Defect prevention and detection in software for automated test equipment

Software for automated test equipment can be tedious and monotonous making it just as error-prone as other types of software. Active defect prevention and detection are important for test applications. Incomplete or unclear requirements, a cryptic syntax, variability in syntax or structure, and changing requirements are among the problems encountered in test applications for one tester. These issues increase the probability of error introduction during test application development. This paper describes a test application development tool designed to address these issues for the PT3800 tester, a continuity and insulation resistance tester. The tool was designed with powerful built-in defect prevention and detection capabilities. A reduction in rework and a two-fold increase in productivity are the results. The defect prevention and detection capabilities are described along with lessons learned and their applicability to other test equipment software.