Considerations for, and Impact of, the ATE/UUT Interface

This paper discusses the motivations for establishing a centralized interface for ATE and the problems which emanate from implementing that decision. The theme developed is that the advantages of centralized highly capable interface are bought dearly most often with compromise of performance and risk of obsolescence. Discussion elements include: advantages of grouped versus distributed mechanical configuration; physical and electrical impact of "standard" ATE interfaces; and testing complications introduced by complex automated interfaces. The user/developer of an ATE system is cautioned to evaluate the performance impact of the ATE interface as it affects his total testing mission. Some basic considerations are presented to assist in this evaluation.