- Is RIOLAB operational?
RIOLAB is fully operational from DIL1 to DIL3. We are currently in the process of developing SCL1 and will begin to introduce this capaiblity in the second half of 2007. RIOLAB will continue to add to its capabilities as the market develops, testing needs mature and the specification evolves.
- What do the different levels of interoperability signify? What are the differences between each level?
RIOLAB is designed around graduated levels of interoperability that align with the increasing complexity of both the RapidIO specification and the needs of silicon vendors and OEMs. The interoperability tests build on the RapidIO Trade Association’s Device Interoperability and Specification Compliance Checklists, which were developed for ecosystem members. RIOLAB has defined six levels of testing, the first three of which are interoperability levels (DIL1-3). Specification compliance (SCL1-3) is the final three levels. RIOLAB does not offer certification at this point.
- How many vendors have come through for testing; how many are scheduled for future sessions?
Maintaining strict confidentiality is a critical success factor for RIOLAB and for our customers. Our confidentiality agreements prohibit us from providing details on vendors and test sessions. Pending positive results and mutual agreement between RIOLAB and its customers, appropriate public relations activities will be initiated including publishing results on RIOLAB website.
- What are the lab entry requirements?
Prior to testing, vendors are required to review test documents and agreements and to contact RIOLAB with any questions and to reserve a time slot. Details of these requirements, test checklists, and information on the test process can be found on RIOLAB web site, www.rio-lab.com. For the test session, vendors must provide two sets of device hardware as well as the required software. One set of hardware will remain in RIOLAB upon positive results as a contribution to the Hardware Library.
- PCI had a compliancy checklist. Will RIOLAB or the RapidIO Trade Association provide a similar checklist to allow a company to prepare better for the testing session?
Yes, the RapidIO Trade Association has ratified a set of interoperability checklists for this purpose.
- How much do the different levels of testing cost?
For information about fees, please contact RIOLAB at 613-271-9636 or by sending an email to info@rio-lab.com (see other contact details below).
- How long does each level of testing take?
DIL-1 testing is typically completed in two days. As the complexity of the tests increases, the duration of the test does as well.
- What is the deliverable upon the conclusion of the testing?
Each vendor will receive a comprehensive test results report that includes a test set-up report, the test scripts used, a test report (pass/fail), and interoperability documentation. The results will not be made public without their express consent. If approved by the company contracting for the tests, the results may be posted on RIOLAB website.
- How can a vendor book a time slot for testing?
Once a vendor is ready and has met RIOLAB entry requirements, they can book a time slot by calling 613-271-9636 or by sending an email to info@rio-lab.com (see other contact details below).
- Who comprises RIOLAB’s management and technical teams? What is their background?
RIOLAB is a division of Fabric Embedded Tools Corporation (FET). FET has been involved in the development of all of the test infrastructer and documentation for RIOLAB to date, and has significant experience with RapidIO semiconductors and realted software and hardware. FET is an active member of the RapidIO Trade Association.
- What is the Qualified Vendor Program?
The Qualified Vendor Program (QVP) is a program designed to ensure its newly established lab utilizes the most advanced equipment to perform interoperability and specification compliance testing. The first Qualified Vendors include Fabric Embedded Tools Corporation (FET), Nexus Technology, Silicon Turnkey Express (STx), and Tektronix. Each of these vendors has contributed hardware or software and has demonstrated compliance to the RapidIO specification. In addition, these vendors have agreed to work with RIOLAB to provide any upgrades or new products, ensuring that the lab is always using state of the art technology.
- Will RIOLAB’s test scripts be made publicly available?
RIOLAB has developed a platform independent test methodology that leverages a commercially available Network Management and Diagnostic Tool called RapidFET. Customers can leverage RapidFET to perform their own interoperability testing in advance or following testing at RIOLAB. In addition, complete descriptions of all test levels, hardware/software used, and reference to the RapidIO Trade Association’s interoperability checklist items covered are published on the web site, www.rio-lab.com. The intent is to make it as simple as possible for anyone to audit what is being done and, in some cases, re-use the work for testing in their own labs. Whenever practical, RIOLAB will leverage third-party hardware, software, and tools to facilitate testing outside of RIOLAB. The RapidIO Trade Association’s interoperability checklist is available to members of the trade association. For information visit www.RapidIO.org.
- Does RIOLAB provide support for performance testing and electrical interoperability (i.e. Electrical characterization)?
No, both performance testing and electrical characterization are beyond the scope of RIOLAB at this point. The focus of RIOLAB is solely on interoperability at this time.
- How will RIOLAB ensure that competitive information is kept confidential?
RIOLAB is a division of Fabric Embedded Tools Corporation (FET). FET will be contractually bound to the vendor, through the test services agreement, to ensure that it maintains its obligations of confidentiality regarding this information. Further, no vendor or customer will be allowed in RIOLAB during testing to ensure complete privacy of every vendors hardware within the test library.
- Will RIOLAB be used for plugfests?
Plugfests are excellent qualitative mechanisms to demonstrate the results of having multi-vendor interoperable silicon. They are, however, not ideal for providing quantitative evidence that a given vendors’ silicon is interoperable with other vendor’s silicon. RIOLAB will fulfill the quantitative requirement for customers whereas trade associations and vendor events will likely fulfill the qualitative need through plugfests and multi-vendor silicon demonstrations.
- Is RIOLAB a RapidIO Trade Association Lab?
The RapidIO Trade Association supports the initiative which was taken to fulfill the need for RapidIO interoperability testing. The RapidIO Trade Association does not own or operate interoperability labs nor does it certify RapidIO semiconductor products. All RapidIO Trade Association members and non-members are welcome to use the lab. As a member of the RapidIO Trade Association, FET uses the RapidIO Trade Association defined interoperability checklists as a foundation for its testing methodology within RIOLAB.
- Where is RIOLAB located?
RIOLAB is located in Ottawa (Kanata), Ontario, Canada.
RIOLAB™ - RapidIO Interoperability Lab
349 Terry Fox Drive
Kanata, Ontario
Canada K2K 2V6.
Telephone: +1 613 271-9636
Fax: +1 613 248-5089
Email: info@rio-lab.com
 MAP
Directions from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to RIOLAB
- Is more information available on RIOLAB web site?
Yes, RIOLAB web site, www.rio-lab.com, has complete details on RIOLAB, test level definitions, the test flow, process and reporting. In addition, the site has details on the lab sponsors and Qualified Vendors, as well as the latest news and announcements from RIOLAB.
|
|
