96 Application Programs
Advantages/Benefits Of The MPS Solution
The entire test executes without computer involvement, the command processing time is eliminated from the test loop.
The entire test executes without computer involvement, so the computer can perform other tasks while the test executes.
Software development is simplified; you do not need to write a test loop because the module and the DMM are running on
their own.
By using dwell times, the trigger out signal can be sent at the correct time, which permits the DUT to settle before a reading
is taken.
Implementation Details
How The MPS Implements The Sequence
The module listens for the computer to send a trigger command.
Upon receipt of the trigger command, the module outputs its first List point.
After the dwell time expires, the STC is asserted and the module generates an external trigger.
The DMM receives the external trigger, takes and stores a reading.
The DMM generates a "Measurement Complete" output signal when it’s done.
The module receives the DMM output signal as an external trigger in.
Also upon receipt of the trigger in, the module outputs its next List point.
The process repeats for each List point.
After the last List point has executed, the module generates SRQ, telling the computer the test has completed.
MPS Set Up
Set the voltage mode to List.
Download the voltage List.
Download the dwell time List.
Set the List to be trigger paced.
Set the trigger source to external trigger.
Note The computer trigger command "TRIGGER:IMMEDIATE" is always active, even if the external trigger
is the selected source.
Set the module to generate a backplane TTL Trigger on STC. This backplane TTL Trigger drives external trigger out.
Set the module to generate SRQ on OPC.
Variations On This Implementation
1. A current List could also have been executed by the module so that for each voltage point, a corresponding current limit
could be programmed.
2. Overcurrent protection could be enabled to protect a faulty engine sensor.
3. If the DMM does not have an internal buffer, the computer could take a reading on each iteration of the test loop (see
previous application).