Chapter 11

Sequence Testing

Goal

The goal of sequence testing is to run different tests after each other without the intervention of a test engineer. These tests can be of the same type or completely different types.

For example: a radiated emission test, a conducted emission test and a radiated immunity test (performed in an anechoic chamber) can be started after each other. Another example is the case where different amplifiers are used for different frequency bands. TSF files for each frequency band are created and put in a sequence so they can be run like one test. The same is true for antenna polarisation. A horizontal and a vertical TSF file can be created and put into a sequence.

On the other hand, three different conducted emission frequency bands can be added to a sequence file, and be tested sequentially after each other.

Sequence testing allows unattended testing. However some tests can cause dangerous situations. Please be especially aware with immunity testing!

Creating and saving a sequence file

From the main menu, select:

    File

       New

          Sequence

A new sequence file will be created. To add a test to a sequence, open the test configuration menu for the desired test, and select the desired TSF file.

This sequence file can be saved through the pull down menu:

    File

       Save as

EXAMPLE 1:

Select:

    File

       New

          Sequence

Enter a description for this sequence file

    TestsRadiated immunity

       Substitution

select the desired T.S.F. file from the list.

The TSF file will now be added in the sequence window as shown the picture below.

To save the sequence file, select:

    File

       Save sequence as

Check if the correct sequence name is mentioned.

Adding new tests to an existing sequence file

When a sequence file has to be modified, the file can be opened by the  File  Open  Sequence, pull down menu.

The list of current T.S.F. files in the sequence will be displayed.

To add a new test to a sequence, select the desired test from the Test, pull down menu.

A list of the available T.S.F. files for this test method will be shown. Select the desired T.S.F. file by double clicking on it.

The T.S.F. file will be added to the sequence file.

On the other hand, T.S.F. files can be deleted from the sequence list, by selecting the file and then pressing the “delete” button.

Changing the order of the tests

The order off the tests in the sequence can be changed by selecting the desired test and click the up or down arrow in order to promote or demote this specific test.

EXAMPLE 2:

Select:  File  Open  Sequence (select the desired sequence from the list)  Tests  Radiated immunity (for example)  Substitution (select the desired T.S.F. file from the list)  Tests  Radiated emission (for example)  Anechoic Chamber (select the desired T.S.F. file from the list)

Like shown in the picture below.

Stopping test in sequence

There are two ways of stopping a test in a sequence. The first one is only stopping the current running test. The second one is stopping the complete sequence, including the current running test. To end the current test press stop, to end the current test and sequence press stop sequence. The stop sequence button will appear only when running a test in sequence mode.

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.

Test Setup File