Test Software Bundle Simplifies the Creation of Test Programs

Two generations ago, when I started as an engineer, testing was done manually using a printed test procedure and log with hand-entered data. A generation ago, the availability of personal computers and computer-interfaced instruments allowed us to automate testing by writing our own test programs. Now, NI, a leader in testing technology, is offering a Test Workflow software bundle that consolidates test system programming by integrating graphical programming, test sequencing, remote access, and powerful analysis and report generation.

Test Workflow is a subscription bundle of NI test software that combines automated instrument control, test sequencing, data acquisition and analysis, and remote access via the cloud. The bundle cost is much less than purchasing the components separately.

The Test Workflow bundle provides access to NI’s most commonly used test and measurement software, including LabView, TestStand, FlexLogger, InstrumentStudio, and DIAdem, through a single, easily managed, lower-cost license (Figure 1).

Figure 1 : Test Workflow provides engineers access to NI’s most popular test programs under a single license subscription. (Image source: NI)

This test and data acquisition software combination allows engineers to develop test systems and draw greater value from the test data. It also enables tests to be scaled up or down to fit future needs, control project testing costs, and reduce time to market.

The Test Workflow annual software subscription is offered in two versions: NI 788508-35 Standard and NI 788509-35 Pro. The cost of each covers the software license for one year. Both versions contain LabVIEW, DIAdem, FlexLogger, SystemLink Cloud, and InstrumentStudio. The Pro version includes the professional versions of LabVIEW and DIAdem, TestStand, and a selection of useful software tools (Figure 2).

Figure 2 : Shown are the Standard and Pro Test Workflow software bundle contents. (Image source: NI)

The NI Test Workflow software bundle supports every step in the test process with software products specifically designed for test and measurement, letting you focus your time on other test challenges. Test Workflow contains all the components you need in your day-to-day work, including these well-known, off-the-shelf software elements:

LabVIEW: This is NI’s graphical programming environment that allows engineers to develop automated test systems using interactive test monitoring and control interfaces. It can acquire data from NI and third-party instruments using a variety of industry interfaces and protocols. LabVIEW can also integrate code written in Python, C/C++, .NET, and MathWorks MATLAB software. It includes advanced math, probability, analysis algorithms, signal processing, and control functions.

DIAdem: This is a data management application for measurement data accumulation, inspection, analysis, and reporting. It is used to process, visualize, and diagnose complex test problems. It can import and search through multiple file formats to find the data needed for analysis. Processed data can be presented using advanced reporting modes such as bode, waterfall, orbit, shaft centerline displays, and maps.

FlexLogger: This is a software application for fast sensor configuration and data logging for NI hardware that does not require programming. It can perform inline calculations using simple math, filtering, and Boolean logic. FlexLogger includes an interactive Technical Data Management Streaming (TDMS) file viewer.

G Web Development Software: Engineers can use this software to create web-based visual interfaces (WebVIs) for test and measurement applications. It has access to SystemLink Cloud for hosting applications.

SystemLink Cloud: SystemLink Cloud is an NI-hosted service offering a secure and scalable cloud computing environment. Engineering teams can use it to access and share data from WebVIs developed in G Web. The data from test systems are published to the cloud, allowing access from anywhere and on any device that can run a web browser.

InstrumentStudio: InstrumentStudio is a software application that provides access to modular PXI instruments, including power supplies, signal sources, and multimeters. It enables real-time monitoring and debugging of automated test components. It also can be used to export instrument configurations directly to more advanced NI test software like LabView.

TestStand: TestStand is test management software that helps you develop automated test sequences. As a test executive, it can integrate code modules written in other programming languages such as LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, and .NET.

Selecting the right version

The Test Workflow Standard version is recommended for test applications that require automating measurement hardware, remote access, basic data analysis, and report generation. Test Workflow Pro is suited for test applications that need to generate stand-alone tests, sequence multiple tests, need database connectivity, and require advanced data analysis and visualization.

Conclusion

The Test Workflow software bundle has all the software tools test engineers need to develop production test stations, build web-connected test systems, and research the testing aspects of new and emerging technologies. It certainly would have made my life much easier to have had this in my early engineering days.