Microsoft ® Windows HCT / WHQL
Certification Testing Services
FirmLogix offers system test services including firmware utility and test development, through to certification (e.g., Microsoft Windows 10 / Windows 8 / Windows Server(s) HCT compatibility testing services.
FirmLogix also provides professional system level software design, kernel device custom driver development and porting, and firmware design services to companies that encompass a broad range of PC, embedded, through to cloud services and consumer market segments. The FirmLogix client list consists of semiconductor companies, original equipment manufacturers, networking hardware, telecommunications equipment and other high-technology services and products.
Windows Hardware Certification Testing
HCT testing requires several servers, each to be maintained with up-to-date system software and Windows Hardware Certification Kit, or HCK updates. FirmLogix maintains a lab of dedicated systems for this very purpose.
FirmLogix is comprised of senior system engineers that perform your HCT testing which expedites test and troubleshooting.
Windows Hardware Certification (formerly known as WHQL testing, or the Windows Logo Program) is a test process developed by Microsoft for testing systems, hardware products, and associated Windows drivers for Windows compatibility. The test process consists of running a number of automated tests (using the Windows Hardware Certification Kit, or HCK), reviewing the results, and then submitting successful results to Microsoft. After passing the tests, Microsoft signs the associated drivers. Because they're signed, the drivers can be installed without confirmation from the user or being alerted to potential Windows noncompliance.
Why Certify Your Hardware?
Exhaustive, automated stress testing on a variety of system platforms and operating system variants improves driver test coverage. Passing drivers can be automatically put on the Windows Update site, and will automatically be downloaded to the end-user as required. Passing devices are added to the Microsoft Compatibility Center. Signing drivers prevents tampering, and reduces the number of messages during user installation. The process helps Microsoft and test centers support the device. Experience shows that testing reduces/eliminates the number of support calls from end-users to your company.
More information on Windows Hardware Certification is available from Microsoft.
Windows Hardware Certification and USB
Microsoft requires that any device submitted for Hardware Certificationmust first pass USB interoperability and Command Verifier (CV) tests.This can present additional costs and production delays for your company when trying to put such a test infrastructure in-house.
Why have FirmLogix perform your HCT system testing?
FirmLogix has done hundreds of HCT (and earlier DCT and DTM) tests, both for semiconductor and OEM customers. Our test lab is comprised of senior development engineers and further supported by FirmLogix's direct relationship with Microsoft. The HCT tests can be time consuming to set up, difficult to understand, and the results can be hard to interpret for those doing so for the first time or have not done so consistently over time. FirmLogix's continuing, ongoing experience enables us to efficiently locate and resolve test problems. When we discover a device or driver problem, our senior engineering experience allows us the advantage of directing your engineers to the precise area that needs mending.
Not all test failures are device problems. As with any complex automated test system, there are tool limitations. FirmLogix engineers fully comprehend the limitations, and will easily discern where the fault lies. If a test problem is discovered, FirmLogix works directly with Microsoft to resolve the issue on your behalf.
Although our testing is not limited to USB, our USB experience gives us an additional advantage for testing our customers' products. Beginning with Windows 8, Microsoft requires that any device submitted for Hardware Certification must also pass the USB interoperability and Command Verifier (CV) tests that are a subset of the full USB logo test. FirmLogix's USB test experience allows us to do this testing quickly and efficiently.
When testing your device, FirmLogix will:
perform the USB interoperability tests now required by Microsoft in order to qualify your device for Hardware Certification testing; run the required tests for your device on your desired operating systems; give feedback to your engineers about problems found; apply published errata as needed to ensure that your submission will pass; optionally, at your request, work with Microsoft support directly to resolve any issues that arise; submit the test results to Microsoft, or return the test results to you for you to submit.
