Method and apparatus for automated testing of circuit boards
US6453435B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/31912
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A test station is provided to test a circuit board unit. The test station includes a disk drive storing uncompiled files which are interpretatively processed in order to carry out test operations. A bar code reader can scan a label on the unit, in order to accurately identify the unit. The label information can be used to ensure accurate programming of any programmable devices on the unit, and accurate selection of the correct test definition files for the unit. Step-by-step instructions can be provided to an operator regarding every manual act required during a test definition, and can include a graphic image of each such manual act. The test station can have two different test modes, where at least one command of the test definition is carried out for one mode but not the other. The test station has a debug mode, which includes capabilities for breakpoints, step mode, dynamic alteration of test definitions, and dynamic observation and alteration of variables.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.