Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for logging test results, has steps for: A) accessing a stream of test data associated with a tester performing tests on a number of devices under test; B) selecting items of the test data to be logged to a data store, the selecting being performed in accord with a number of test data formatting selections; and C) logging the selected items of the test data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of has the steps of A) accessing a stream of test data comprising 1) a number of state events and 2) a number of data events interspersed with the ones of the state events; B) upon accessing one of the data events, determining if the data event is in conformity with the current test state; C) if not, 1) buffering a number of additional data events; and 2) if the number of additional data events imply that a state event should have been received and a state change should have occurred, prior to accessing the data event, i) synthesizing and publishing the state event that should have been received, in conformity with the implied state change; ii) updating the current test state; and iii) then, publishing the data event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method has steps for 1) determining a number of data types and associated data structure definitions, the data types being utilized as potential output by a machine running a program; 2) creating a data dictionary with listings, the listings comprising the data types and the associated data structure definitions; and 3) outputting the data dictionary for the machine running the program.

Abstract: In one embodiment, and in response to an ordered sequence of events corresponding to execution of a plurality of tests on at least one device under test (DUT), 1) a plurality of data objects are created, the data objects including A) some data objects that correspond to logical groupings of test results implied by ones of the events, and B) a generic data object that corresponds to a user-defined one of the events; 2) ones of the data objects are related to others of the data objects in a hierarchical tree structure, with the generic data object being related to others of the data objects based on the position of the user-defined event in the ordered sequence of events; and 3) data corresponding to ones of the events is related to ones of the data objects in the hierarchical tree structure. A number of data formatters are provided access to the plurality of data objects and data associated with the hierarchical tree structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention eliminates the indexing time of an SOC tester, or at least reduces it to the time delay for an electronic switch to toggle or a mechanical shift to occur between two banks of DUTs to be tested on a DUT load board mounted on a test head.

Abstract: A rotatable or translatable carousel configured to facilitate electrical or electronic testing of Devices Under Test (DUTs) in combination with an insertion handler and a test head is disclosed. The carousel is configured to be placed on a test head of a tester in a first position with a first Device under Test (DUT) (such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC) integrated circuit (IC)) loaded in a first test position of the carousel. A first electrical or electronic test is performed on the first DUT at the first position, after which the carousel is advanced to a second position and a second DUT is loaded in a second test position of the carousel. While the carousel is positioned at the second position, the first test is performed on the second DUT and a second electrical or electronic test is performed on the first DUT.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining which of two computer processes should perform a function X includes the following actions. If a second computer process is dependent on data received at a first computer process, it is determined whether the second computer process currently requires the data. If the second computer does not currently require the data, it is determined whether 1) a cost of the second computer process performing a function X on the data, plus 2) a cost of transmitting the data to the second computer process, exceeds 3) a cost of the first computer process performing the function X on the data. If the first two costs exceed the latter, the function X is caused to be performed by the first computer process.

Abstract: In a method for assigning test numbers, current testflow context information is maintained during execution of a testflow. If one or more test number factors have been specified for one or more levels of the current testflow context, the test number factors are used to determine a base number for a current test number range. Otherwise, the base number is set to a default base number. Upon execution of a subtest in the testflow, the result of the subtest is then assigned a next test number in the current test number range. Also disclosed are other methods and apparatus that use contextual test number factors to assign test numbers.

Abstract: In a method for assigning test numbers, current testflow context information is maintained during execution of a testflow. Upon execution of a subtest in the testflow, a database of test numbers is indexed using index information comprising 1) an identifier of the subtest, and 2) the current testflow context information. If a test number corresponding to the index information exists in the database, the test number is assigned to a result of the subtest. If a test number corresponding to the index information does not exist in the database, a new test number is assigned to the result of the subtest, and the index information and new test number are associated in the database. A test number engine for satisfying calls for test numbers is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for assigning test numbers, current testflow context information is maintained during the execution of a testflow. If one or more test number factors have been specified for one or more levels of the current testflow context, the test number factors are used to determine a base number for a current test number range. Otherwise, the base number is set to a default base number. Upon execution of a subtest in the testflow, a result of the subtest is assigned a next test number in the current test number range. The following items are then associated in a test number database: 1) an identifier of the subtest, 2) the current testflow context information, 3) the test number, and 4) the base number. When stored in the database, the base number serves as a specification number for its corresponding test number. Also disclosed are other methods and apparatus that use contextual test number factors to assign test numbers.

Abstract: In a method for assigning test numbers, current testflow context information is maintained during the execution of a testflow. Upon generation of a new test number for a result of a subtest in the testflow, a database of test numbers is indexed using the new test number. If the new test number appears as an entry in the database, a unique identifier associated with the entry is compared to index information comprising 1) an identifier of the subtest, and 2) the current testflow context information. If the unique identifier does not match the index information, a test number collision is identified. Otherwise, the new test number is assigned to the subtest. Other methods and apparatus for identifying test number collisions are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for assigning test numbers, current testflow context information is maintained during execution of a testflow. The information is maintained as an array of one or more context values. Upon execution of a subtest in the testflow, a map of linked data nodes is indexed using a key formed from 1) a numeric identifier of the subtest, and 2) the array of context values. If a data node corresponding to the key exists in the map and is associated with a test number, the data node's test number is assigned to a result of the subtest; else, a new test number is assigned to the result of the subtest, and the new test number is associated with a data node that is linked in the map. A test number database, and a test number engine for satisfying calls for test numbers, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling test number collisions comprises program code stored on computer readable media. The code, in response to a collision between first and second test numbers, automatically adjusts the second test number in response to a collision tracking value associated with the first test number, thereby eliminating the collision. Also in response to the collision, the code updates the collision tracking value. Other methods and apparatus for handling test number collisions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) of a report format editor for circuit test displays a number of user-selectable representations of circuit test data. The GUI also displays a user-modifiable ASCII report format that is formed, at least in part, of placed ones of the user-selectable representations of circuit test data. Program code interprets the relative sizes and placements of elements forming the user-modifiable ASCII report format, and generates an ASCII format description file in response to the interpretation. A circuit test system then formats circuit test data in accordance with the ASCII format description file.

Abstract: The present invention is a graphical user interface with a panning window interface that allows presentation of a high-level view of a dense graphical map structure simultaneously with a detailed sub-portion of the dense graphical map structure. The graphical user interface provides a movable panning window that allows an operator to select the portion of the overall map structure to view in detail. The detailed view of the selection portion of the overall map structure is presented in a detail panel of the screen. Enhancements to the panning window interface include highlighting of map structure elements on the screen selectable via a highlight selection menu or search and highlight capability.

Abstract: A dynamic waveform manager and an application policy are provided to an electronic device that executes an application requiring the use of waveforms accessed from a waveform table characterized by a limited number of entries. The application policy contains waveform sequencing information specific to the application. The application may utilize any number of waveforms that are typically stored in a memory separate from the waveform table. The dynamic waveform manager monitors the execution of the application, and manages loading and unloading of waveforms required by the application into and out of the waveform table such that each waveform required by the application is loaded in the waveform prior to and at least by the time it is needed by the application. The dynamic waveform manager accesses the application policy to reference the waveform sequencing information specific to the application for use in determining when and which waveforms to load and unload to and from the waveform table.

Abstract: A graphical user interface with a selection menu having an inherent color key implemented therein is presented. The selection menu displays a plurality of selectable menu items each associated with different characteristics of possible elements to be displayed in an image rendering space of the display screen. Each menu item is associated with a different unique rendering color. In one embodiment, all possible elements are displayed. In another embodiment, only elements corresponding to selected menu items are displayed, and elements corresponding to unselected items are not displayed. In both embodiments, upon selection of one or more of the menu items, the elements possessing the characteristics associated with the selected menu items are rendered using the different unique rendering color of its associated menu item.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and correcting invalid test definition data in user input are disclosed. In one embodiment, apparatus includes computer readable media, and program code stored on the computer readable media. The program code has code to define a user interface, and code that interacts with the user interface. A first portion of code that interacts with the user interface detects invalid test definition data in user input and, upon detection of invalid test definition data, prompts a user to select a valid data option from a set of valid data options. The prompting is undertaken through the user interface. A second portion of code that interacts with the user interface receives a valid data option selected through the user interface, and updates the invalid test definition data with the valid data option. Methods and apparatus for compiling the set of valid data options are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling device testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a local controller having a slave mode and a control mode, when in the control mode, the local controller to control testing of a device and to initiate one or more test instructions to be applied to the device, and when in the slave mode, to pass through a remote test instruction received from a remote controller to a tester. The system further comprises the tester, communicatively coupled to the local controller, to apply one of the one or more test instructions and the remote test instruction to the device.

Abstract: A method, a system and/or a computer readable medium for accessing design data including an electronic image of an integrated circuit to be tested; determining whether a pin of the integrated circuit has been assigned to a port in a multi-port automated test environment; enabling a displayable pin indicator based in part upon the determination of whether a pin is assigned to a port; and displaying the electronic image and the displayable pin indicator.