The evolution of real-time testing

The need to test Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) products is an absolute requirement for achieving compatibility and interoperability. This procedure also helps in eliminating the problems that system integrators and service providers face while integrating components from multiple vendors. Hardware manufacturers, system integrators and telecom equipment manufacturers need to test ATCA building blocks independently and after integration before releasing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to the market. The PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) has defined all of the electrical and mechanical specifications of an ATCA system. It has defined the manageability aspects of an ATCA system covering all Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) commands and messaging. The Communications Platform Trade Association (CP-TA) has also introduced a self-testing program for ATCA interoperability focusing on thermal testing and manageability testing.