DBS12412A in a 12Gbps, 8 to 4 differential channel multiplexer/demultiplexer switch for SuperSpeed signals.
• Uses Fairchild FSUSB74. 4:1 High-Speed USB Multiplexer/Switch for USB2.0, CC, and SB signals.
• Uses TI INA226 to measure voltage and current.
• 10 milliohm, 0.5%, series current sense resistor.
• Handles up to 20V and 5A on VBUS.
• Uses IXYS CPC1907B SSR to switch VBUS on Type-C connectors.
• Uses COTO C226S SSR to switch VBUS on USB 2.0 connectors.

Restrictions

In order to keep the 3102 cost-effective for a variety of applications, a few features were specifically omitted. Contact MCCI if you need more information.

• The 3102 is not designed to handle VCONN powered devices.
• The 3102 does not support automatic Type-C cable flipping.
• The 3102 has been designed for USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds, and has been tested with tested with some USB 3.1 Gen 2 products, but has not been fully qualified. Therefore MCCI does not guarantee operation at USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds.

Software requirements

Suitable software must be installed on each of the SUT, the test controller proxy, and the 3102’s Arduino.

When using the Microsoft-supplied test software, the requirements are as follows:

• The SUT must be running the version of Windows for which interoperability testing is desired.
• The test proxy controller must be running Windows 10.
• The latest Microsoft MUTT ConnEx-C software package must be downloaded and installed on the proxy controller. It may be obtained from Microsoft via the “Tools in the MUTT Software Package” page.
• The firmware in the Arduino must be updated to the version included in the Microsoft distribution.

The Microsoft software package includes utilities to update the firmware, switch between the peripheral ports, and send requests to simulate test cases. It also contains test driver packages that test the functionality of the buses, its controller, and devices connected to the bus.

The firmware for Model 3102 is open source and published on GitHub. Access it here.

MCCI also supports other test scenarios using a USB test control computer, with software available from MCCI, or with customer-written software. Customers can obtain that software directly from MCCI after registering their device.

Custom Variants

Special variants of the 3102 are available by request. Please write sales@mcci.com with your requirements.

The 2101 vs the 3102

MCCI also offers the Model 2101 USB 3.0 (3.1 gen 1) Connection Exerciser. The 2101 is designed with traditional USB Standard-A and Standard-B connectors, and uses mechanical relays to connect and disconnect the device under test from the system under test. The advantage of this compared to electronic multiplexing is that relays give a more accurate simulation of the physical disconnection. The disadvantage is that the relays required for the very high frequencies of USB 3.1 gen 1 are quite costly; so a multi-port configuration like the 3102 would be much more expensive.

The 2101 also differs in that it’s a smaller packaged unit that is more like traditional test equipment; whereas the 3102 is larger and ships without an enclosure. The 2101 is thus more suitable for travel or use by individual software developers; the 3102 is more suitable for regression test environments and engineering labs.

The 3102 allows direct testing of USB Type-C products, including many alternate modes. The 2101 also allows testing of USB modes of USB Type-C products, but requires the use of USB Type-C to Standard-A and/or USB Type-C to Standard-B adapters (not included with the 2101). The 2101 cannot be used in conjunction with most alternate modes.

The 3101 vs the 3102

The Model 3102 is fully upwards compatible to the Model 3101. It adds the DTMF control capability, but retains the ability to be controlled via USB. The Model 3102 ships with an external power supply and an audio patch cable; the Model 3101 ships only with a USB cable for control purposes.