Drag-and-Drop ATE Workflow Editor for Parallel Test Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Automated Test Equipment (ATE) test programming relies on sequential instructions, which is cumbersome and limits the execution of parallel operations, leading to lengthy execution times and reduced capabilities due to the inability to easily utilize modern ATE instruments' parallel features.
Innovation Solution
A graphical drag-and-drop workflow editor that allows users to create and execute test programs in a coherent time domain, using a temporally-coherent execution engine to align instrument operations precisely, enabling parallel execution of multiple operations simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential program instructions are used for ATE test programming, then the programming interface is simple and execution order is clear, but execution time becomes lengthy and parallel operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional programming to a time-domain graphical interface where multiple operations can be positioned at different time points. This allows parallel operations to be visually arranged along the time axis, enabling simultaneous execution of multiple instrument operations while maintaining clear temporal relationships through the graphical timeline display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments test operations into discrete time-domain blocks that can be independently positioned and executed at specific time points. Each operation is divided into a time-stamped component that can be arranged in parallel or sequence along the time axis, allowing the test program to utilize parallel instrument capabilities while maintaining deterministic execution order when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional test programming languages are used, then sequential execution is straightforward, but the ability to perform parallel operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional text-based programming languages with a graphical user interface that operates in the time domain. Instead of writing sequential code instructions, users interact with visual time-domain representations of operations, dragging and dropping operations onto time positions. This substitution makes parallel operation configuration intuitive while maintaining precise temporal control through the graphical interface.
3Loss of time
If sequential execution is used, then program flow is easy to control, but execution time is excessive and instrument capabilities are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-position operations at specific time points in the graphical time domain interface before execution. This preliminary arrangement of operations in the time domain enables the system to prepare parallel execution paths in advance, reducing actual execution time while maintaining deterministic behavior through the pre-planned temporal structure visible in the graphical interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A drag-and-drop workflow editor in an Automated Test Equipment (ATE) environment to create coherent time domain aligned test programs. This includes graphical interface channel diagrams with channel headers, channel timelines, designer items defining test operations, measurement references and trigger references to define temporal relationships in a time domain environment.