A network based test interface allowing access of hardware developers to test equipment

In this paper, a customized software tool to manage remote access to test equipment is presented. The software tool is developed using LabWindows/CVI and runs on Ethernet over TCP protocol. Ethernet is used as the media for communication and control since a local-area-network (LAN) infrastructure is mostly available in a facility; and almost all commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment manufacturers offer device control over LAN. The tool has a simple command structure, so users are not required to have any programming knowledge or spend extra programming effort for test automation. Developers' needs for remote access to test equipment, sending dynamical commands to and receiving measurement data from test equipment are also discussed in this paper. Ways to share test equipment resources dynamically between different setups using TCP protocol is discussed and a sample application is presented. As conclusion, effects of utilizing such tools in development over project efficiency and coordination between teams are summarized.