Understanding A Modular Instrumentation System For Automated Test

This white paper describes the difference between a modular instrumentation platform versus a traditional instrumentation platform.

The trends of increasing device complexity and technology convergence are driving test systems to be more flexible. Test systems must accommodate device changes over time, even though cost pressures are demanding longer system lifetimes. The only way to accomplish these objectives is through a software-defined, modular architecture. This white paper introduces the software-defined concept through virtual instrumentation, provides options for the hardware platform and software implementations, and discusses how a modular system is ideally suited to meet automated test equipment (ATE) challenges.