The validation of a product or system requires different types of tests, depending on its application sector. Each segment has its own criteria for compliance, traceability, and technical requirements. Below, we detail the most common types of tests organized by sector, based on the practical experience of AJOLLY Testing.
🏭 Electronic and Embedded Systems Sector
🔌 Functional Test (FT)
Validates whether the product performs its functions correctly under real operational conditions. The functional test simulates interaction with peripherals, digital and analog signals, sensor readings, output control, serial communication (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN), among others.
Example: testing if an embedded board receives commands via RS485, activates a digital output, and responds with a PWM signal.
⚙️ Electrical Test (ICT / E-Test)
Primarily used on printed circuit boards (PCBA), this test checks if components are correctly mounted and soldered. It measures resistances, voltages, continuity between points, and capacitor values, detecting shorts, opens, reversed or missing parts.
Example: measuring a pull-up resistance on an I²C bus to confirm the correct value.
📶 RF and Communication Tests
Applies to modules that transmit or receive wireless signals. Involves measuring transmission power, sensitivity, modulation quality (EVM), BER (Bit Error Rate), and pairing time. Uses specialized equipment like LitePoint, R&S, or Anritsu.
Example: verifying if a BLE module is emitting advertising packets correctly and with compatible intensity.
🔁 Cycle and Repeatability Tests
Checks the durability of components that will be repeatedly actuated (buttons, connectors, relays). May include cycle counters, wear sensors, applied force control, and response time.
Example: actuating an interface button 10,000 times and checking if it remains functional and mechanical.
📊 Automated Tests and Traceability
Involves the automatic execution of test sequences via software (LabVIEW, TestStand, C#), with logging by serial number, station, operator, and time. Allows export of reports and analysis of KPIs such as FPY, Pareto, and CPK.
Example: complete log of a functional test with current curve, response time, and final status.
🧪 Medical, Cosmetic, and Laboratory Sector
🧪 Physicochemical Tests
Evaluate properties such as pH, viscosity, density, conductivity, spreadability, thermal stability, and photosensitivity. They are critical in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical solutions, using bench equipment or connected sensors.
Example: comparing the viscosity of a cream in different batches after 3 months of storage at 40°C.
🧬 Clinical and Dermatological Tests
Conducted on volunteers, these tests measure the safety and efficacy of products applied to the skin. They evaluate irritability, hydration, shine, elasticity, with the support of instruments like corneometer, cutometer, spectrophotometer, and protocol software like CLS (Clinic Lab Software).
Example: measuring the evolution of dermal hydration after 28 days of daily use of a lotion.
🧑🔬 Sensory and Rheological Tests
Conducted with a panel of trained evaluators or consumers. They verify texture, absorption, aroma, thermal perception, and product application.
Example: blind test between two batches of cream, with recording of texture and shine scores.
🔄 Stability and Aging Tests
Involve accelerated aging simulations: climatic chambers with controlled temperature and humidity, UV exposure, thermal or mechanical cycles.
Example: subjecting a shampoo to 10 cycles of 12h between 5°C and 45°C to evaluate phase separation.