National Technical Systems Inc (NTS), a leading provider of testing and engineering services, announced it has been authorised by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) to perform USB 3.0 certification testing.
USB-IF, a non-profit organisation, was formed to provide support and also provide a forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology.
USB is the latest version of the omnipresent standard that covers computer products and peripherals from mice and keyboards to external hard drives and monitors. The latest version of the standard, USB 3.0 also known as SuperSpeed USB, features transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than the USB 2.0 protocol, while still remaining backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices. In addition, USB 3.0 devices will be more power efficient, but also able to use more power via the cable as well.
“This certification is yet another demonstration of the breadth of testing services and capabilities NTS offers,” said CEO William McGinnis. “The adoption of SuperSpeed USB products is expected to accelerate rapidly this year and in the future and we are pleased to be an important part of this process for customers all over the world.”
NTS performs testing of USB 3.0 products using the same test procedures which have been tested and refined at numerous USB “plugfests” over the past year, which NTS has participated in and helped validate.
“For almost a decade, NTS has performed testing of the entire range of USB products – from early USB 1.1 peripherals to the latest USB 3.0 peripherals,” said Osman Sakr, NTS chief technology officer. “The SuperSpeed USB standard is a quantum leap forward, and will require detailed testing to verify that devices are compatible with this new standard. NTS is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the USB Implementers Forum in providing high-quality compliance and certification services for USB developers.”
Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president and COO, commented: “SuperSpeed USB certification helps ensure interoperability and backward compatibility with the billions of USB products on the market. NTS has been an integral part of USB compliance testing since the beginning, and has served as a resource to our manufacturers. We look forward to continued support from NTS as one of our authorised independent test labs.”
NTS is a leading provider of engineering services to the aerospace, defence, telecommunications, automotive and high-technology markets. Through a world-wide network of resources, it provides full product life-cycle support, offering world-class design engineering, compliance, testing, certification, quality registration and programme management.
