The developments in technology have changed the shape and size of telephone handsets and headsets.
To ensure these latest handsets and headsets are tested to the appropriate regulatory standards according to the design principles used by the manufacturer, Comtest has invested in a Head and Torso Simulator (HATS) which incorporates a Type 3.3 artificial ear.
Comtest has been aware for some time that the major manufacturers of telephony products have been designing their product for the world market using the Type 3.3 ear and HATS. In the past it has been difficult or impossible for these devices to prove compliance to the regulatory standards using the Type 1 or Type 3.2 Artificial Ears.
The HATS purchased by Comtest is a Type 4128 D-002 with both left and right ears.
The Head and Torso Simulator Type 4128-D-002 is a mannequin with built-in mouth simulator and calibrated ear simulators (according to IEC 60318.4/ITU T Rec. P.57 Type 3.3) that provide realistic reproduction of the acoustic properties of an average adult human head and torso. It is ideal for performing in-situ electroacoustic tests on, for example, telephone handsets (including mobile and cordless), headsets, audio conference devices, microphones, headphones, hearing aids and hearing protectors.
Handset Positioner for HATS
The HATS Type 4128-D-002 includes Handset Positioner Type 4606, with pressure/force and position read-outs this allows for accurate, repeatable mounting of telephone handsets on the HATS in both standardised and user-defined positions. This makes the HATS measurements very repeatable.
As electrical energy resources become limited and the impacts of the greenhouse emissions are being felt, the Australian and New Zealand governments are implementing new regulatory regimes for External Power Supplies and certain Battery Chargers (also known as ‘a.c. adaptors’, ‘plug packs’ or ‘power-packs’). These requirements are looking to improve energy efficiency of electrical products (MEPS) and minimise standby power usage.
The requirement is called Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS) and is mandatory.
Australia and New Zealand have jointly developed a standard AS/NZS 4665, generically known as “Performance of External Power Supplies”. AS/NZS 4665 Part 1 deals with Test Methods and Energy Performance Mark, and Part 2 with MEPS requirements.
The Key date for implementation of MEPS for External Power Supplies and certain battery chargers is 1st December 2008.
Of course, this new requirement will effect every supplier of IT and Telecommunications devices and electrical appliances that use external power supplies and battery chargers.
Testing must be performed on the product to prove compliance with the appropriate Australian Minimum Efficiency Performance Standard (MEPS) laboratory such as Comtest Laboratories, or compliance can be proven by obtaining reports from other recognised sources
Comtest is also a CB Scheme Testing Laboratory (CBTL) offering world wide testing for products to the requirements of IEC 60950 and IEC 61010
* New accreditations
ANSI T1.413 – Including varying noise/cable types/line lengths
ITU-T G992.1 – Full Rate G.DMT & G.LITE
Telstra IP1149 – Data transfer capacity
AS/ACIF S043.2 – including PSD testing
Comtest is a totally independent NATA and IECEE CB (CBTL) accredited test laboratory providing services to the IT and Telecommunications industries.
For further information contact Greg Caspar or Peter Arms.
Telstra ADSL information page can be found at
http://www.telstra.com.au/adsl/index.htm