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Small-Scale Test Automation with PathWave BenchVue Software.

Manual measurements in electronic development are often time-consuming and prone to error. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular face the challenge of implementing cost-efficient test solutions without investing in expensive automated test systems. PathWave BenchVue software offers a smart alternative: it enables straightforward automation of measurement processes without the need for programming expertise. This article explains how it works and the advantages it offers for your test laboratory.

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Excessive manual steps during development-related measurements can be time-intensive and increase the risk of errors. In small and medium-sized enterprises, budget limitations often restrict the implementation of professional test automation. However, compact, software-controlled test solutions are available that enable cost-effective automation—without requiring specialized programming knowledge.

In smaller companies, engineering offices, or quality assurance departments, measurements are frequently performed through numerous manual steps. The associated test setup, including data analysis, can be complex, sometimes requiring highly skilled instrument operators. Even standard measurements may involve considerable effort. Too many manual interventions make measurement processes inefficient and error-prone. With the right selection of instruments and software-assisted control, measurement tasks can be automated and significantly simplified in a cost-effective manner—improving both throughput and overall efficiency.

Case Example: Initial Testing of Prototypes.

Standard measurements are often performed using various handheld multimeters, measurement cables, and manual documentation. However, professional automated test systems are typically far more expensive than small enterprises can afford, or they are not cost-effective for low production volumes. Cross-disciplinary dependencies—from hardware and software design to technical implementation—can further slow down the introduction of large-scale automation systems. Ideally, a test system should also be flexible and portable for use in different locations. Mechanical modifications in professional test systems are generally only feasible if suitable adapter and connector concepts are considered during the design phase.

Automate and Simplify: Instrument Control with PathWave BenchVue.

For automated prototype verification, for example of control units, a modern and cost-efficient test concept is required. One suitable configuration includes a data logger, power supply, and benchtop digital multimeter (e.g., Keysight DAQ973A, E36234A, and 34461A), controlled via the BenchVue PC software. The optimal instrument selection combined with software-based control simplifies test automation, as no programming skills are required. In practice, this setup provides a robust, precise, and easy-to-use automated test solution. The appropriate test plan for the device under test (DUT) is loaded into the software. During measurement, the user is guided step by step and confirms each action as prompted. At the end of the measurement cycle, all measurement data are automatically stored in a file. All instruments operate seamlessly together and are centrally controlled via BenchVue. The system can be expanded with numerous other BenchVue-compatible instruments, such as the Keysight InfiniiVision 1000 X-Series oscilloscopes. To further increase productivity, the BenchVue platform provides a wide range of applications for instrument control, automation, and data analysis.

Conclusion.

With the laboratory setup proposed here for electronics development and production in small and medium-sized enterprises, prototype evaluation or small-series testing can be performed efficiently and in structured steps. The software-controlled test system can be operated even by less specialized staff. Measurement data are automatically captured and can be exported to Excel, Word, or MATLAB. The solution is flexible and can be adapted to new test requirements without significant programming effort. Moreover, it is compact and suitable for mobile use. The wide range of compatible Keysight instruments and BenchVue applications enables individual and scalable system expansion.

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