Thanks! I also found a course manual on netguru.net entitled “Understanding Networking Technologies” that goes into the subject but does not describe any testing procedures.

Your wanting to test the actual port? You are going to want to search for something like “test serial ports”. Here is a little utility that will cover most of those you are looking for we have a little box with connections that you can plug into and test simular to this… http://www.users.on.net/~cit/
http://www.soft14.com/Utilities_and_Hardware/Optimizers_and_Diagnostics/Serial_Monitor_304_Review.html

I’ve actually found some classes but I’m actually looking for more on how to test RS232 circuits, G.703 circuits, etc. Not nessarily the means i.e. testing equipment, programs etc., but methods.

In other words, I’m really more interested to know if there is a standard testing acceptance. Is there any IEEE, ITU etc. standard written on when a serial communications circuit is acceptable sort of like standard performance acceptance criteria?

Each of these interfaces is well defined in terms of function and signal characteristics. These are your test criteria, applied to the particular element under test.

DTE is tested for proper use of appropriate control lead outputs and proper signal level. Ability to accept control lead inputs at minimum and maximum levels should also be done. Verify isolation of signal and chassis grounds as well.

DCE is tested for proper use of appropriate control lead outputs and proper signal level. Ability to accept control lead inputs at minimum and maximum levels should also be done. Verify isolation of signal and chassis grounds as well.

The cable is tested for continuity, shorts, and pinout. Signal degradation and signal cross-over or interference is measured to insure signals remain within specifications after traveling over the cable.

Now the easy approach on this is a simple breakout box, an oscilliscope to look at signal strengths and wave shapes, and a BERT tester (bit error rate tester) to emulate the DTE or DCE end for the device under test.

We use a Bit Error Rate Tester as well but my question is, is there a stantdard that describes what the proper pass fail criteria is and other procedures such as BERT testing time duration, how many errors are acceptable per unit time (sec, min, hour) per application etc.

Why not check IEEE.org and searchg there?

Paul

I did. No luck.

I was hoping that someone might be able to give me a good lead or maybe give me an insite as to what their company’s criteria is for acceptance.