ZigBee in Automotive Test??

November 9th, 2005

I haven’t heard much about the use of ZigBee in automotive testing, but I can envision some applications for the remote monitoring and control standard. Having said that, I offer these two news items…Dan

Agilent Becomes First Test & Measurement Company to Join ZigBee Alliance

On Oct. 24, 2005, Agilent Technologies today announced it is the first test and measurement equipment manufacturer to join the ZigBee Alliance, an association of more than 100 companies working to enable cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standard.

Agilent currently offers the N4010A Wireless Connectivity Test Set, which engineers can use to ensure that designs comply with the ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 standards. The test set operates with vector signal analyzer (VSA) software, creating a one-box solution that tests chipsets, modules and devices for compliance with ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 standards. The test set can also be configured to test to WLAN and Bluetooth technology standards. The system provides full demodulation and accurate, repeatable results for greater confidence in designs. The use of industry-standard VSA software provides a familiar interface.

For more information on the N4010A Wireless Connectivity Test Set, visit the Agilent website.

NTS Launches ZigBee Certification Program

On November 8, 2005, National Technical Systems announced certification of four wireless reference products as ZigBee Compliant Platforms. The testing and certification were conducted in accordance with the recently completed and Alliance-member ratified ZigBee Compliant Platform certification program. NTS is a charter member of the ZigBee Alliance along with manufacturers including Motorola, Honeywell, Samsung Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Philips and Ember Corp. NTS has formed an alliance with Ember Corporation that has enabled NTS experts to build a proprietary test system that fully automates certification process.

NTS has played a key role in developing the ZigBee Compliant Platform certification program and associated ZigBee Alliance policies. The ZigBee Alliance has designated NTS as one of only two compliance test centers to certify platforms and future end products utilizing the ZigBee technology. Subsequent to the completion of the certification testing, NTS globally expanded its ZigBee capabilities by transferring the expertise to its Asian facilities through employee training and placement of appropriate test equipment.

For additional information about the NTS program, visit the NTS website.

Entry Filed under: Industry News, Standards