Assurance Processes
A device is considered SMDA Assured once the device has successfully met the Entry and Exit Criteria, successfully completed testing and has been listed on the Device Assurance Register (DAR).
Test Approach
Devices submitted to the SMDA Test House will undergo a series of testing procedures to ensure the device is compliant with the DCC systems for interoperability purposes and to ensure the device can communicate with other devices on HAN for interchangeability purposes. Other exit criteria include CPA, DLMS and Zigbee certification as applicable for device type.
The test approach is summarised in the table below:
| Testing Approach Components | Testing Type | Testing Method | Testing Objectives |
| CTS based approach – All DUIS Service Requests applicable to devices incorporated as part of a Test Specification | SMETS External Device Behaviour | Smart Meter Wide-Area Network (SMWAN) | Interoperability and Interchangeability |
| Delta GBCS Use Cases (not triggered by DUIS Service Requests) | SMETS External Device Behaviour | Local Delivery | Interoperability and Interchangeability |
| Additional SMETS requirements testing | Internal device functionality (on a risk based approach basis) | Local Delivery | Interoperability and Interchangeability |
Timescales*
*These timescales are estimated. Actual testing timescales may vary.
Interoperability
A device’s ability to interoperate with the DCC is assured by performing a defined set of tests that demonstrate that the device provides the expected response to each communication. The set of tests demonstrate that the device supports each Service Request that can be sent to the device, as defined in the DCC User Interface Specification (DUIS).
This method of testing mimics the manner in which Suppliers, Network Operators and other users will interact with the DCC and ultimately with the device. An example of interoperability is to check that a Supplier can set a tariff on an Electricity Smart Meter.
Interchangeability
A device’s ability to interchange with other devices is assured by testing the communications between each other device on a Home Area Network (HAN) with which the Device Under Test communicates. A device is tested with a representative sample of each other Device Type; the chosen devices for this testing are referred to as Interchangeability (IC) Testing Units.
This provides an agreed level of assurance that any one device can be replaced and for the replacement unit to work with the devices that remain in the consumer’s premises. This testing is performed with a combination of communication using the DCC System and through a local stimulus. An example of interchangeability is to check that an In-Home Display shows the current tariff on a Gas Smart Meter; or that a Pre-Payment Interface Device can be used to apply credit to an Electricity Smart Meter.