System Validation Project Manager

Sundarapandian Murugesan

System Validation Engineer

Email : ***********@*****.***

Phone : +1-279-***-****

Professional Summary:

System validation Expert with experience on SoC’s (Silicon-on-Chip), 3GPP wireless protocols validation, Interoperability Testing (IOT), Field Testing, LAB Testing, Call box, carrier acceptance testing (CAT)

Worked as “System validation engineer”, “Project manager”, “Project lead”, “System validation lead” and “System test lead”.

Very fluent experience in 5GNR, LTE, UMTS wireless protocols validation with 7+ years in team management.

Excellent work experience in GNSS/GPS and E911 feature validation with Apple projects and products.

Product ownership & leadership experience during various phases of products life cycles and good experience of working at customer end and client handling like Samsung, Apple, Dell and Lenovo.

Good Exposure of 5G/LTE protocol layers (NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC) and good understanding of Mobile networks, End to End procedures such as call flow of LTE, IMS, VOLTE and 5G NA/NSA and VONR

Excellence in problem solving, bugs replication, root cause log analysis with protocol & telephony layers and test case development.

Lab testing experience on CMW500, Anritsu and Agilent 8960.

RF systems validation using various wireless test equipment such as Network Analyzer, Keysight, Anritsu and Anite

Developed excellent debugging skills and suggesting work-around for the bugs.

Experience of working with cross functional teams i.e. board design team, IP/RTL design team, IP/SoC verification team, firmware development team, device driver team from multiple sites with multi-cultural background.

Responsible for analyzing, debug and root cause issues around debug chassis in SoC.

Involvement in Layer 2, Full Stack testing in preparation for IOT.

Authored papers at Intel Corporation's Design and Test Technology Conference (2022, 2023), addressing topics like

o“Unique style of product marketing & Did we knock all doors?”.

oAuto update of display for a short, visioned viewer

oAuto angle update of display for a user who presents in conference

oBleep pressure measurement using vision sensing firmware & IO devices.

Key contributor to the development and release of several groundbreaking devices, including:

oSamsung Galaxy S1: The first smartphone from Samsung.

oSamsung Galaxy S4: The world's first LTE smartphone.

oApple iWatch1: World’s first cellular connectivity-enabled wearable (world market leader) from Apple.

oGeo LTE Network: India’s first LTE Network stabilization using intel WiFi router.

Technical Skills:

Programming/Scripting Languages

Python, C,

Flashing Tools

Purple Restore, Wave, iOS Menu, iOS Tools

Logging Tools

CLA, Tool launcher, System Trace Tool, Crash Inspect

Wireless Protocols

LTE, IMS, VOLTE, 5G NR, GNSS, GPS, E911

Test Equipment’s

Agilent 8960, CMU 200, CMW500

Platforms

Windows 10, Mac OS.

Bug Tracking Tool

UTP, Clear Quest, HP Quality Centre, Radar, Jira

CI Tools

Jenkins, GitHub

Educational Details:

M. Tech in Computer science and Engineering, SASTRA University, Tamilnadu, India CGPA = 7.33/10.

MSc in Software Engineering, Periyar University, Tamilnadu, India with 81.4%

Professional Experience: From Dec 2009 -

Intel Corporation Folsom, California Nov 2021-Till Now

Products: Modem CNV (Coex with Wifi/Bluetooth)

Title: Post-silicon SoC System Validation & LTE/5G Protocol validation

Description: This project focuses on the planning, design, development, validation, debugging, integration with the main SoC, and release of device drivers/firmware for “Vision Sensing” and “Modem Connectivity” coexistence with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Scope of the project:

Led the development, integration, and debugging of the full firmware, software and hardware stack on Modem CNV post-silicon platforms.

Designed and debugged device drivers and driver stubs for LTE/5G Modem CNV chipsets using intel trace tools.

Collaborated with Microsoft and Chrome teams to facilitate SoC feature/system/driver bring-up in multi-OS environments during the development phase.

Worked cross-functionally with Design, Firmware, and Architecture teams to integrate high-quality firmware and software components, ensuring successful product delivery on various Intel processor platforms.

Defined comprehensive test plans and identified gaps in validation coverage to minimize protocol and software bugs before release.

Identified and implemented various test methods to uncover user-level use cases and hidden issues such as BSOD, GSOD, and YB during driver, firmware, and system validation.

Perform system throughput performance testing with 5G-NR and LTE Networks.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Performed unit testing with the pytest framework to validate features including FTP, UDP data transfer and firmware updates for Modem CNV chipsets.

Concentrated on integration testing in a Jenkins and GitHub environment across multiple Intel SoC platforms, including Alder Lake and Raptor Lake.

Conducted product validation and analysis of LTE/5G protocols utilizing in-house system applications.

Created and maintained the automated Power BI report for FR, RCR and HSD(Bugs) status using Power BI SQL queries.

Delivered weekly status updates on Feature Enablement (FR), Requested Change Requests (RCR), and HSD (Bugs) to project management through Power BI.

Environment: Windbg, GitHub, Atmel Studio, Jenkins, Logic analyzer pro, Windows, Linux, C, Python.

L&T Technology Services Limited Oct 2014 - Oct 2021

Project: 4

Client: Apple Inc Cupertino, California Aug 2018-Feb 2021

Products: iWatch3,4,5,iPhone8,10,11,12 (Wearable/Note/Phone)

Title: Black Project (System Validation & Field Testing & IOT)

Description: Project aims at System Field Test/Validation using iOS-based interaction with Cellular protocol stack (CPS). As course of these projects, we test the GNSS/GPS and E911 functionalities for Wearable, phone, Note devices with various modem software stacks.

Scope of the project:

Adhere strictly to Apple’s security compliance with project protocols, including policies such as “never showcase outside,” “avoid public discussions on products,” “ensure continuous monitoring to prevent theft, “maintain ownership focus on assigned devices”, “handover devices post-validation” and “secure proprietary devices and laptops in a safety locker when not in use.”

Configure and prepare multiple test devices with specific software setups, log profiles, and ensure all devices align with required software updates before use in field testing.

Conduct GNSS/GPS device calibration with satellite alignment in open fields to prepare for field test activities and ensure accurate R&D data collection.

Drive IoT/Field Test and System Validation initiatives, focusing on various application layers in wireless communication, including GNSS/GPS/E911 features in various network configurations such 2G, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, 5G and Wifi, benchmarked against known reference GPS coordinates.

Perform comprehensive field tests (Sanity, Regression, KPI, Reliability, and Concurrent) across diverse environments, including foliage, highways, city centers, and open spaces, to assess performance in varying radio conditions.

Collect and verify test logs using in-house tools with log profiles enabled, ensuring accuracy through GNSS-specific commands, satellite visibility, GPS coordinates, UTC time, and the success rate of end-to-end call procedures.

Utilize in-house comparison tools to assess competitive device performance against Apple products and generate detailed reports for project management.

Managed the end-to-end defect lifecycle, from logging and tracking bugs to ensuring timely delivery of fixes.

Collaborate with operators to mask SIM cards for E911 test server calls, ensuring timely feature renewals.

Conduct eNode site validation on E911 feature enablement to meet operator IoT KPI standards.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Team Lead for coordination and reporting with System Test and Field Test teams, ensuring alignment and timely progress updates.

Led the identification, development, and testing of devices such as wearables, phones, and tablets. Designed and executed System Regression, Field Regression, Reliability, Concurrent, and Release Verification test suites based on Customer Service Request for GNSS/GPS/E911 emergency call features.

Compiled and generated Functionality, Regression, and KPI reports, delivering insights and quality metrics to the project management team.

Validated GNSS, GPS, and E911 features across various Apple mobile platforms, driving quality and enhancing feature stability for improved product performance.

Environment: Network (GPS/GNSS Chamber) and Live Network.

Tools: Radar, Purple Restore, Wave, iOS Menu, iOS Tools and IOS.

Geo Locations: North America.

Operators: Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T.

Project: 3

Client: Intel Corporation Allentown, PA, & San Diego, California June 2017 - Aug 2018

Products: iPhone 11 & Wearable (iWatch1 & iWatch2).

Title: XG7X20 Family Chipset V1 IOT/Field Test and System validation

Description: Project aims at IOT/Field Test/Carrier acceptance testing and System validation on various protocol layers of cellular communication protocol stack. During this project, we validate the Cellular protocol stack with respect to NAS (3gpp spec 24.008), E-RRC (3gpp spec 36.331), E-RLC (3gpp spec 36.322), E-MAC (3gpp spec 36.321), NR-RRC (3gpp spec 38.331) and other important functionalities of NR/UMTS/LTE from Release 99 to release 15.

Scope of the project:

Mobile platform SoC and Formfactor bring up from the beginning as per product, software life cycle and SWLC

Verification of customer reported issues & carrying out stability tests.

Verify the functionality of 5G-NR, LTE, LTE-A, CSFB, VOLTE, SRVCC, MIMO, LTE DL/UL Carrier aggregation, PHR, MCS, and Transmission mode, IRAT HO, inter band HO, IRAT Reselection and IMS features, CS Voice calls, DRX, SPS and TTI bundling features, new modulation schemes like 256QAM, DL/UL CA features, VoLTE calls, EVS support and UMTS (various features) etc. in Lab and Field environments.

Verify the functionality of Non-Cellular Protocol stack like E911 features.

Perform system performance validation by conducting FTP & UDP throughput tests on Model & CMW (over USB & Wi-Fi tethering) for both IPv4 & IPv6.

Log collection to identify the root cause of any kind of functionality and performance issues.

Based on the issue’s severity, perform join test with Customer/Operator.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Manage team to carryout IOT/Field/System protocol validation engineering and worked as Lead/Manager for technical brainstorm/co-ordination/reporting with Field test team from various geographical regions of world.

Owned Operator IOT leadership in multi continents like Australia and USA especially with Telstra Networks (Sydney) and Sprint Lab (Kansas City).

Ownership on tracking team’s issues from submitted state to till closure.

Analyzing the failed test cases using Mobile analyzer/System trace tool and raising the CRs.

Environment: Flash E2, Mobile Analyzer, STT, CLA, Wireshark, FTP, UTP, Crash inspects, Clear Quest, HP Quality Centre, Radar, Purple Restore, Wave, iOS Menu, and iOS Tools, Android, IOS.

Geo Locations: Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Operators: Airtel, Geo, Telstra, Optus, Orange, Sprint, TMO, Verizon, AT&T, Telus, Samsung Simulated Test bed network.

Project: 2

Client: Intel Corporation Sydney, Australia May 2016 - Apr 2017

Products: iPhone 8, iPhone10

Title: XG7X6 Family Chipset V2/V3 - System/Field Test

Description: Project aims at Inter-operability test, System Test and Field Test support using C-AT based interaction with Cellular protocol stack (CPS). As course of these projects, we test the LTE Release 12 UE protocol stack in Telstra & Optus test bed networks. We perform complete test activities (Sanity, System test, Regression, KPI, Reliability and Concurrent) in all parts of Australia with all leading network operator in their respective locations until phone is released into the market.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Worked as Project lead for co-ordination/reporting with Field test and system test team at Sydney and Melbourne.

Worked as System lead to Identify, Develop and Test the test suites like System Regression, Field regression, Reliability, Concurrent, Release verification test suites from Customer SR document for SRVCC, LTE DL/UL Carrier aggregation, 256QAM, 64QAM Modulation, PHR, MCS, and Transmission mode, IRAT HO, IRAT Reselection and IMS features.

Worked as IOT Project lead for the implementation of Transmission mode 7 at Optus network.

Worked as IOT Project lead for the implementation of 3CA in Telstra network and validation of IMS features like MO/MT VOLTE, VOLTE conference calls, 256QAM DL modulation and 64QAM UL modulation.

Analyzing the software quality issues using System trace tool and raising the CRs.

Geo Locations: Australia (Sydney, Melbourne).

Operators: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone.

Project: 1

Client: Intel Corporation Bangalore, India Oct 2014 – May 2016

Products: Cellular Router for “Geo” operator.

Title: XG7X6 Family Chipset (Cellular Routers) – System Validation/Field Testing

Description: Project aims at System validation and Field Test using C-AT based interaction with Cellular protocol stack (CPS) – Embedded systems. As course of these projects, we test the LTE Release 8 UE protocol stack in real network conditions. We perform complete filed test activities (Sanity, System test, Regression, KPI, Reliability and MTBF) in all parts of India with JIO network operator in their respective locations until MIFI router is released into the market.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Project Lead for coordinating and reporting across Field Test and System validation teams from Bangalore and Mumbai for SoFIA MIFI Projects.

As System Lead, identified, developed, and tested System Regression, Field Regression, Reliability, Concurrent, and Release Verification test suites based on Customer SR documents for WiFi routers with LTE network features.

Conducted analysis of failed test cases using System Trace tools, raised Change Requests (CRs), and tracked issue resolution to ensure project quality and deliverables.

Worked closed with Geo operators to stablish first LTE solutions in India.

Intel Corporation India July 2013 – Oct 2014

Modem test validation engineer

Products: Galaxy S4, S5, Galaxy Note1, Note2.

Title: XG7X6 Family Chipset V1/V2 - System/Field Test

Description: Project aims at System validation and Field Testing using C-AT/MMI based interaction with Cellular protocol stack (CPS). As course of these projects, we test the UMTS 3gpp Release 5, 6, 7, 8 & LTE Release 8 UE protocol stack in Network simulators and real network conditions. We perform complete filed test activities (Sanity, System test, Regression, KPI, Reliability and Concurrent) in all parts of the world (Europe, Asia and USA) with all the network operators in their respective locations until mobile is released into the market.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Worked as System lead for co-ordination/reporting with Field test and system test from various geographical locations for XG7X6 V1/V2 Projects.

Served as System Lead for coordination and reporting across Field Test and System Test teams spanning various global locations for XG7X6 V1/V2 projects.

Led the identification, development, and testing of test suites—including System Regression, Field Regression, Reliability, Concurrent, and Release Verification—based on Customer SR documentation for Legacy and LTE network features, utilizing the CAT interface.

Conducted KPI testing for critical modules such as CS Calls, PS-Call Browsing, Dial-up FTP file transfer, and UTP file transfer across multiple RAT and network environments, comparing XGXX6 customer hardware with reference hardware on the same release with CAT capability.

Utilized Mobile Analyzer/System Trace tools to analyze failed test cases, escalating issues by submitting Change Requests (CRs).

Monitored and tracked issues through their lifecycle, from submission to closure, ensuring thorough resolution and documentation.

XPT Software services Pvt Limited India Dec 2009 – June 2013

Client: Infineon technologies & Intel Mobile communications India

Senior software engineer

Products: Galaxy S1, S2, S3

Title: XG6X6 Family Chipset V1/V2/V3 - System/Field Test

Description: Project aims at System validation and Field Testing using C-AT based interaction and MMI based interaction with Cellular protocol stack (CPS). As course of this project, we are testing the 3gpp Release 7 & 8 Mobile protocol stack in real network conditions. Especially, we test all the Release 7 features like Enhanced L2, 64QAM, CPC-Continuous Packet connectivity, FRLC-Flexible RLC except Voice over HSPA and Release 8 features like DC-HSDPA.

Scope of the project:

We perform complete filed test activities (System test, KPI, Regression, Sanity, Reliability and Concurrent) in all parts of the world (Europe, Korea, India and USA) with all the network operators in their respective locations until mobile is released into the market.

Conducted comprehensive field test activities (System Test, KPI, Regression, Sanity, Reliability, and Concurrent) across Europe, Korea, India, and the USA with local network operators, supporting the device lifecycle up to market release.

Validated the cellular protocol stack per 3GPP specifications—including RRC (25.331), RLC (25.322), MAC (25.321), and NAS (24.008)—and key UMTS features from Release 5 to 8.

Executed system and field tests on handset devices, collecting logs for cellular product modules and ensuring backward compatibility for GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and earlier UMTS releases based on throughput performance.

Identified software degradations in the cellular protocol stack through extensive test suite execution, collaborating with the customer to perform joint testing based on issue severity

Roles and Responsibilities:

Developed test cases for System Verification based on Customer SR documents and CAT 14 & 24 features, aligned with 3GPP 27.007 (Release 8) standards to enable communication between C-AT and other cellular protocol stack modules.

Executed comprehensive testing across SIT, Sanity, System Verification, FT Regression, Reliability, and Concurrent test suites, ensuring robust system performance.

Conducted KPI (Throughput) testing on XG6X6 customer hardware, benchmarking results against reference hardware with equivalent CAT & Release capabilities.

Analyzed failed test cases using Mobile Analyzer tools, raised Change Requests (CRs), and provided detailed reports, tracking issues from initial submission through to closure.

Collaborated with customers in Warsaw to resolve a critical market-release blocker issue, addressing a deadlock state during neighbor cell transitions in Cell-PCH.

Supported the customer at GUMI test bed network to identify and resolve a critical smart chip crash issue for DOCOMO in Japan during PLMN scanning in UMTS compressed mode.

Conducted maintenance testing on various XG6X6 Chipset-II & III variants, ensuring consistency and reliability across chipset models.

Environment: XG6X6/XG7X6 Platform, XG6X6/XG7X6 Customer Hardware and Competitor based Reference Phone with UMTS, HSPA and LTE capability & release.

Network Simulators: 8960, 8470 and Test bed network (GUMI, South Korea)

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