Related to device labs, where software is tested against arrays of devices, often automated as part of Ccntinuous Integration (CI) systems
This case study demonstrates how a device lab resolved its USB issues using Acroname’s industrial USB hubs, making the lab more robust and ready to accommodate future expansion.
Hardware device labs need reliable equipment. Often, these labs develop in an ad hoc manner, adding equipment as needed. The reliability and power capabilities of the USB hub itself are often overlooked.
Mobile devices are built to maximize how long they can run between charges by topping off the battery when connected to power. However, in mobile device and Continuous Integration (CI) labs, where hundreds of devices need continuous USB data connections, this presents a challenge. When these devices are USB-tethered for extended periods, the battery is held at a high state of charge (SoC). Long-term high SoC can cause battery swelling and ultimately lead to device failure.
Consider USBHub3+ for managing USB port density in server rooms and some USB-C applications if high port density is required
The USBHub3+ can set each of its downstream ports to several power modes to support a range of devices.
The supported modes are part of BC1.2 USB charging specification:
Seeing your battery swell after years of using a phone or laptop can be a scary sight, but knowing what to do if it happens and recognizing the early signs of battery swelling is essential for your safety.
Several factors, including wear and tear on the lithium-ion cells within the battery and leaving a laptop or device plugged in continuously for days, weeks, or years can contribute to battery swelling.
Mobile devices are designed to survive crammed into our pockets day-in and day-out; they can even survive toddlers and teenagers for a few months. Yet placing thousands of phones or tablets into server racks can actually be a harder place for these devices to survive long term. The continuous battery charging, high processor usage, and high temperatures present in test labs racks present unique challenges to device longevity since they were not designed for these applications.
A primary feature of Acroname hubs is the ability to turn a USB port on and off. Looking more closely, Acroname hubs also have the more granular ability to disable power/VBUS on a given port, independently from the USB D+/D- data lines on the same port.
For device compatibility and mobile application development labs (commonly called “device farms” or “CI or continuous improvement labs”), battery swelling in mobile devices is a common, costly, and potentially dangerous problem. Not only are devices themselves expensive and labor-intensive to replace, but older or legacy devices are often difficult to source. Last but not least, swollen batteries can leak, cause fires, or even explode, damaging much more than the mobile device itself.
Notice that when the power line is enabled, the Android dev