MCD TestSuite

MCD Toolmonitors – Consistent hardware and interface integration

Easily integrate hardware and software interfaces to efficiently expand test processes

MCD Toolmonitors are standalone software modules for controlling, monitoring and testing specific devices or interfaces. They encapsulate device-specific and protocol-specific communication and provide consistent access to functions and measurements. This allows measuring instruments and interfaces to be operated manually or integrated into automated test procedures through a sequencer. The standardised software interface enables commands to be executed, measurement data to be captured and results to be returned to higher-level systems. Communication with each device remains bundled within the toolmonitor and can be reused across different test applications. Toolmonitors therefore simplify commissioning, support troubleshooting and reduce hardware integration effort.
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Challenges and concept

Measuring instruments and interfaces differ in their commands, protocols and data formats. MCD Toolmonitors encapsulate these differences in standalone software modules. They make device functions and measurements accessible for manual operation and automated use.

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MCD Toolmonitors – Consistent hardware and interface integration

One module for manual operation and automated test procedures

Examples include the PicoScope®, PowerSupply and AudioAnalyzer toolmonitors for oscilloscopes, power supplies and audio analysis. Each toolmonitor provides the functions required for its task and handles device-specific communication.

Through a standardised interface, sequencers can call the same functions automatically and retrieve results. This allows device integration to be reused across different test procedures and extended with additional toolmonitors as required.

Operation
Standalone and manual use
Automation
Standardised interface for sequencers
Reuse
Encapsulated device and protocol communication
Test and functional scope

Standalone & reusable

MCD Toolmonitors connect manual operation of devices and interfaces with their automated use. They encapsulate specific communication and provide functions and measurements through a standardised interface.

Software on the Monitor
ToolMonitor
Interface

A toolmonitor can be used independently to control a device, retrieve measurements or test an interface. This supports commissioning and troubleshooting.

  • Standalone use
  • Manual device operation
  • Measurement monitoring
  • Interface testing

Device-specific and protocol-specific communication remains encapsulated within the toolmonitor. Device commands and measurements are accessible through the software interface.

  • Device commands
  • Measurements
  • Encapsulated communication
  • Standardised software interface

Sequencers can call the provided functions, initiate measurements and retrieve results. The toolmonitor thus becomes part of an automated test procedure.

  • Sequencer integration
  • Automated function calls
  • Measurement data acquisition
  • Result return

Device integration can be reused in different test applications. Additional toolmonitors provide further device and interface functions. Toolmonitors can also be extended with custom visualisations and C# scripts.

  • Reusable modules
  • Less integration effort
  • Expandable test systems
  • Use in different test procedures
Seamless integration into the MCD TestSuite

MCD Toolmonitors can be used in MCD TestMate, MCD TestManager and MCD Comet. The modules can also be used independently.

Test Methods and Approaches Used

MCD Toolmonitors encapsulate device and interface communication in standalone modules. Functions and measurements are available for manual use and, through a standardised interface, for automated test procedures.

Standalone use
Manual device control
Measurement retrieval and monitoring
Device and interface testing
Support for commissioning and troubleshooting
Device functions and communication
Encapsulation of device-specific commands
Handling of protocol-specific communication
Consistent access to functions and measurements
Command execution and measurement data acquisition
Automated sequencer integration
Integration through a standardised interface
Use in TestMate, TestManager and Comet
Automated calls from test sequences
Return of results to higher-level systems
Reuse and extension
Reuse of device integration
Use in different test applications
Addition of further suitable toolmonitors
Less effort for recurring integration tasks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

MCD Toolmonitors are standalone software modules for specific devices or interfaces. They encapsulate the specific communication and provide consistent access to functions and measurements for manual operation and automated use in sequencers.
Device communication is bundled in a reusable module. Users can test device functions manually and integrate them into automated test procedures. This reduces recurring development and integration effort.
This depends on the toolmonitor. Examples include oscilloscopes, power supplies, communication standards such as TCP/IP, UDP and OPC, and database connections. Other modules perform specialised measurement tasks or handle communication interfaces. The selection depends on the device and test requirements.
Yes. Through the standardised interface, compatible sequencers can access toolmonitor functions and retrieve measurements or results. Additional suitable toolmonitors extend device integration.
Toolmonitors keep device-specific communication within the module and make it available to different test procedures. Existing device functions can therefore be reused and tested manually, independently of the automated procedure.