Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for error recognition of a two-wire data bus through which transmitted, dominant bits are differentially transmitted on the two bus lines, it is proposed that the arrangement comprises means (4) for measuring the differential current, by means of which the difference of the drive currents with which the two bus lines are driven is measured in a transmitter when transmitting dominant bits on the data bus, and in that evaluation means (5) are provided which supply an error signal when the difference between the drive currents exceeds a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A method and system for inferring airborne contaminant concentrations in rooms without contaminant sensors, based on data collected by contaminant sensors in other rooms of a building, using known airflow interconnectivity data. The method solves a least squares problem that minimizes the difference between measured and predicted contaminant sensor concentrations with respect to an unknown contaminant release time. Solutions are constrained to providing non-negative initial contaminant concentrations in all rooms. The method can be used to identify a near-optimal distribution of sensors within the building, when then number of available sensors is less than the total number of rooms. This is achieved by having a system-sensor matrix that is non-singular, and by selecting that distribution which yields the lowest condition number of all the distributions considered. The method can predict one or more contaminant initial release points from the collected data.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The apparatus is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol.

Abstract: An electrical connection test is conducted within a practical response time every time a harness-forming wire is connected on a compact assembling board. Multiplexing communication controllers adopting a perfect time-division multiplexing communication method according to which tokens are given to units by a time-division technique based on timing bit sets issued at specified intervals from any of the units and node addresses are provided. Every time a harness-forming wire is connected, an electrical connection of a network of a wiring harness including this harness-forming wire is tested. In this electrical connection test, whether the network is satisfactory is determined up to a last stage every time the harness-forming wire is connected in the production process of the wiring harness being tested.

Abstract: An inspection equipment integrity system uses independent sensors and processing capabilities to determine the integrity of inspection equipment. The sensors detect the presence of packages at predetermined positions. The system further receives input from the inspection equipment regarding decisions made during inspection of the packages. The system uses the position information and inputs from the inspection equipment to determine the integrity of the inspection equipment. A further sensor determines the integrity of inspection equipment used to redirect packages based on decisions made by the inspection equipment.

Abstract: The present invention determines and monitors the connection pattern of data ports which are connected by multiconductor cables without requiring special patch cables or patch panels. An adapter jacket having an external contact is placed over a standardized cable such as an RJ45 cable which connects the data ports. An adapter board having a plurality of socket contacts is placed adjacent a plurality of data ports. An output and input module are coupled to the socket contacts. A micro-processor which is coupled to the output and input module scans the socket contacts to determine the connection pattern of the data ports.

Abstract: A method and system for programmically communicating with a hardware device under test enables a user to develop flexible and customizable test and simulation programs for hardware devices (18) connected to an industry standard bus (20). Input test commands are interpreted via a project specific support code component (28) written in a scripting language such as Tcl. An extended scripting language tool (30) provides communications capabilities to the industry standard bus (20) and therefore enables test commands to be transmitted over the industry standard bus (20) subsequent to the communications capabilities being provided to the industry standard bus (20) via the extended scripting language tool (30). The hardware device (18) is then driven based on the project specific test commands interpreted through the extended scripting language tool (30) and transmitted over the industry standard bus (20).

Abstract: A receiver/decoder (for example for digital television) normally receives and/or decodes transmitted data in a normal transmitted signal. In order to test an application running on the receiver/decoder, a special test signal could be generated, or a normal signal could be modified before supply to the receiver/decoder. However, this is costly and complex. To overcome these problems, the receiver/decoder simulates the reception of such transmitted data to produce simulated data; and the application to be tested processes such simulated data in addition to, or instead of, such transmitted data. Simulation may involve generating the simulated data in the receiver/decoder, or controlling the generation of the simulated data by a workstation and receiving the simulated data from the workstation. Data generation may employ a model of the transmitted signal, the model having various parameters which can be varied.

Abstract: The invention illustrates a system and method of searching for a specific segment within a stream of content data comprising: receiving a stream of sensory data corresponding with the stream of content data; comparing the stream of sensory data with a search criteria; identifying the specific segment of the stream of content data corresponding to a match between the stream sensory data and the search criteria; setting the search criteria based upon parameters of the stream of sensory data; and applying a threshold to determine the match between the stream of sensory data and the search criteria.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes: a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor; a module plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the module plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register including an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs the microprocessor to perform steps necessary to operate one or more functions of the module plug.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a mechanism for measuring the performance characteristics of data sent across any communication path configured to carry data between two or more computational devices (e.g., local area networks, wide area network, virtual private networks, wireless networks, or any other type of interconnect mechanism). In a test environment, processing speed is a critical part of producing test equipment that can process network protocol data in real-time. Embodiments of the invention provide network test equipment with a methodology for performing enough lookup processing operations to keep up with the real time frame rates of a gigabit Ethernet network. This is accomplished in accordance with one embodiment of the invention by improving the performance of the connection lookup processor in test devices.

Abstract: A controller obtains sensor information from sensors mounted on a vehicle running on a road, and an information offer selector allows the driver of the vehicle to select on a screen whether to provide the sensor information to a center apparatus. If the driver allows provision of the sensor information, then the sensor information is transmitted to the center apparatus via radio communications. Thus, only the sensor information that is allowed by the driver is provided to the other vehicles.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for improving performance of the RF amplification stage of communication receivers by accounting for the signal environment of the RF amplifier. The linearity, gain and power supply voltage of the RF amplification stage of the communication receiver is adjusted to produce an optimal signal into the succeeding narrow-band amplification stage(s). The adjustment of the RF stage includes mechanisms such as adjusting the RF amplifier power supply level using a DC to DC converter. It also includes allowing distortion in the RF amplification stage if the distortion in the RF amplification stage does not affect the target signal. For example, if there were a strong signal that fell within the same band as the target signal, amplification would be allowed to be so high that it distorted the undesired signals, but not the tined signals.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for identifying fibers of fiber optic cables is disclosed. Waveforms may be generated by integer subdivision of a clock, the waveforms for modulation of a laser beam into a set of unique signals. Preferably, however, each waveform has two states and a different integer X associated therewith. The repeat period of the waveforms is preferably set at 2Y cycles of the clock, Y being an integer greater than the highest value of X, and the waveforms can be generated by counting X mod Y and changing the state of each waveform whenever this counting reaches or exceeds Y. The signals may be applied either successively or simultaneously to individual fibers at one end of a fiber optic cable. At another end of the cable, each signal can be detected as having a frequency by taking a Fourier Transform; the frequencies detected preferably being in arithmetic progression, whereby each fiber can be identified individually.

Abstract: The present invention determines and monitors the connection pattern of data ports which are connected by multiconductor cables. An adapter jacket having an external contact is placed over a standardized cable such as an RJ45 cable which connects the data ports. An adapter board having a plurality of socket contacts is placed adjacent a plurality of data ports. An output and input module are coupled to the socket contacts. A micro-processor which is coupled to the output and input module scans the socket contacts to determine the connection pattern of the data ports.

Abstract: In a serial transmission process for transmitting digital measurement data from a transmitter to a receiver, wherein at the transmitter end at least one absolute value of a continuously measured physical parameter and correction values describing alterations therein are transmitted in digital form to the receiver which forms updated measurement values from the transmitted values, to achieve lower transmission frequencies with a very high level of data incidence at the transmitter end, it is provided that both at the transmitter end and also at the transmitter end, using the mathematical equations which describe the physical laws in respect of alteration of the parameter to be measuringly detected, an exact value (&agr;Txb) is continuously predicted for a respective time (Tx) for which there is not yet a new measured value (&agr;Tx) at the receiver end, which exact calculated value represents the updated measurement value at the receiver end, that at the transmitter end upon the occurrence of the measured valu

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interface device for product testing that shortens the operation time for product testing and enhances the flexibility. The interface device comprises: a PHY (physical layer) of a first transmission interface specification, connected to a testing host through an interconnection line; a plurality of interconnecting devices, provided for connecting to devices under testing (DUT's) of various transmission interface specifications, respectively; and a protocol transform device, connected to the PHY and the plurality of interconnecting devices, such that a signal of the protocol of the first transmission interface specification is transformed into signals of the various transmission interface specification protocols; wherein the first transmission interface specification supports one of PNP (Plug-and-Play), hot insertion and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A semiconductor test system for testing semiconductor devices has a plurality of different tester modules and an algorithmic pattern generator (ALPG) for generating an algorithmic pattern specific to an intended memory, thereby achieving a low cost and application specific memory test system. The semiconductor test system includes two or more tester modules whose performances are different from one another, an ALPG module for generating an algorithmic pattern which is specific to the memory, a test system main frame to accommodate a combination of the tester modules and the ALPG module, a test fixture for electrically connecting the tester modules and a device under test, a performance board provided on the test fixture for mounting the device under test, and a host computer for controlling an overall operation of the test system by communicating with the tester modules through a tester bus.

Abstract: A method for managing and using a test system is proposed, which is applied to the test system comprising a test server and a test workstation, and allows a user to perform a test and obtain a test report according to the user's right for accessing the test server and an actual operating state of the test workstation. The users are assigned to different test groups set up in the test server. The test workstation activates a start-up window for the user to input data thereto and transmits the data to the test server. The test server then processes the transmitted data and produces the corresponding test report according to the right of the user and the right of the test group which the user belongs to for accessing the test server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing standard operating procedures using a computer directed interactive system. The interactive assembly system includes a workstation having a support assembly for a workpiece, and further includes a microprocessor and monitor to convey operator instructions, a plurality of removable attachable tools to assist the user in performing each step of a standard operating procedure. The method comprises: (a) reading instructions provided on the monitor describing each step to be performed for a desired task; (b) observing various indicators located on the workstation to determine the proper tool for a specific step; (c) choosing the desired tool or part for a specific step; (d) performing the required step according to instructions displayed on the monitor; (e) entering data into the microprocessor if necessary; and (f) repeating steps (a)-(e) until the desired task is complete.

Abstract: A system for communicating data between a battery powered electric toothbrush and a separate control unit includes a microprocessor in the toothbrush which collects and stores data concerning selected operational aspects of the toothbrush. The data is transmitted from the toothbrush to the control unit by means of an infrared link. The transmitted data is processed in the control unit and displayed there or is transmitted to a separate device for display and/or analysis.

Abstract: A smart temperature sensing system and method for improved performance of smart temperature sensors when used in conjunction with an indicating instrument. This sensing system uses a microprocessor-based interface to send a signal to the indicating instrument via an existing communications port. The sent signal may consist of a calibration offset value to correct the indicated temperature in the instrument. This offset value is determined from data resident within a memory device in the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for benchmarking data transfers using different transport mechanisms between processes run on various nodes of a network. A central manager component interfaces with a user and reports benchmark results, and an agent component under control of the manager component is provided on each of the nodes. The agent components conduct the benchmarking tests under instruction from the manager component and report the results to the manager component. The manager component may enable the automatic reproduction of tests through a repository of logged scripts. The invention provides a simple to use and centralised control of testing, with measurement techniques independent of reporting. The framework is extensible to the benchmarking of new transport mechanisms, and allows testing of Inter-node transfers and Intra-node transfers through the same interface.

Abstract: A plurality of multi-parameter monitoring tool assemblies are connectable over a communications network and are further in communication with a central controller. Each of the tool assemblies is configured to interconnect with one or more sensor head components which may be employable in the monitoring of water quality. According to the system described herein, the central controller may periodically communicate with one or more of the tool assemblies connected in the communications network and extract, process, and display information as to the configuration and operation of one or more tool assemblies.

Abstract: A system, method and biosensor apparatus are provided for data communications with a personal data assistant. The biosensor apparatus includes a sensor for receiving a user sample to be measured and a microcontroller for performing a predefined test sequence for measuring a predefined parameter value. An interface logic block is coupled to the microcontroller for communicating the predefined parameter data value to the personal data assistant. The personal data assistant provides an operator interface, data management and analysis of biosensor results.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for testing and analyzing problems with communications networks is disclosed. The system computerizes and automates the testing of such networks by providing a computer with interface software that can communicate with the variety of different test equipment that is currently available. The system automates process that was previously performed manually by an engineer or technician.

Abstract: A wrap test for a communication interface unit used for a computer, etc. When a wrap tool 40 is connected to a SCSI device 10, a signal (TEMPWR) is output from an output device 38 to SCSI connectors 22 and 24 through a Y-type cable 14, then wrapped in the wrap tool 40 and returned to a SCSI controller 12 through resistors 28 and 30 as a signal (PSCSIWRAP) to recognize the wrap tool 40. Because the non-grounded end of a resistor 26 is connected to an input terminal of the SCSI controller 12, the resistors 28 and 30 are connected in parallel. The potential of the signal (PSCSIWRAP) is stabilized by the resistors 26, 28 and 30. If a single wrap tool is connected to the SCSI device 10, the potential of the signal (PSCSIWRAP) is stabilized by the resistors 26 and 28 or 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of communication between terminals and a central server, in which these terminals, whose principal function is MPEG-2 decoding, are diverted from this function, on request and after authorization, in order to partake in parallel in the common implementation of an auxiliary function under control of said server.

Abstract: A system for managing and reporting laboratory data wherein the data is obtained at remote data-taking stations, transferred instantaneously by wireless communication to a main data-storing/manipulating station for recording therein without being recorded at the remote data-taking stations, and reported only from the data-storing/manipulating.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit with a IP test circuit having a IP test circuit, a IP6, a IP7, a COU 4, a SRAM 5. The IP test circuit has a IP test controller 21 including a register 21, a test sequencer 2, a selector 3, and a bus interface 11. Under the control of the IP test controller 1, a test program and test data in serial form are transferred from an external tester through a test data terminal 9 and then converted to the test program and the test data in parallel form. The converted test program and the test data are stored into the SRAM 5. The CPU 4 executes the test operation for the IP6 directly connected to a cpu bus 8. The test sequencer 7 executes the test operation for the IP7 that is not directly connected to the cpu bus 8. The test results are transferred to the external tester through the test data terminal.

Abstract: A phasor monitoring system and apparatus for use with a distribution system for electricity wherein periodic three phase electricity is distributed in a plurality of circuits. The phasor monitoring apparatus comprises a phasor transducer that has an input that receives analog signals representative of parameters of electricity in a circuit of the distribution system, an analog to digital converter that receives the analog signals and outputs a digital data signal representative of the analog signals, a processor coupled to the analog to digital converter to receive the digital data signal output from the analog to digital converter, programming on the processor that computes phasor data representative of the electricity in the circuit based on the digital data received from the analog to digital converter and provides a digital output representative of the phasor data, and a network-compatible port coupled to the processor to transmit the phasor data onto a data network coupled thereto.

Abstract: Method and system aspects for utilizing a server to coordinate component testing in an integrated test environment network are described. In a method aspect, the method includes accepting a logon attempt by a client system and requesting a desired partition for the client system from a partition server. The method further includes reporting results from the client system on a database server, supplying report data to a Web server, and logging the client system off the server.

Abstract: The present invention determines and monitors the connection pattern of data ports which are connected by multiconductor cables. An adapter jacket having an external contact is placed over a standardized cable such as an RJ45 cable which connects the data ports. An adapter board having a plurality of socket contacts is placed adjacent a plurality of data ports. An output and input module are coupled to the socket contacts. A micro-processor which is coupled to the output and input module scans the socket contacts to determine the connection pattern of the data ports.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a hardware configuration with a computer program. The program may perform an instrumentation, measurement/control, industrial automation, or machine vision function, or other type of function utilizing hardware devices, and the behavior of the program may depend on various aspects of the hardware configuration of the computer system. An installation bundle that includes configuration information related to the hardware devices with which the program interacts may be automatically created and used to deploy the program on a new computer system. The installation bundle may include program instructions operable to install the program on the new computer system and automatically modify the hardware configuration of the new computer system so that the program will execute correctly.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the emission of VOCs in a workstation is disclosed including a sensor to obtain a signal representative of the amount of coating discharged in the workstation, a database for storing data values representative of the signal, a network configured for allowing access to the database and at least one computing device for access to the database over the network and providing a user interface for presenting information representative of at least a portion of the data values. A method for monitoring the emission of VOCs in a workstation is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing remote demonstration and control of a test and measurement device. The system provides for user to request active instrument panel pages for a test and measurement device from a server. The server includes logic that emulates a test and measurement device instrument panel and provides constant update of the instrument panel page data regarding the remote control of the test and measurement device. The server in the correct message format provides the request for updated status data from a remote controlled instrument, for the selected remotely controlled test and measurement device. The server issues the received remote control requests to the remote controlled instrument. The remote controlled instrument provides data and reacts to commands received. The instrument, upon receiving a command or request for instrument state data, transmits said instrument state data to the server for further transmission to the client user interface for further display to a user.

Abstract: Page 21 of 26A remote test and measurement system including a test head that analyzes characteristics of a communication line and reports the results via a network. A server interfaces with the test head, via the network, and sends and receives commands and data therewith. A interface device interfaces with the server via the network. The interface device issues commands to the test head and receives data from the test head via the server.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system includes transducers, a transducer control module, a communications device, a monitoring system and end-user display terminals. The transducers are disposed on the property and/or equipment in a manner to measure specific characteristics or parameters and communicate with the transducer control module via a wireless communication protocol. The transducer control module receives and analyzes transducer measurements and detects alarm conditions. The transducer control module communicates with the monitoring system via a wide area network and the communications device. The monitoring system receives, stores and analyzes information received from the transducer control module and reports the information to the end-user terminals via a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to user requests.

Abstract: A semiconductor test system for testing semiconductor devices has a plurality of different tester modules and an algorithmic pattern generator (ALPG) for generating an algorithmic pattern specific to an intended memory in the device under test, thereby achieving a low cost and application specific memory test system. The semiconductor test system includes two or more tester modules whose performances are different from one another, an ALPG module for generating an algorithmic pattern which is specific to the memory; a test system main frame to accommodate a combination of tester modules and ALPG module, a test fixture for electrically connecting the tester modules and a device under test, a performance board provided on the test fixture for mounting the device under test, and a host computer for controlling an overall operation of the test system by communicating with the tester modules through a tester bus.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus gathers and analyzes test data associated with rotating electric machines, where the test data is indicative of one or more operational characteristics of the mechanical equipment. The apparatus, which is operable to be carried by an operator from one machine to another along a test route, includes a sensor input port for receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, where the sensor signal is indicative of one or more operational characteristics of the rotating electric machines. The apparatus also includes a signal conditioning circuit for receiving the sensor signal, and for conditioning the sensor signal to produce a conditioned signal which is appropriate in format to be digitally processed. A processor, which is coupled to the signal conditioner, receives and processes the conditioned signal according to processing instructions and processing parameters to produce a test spectrum. The processing parameters determine one or more characteristics of the test spectrum.

Abstract: A method of concurrently performing a component test with returning test result data in a distributed environment is disclosed. In general, in order to assure compatibility of the various components in an enterprise computing system, a service test is created as part of a compatibility test suite and passed to a test application server having a test application program. The test application program makes an initial connection to the component being tested that, in response, creates a connection to a logging listener. The logging listener spawns an acceptor corresponding to the component being tested. Once spawned, the component returns test data to its corresponding acceptor concurrently with the execution of the test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracing hardware states using dynamically reconfigurable test circuits provides improved debug and troubleshooting capability for functional logic implemented within field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs). Special test logic configurations may be loaded to enhance the debugging of a system using FPGAs. Registers are used to capture snapshots of internal signals for access by a trace program and a test multiplexer is used to provide real-time output to test pins for use with external test equipment. By retrieving the hardware snapshot information with a trace program running on a system in which the FPGA is used, software and hardware debugging are coordinated, providing a sophisticated model of overall system behavior. Special test circuits are implemented within the test logic configurations to enable detection of various events and errors. Counters are used to capture count values when system processor execution reaches a hardware trace point or when events occur.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a mechanism for measuring the performance characteristics of data sent across any communication path configured to carry data between two or more computational devices (e.g., local area networks, wide area network, virtual private networks, wireless networks, or any other type of interconnect mechanism). In a test environment, processing speed is a critical part of producing test equipment that can process network protocol data in real-time. Embodiments of the invention provide network test equipment with a methodology for performing enough lookup processing operations to keep up with the real time frame rates of a gigabit Ethernet network. This is accomplished in accordance with one embodiment of the invention by improving the performance of the connection lookup processor in test devices.

Abstract: A portable test meter is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The meter is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol. For each network parameter of interest, a rotary switch selects a desired one for display. An auto search mode selectable by the operator, increments through selected network parameters and compares measured or calculated values against stored data representing acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable conditions, and an associated visual indicia is displayed for each unacceptable or margin condition detected.

Abstract: Improved approaches to assist those having hearing loss are disclosed. One approach pertains to providing on-line hearing loss testing. The on-line hearing loss testing can be self-performed without any specialized equipment. Another approach pertains to on-line sound customization. The sound customization can simulate hearing compensation on-line. As an example, the hearing compensation can be used to simulate hearing aid processing. Still another approach pertains to a recommendation and/or referral procedure.

Abstract: A channel plan with a corresponding test plan are implemented in connection with a plurality of nodes that communicate signals. The channel plan has one or more predefined specifications for each of one or more signal channels on each of the nodes. The channel plan enables a monitoring system to, among other things, conduct automatic periodic test plans, comprising tests, on the nodes, based upon the predefined data specified in the channel plan. Each test plan prescribes measurement of at least one signal parameter, pertaining to one or more nodes as a whole and/or to one or more channels contained within the nodes. The monitoring system includes a spectrum analyzer, a switch enabling the spectrum analyzer to interface with the nodes, and a controller controlling the switch and the spectrum analyzer. The controller is configured to enable creation of and display the channel plan and test plan, based upon user inputs.

Abstract: A signal line, being in a six-layer board and connecting terminal 102 of component 101 with terminal 115 of component 114, requires tamper-resistance. The signal line is composed of foil 103 on an outside layer, a via 104, foil 111 on the third layer, via 105, foil 112 on the fourth layer, via 106, and foil 113 on the sixth layer. Portions of the signal line that exist on outside layers are all hidden under circuit components. Foil 103 and an end of via 104 are placed under component 101 on first layer 116, an end of via 105 is placed under component 107 on layer 116, an end of via 106 is placed under component 108 on layer 116, the other end of via 104 is placed under component 109 on sixth layer 121, the other end of via 105 is placed under component 110 on layer 121, and foil 113 and the other end of via 106 are placed under component 114 on layer 121.

Abstract: IEEE 1394 bus interface circuit 15X comprises a physical layer LSI 37 connected to an IEEE 1394 bus 14, a data capture circuit 22X connected to the physical layer LSI 37 through signal lines to capture data on the signal lines for data analysis, and a coupler (a plug or a socket) 38 to be coupled to a coupler (a socket or a plug) 39 to which a physical layer LSI of an IEEE 1394 bus interface 10 is attached in actual use. With engaging the couplers 39 and 38 to each other, data transmitted between nodes 10 and 13 are captured by the data capture circuit 22X and analyzed in an IEEE 1394 bus analysis apparatus 16. In another IEEE 1394 bus interface circuit, a link power status signal provided to the physical layer circuit from the link layer circuit is fixedly set low, whereby the physical layer circuit is made to function as a repeater, and data received by the physical layer circuit are captured by the link layer circuit and analyzed in the IEEE 1394 bus analysis apparatus.

Abstract: An intelligent measurement modular semiconductor parametric test system comprises an engine control module. The engine control module is operable to communicate with a user via a user interface, and is further operable to communicate with and to control the state of at least one other module in the semiconductor parametric test system including pluggable modules. The engine control module is further operable to control test flow via a test monitor module based on data and control events received from an intelligent measurement module. Other modules in various embodiments comprise prober monitor modules.

Abstract: This invention relates to bulk testing of voice messaging applications by playing back an interaction from a recorded script. During development of a voice response system and application it is necessary to simulate a plurality of calls to the system so that the performance under strain can be monitored. Such a simulation can be performed by a bulk call generator which makes real telephone calls to the IVR through a private branch switch. However with bulk call testing some problems occur which rigorous functional and/or performance testing does not find. This is because real callers behave in unpredictable ways which were not expected or assumed by the creators of the functional and/or performance tests.