Communication Protocol Testing
For communications software to be effective, software on both sides of the communication device, such as microprocessors in an electronic medical device, must be working. Communications protocol testing deals with the testing of such communications software.
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Defects
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Some communications software defects that don't show up under laboratory testing conditions turn up after a device gets to market. When the integration of microprocessor-based subsystems in an electronic medical device is not implemented and tested in an adequate manner, this sort of inadequacy often shows up after release. Some of these defects are not harmful while others could create safety hazards.
Testing
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An organization should carefully plan the testing of communications software. In the testing of microprocessor systems, for instance, it is important to test communications interfaces. Testing may even require changes to hardware to access communication signals. Development plans for communications hardware and software development should also take into account the need for testing.
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Benefits
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As designs for medical communication devices make use of low-cost microprocessors, integration of these microprocessors could create complex communications interface issues.
While investing in communications protocol testing can be expensive, it has its benefits too. For one, it may be less expensive to test before releasing a medical communications product than to have to fix a defect after it is in use in a medical setting.
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