A network based test interface allowing access of hardware developers to test equipment

In this paper, a customized software tool to manage remote access to test equipment is presented. The software tool is developed using LabWindows/CVI and runs on Ethernet over TCP protocol. Ethernet is used as the media for communication and control since a local-area-network (LAN) infrastructure is mostly available in a facility; and almost all commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment manufacturers offer device control over LAN. The tool has a simple command structure, so users are not required to have any programming knowledge or spend extra programming effort for test automation.