Some advantages of automated measurements

Automated measurements are performed using a variety of equipment which varies in complexity from a `simple´ digital voltmeter connected to a printer right up to complex ATE (automatic test equipment) occupying several racks and capable of performing several sets of related measurements at the same time. ATE systems have evolved in response to an ever more competitive market-place enabling fewer and lesser skilled people to perform more tasks more effectively. Another of the principle strengths of ATE systems is the ability to perform vast quantities of sophisticated (and possibly tedious) measurements by simply adding a few additional lines of code to the program. Whilst this produces an ideal situation because each additional measurement performed reduces the risk of a potentially `defective´ product passing through it will, if allowed to run unchecked, eventually impose its own limits upon the quantity of products being tested and sold. To address this, the test process and the quantity of measurements performed need to be reviewed periodically to ensure that both productivity and quality targets continue to be achieved. These principles are illustrated using an example