An analysis of ATE computational architecture

The author discusses the following aspects of test system software: the use of the latest computer technology; the use of the latest software technology, such as graphics and object-oriented programming; the role of the ATE (automatic test equipment) vendor in providing test solutions; the role of the tester user in designing device tests, analyzing test results, and developing production-worthy test solutions. The impact that changes in the state-of-the-art of computer and software design are having on ATE tester architectures is summarized. The importance of the need to be flexible and independent of these changes is shown as it relates to the system software engineer and, even more important, to the device engineer, who is the end user of the test system. The author discusses a two-tiered approach whereby an engineer who is extremely knowledgeable about the tester develops applications that optimize the use of the tester resources. Last, the enVision visual environment is shown; it is an environment ideally suited to the type of work that a device engineer needs to do