Automatic generation of atlas programs for computer controlled test equipment

The NOPAL system automatically generates programs in ATLAS to test and diagnose malfunctions of electronic circuit boards. The system consists of two parts: a top-part which analyzes the circuit diagram and determines the necessary tests, and a bottom-part which analyzes the required tests and produces a program in the RCA EQUATE ATLAS test language for use with the RCA AN/USM-410 automatic test equipment. The system has been described previously. The emphasis in this paper is on the recent develop ment of generation of programs in ATLAS, per formed by the bottom-part. However for complete ness, the top-part is described as well briefly. The operation and advantages of NOPAL are also illustrated with an example of a voltage regula tion circut board. The paper concludes with a discussion of features of NOPAL to generate pro grams in other test programming languages and for other automatic test equipment.