How to Build a Better Test Station - Averna Test Guru

5 bEsT PrAcTiCeSFoR A ScAlAbLe aNd fLeXiBlE SoLuTiOn

HOW TO BUILDA BETTERTEST STATION

DESIGN FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW1.

With products and technologies changing so quickly, it’s never been so important to have flexible and scalable test equipment. The more you can test with it over the long term, the better the investment. So when designing a test station, think of how your product testing might evolve. Will you need

di�erent instruments, more automation or quicker access to the electrical panel? The key is a solid yet flexible framework.

DOn’T HaNdCuFf

YoUr sTaTiOn

To oNe pRoDuCt!

5 Best Practices for a Scalable and Flexible Solution / Averna

1

ALL PURPOSE Start by identifying which hardware and so�ware components you need for all your testing versus what you will need for each product. For example:

And don’t forget to allow 30-35% extra capacity for:• Rack space/instrument slots• Communication ports• Switching channels, etc.

DESIGN FOR TODAYAND TOMORROW

All Purpose Product Speci�cTest instruments Fixtures

A standard rack Test packages/test code

Power supply and PC Adapters

Flexible cabling

Test executive so�ware


YOUR TEST NEEDS, LIKE YOUR

PRODUCTS, WILL EVOLVE.

THINK INSIDE THE BOX2.


Military and aerospace organizations excel at getting the most out of their test instruments. They typically choose modular, flexible ones like PXI that will cover multiple purposes to ensure long-term use and value.

So when you’re designing your test station, ask questions like “Will this let us test multiple products?” and “Will it be easy to upgrade?” This will help you avoid buying an instrument that you might not need next year.

GEt mOrE OuT

Of FeWer

InStRuMeNts!

IDLE

Many OEMs typically go through cycles where one product requires intense testing but only several months a year or several days per week, meaning that expensive test equipment can be idle for signi�cant periods.

To keep your station working, consider moving any intensive testing requirements into swappable �xtures and/or so�ware packages. That way you can quickly adapt the station for testing other products.

5 Best Practices for a Scalable and Flexible Solution / AvernaTHINK INSIDE

THE BOX 2

PUT AN END TO STATION DOWNTIME.

COMBINE BRAIN AND BRAWN3.

Solve more of your test issues with swappable, intelligent �xtures rather than with expensive instruments, and put elements that you will only need for one product in your �xtures. For example:

• JTAG programmer• Drivers• UUT switching

Then put a solid switch controller in the station with all control lines routed to the �xture – to avoid having to over-specify switching subsystems.


MAkE YoUr FiXtUrEs SmArTer!

3

Connecting �xtures directly to your instruments is time-consuming and prone to wear and tear. Instead, use an interchangeable test adapter. While a rugged ITA can be pricey, it will pay for itself in the long run.

For example, it protects your expensive instruments by creating a robust interface between them and your �xtures, while enabling you to quickly convert the station over to begin testing another product.

COMBINE BRAINAND BRAWN

ELIMINATE COSTLY WEAR

AND TEAR.


SAY “NO” TO CUSTOM SOFTWARE4.

Developers come and go but your test infrastructure is there for the long term. Employ a test executive like NI TestStand because it easily handles:

• Multiple products• All inbound/outbound data• Test updates

And it will make it simple to integrate test-data management so�ware for the consolidation of test results and reporting purposes.

USe a sTaNdArD

TeSt ExEcUtIve!



Working with just one test executive so�ware tool will ensure that your test stations can be easily updated and used by more personnel. The last thing you want is cryptic code and custom interfaces slowing down your testing.

A standard test executive also greatly reduces business risk. If your so�ware architect leaves the company, for example, it will be much easier to �nd someone to quickly take over test updates and troubleshooting.

CUSTOM TEST ARCHITECTURE IS RISKY BUSINESS.

4SAY “NO” TOCUSTOM SOFTWARE

EASY UPDATE

BUILD FOR HIGHER YIELDS AND SAVINGS5.

Let’s face it – building a new test station is a signi�cant investment. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate the bene�ts and return on investment, such as:

• Fewer expensive, one-purpose instruments• Smarter, swappable �xtures• Increased station flexibility/use• Less time needed for test updates


ADd up ThE BeNeFiTs To ImPrEsS ThE BoSs!

5BUILD FOR HIGHER YIELDS AND SAVINGS

Finally, with a standardized and flexible approach to building a new test station, multiple departments and partners like these will �nd it easier to collaborate on testing:

• R&D• Engineering• Manufacturing• Repair centers

And you will also boost product intelligence, cover evolving feature sets and improve business results.

TEST FOR TODAY AND

TOMORROW.


WHETHER YOU’RE A PRODUCT DESIGNER, ENGINEER OR TECHNICIAN, LEARN MORE ABOUT TEST BEST PRACTICES FROM OUR EXPERTS _

WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T AND WHAT THE TRENDS ARE.

www.averna.com

C A N A D A U N I T E D S T A T E S M E X I C O J A P A N

JUsT Don’T TeLl oUr “TeSt-y” cEO – hE ThInKs We’Re cRaZy gIvInG AwAyKnOw-HoW LiKe tHis.

THIS GUY IS SO DEDICATED TO TEST INNOVATION THAT HE RARELY

EMERGES FROM OUR LAB AND VACATIONS IN A THERMAL CHAMBER.

ALONE. OUR CEO HAS NEVER MET HIM AND HE’S JUST A RUMOR IN THE

HR DEPARTMENT. STILL, HIS EFFORTS HAVE LED TO MANY TECHNICAL

AND PRODUCTIVITY BREAKTHROUGHS, IF NOT A LITTLE FROSTBITE.

tO bRiNG yOU tHiS eBoOK, wE tApPeD tHE bRaIN oF

oNE oF oUR mOsT sAvVY tEsT sTaTiON dEsIgNeRS.

WAtCh fOr oUr eBOoKs

On TEsT AUtOmAtIon,

BUiLd-To-PRiNtAnD MoRe!

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