I want to automate the calibration process for my test equipment. Can I use BenchVue to do this? If so how?
Thanks.
I want to automate the calibration process for my test equipment. Can I use BenchVue to do this? If so how?
Thanks.
I'm essentially asking if there's a protocol that will allow me to perform
calibrations using software as a substitute for calibration hardware. The
more I think about this it gets more and more nonsensical. Is it possible
to work around the necessary physical inputs present in a calibration with
some form of software? I'm looking to monitor, for example, a DVM (Agilent
34401A) via GPIB connection using LabVue, Keysight's BenchVue, or perhaps
direct SCIP control. I'd like to find a way to script the calibration
procedure as much as possible to save time. Like I said, I'm beginning to
see that there probably isn't a way to avoid needing a human being's
presence at the input terminals. However the user's guide for this
particular device estimates a calibration time of 40 minutes, which I'm
hoping to reduce. Let me know if there's anything that can be done.
Thanks.
Tyler
It would help if you could describe a typical cal procedure, but let me guess anyway, using some pseudocode:
Prompt ("Connect DMM to TP1 and Ground. Adjust pot RV10 until voltage reads 4.99-5.01VDC")
Comment: User presses Continue...
Loop
v = Get_DMM_Rdg()
exit if (v > 4.99 and v < 5.01)
end Loop
...
Instead of looping until the software thinks the value is in range, you might want a tech to press Continue when the DMM reading is stable. Or you might be controlling a motorized screwdriver that steps a motor one step. Or perhaps you want to send some EEPROM data to the device to store cal constants based on the reading.
Test Flow would certainly do some variation of this for you.
If you haven't already tried it, install BenchVue and start the 30-day free trial of the DMM app, then start Test Flow. There's a short tutorial video that runs at startup that will show you the basics.
Brian
Hi Teaves,
Depends what you want to do, but if you are using Keysight hardware to do the cal, and if that hardware is supported by BenchVue (hundreds of Keysight models are) it can generally be automated using our Test Flow feature, which gives you powerful sequencing capabilities without the hassle of a programming environment. If you'd like to discuss your needs more, please feel free to write to bv_support at keysight dot com.
Brian