Patent ID: 9160554
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: G01R,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of operating automated test equipment (ATE) in a networked environment of a plurality of external test controllers to have said ATE perform one or more automated tests in response to a plurality of ATE instructions, comprising: transmitting, from a first test controller separate from and external to said ATE, a first function call requesting control access to said ATE for testing a device under test (DUT) separate from and external to said first test controller and said ATE; communicating, between said first test controller and said DUT, one or more control signals; waiting, by said first test controller, for said ATE control access to be available; assigning, by said ATE in response to said first function call, said ATE control access to said first test controller when said ATE control access is available; providing an indication, to said plurality of external test controllers, that said ATE control access is unavailable; transmitting, from said first test controller, said plurality of ATE instructions following said assignment of said ATE control access to said first test controller; communicating, between said ATE and said DUT, one or more test signals related to said plurality of ATE instructions; transmitting, from said first test controller to said ATE, a second function call relinquishing said ATE control access following completion of said transmission of said plurality of ATE instructions; providing an indication, to said plurality of external test controllers, that said ATE control access is available; and maintaining, until transmission from said first test controller of said second function call, said assignment by said ATE of said ATE control access to said first test controller.