Using the Advanced Cable Tester v2 as a Fixture Tester

In electronic assembly production and development, fixture testers help engineers verify electrical connections in cables and interconnects meet performance and reliability standards. They provide a controlled interface to the device under test (DUT), enabling quick verification of continuity, shorts, opens, and other critical parameters.

The Advanced Cable Tester v2 evaluates the quality and performance of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort cables, but its capabilities extend beyond traditional cable testing. With its ability to assess electrical connections and signal quality, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 can function as a fixture tester to test non-standard assemblies. By using breakout boards or adapters, engineers can connect such assemblies to the tester’s modules, performing full electrical validation without building a dedicated fixture.

Figure 1: Advanced Cable Tester v2

How the Advanced Cable Tester v2 Tests Non-Standard Cable Assemblies

The Advanced Cable Tester v2 is designed to test standard cables, but it can also evaluate interconnects that can be presented in a cable-like form, with two ends and defined pinouts. Standard cables are tested by plugging each end directly into the appropriate Advanced Cable Tester v2 Connector Module. Each module includes two ports, supporting common cable endpoint combinations including:

- USB Type-C to USB Type-C

- USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB Type-C

- USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Micro-B

- USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Micro-B

- USB 3.1 Standard-A to USB 3.1 Standard-B

- USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Standard-B

- HDMI Type-A to HDMI Type-A

- DisplayPort to DisplayPort

Figure 2: Advanced Cable Tester v2 USB Standard-A to USB Standard-B Connector Module

To test non-standard devices (Ex: flat‑flex assemblies, legacy adapters, ruggedized military connectors, or custom interconnects), engineers can use breakout boards or custom fixtures that adapt the assembly into connectors that the tester can evaluate. 

In practice, this means:

• Each signal of the assembly under test is routed through a breakout board or fixture to the corresponding pins of an Advanced Cable Tester v2 Connector Module (USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.).

• The assembly is “completed” into a cable‑like path, allowing the tester to two defined cable endpoints, just like a standard cable. 

• Once set up, the Advanced Cable Tester v2 performs the same continuity, shorts/opens/miswires, DC resistance, and signal quality tests as it would on a regular cable.

This approach lets engineers validate assemblies that can be adapted into two connected ends without needing custom or high‑cost test equipment.

Tests Performed by the Advanced Cable Tester v2

Once an assembly is adapted into a cable-like form, the tester can run the following tests:

• Pin Continuity/Opens: Confirms every pin or trace is connected end-to-end and flags any open circuits that could cause functional failures.
• Shorts/Miswires: Detects unintended connections between pins or cross-wired signals that may damage downstream electronics.

Figure 3: USB-C to USB-C Passing Continuity Test

• DC Resistance: Measures the resistance on power and ground lines to ensure they meet specifications and can safely carry current without excessive voltage drop.

Figure 4: USB-C to USB-C Failed DC Resistance Test

• Signal Integrity: For high-speed assemblies, runs test patterns up to 12.8 Gbps per channel and uses eye diagrams to assess overall signal quality, confirming the assembly can support the required data rates.

Figure 5: USB-C to USB-C Passing Signal Integrity Test

This comprehensive set of assessments provides engineers with clear, actionable insight into both electrical performance and high-speed behavior of non-standard assemblies without building custom test rigs.

Example Use Case: Flat-Flex (FFC/FPC) Testing with the Advanced Cable Tester v2

Flat-flex assemblies (FFC/FPC) are common in electronics such as phones, laptops, and battery cases, and they often lack standardized connectors. With breakout boards, engineers can adapt each end into a cable-like form and use the Advanced Cable Tester v2 to test continuity, shorts/opens, DC resistance, and signal integrity.

1. Identify the Endpoints

A flat‑flex cable (FFC/FPC) usually terminates in exposed contacts or a small connector. Determine the functional “input” and “output” ends of the assembly (for example, power on one side, battery board connector on the other).

2. Use Breakout/Adapter Boards

Mount each end of the assembly into a breakout board designed for its connector type. These boards “fan out” the signals into a manageable pin header or standard connector.

3. Map Signals to Advanced Cable Tester v2 Connector Module

From the breakout board, wire the signals into a Connector Module supported by the tester. Ex: USB‑C to USB-C or USB Standard-A to USB micro-B module, depending on which fits your test strategy. For instance, a USB‑C breakout could be wired so the flat‑flex lines connect to the correct CC, VBUS, and data pins of the USB‑C module.

4. Assemble as a “Fixture Cable”

With both ends wired, the flat‑flex now behaves like a “cable” with two ends. Once inserted into the appropriate Connector Module, The Advanced Cable Tester v2 sees a complete interconnect and can run pin continuity, power measurements, and signal integrity tests.

5. Run Tests in the Web Interface

Open the tester’s interface, select/create a profile, and run the test. The results will reveal opens, shorts, miswires, or signal integrity issues in the assembly.

Figure 6: Breakout Boards

Other Adapted Assemblies You Can Test the Same Way:

• Legacy Adapters: Older adapters can be validated as long as each end has a defined set of pins, allowing verification of proper electrical connections, continuity, and resistance.
• Rugged or Military Connectors: Circular, aviation-grade, or high-vibration connectors used in harsh environments can evaluated when adapted into a two-ended interconnect.
• Other Specialized Assemblies: Any non-standard interconnect with two defined ends, like sensor ribbon cables, flat-flex circuits, or modular cables, can be assessed the same way. In practice, any interconnect that can be adapted into two defined cable endpoints can be validated using the Advanced Cable Tester v2. 

Why Use Advanced Cable Tester v2 over Other Fixture Tester Options

Traditional fixture testers often require custom hardware, wiring, and test development, increasing cost and setup time. The Advanced Cable Tester v2 provides a more efficient alternative by using connector modules and automated pin-to-pin testing to validate cable-like interconnects. Key advantages include:

• Versatility: Supports multiple connector modules and adapted interconnects without redesigning the test system.
• Speed: Runs continuity, shorts/opens, and resistance tests in seconds, suitable for bench and production use.
• Accuracy: Performs deterministic pin-to-pin validation with clear fault localization.
• Automation: Uses repeatable test profiles with minimal operator intervention.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces reliance on costly dedicated fixtures and custom test rigs.