APG (Automatic Program Generator) is a user-friendly 32-bit programming system aimed at providing fast and easy test program creation. It is a powerful Windows Application with all of the features of the Windows® environment enhanced by Autotest’s own Multi-Tasking Windows control. APG gives the user complete control over the contents of a particular test program utilizing a selective multi-program library and split-window presentation approach. Each test suite included APG and upgrades are available when new versions of Windows are released. APG is fully functional under Windows 11 meaning compatibility is a given.
The APG for Windows environment includes:
- Computer aided program creation in a Windows operating environment.
- Language library control allowing custom procedure integration into the standard library set.
- Password security access for controlled production program and language security.
- Program Debugging for process flow control and easy program analysis.
- On-Line Help for quick, context sensitive, reference information.
- Real-time control and display system for complete control of all UTS hardware presentations, settings and resources.
- Virtual Instrument displays for easy access and display of complex instrument controls.
- Utility programs for software Audits and On-Line Help editing.
- Program file I/0 access to applicable Windows INI, sequential text, binary and DBase IV file formats.
Our fully integrated approach to ATE software capitalizes on the power of the Windows environment, and provides a complete solution to many testing environments tat use power supplies and other systems. The application modules of APG for Windows™ are dynamically linked for multi-tasking, providing test engineer comprehensive control over the Tester, Programs and the Unit Under Test.
Test Libraries
A comprehensive set of existing Program, Instrument and Standard Test templates, controls and routines provide a large reservoir of standard testing procedures for the quick setup and assembly of most power supply test programs. These Libraries include:
- Standard Tests
- Datalog Statements
- Dbase Statements
- Display Statements
- File I/O Statements
- Language Statements
- Serial I/O Statements
- GPIB Control Statements
- Initialize Control Statements
- Instrument Control Statements
- Load Control Statements
- Scope Control Statements
- Source Control Statements
- Transient Control Statements
Standard Tests
This industry unique library contains a group of comprehensive and ready to use Standard Test Routine’s templates. The APG for Windows™ generated routines include fields and parameters tailored for specific applications and guidelines. These programs may also be used as basic templates for creating the developing requirements dictated by your more unique or complex test specifications. Some typical standard test programs include:
- AC Line Current
- Regulation Line
- AC Inrush
- Regulation Line Frequency
- DC Line Current
- Regulation Load
- DC Inrush
- Cross Regulation
- DC Line Step
- Noise & Ripple
- Frequency
- Overload Constant Current
- Sequencing
- Overload Constant Voltage
- Rise/Fall Time
- Overload Short Circuit
- Time Interval
- Short Circuit Recovery
- Over/Under Shoot
- Over Voltage Protection
- Regulation 2 Corner
- True Power Factor
- Regulation 4 Corner
- Efficiency
- Regulation Dynamic
- Vout Setpoint
- Dynamic Transient Response
- Voltage
Note: Standard Tests are also available for UPS applications along with most power supply test needs.
Data Logging and Analysis – A comprehensive DBase Engine provides automatic Data Logging, in standard DBase format, of all or selected parts of Power Supply Test Data as it is generated. Comprehensive data logging allows the Test Engineer to perform complete Data Analysis as needed. The flexible DBase Engine also provides for complete Custom Data Logging and automated data analysis.
Run Time Software – Along with the standard compressive data capture and printout, the Run portion of APG for Windows™ application also provides a powerful program Debugger. In the Debug mode, test engineers may review individual test data in whatever detail or defined sequence they might require as part of the standard program execution process. Test engineers can also Set Break Points, Step, Trace and Loops, allowing them to selectively focus on the source of testing problems as they may occur.
Proprietary DART (Design And Repair Testing) is a unique interactive Real Time Display and Control system, DART allows the user to manually control a tester directly from the keyboard and/or mouse. Since no special programming skills are required, this console centered mode of operation offers the customer enhanced flexibility with:
- A Real Time Display of all measurement systems.
- User friendly control of all system resources through pull down menus and interactive dialogue windows.
- Split Screen Individual Instrument displays to provide Multi-Media style system displays and custom control of all test instruments.
- Virtual Instrument Displays of complex instruments for flexible, functional presentation manipulation.
DART display characteristics may be integrated into any test environment and provides interactive awareness and control of all system hardware operations. Operating in an independent Windows application, DART provides the Test Engineer with interactive monitor and control of the test system hardware even while Stepping, Tracing or Running a Test Program.
Because all of the test applications run in a time sliced Multi-tasking Windows Environment, Test Engineer may simultaneously edit and or debug a test program even while it may be running under control in another window.
Utility Programs and Support
APG™ for Windows™ includes utilities for providing easy maintenance and security of programs and libraries, including comprehensive test, program generation and diagnostic tools such as:
The Locker program allows the Test Engineer to place selective level security locks on all routines created in APG. Unauthorized access prevention reduces undesirable program alteration or deletion without limiting user access to the applications themselves.
An Audit utility provides printable listings of program components and content in the APG™ for Windows™ library, including current Revision detail, date stamps and security lock status. Audit security is easily maintained utilizing imbedded security tools and the password security system.