SiliconSouthWest launches test lab in Bath with focus on supporting start-ups

BATH, UK: SiliconSouthWest, the network for microelectronics in the SouthWest UK, has launched a test lab to help start-ups develop and evaluate their wireless hardware and network equipments designs.

The lab, housed in the Innovation Centre in Bath, is available to members of the Centre to avoid the need for high capital outlay early in the design cycle. Virtual membership of the Centre is available at low cost to enable any company to access the test services.

“The large capital outlay and the high cost of test equipment during product development cycles can be prohibitive to early stage start-up businesses,” said Simon Bond, director of the Innovation Centre and CEO of SiliconSouthWest.

“SiliconSouthWest Labs is targeted at meeting the test requirements and reducing the cost of testing for these companies by offering an affordable, flexible and fully equipped facility located here in the University of Bath’s Innovation Centre.”

The Lab provides both RF and Networks testing. The RF section is aimed at wireless digital and analogue performance test on protocols such as WiFi, GSM, Bluetooth and RFID, while the network test offers an extensive list of equipment for the emulation of both copper and optical networks on a 40G testbed. This can be optimised to provide up to 1,000 ports, suitable for wide area networks, with a typical test station consisting of UNIX/LINUX servers, routers and switches.

The test bed facility can be configured to offer comprehensive testing and development of a range of functions such as differing service levels, multiplexing, virtual Lan, inter domain, protocols and custom billing services.

The equipment can be configured to individual company requirements and additional specialist equipment can be included through SiliconSouthWest's partner companies such as Microlease, Agilent Technologies and Rohde and Schwarz.

The Centre opens to customers on April 16 at the SiliconSouthWest Networking Seminar, Testing Times.