Considerations for, and impact of, the ATE/UUT interface

The establishment of a centralized interface for automatic test equipment is considered. The two necessary elements for the automation of the test process and a centralized automatic test equipment/unit under test interface are identified as comprehensive configuration cables and flexible system switching. It is noted that the cabling and switching used to implement an interface reduces signal quality. The complex centralized interface also necessitates an elaborate software system to control and allocate the interface, and a complex set of test programs. The projected mission of the test system and the intended lifespan govern the extent of the required interface. Five techniques are identified for error reduction: remote sensing of power, nulling measurements, four-wire measurements, on-line calibration, and local signal conditioning.