ATML capabilities explained

This paper describes the major concepts of ATML Capabilities and how they are used to describe instrument performance and capabilities, using simple examples and use cases. The paper leads the user through a simple set of increasingly complex problems, at each step describing instrument and test system capabilities in a standard and reusable manner. The paper takes the form of a tutorial, posing and solving increasingly complex instrument description capabilities, with each step clearly explained and defined. Each step concentrates on a particular feature of the ATML capability standard, and each step shows how real world complex systems can be described though a methodical and consistent process. Finally the paper considers the impact that ATML capabilities could have on the test industry as a whole, and offers some real and tangible benefits that may be achieved by the adoption of ATML capabilities by the industry as a whole.