A unified interface for signal-oriented control of instruments and switches

The signal-based testing paradigm, which reduces the impact of instrument obsolescence, is typically implemented via software architectures that encapsulate instrument-specific code in signal drivers. The paper describes the design of a signal driver interface and an extension of this design that enables the uniform treatment of instruments and switches. The unified interface supports the control of switches found inside instruments, and the modeling of signal transmission capabilities of switches and signal paths. Its use has the potential to lower software development costs. by reducing the number of different interfaces in Automatic Test Systems.