Parallel Test Strategies Demo

Purpose

This example demonstrates how you can use built-in parallel testing features to improve test throughput. You can use the parallel or batch process models to test multiple units in parallel on a single test station. TestStand provides a set of synchronization steps to coordinate parallel and batch testing.

You can use the Auto Schedule step type to further improve the performance of parallel tests by allowing TestStand to automatically reorder your test steps to better utilize hardware resources.

This example shows the effects of using these features and how they can improve the performance of your tests.

Example File Location

<TestStand Public>\Examples\Demos\Parallel Testing Strategies\Parallel Testing Strategies.seq

Highlighted Features

  • Batch process model
  • Auto Schedule step type

Major API

None

Prerequisites

None

How to Use This Example

To begin the demo, select Execute»Run MainSequence.

When the example starts, a new window appears to show the simulated test steps, the current instrument usage, and the total test time for each strategy so you can compare performance. The demo contains the following strategies:

  • Sequential—In turn, each UUT performs a DMM test. Then, in turn, each UUT performs a Scope test.
  • Parallel—In parallel, each UUT performs a DMM test and then a Scope test. A UUT locks each instrument it uses to ensure that it has exclusive use of the instrument.
  • Auto-Scheduled—In parallel, each UUT performs a DMM test and then a Scope test. A UUT locks each instrument it uses to ensure that it has exclusive use of the instrument. The order in which the UUT performs the test varies depending on the availability of the instruments.
  • Parallel with Additional DMM—In parallel, each UUT performs a DMM test using the first available DMM. Then, each UUT performs a Scope test. A UUT locks each instrument it uses to ensure that it has exclusive use of the instrument.
  • Auto-Scheduled with Additional DMM—In parallel, each UUT performs a DMM test using the first available DMM. Then, each UUT performs a Scope test. A UUT locks each instrument it uses to ensure that it has exclusive use of the instrument. The order in which the UUT performs the tests varies depending on the availability of the instruments.
Note The first time you execute this example, the auto-scheduled tests might take longer to execute than the parallel tests due to components specific to the example. In this case, running the example a second time provides a more accurate representation of the performance differences.