SAPHIR, Signal Physique et Intrumentation

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STMicroelectronics automates the validation of integrated circuits with NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand

Screenshot of the wizard to install the CSFR (Robust and Fast Testing Solution)

Author (s):
Sylvain BERTRAND - ST-NXP Wireless
Jean-Louis Schricke - Mesulog
Emmanuel BOIVIN - Saphir

Industry (s):
Semiconductors, Electronics

Product (s):
TestStand Toolkits

Objective:
Automate the characterization of complex integrated circuits in a comprehensive design environment for use by several teams with different levels of test automation.

The solution:
Deploy a software platform for characterization based on LabVIEW, NI TestStand and software developed by members of the "National Instruments Alliance Partner.

STMicroelectronics is a leader in the field of wireless integrated circuits. The complexity of design of integrated circuits requires a level of validation and characterization to guarantee maximum quality. To increase the productivity of our laboratories, we developed tools for automating software test benches RF, using previously based software NI LabVIEW Test Executive and several custom tools to facilitate the measurement. In order to encourage code reuse and reduce development time of testing, we wanted to implement a new standard test automation, working with tools in the software industry.

An innovative development structure
We used two partners National Instruments Mesulog and Sapphire for the implementation of a new development, called "Fast and Robust Testing Solution" (RFTS, test solution robust and fast). Much more generic than the previous one, this architecture uses the tools of measurement and testing standards. We have chosen to rely on NI TestStand, LabVIEW and characterization tools for TS + Mesulog to have a development environment suitable for testing different stages of product design, including its characterization. With this new standard platform, which allows better code reuse, team implementation and validation of tests can now more easily meet the requirements of design teams and engineering, as well as their customers.

With the Universal Layer (UNL, Universal layer) developed using LabVIEW, RFTS offers different levels of abstraction for the development of control instruments. This layer allows the control of interfaces and tools but also the interpretation of order to help engineers to plan their measurement modules, and configuration management power. Using CSFR, it is easy to share, from one project to another or between multiple sites, software development for different types of libraries and the extent of drivers of instruments.

Setting the limits between NI TestStand and LabVIEW
Duplication of functions offered by LabVIEW and NI TestStand have been discussed between the team members of project development, the question was how to use these two tools together. With LabVIEW and NI TestStand, we can develop features like report generation, control of instruments and loops with different parameters. Our seven years of LabVIEW, along with experience of both partners Alliance National Instruments has allowed us to take full advantage of these tools and develop an environment for validation and characterization of flexible, reliable and scalable.

In CSFR, we chose to use LabVIEW for instrument control, especially to communicate with hardware drivers using the NI-VISA and NI-DAQ. We use the engine ActiveX / COM NI TestStand sequence the code for LabVIEW, manage the test and record data bases. It would have been long and unnecessary in terms of development and maintenance and try to get the features available with NI TestStand using LabVIEW. In addition, LabVIEW was used to create an operator interface for controlling the NI TestStand.

However, some features such as generating reports, monitoring devices and closures on several parameters can be developed either by or LabVIEW with NI TestStand.

Thanks to the platform CSFR, we were able to reduce development time and testing to facilitate the sharing of code between the teams. Thus, each group has to develop its own software for instrument control and management test: RFTS provides a comprehensive set of software tools to automate testing.

Sharing and deployment: the keys to a successful solution
The use of this new software environment is not imposed in the laboratories of the company, the development team has created an RFTS installation CD in addition to the tools code-sharing to encourage the adoption of this environment. With the CD, engineers can access the various elements, such as instrument drivers and sample code provided by the platform CSFR. In addition, this CD can be used to install stations deployment.

RFTS offers other benefits to our engineers, including a set of tools we can use for any project and the team. The code is accompanied by examples of projects and a detailed documentation to help users quickly become familiar with the tools. In addition, partners from National Instruments provide maintenance CSFR, ensuring the timely resolution of problems and the availability of external assistance to the company.

December 2008

Author information:

Sylvain BERTRAND
ST-NXP Wireless
12, rue Jules Horowitz - BP 217
38019 Grenoble Cedex
France
Tel: +33 (0) 4 76 58 46 28
sylvain.bertrand @ stnwireless.com

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