Dispatcher manages parallel test and diagnostics

The new Dispatcher for the ScanWorks® platform for embedded instrumentation manages the parallel or simultaneous application of tests and diagnostics on an unlimited number of printed circuit boards. In addition, the units under test (UUT) can be local to the ScanWorks platform or remote. Remote UUTs are connected to ScanWorks by an Ethernet link or over the Internet.

“Dispatcher for the ScanWorks platform is particularly cost-effective in high-volume manufacturing operations or where multiple circuit boards are being tested in an environmental chamber,” said Dave Bonnett, one of ASSET’s technical marketing managers. “Testing many circuit boards simultaneously or in parallel from one test station can reduce the number of testers needed and it makes test operators much more productive, since they can do a lot more at the same time.”

Dispatcher works in conjunction with ScanWorks’ Remote Instrumentation Controller Model 1000 (RIC-1000), a self-contained intelligent controller that connects a local or remote UUT to the ScanWorks platform. For Dispatcher to manage the test and diagnostic process on multiple UUTs, each UUT must be connected to an RIC-1000.

Dispatcher also simplifies the tracking of test results from multiple circuit boards. Test results are formatted as XML files to ease data retrieval and processing. XML files are easily stored on any networked device so that the data can be readily reviewed and processed further if needed. In addition, Dispatcher comes with an application programming interface (API) that simplifies the customization of the user interface or the integration of Dispatcher into a test environment such as National Instruments’ LabVIEW or TestStand.

For more information on Dispatcher, contact your sales representative or send an email to ai-info@asset-intertech.com.