LabVIEW - Mini Test Executive 3
There are many test executives/sequencers available for LabVIEW. The most capable is National Instruments TestStand.
TestStand can be used to used to produce complex test sequences using code written in LabVIEW or other languages or other languages. It is currently available only on the Windows platform.
The Mini Test Executive was created for people who require a very simple test executive with the following features:
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Written completely in LabVIEW, easy to customise
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Can be used on Linux/Mac and Windows platforms
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Test programs can be compiled to an EXE or APP and distributed freely
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The test descriptions/limits are defined in a simple text file which can be easily edited in any text editor
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Results are stored as simple text files
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Test equipment asset number and calibration dates can be entered and stored within the results
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Each test can create an unlimited number of result
The main change from Mini Test Executive 2 to 3 is the introduction of a newer modern look. Push buttons are now used to switch between the older tabbed interface (the tabs are still there but hidden). All colours have been updated, and flat controls and indicators have been used throughout. The update has allowed the Linux, Mac and Windows versions to look almost identical.
Test Sequence Tab (Mac)
Manual Control Tab (PC)
Help Tab (Mac)
Structure
The following files are used:
| File | Description |
| Test Executive.vi | Main VI which conists of the user interface for running test sequences. |
| Test Executive.lvproj | LabVIEW project file |
| Library - Test Executive.llb | Contains the VIs which are used within the Test Executive |
| Help.txt | Contains help text which is loaded at startup and displayed in the help tab |
| Sequence - Action Test.vi | Contains the code for actioning a test, calls tests which are stored in “Sequence - Tests” |
| Sequence - Check Test Equipment.vi | Contains the code for to check that test equipment is connected before each test run |
| Sequence - Power Up.vi | Contains the code to power up the unit under test |
| Sequence - Power Down.vi | Contains the code to power down the unit under test |
| Sequence - Reset All.vi | Contains the code to reset all test equipment to its default state |
| Sequence - Tests.llb | VI Library which holds all of the VIs required for testing |
| Sequence - Main.seq | Main sequence file which is automatically loaded on startup |
Test Sequence
The test sequence is defined in a sequence file, similar to a config/ini file, created using any standard text editor. An example is shown below:
| [header] SequenceName=Main [results] directory="C:\Results" [test 1 Current Consumption] steptype=Current Consumption upperlimit=1 lowerlimit=0.2 [test 2 Firmware Revision] steptype=Firmware [test 3 Indicators] steptype=Indicators [test 4 Gain] StepType=Gain StartFreq=500 StopFreq=800 StepFreq=50 |
Sequence - Action Test VI
The "Sequence - Action Test" VI is used to carry out the actually testing. This VI should be edited to contain the test code itself or links to test code. Values from the sequence file can be passed to individual tests using the "Test Executive - Sequence File Value" VI.
Test Equipment Asset Information
Information on the test equipment including Asset numbers and calibration dates can be entered at run time and stored within the results file. The "Sequence - Check Test Equipment" VI should be updated to contain the list of test equipment used by the test sequence.
Test Results
Test results are stored during testing. This allows the current test results to be recovered in the event of a crash and also helps to reduce memory usage. Each test can store any number of results using the "Test Executive - Record Numeric Result", "Test Executive - Record Text Result" or "Test Executive - Record Pass Fail Result" VIs.
The result file name includes the serial number, time and date. The results are stored in comma delimited delimited text. The directory used for storing the results is defined in the sequence file. At the end of testing the file is renamed to include either PASS or FAIL.
Downloads
The latest version of the Mini Test Executive can be downloaded here. The ZIP file contains a complete working executive with example tests designed to demonstrate all the executives functions.