More features in electronics manufacturing testing

A Peak Production Equipment product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 8, 2001

The Peak Group has introduced a number of new features to its TestMaster suite of programs, adding comprehensive display, reporting, database, analysis and communications capabilities

The Peak Group has introduced a number of new features to its TestMaster suite of programs, adding comprehensive display, reporting, database, analysis and communications capabilities for functional testing in the manufacturing environment.

The TestMaster-CTP (core test package) includes everything the customer needs to set up and test products on the test system, including a database editor, system sequence programming capabilities and server-side backup.

The database editor (DBE) enables the customer to create test programs with ease using 'drag and drop' test steps, with easy back editing of test steps, plus the ability to create adaptable 'failed test' groupings and audit only enabled tests.

Virtual instrument drivers and displays can be used to set up and monitor real external instruments without the user needing to have any background knowledge of the communications protocol required.

System sequence programming (SSP) runs externally to the main test program, and takes care of fixture sequencing and control, board conveyers or handlers.

This again has an easy 'drag and drop' test step editor, and treats each stage of fixture operation as a separate module.

Server side backup (SSB) options are provided to back up the test programs on the customer's server.

The test databases can be run from this server, or can be returned to the test system at the start of each new day.

Options include barcodes so that programs can be automatically selected and loaded by scanning a barcode on each board or product being tested; audio alarm functions; and printer options which enable a test engineer to predefine the way the test system prints tickets.

Other options are available for changing and defining high- and low-level passwords for access to each level of the systems option pages.

A 'debug' screen, only accessible by trained engineers, provides full control of the test system's I/O functions.

An off-line database editor can be run as a separate entity from the core test package, enabling the customer to create and edit test programs away from the testing area.

A software package known as TestMaster-PRS (paperless repair system) runs on a stand-alone PC, using data collection server (DCS) software to acquire individual board test data from several test systems in order to create a 'paperless' reporting system.

The PRS software can also print a user define barcode label for adding to 'passed' products.

Other features of the PRS software include Intranet access to board data, enabling the customer to set-up off-line repair stations with ease, comprehensive engineering data including all test voltages measured, and a complete history list of the product and the test system that was used.

Managers may also use the PRS intranet server to view product flow through the test system in real time, yield rates and test-system throughput.

The DCS package can produce test data in XML data mail format to The Peak Group's web site, where the data is entered into an SQL server.

This data is then available to the customer via the Internet for a subscription fee.

An additional package known as TestMaster-WRAP (Web Reporting Analysis Package) can display graphical trend analysis charts on individual tests over a defined range of boards showing the total span of the measurement for the test.

This information can then be used by the customer to modify their test processes or procurement procedures, as well as providing a full history of the product.