USB Implementers Forum licenses NI TestStand for USB 2.0 compliance testing

MARCH 5--The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF; Austin, TX), a nonprofit organization founded by the creators of the USB specification to encourage the adoption of USB technology, has entered into an agreement with National Instruments (Austin, TX; www.ni.com) that makes NI TestStand the standard test-management software for ensuring that computer peripherals comply with new USB 2.0 technology. By leveraging NI TestStand software, the USB-IF will make a standardized test suite available to its members, which include more than 1000 USB manufacturers. TestStand, already in use by 17 of the top 20 electronics manufacturers, will automate the validation of USB 2.0 devices against the stringent USB 2.0 specifications.

With TestStand, the USB-IF has developed an automated test system that can manage a wide range of test conditions--from running and managing a small batch of tests that can take seconds to complete to executing hundreds of complex tests for more complete compliance testing. The USB-IF expects to distribute as many as 2000 TestStand licenses in the next three years to manufacturers of CD/DVD burners, cameras, scanners, and other USB 2.0 devices. USB 2.0 increases the speed that computer devices communicate with PCs by as much as 40 times over the current USB standard.