10 Tips for Production Line Audio Test

Successfully transitioning tests to the production line requires attention to many small details. Check out 10 easily implemented tips to ensure your audio production line gets up and running without a hitch.

• Specify test equipment in detail
  Specify the hardware and software, right down to the specific version number, that is required to run your tests. To ensure genuine systems are used for your measurements, either purchase the test systems yourself, or specify the authorized vendor. If your contract manufacturer or systems integrator is buying it directly, it’s a good idea to request the serial numbers and verify their authenticity with the manufacturer.
• Carefully design test fixtures
  Ensure any test boxes or jigs are well designed to avoid reflections, and components are optimally positioned (for example, point speakers downwards to maximize chances of catching loose particle defects). To maintain fast throughput, also ensure your fixtures are designed for fast loading and unloading.
• Increase efficiency with integration
  Increase efficiency by integrating your measurement with the rest of your automation – today’s software-based systems are easily programmed to communicate with barcode readers, databases, control software, sorting equipment and even your device under test.
• Minimize background noise
  Minimize your background noise with the right test environment, and ensure you have a good signal to noise ratio.
• Optimize your tests for speed and accuracy
  Use SoundCheck’s measurement confidence capability to help you optimize your test stimulus for the right balance of speed versus accuracy, and fine-tune your measurements. Use a stepped sine wave for speed and versatility, and sweep from high to low to minimize ringing and settling time.
• Set limits carefully
  Limit setting is complex, and it’s worth being on-site to assist when putting a device into production. If you can’t be there, ensure the production operator saves the calibrated measured recorded waveforms from the test system for you to listen to and analyze off-line. Consider the use of perceptual algorithms where a flat limit setting simplifies configuration.
• Store a golden unit
  Save a few “golden units” that are carefully measured, documented and stored as a backup/sanity test in case something goes wrong.
• Calibrate regularly
  Ensure signal paths are accurately and regularly calibrated – the accuracy of your measurements depends on it! Write your calibration requirements into the test specification, and make sure they are followed.
• Protect your tests
  Lock your test sequence to prevent unauthorized modification or misappropriation of your intellectual property, and use sequence versioning to ensure your manufacturing facilities and contract manufacturers are using the right version of your test sequence.
• Document everything!
  Specific, clearly documented operating instructions improve test integrity. Include everything from initial system configuration, wiring diagrams and daily system test and calibration directions to precise instructions about positioning and fixturing, and procedures for a failing test. Supplement stand-alone instructions with text, diagrams, photos, even video instructions within the test sequence to ensure accurate positioning and other operator interaction during the test.