A Framework for Electrical Test Engineering Automation

Abstract

This work deals with software environments for autoTfUltic test and characterization of electroelectronical devices, components and circuits. Special attention is paid to the features of testing and characterizing integrated devices and circuits. The subject is treated in two different and complementary views: i) The needs of the test and characterization engineer are addressed. The test engineer carries out physical experiments, which embody measurements and data acquisitions, and proceeds data processing, visualization and analYSis. ii) The needs of the software tools developer, who develops computer programs for the autoTfUltion of the procedures that are usually carried out during test and characterization, are also addressed. After the analysis of the subject under study, a software framework, called SGC ("SisteTfUl de Gerenciamento e Controle"), was proposed and implemented. The SGC framework was implemented under MS-Windows using an object-oriented approach in a PC, a basic hardware in testing laboratories. The SGC framework aims to fUlfill the needs inherent to the autoTfUltic test and characterization, when treated using the approaches mentioned above. The SGC framework is an open system, supporting the easy integration of new software functions to the environment, as well as a practical system/or test and characterization laboratory routines.