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Test Software
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| The hardware assets of a particular ATE system are usually defined so the system can test a particular suite of UUT. The test or applications software is the mechanism by which the ATE assets are utilized in a logical sequence to test a particular unit in the suite. In other words, each different type of UUT will have its own, individual test program matched to its unique test requirements. |
| The creation of test programs is a significant cost factor in the use of ATE. Modern ATE operating software must include numerous features so as to minimize this expense. Some of these features include: |
| • Industry standard operating environment such as Windows (tm) |
| • Rapid, incremental test program code generation |
| • Fast binary execution to optimize test system throughput |
| • Easy and rapid test program edit and debug |
| • Extensive, user-friendly diagnostics to quickly and accurately identify UUT faults |
| Often the term TPS is used in conjunction with ATE applications software. TPS stands for "Test Program Set" and consists of the test program itself, any necessary cabling and/or adapter between the ATE and UUT, and appropriate documentation. If an ATE system provides flexible switching of its test assets, the need for complex adapters is minimized. However, some older ATE with rigid architectures require numerous and costly adapters due to their lack of flexibility. There is one TPS for each unique type of UUT. |