Test system middleware - a foundation toolkit

This paper describes the concept and an implementation of test system middleware (TSMW). TSMW is an object model that supports abstract signals and resources to ease the implementation of test systems. Moreover, TSMW provides for instrument interoperability, instrument interchangeability, and test program set (TPS) software transportability. The result is an efficient mechanism for providing the foundation for current and future test systems. TSMW contains objects that model signals, manage resources, control test system operation, and observe test system status. This model fits between a test executive and the test programs, at the top, and the physical buses and test instruments at the bottom.