Introduction
Several IBM PC® programs have been developed to support the GenRad 1731(M), 1732M, and 1734M component testers. These programs are collectively known as the "LINK" software package. By combining the LINK and an IBM PC or compatible, the user can create an extremely productive and low-cost solution to test area management. The purpose of this document is to provide a brief description of the programs that comprise the LINK software package.
• LNK
Provides the user a means of transferring text and binary files between a GenRad component tester (M versions only) and an IBM PC or compatible. LNK supports all "Network Operations" on the GenRad 1731M, 1732M, and 1734M testers at 9600 baud. The physical interface between the tester and the PC is made with a RS232-C cable connected between the tester's "LINK" port and one of the PC's "COM" ports. LNK lets the user store programs, datalogs, etc. on their PC, thereby eliminating the need for expensive DC100-A tape cartridges while providing access to all of the PC's file management tools.
• RVLINK and RVBAT
Provide the user a means of transferring text and binary files between an IBM PC or compatible and a GenRad Host, e.g., a GenRad 2295 or 2272, running GenRad's GRnet Utility Link software. RVLINK supports single file uploads and downloads, spawning MCR commands, and testing of the communication line status. RVBAT supports "batch-mode" file uploads and downloads. RVBAT lets the user transfer multiple files using DOS command line wildcards or batch files. The physical interface between the GenRad Host and the PC is made with a RS232-C cable connected between one of the Host's "TZ" or "ZZ" ports and one of the PC's "COM" ports.
• LOG
Produces a detailed ASCII data report from a 1731M, 1732M, or 1734M binary datalog file. All reports produced by LOG use standard SI prefixes and units, e.g., "-200µA" and "3.26V".
• DIF
Produces standard D.I.F. files from a 1731M, 1732M, or 1734M binary datalog file. The resultant D.I.F. file may be used with LOTUS ® or dBASE III® to produce charts and graphs or keep a historical database of test results.
• PLOT
Creates linear data histograms from a 1731M, 1732M, or 1734M binary datalog file. These histograms, which graphically depict test results, are comprised of printable ASCII characters, thus can be printed on most printers.
• JOB
Creates "JOB Information" files for the GenRad 1731M, 1732M, and 1734M component testers. The "JOB Information" file can be downloaded to the tester using LNK. The data contained in the "JOB Information" is used by LOG and PLOT.
• SCREEN31
Is comprised of three software programs: SCREEN31, LIST31, and INDEX31. SCREEN31 lets the user create test programs for the GenRad 1731M linear IC tester on an IBM PC or compatible. Using SCREEN31, the programmer can create test programs from "scratch" as well as edit/modify existing test programs. Programming with SCREEN31 is fast and easy. The user's learning time is kept to a minimum as SCREEN31 duplicates the 1731M's "fill-in-the-blank" screens on the PC. LIST31 produces a paginated ASCII program listing from a 1731M binary test program file. INDEX31 produces a list containing the 1731M test program name(s) along with the tester sub-system that the program(s) require.
• SCREEN32
Is comprised of three software programs: SCREEN32, VECTOR32, and LIST32. SCREEN32 lets the user create test programs for the GenRad 1732M digital IC tester on an IBM PC or compatible. Using SCREEN32, the programmer can create test programs from "scratch" as well as edit/modify
existing test programs. Programming with SCREEN32 is fast and easy. The user's learning time is kept to a minimum as SCREEN32 duplicates the 1732M's "fill-in-the-blank" screens on the PC.
• VECTOR32
Is a compiler that creates a 1732M binary truth table from user-supplied ASCII test vectors. The user may create these test vectors using a text editor or GEN.C, a C programming language template supplied with VECTOR32. The user can also edit any binary program's truth table by first decompiling it with SCREEN32. VECTOR32 supports all of the 1732M's command set except the "Z"one command.
VECTOR32 eliminates the need for truth table step numbers by using labels as targets for "S"ubroutine and "J"ump commands. This feature lets the programmer insert and delete test vectors without having to keep track of truth table step number changes. VECTOR32 will auto-generate test programs for your PALs given a standard JEDEC file with test vectors, e.g., the output of ACUGEN Software's ATGEN® test generator. VECTOR32 will let the user combine a compiled truth table file with a "Screens" program produced by SCREEN32 or any existing 1732M binary test program file. This lets the programmer use "Screens" and existing programs as development templates which contain functional, parametric, timing, and binning information. LIST32 produces a paginated ASCII program listing from a 1732M binary test program file.
• SCREEN34
Is comprised of two software programs: SCREEN34 and LIST34. SCREEN34 lets the user create test programs for the GenRad 1734M memory IC tester on an IBM PC or compatible. Using SCREEN34, the programmer can create test programs from "scratch" as well as edit/modify existing test programs. Programming with SCREEN34 is fast and easy. The user's learning time is kept to a minimum as SCREEN34 duplicates the 1734M's "fill-in-the-blank" screens on the PC. LIST34 produces a paginated ASCII program listing from a 1734M binary test program file. The program listing can optionally include microcode and ROM images.
• CLEAN
Converts a test vector file created with Wordstar®'s "D"ocument mode into a format that is compatible with VECTOR32.
• SCRAM
Lets the programmer scramble pin columns in an ASCII test vector file. SCRAM lets the programmer develop test vectors for a device without regard to that device's pin-out. This enables the grouping of similar pins, e.g., Addressbus pins or Databus pins, together. After test vector development, the programmer can use SCRAM to "map" the test vectors to the DUT's actual pin-out. SCRAM can also be used to create LCC test programs from existing DIP test programs.
• GEN.C
Is a C programming language template that will assist the programmer in the development of ASCII test vectors for the GenRad 1732M digital IC tester. GEN.C contains many easy-to-use macros that let the programmer develop complex test patterns quickly.
• PAGER programs
WPG, PG, and PGG, let an IBM PC or compatible emulate a serial printer, thereby letting it "capture" test programs and datalogs from non-SCAN able tester sub-systems. PAGER will also create program listings from captured test programs.
• PAD
Creates a detailed data report (including serial numbers and test temperatures) from 1731(M) and 1735 component testers. The 1731(M) or 1735 datalog must first be "captured" using one of the PAGER programs.
• SBAUD programs,
SBAUD32 and SBAUD34, let the user change the Network Baud Rate setting of all 1732M and 1734M binary test programs with a single DOS command line.
• MOR
Is a text file display program which is similar to the DOS TYPE command when it is piped("|") into the MORE filter.
Recommended Minimum PC Configuration
IBM AT® or compatible running PCDOS or MSDOS, with 640K memory, 30Meg hard disk, 1.2Meg and 360K floppy disks, monochrome monitor, 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port, and a dot-matrix printer.
Technical Support Service and Updates
Technical support is provided under the support plan for your particular ATGEN base product.