Infotainment interoperability testing: comprehensive, global, and streamlined solutions for next generation in-vehicle experiences

Challenge

Infotainment interoperability testing was a critical requirement for a major Japanese Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) preparing to launch its infotainment products globally. The OEM aimed to enhance product quality by conducting interoperability (IOP) testing across various regions. This testing ensured compatibility with a broad range of phone manufacturers and cellular carriers, improving the user experience across multiple vehicle models. Leveraging its global reach and proven expertise, EagleTC secured a multi-year contract to perform infotainment interoperability testing in North America (including the USA, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East (i.e., Jordan).

Solution

EagleTC collaborated closely with the automaker to create a detailed testing plan that covered multiple vehicle platforms. Before testing began, EagleTC addressed several foundational elements to ensure a successful project launch. These included Test Case Development, Phone Selection and Procurement, Test Bench Setup, Guideline Documentation, and Test Execution.

Test Case Development

EagleTC’s engineers began by focusing on developing detailed test cases for infotainment interoperability testing. They built these cases based on technology standards, the automaker’s requirements, and EagleTC’s own engineering expertise. As the process progressed, EagleTC and the automaker collaborated through a series of structured reviews to finalize a comprehensive list of test cases for each vehicle platform. As shown in Figure (1), this workflow ensured alignment and precision. Additionally, Table (1) provides a clear summary of the technologies and features evaluated during the testing.

Phone Selection/Procurement

In parallel with test case development, EagleTC took full responsibility for securing the phones required for infotainment interoperability testing. To guide the selection process, the team conducted market research to identify a wide variety of phones and cellular carriers. Because testing every device on the market wasn’t feasible, EagleTC prioritized devices based on three factors: market research insights, customer requests, and regional availability. As a result, the team selected over 200 phones from 15 different manufacturers, covering model years from 2017 to 2024. Table (2) highlights the distribution of selected phone manufacturers and cellular carriers.

Once the phone list was finalized, EagleTC prepared each device for testing. This preparation included updating all phones and applications to their latest software versions. In addition, engineers downloaded music, created sample contacts with multiple numbers and photo formats, and configured the devices for log generation.

Figure (1) – Test Case Development Workflow.

Table (1) – List of Technologies and Features Tested.

Table (2) – Distribution of Phone Manufacturers and Cellular Carriers.

Test Bench Setup

A predefined number of test benches were shipped to each region based on the vehicle platform and testing timeline. Before starting each testing session, the engineers verified that the benches in every region were operating correctly and running the appropriate software version as specified by the OEM.

Guideline Document

Maintaining consistency across four countries and numerous testing cycles was paramount. To achieve this, EagleTC generated and followed a common set of testing guidelines for both the infotainment systems and the phones for each of the four countries. The guidelines included pre-test preparation for the infotainment system and phone, instructions for generating all logs, performing infotainment system software updates, and conducting all IOP test cases. They also outlined the format in which test results should be submitted to the OEM, ensuring clear and uniform reporting.

Test Execution

With the guidelines in place, EagleTC’s engineers conducted the IOP testing and provided videos and system logs for the phone and infotainment system, for all identified issues. These logs included a Gal Monitor log, Bug Reports, and an infotainment system log enabling the OEM to review and resolve issues as necessary. Figure (2) illustrates the complete IOP testing process.

All issues identified were tracked through EagleTC’s defect database, allowing team members in the different regions to collaborate efficiently, especially when identifying the same issues across the different regions. After reviewing internally, EagleTC entered the identified issues into the OEM’s defect database for review and resolution. In addition, EagleTC mapped the tested features and their results to coordinate with the customer’s website. Table (3) is an example of test result mapping.

Figure (2) – IOP Testing workflow.

Results

EagleTC continued to deliver excellence with quality and agility to the OEM during all the testing cycles. The following highlights EagleTC’s competence in providing this service to the customer:

• Test Cases: Over 350 test cases were executed per phone, validating interoperability between key technologies and features.
• Testing Guidelines: Guidelines were created to ensure consistency and reliability across all regions for each testing cycle.
• Phones: A total of 250 phones were tested across all regions, reflecting a wide variety of manufacturers, carriers, and model years.
• Timely Project Delivery: EagleTC delivered results ahead of schedule for all testing cycles, maintaining integrity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

This case study highlights EagleTC’s expertise in global infotainment interoperability testing and its ability to deliver scalable, agile, and high-quality solutions for next-generation in-vehicle experiences.

Key Takeaways from EagleTC’s Infotainment Interoperability Testing

• Deploying teams on short notice without compromising expertise or quality.
• Delivering completed projects with excellence, on time or ahead of schedule.
• Adapting seamlessly to changing conditions while maintaining consistent and accurate results.
• Maintaining open lines of communication with our customers, allowing real-time reporting and resolutions.

By combining global resources with deep automotive expertise, EagleTC ensures its customers receive world-class solutions—every single time.