Universal Functional Test (UFT):
A Cost-Effective Manufacturing Test Development Software Platform.
Reuse and Scalability Before the First Line of Code.
CAE Integration uses Tcl/Tk for the versatility of the language. But the most important aspect of this software is its reuse and scalability even before the first line of code.
After a survey of programming languages, Tcl/Tk was selected as the base language of UFT for the following reasons:
Cross-Platform
Tcl/Tk is a cross-platform language purpose-built to write middleware programs. The language’s author, John Ousterhout, named it Tool Command Language (Tcl) when he designed it to automate many CAD design operations in different applications. It has since become an integral part of Xilinx Vivado design suite and other FPGA tools.
Interpretation
Tcl is an interpreted language, allowing the developer LIVE DEBUG capabilities. There is no need to stop the test, recompile, or get the product back to a specific state to debug the test. The test engineer can interactively query, debug, alter, and rerun the code from the Tcl command shell while the program is running and the product in the required state.
Extensions and Sourcing
The Tk graphical extension to Tcl is a high-level language for generation of GUIs with minimal coding.
Tk is open-source and extensible, providing simple methods for inclusion of tools developed by a community of open-source contributors.
Expect
Expect – the number one Tcl/Tk extension for manufacturing. Originally developed for taking scripted control of a command-line program to the next level with interaction (Don Libes 1990), this language is ideal for interacting with any hardware that presents a command line interface (CLI) whether it be over serial or network connection.
UFT uses Expect to communicate with:
Unit Under Test (UUT) supporting command-line interface
Programmable test devices such as
Standard GPIB test equipment
Bulk call generators
Network Switchgear
Test equipment with non-standard interfaces
In Summary
Tcl/Tk is the language CAE Integration loves most. Not only is it versatile and cost-effective, but the LIVE DEBUG capabilities highly accelerate development of the interface with your product and test equipment.
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