A device under test (DUT) refers to any product going through testing. This test can occur right after the product is made or later in its life cycle as part of functional testing and calibration checks. In cases where the product needs repairs, another test can be administered to see if it works according to the original specifications.

DUT is also known as “equipment under test (EUT)” or “unit under test (UUT).”

Any manufacturer typically puts all of its products through the DUT stage. That way, it won’t have to lose income from returns or warranties.

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Read More about “Device under Test (DUT)”

DUT applies to all companies in the electronics and semiconductor industries.

What Does Device under Test (DUT) in the Electronics Industry Mean?

A DUT refers to any electronic assembly under test in the electronics sector. An example would be a mobile phone coming off an assembly line. It undergoes a final test similar to that given to its individual chips. In this case, the mobile phone currently undergoing such a test is the DUT.

What Does Device under Test (DUT) in the Semiconductor Industry Mean?

In the semiconductor sector, a DUT is a resulting packaged part. To test it, it’s connected to the other parts of the device it’s meant for. The test can be done automatically or manually. The resulting packaged part’s outputs should meet the device specifications to pass.

Who Typically Handles a Device under Test (DUT)?

Quality control and reliability engineers typically handle DUTs.

Device under Test (DUT) for Quality Control

A quality control engineer often tests electronic devices before they are packaged and sold to ensure they work as advertised. Testing happens either on random devices or every device. And as mentioned earlier, automatic or manual tests may be applied.

Quality control engineers answer these questions about the DUT:

  • Does the device turn on?
  • Does the screen work as expected?
  • Does the device accept inputs?
  • Is the device’s output correct?
  • Is the device’s size and shape within the acceptable range?

Device under Test (DUT) for Reliability

A reliability engineer usually tests prototypes, random samples from a batch of products, or devices already in use. Their goal? To gauge how long a product will last and what operating conditions are acceptable.

Reliability engineers answer these questions about the DUT:

  • How long does the device run before it encounters an error?
  • Which device component fails first?
  • At what temperature is it safe to operate the device?
  • Do other machines interfere with the device’s operation?
  • Can the device continue operating when bumped or dropped?

In reliability testing, DUTs are pushed to their limits and breaking points. When done, the devices are either discarded or recycled. Note that repaired and refurbished products go through less rigorous testing. If they pass, they are sold or placed back in use.

Device under Test (DUT) and System under Test (SUT), What’s the Difference?

A system under test (SUT) is a system validated by testers. It’s also known as “application under test (AUT).”

Simply put, an SUT is bigger and more complex than a DUT. An SUT is made up of several DUTs. Or a DUT is an individual component of an SUT—it’s just one of many SUT parts. In software testing, for instance, a DUT or UUT, to be specific, could be an individual software suite component (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or Publisher). At the same time, the SUT would be the entire software suite (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Manufacturers put products through DUT and SUT if they want their wares to work perfectly.

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As we’ve seen, any kind of electronic or semiconductor product can be considered a DUT when it is currently undergoing testing. A DUT is checked for both quality control and reliability.

Key Takeaways

  • A DUT is any product going through testing right after it is made or later in its life cycle as part of functional testing and calibration checks.
  • The term “DUT” applies to all product components that undergo testing in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
  • Quality control and reliability engineers typically handle DUTs.
  • Quality control engineers use DUTs to determine if a product works as designed after they’re sold.
  • Reliability engineers use DUTs to determine how long a product will last and in what conditions it can operate.
  • DUT differs from SUT in that the former tests a single component of the latter. A DUT can thus be said to be an individual SUT component.

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