Key points for inspection and testing of GPS receiving devices and testing standards Inspection and testing services for factory verification

September 11, 2025

GPS navigation devices, as important on-board electronic products, their performance reliability and usage safety directly affect the travel experience of users. For purchasers, brand owners and quality inspection professionals, establishing a comprehensive supply chain quality management system and conducting strict factory audits (Factory Audit) and pre-shipment inspections (Pre-shipping Inspection, PSI) are of crucial importance. This article will systematically elaborate on the inspection and testing standards for GPS receiving devices, the quality control (QC) process and the inspection methods.
I. Source Control: Key Points for Factory Audit by GPS Equipment Manufacturers
Before mass production, conducting a comprehensive supplier audit of the manufacturer is the foundation for ensuring product quality and safety.
Quality Management System Certification:
Has the factory established and implemented the ISO9001 quality management system and the IATF 16949 automotive electronics standard?
Do we have complete procedures and records for incoming material inspection (IQC), production line inspection (IPQC), and final product inspection (FQC)?
Does it have a complete quality traceability system to enable full-process traceability from raw materials to finished products?
Production qualifications and certifications:
Verify whether the factory has the necessary CE, FCC and RoHS certification qualifications.
Confirm that the product has passed the necessary EMC tests, safety certifications, and radio model approvals.
Verify the supplier qualifications and certification documents of key components (GPS module, chipset, display screen)
Laboratory testing capabilities:
The factory laboratory should be equipped with devices such as GPS signal simulators, electrostatic discharge testers, and environmental test chambers.
Confirm that the laboratory is capable of conducting radio frequency performance tests, environmental reliability tests, and electrical safety tests.
Check the calibration status and validity period of the detection equipment
Supply Chain Management:
Verify the legal authorization of the map data provider and the version update mechanism
Verify that the software system complies with the regulatory requirements of the target market.
Check whether the data privacy protection measures comply with regulations such as GDPR.
II. Finished Product Inspection: AQL Sampling Inspection Standard Process for GPS Receivers
The inspection of GPS equipment should follow the AQL sampling standard (usually LEVEL II) and conduct random sampling, covering multiple aspects such as packaging, appearance, functionality, performance, and safety.
1. Packaging and Labeling Inspection
Packaging materials: Check the compressive strength and cushioning protection design of the outer box and inner box.
Product identification: Verify that the CE mark, FCC ID, serial number, IMEI number, etc. are accurately and clearly displayed.
Barcode scanning: Verify that all barcodes are legible and consistent with the system records.
Completeness of attachments: Confirm that all necessary attachments such as the charger, stand, data cable, and manual are complete and of the correct model.
2. Visual & Structural Inspection (Appearance & Structure Check)
Shell quality: Check for no scratches, dirt, shrinkage, burrs, or other injection molding defects.
Assembly quality: Ensure that the gap of the casing is uniform, the button feel is good, and there is no looseness.
Screen inspection: The protective film has no bubbles, and the LCD has no scratches or dirtiness.
Interface inspection: All interfaces are undamaged, not oxidized, and are securely installed.
3. Functional Testing - Core Inspection Item
Basic Function Testing:
The startup time and the display of the logo are normal.
System language, time zone, and default settings are all correct.
The software version and map data version meet the requirements.
Display performance test:
LCD's three primary colors (red, green, blue) and black-and-white screen tests, checking for bright spots, dark spots and light leakage.
Touchscreen accuracy and response speed test
Backlight uniformity and brightness adjustment function
Audio function test:
The speaker output has no distortion or noise.
The headphone interface is functioning properly.
Clear and accurate voice prompts
Connection function test:
Bluetooth pairing and data transmission
Wi-Fi connection and network access
USB data synchronization and charging function
4. GPS Performance Testing (GPS Performance Testing) - Key Verification Item
Cold start time: The time from turning on the device to the first location determination (usually ≤ 45 seconds)
Reboot time: Reorientation time (usually ≤ 15 seconds)
Positioning accuracy: Average positional error (usually ≤ 5 meters)
Sensitivity: The positioning capability at the lowest signal intensity (typically ≤ -145 dBm)
Satellite capture: The number of satellites being tracked simultaneously (usually ≥ 12)
Navigation function: Path planning, real-time navigation, yaw re-calculation and other functions are operating normally.
5. Safety and Reliability Testing (Safety & Reliability Testing)
Electrical Safety Test:
High Voltage Test (Hi-Pot Test): The AC adapter withstands 1500VAC between input and output for 60 seconds without breakdown.
Insulation resistance test: ≥ 100 MΩ at 500 VDC
Ground continuity test: ≤ 0.1Ω (if applicable)
Environmental adaptability test:
High-temperature operation: Functions normally when working continuously at +55℃ for 4 hours.
Low-temperature operation: Normal startup and operation at -20℃
Temperature cycling test: No faults occurred during 5 cycles from -20℃ to +55℃
Durability test:
Button lifespan test (≥ 100,000 times)
Interface insertion and removal life test (≥ 5000 times)
Testing of bracket strength and suction cup reliability
6. Software and Information Security Testing
Virus Scan: Conduct a comprehensive scan of the built-in storage and pre-installed content using the latest antivirus software.
Data Erasure: After restoring to factory settings, confirm that there are no remaining user data.
Privacy protection: Mechanism for verifying location information and protecting personal data
System stability: Operated continuously for 48 hours without any system crashes or restarts.
III. Common Defect Classification
Critical (Severe Defects): Inability of GPS to locate, failure of main functions, non-compliance with safety tests, breakdown during high-voltage tests, information security risks.
Major Defects: Poor positioning accuracy, malfunction of the touch screen, abnormal display, connection function failure, severe appearance defects.
Minor (Minor Defects): Minor appearance flaws, non-standard packaging, and minor defects of the accessories.
IV. Inspection Rules and Criteria
Sampling Plan: Based on the batch size, the sampling quantity is determined according to the AQL standard.
Defect determination:
If just one Critical defect is found, the entire batch can be judged as不合格 (unqualified).
The number of major defects exceeded the AQL acceptance limit, and thus it was determined to be unqualified.
The performance parameters exceed the tolerance range specified in the specification document. Therefore, it is determined to be unqualified.
Report Output: The detailed inspection report should include the sample size, test data, defect description (with attached pictures), and performance parameter records.
Conclusion
The quality inspection of GPS receiving devices requires professional knowledge and strict testing procedures. Factory inspection is conducted to ensure that the manufacturer has reliable manufacturing capabilities, and then a final random inspection before shipment is carried out to comprehensively verify the performance of the finished products, forming a complete quality assurance system. Purchasers and brand owners should pay special attention to GPS performance tests and electrical safety tests to ensure that the products comply with relevant standards and provide consumers with reliable and accurate navigation products.