Test System Automation and Qualification Phase

FixturFab developed all of its Test Software in Python. If LabVIEW is required, we can partner with a third party to develop the automated test suite.

Python stands out as an excellent software platform for modern Test System automation. Its non-proprietary nature ensures widespread compatibility, and Python wrappers are well-supported for various test instrumentation. Additionally, it boasts modest CPU hardware requirements, making it efficient for diverse systems. The language's extensive library support extends to modern cloud-based architectures, facilitating seamless software deployment, monitoring, and retrieval of test information.

Test Runner is a Python-based test framework created by FixturFab for Test System automation. It is deployed on an underlying Linux OS platform, using easy-to-manage container distribution methodologies. Following the pyTest paradigm, it streamlines test automation by necessitating only the creation of a Test Plan as custom code for any particular Device Under Test (DUT).

Test Runner offers a user-friendly GUI front-end with test control & status features (i.e., start, cancel, pass, fail, etc.), serial number scanning, log file viewing & filtering, and output file generation. Additionally, it includes user account management, distinguishing between admin and operator roles. The framework incorporates robust database management for storing and retrieving log files while also controlling pass/fail test limits.

FixturFab customers may elect to develop their own software solution to automate their new Test System or use Test Runner as a starting point to implement just the Test Plan for their DUT. FixturFab can also develop fully turnkey software solutions for customers who lack the software resources and/or time to tackle the Automation Phase.

During the Blueprint Phase, FixturFab prepares a comprehensive Qualification and Acceptance Plan, outlining the final testing of the integrated Test System. The test encompasses software, hardware, and mechanical components to provide evidence of compliance with testing requirements and determination that the completed system is ready for delivery.

While every plan is tailored to address the specific requirements of each Test System, the following areas of qualification testing are commonly included:

• Tester Measurement Compliance - Do test measurements comply with PASS / FAIL criteria outlined in the Test Plan?
• Tester Calibration Effectiveness - Do calibration mechanisms used to improve tester accuracy and/or variance work as designed?
• Tester Mechanical Repeatability - Can the test system repeat measurements after physical DUT removal and insertion without compromising the test outcome?
• Tester System Stability - Can the test system run continuously for a timeframe representing a typical manufacturing shift (>= 8 hours) without rebooting the system or needing other system intervention?
• Test Slot Interoperability - What variance can be expected from slot-to-slot in a multi-slot fixture configuration?
• Test System Interoperability - What variance can be expected between two or more identical fixtures?

Once a Test System has passed the Qualification and Acceptance Plan, an associated test report is submitted by FixturFab for the Customer’s review and approval. All log files and/or data that have been collected as part of the testing efforts are organized and made available with this test report.

Qualification plans are custom to each Test System. FixturFab developed this during the Blueprint Phase to ensure no test requirements are missed!

FixturFab carefully prepares Test Systems, instrumentation racks, and associated components for their fulfillment journey by packaging each component in rugged travel cases. The shipping process is tailored to each system's specifications, considering factors such as size, weight, and destination, whether it be domestic or overseas.

Thorough documentation is generated for the installation and operation of each system, providing a comprehensive guide for users. Additionally, for a more interactive experience, FixturFab offers a System Walkthrough video call with customers, highlighting key aspects of the Test System operation and software features.