Fluke COMPASS FOR RPM V2.0, COMPASS FOR PPC V2.0 User Manual

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™

Pressure Calibration Software

User’s Manual

High pressure liquids and gases are potentially hazardous. Energy stored in these liquids and gases

can be released unexpectedly and with extreme force. High pressure systems should be assembled and operated only by personnel who have been instructed in proper safety practices.

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of DH Instruments, Inc. 4765 East Bea utiful Lane P hoenix AZ 85044-5318 USA.

DH Instruments makes sincere efforts to ensure accuracy and quality of its’ published materials; however, no warrant y, express ed or implied, is pr ovided. DH Instruments dis claims an y responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of the information in this manual or products described in it. M ention of an y product does not c onstit ute an endors em ent by DH Instruments of that product. This manual was originally com posed in English and was subs equently translated into other languages. The f idelity of the translation can not be guaranteed. In case of conflict between the English version and other language versions, the English version predominates.

DH Instruments, DH, DHI, PPCK, PPC2, PPC2+ and COMPASS are trademarks, registered and otherwise of DH Instruments, Inc.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Document No. 550095a-02 020925 Printed in the USA.

AABBLLEE OOFF

OONNTTEENNTTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................. I

TABLES ................................................................................ V

FIGURES .............................................................................. VI

USER REGISTRATION............................................................ IX

ABOUT THIS MANUAL............................................................ XI

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................1

1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................1

2. GETTING STARTED............................................................ 3

2.1 OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................................................3

2.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................................................3

2.3 INSTALLING COMPASS FOR PPC/RPM...............................................................................................3

2.4 RUNNING THE PROGRAM.....................................................................................................................3

2.5 LANGUAGE SUPPORT...........................................................................................................................3

2.6 UNINSTALLING.......................................................................................................................................4

3. OPERATING PRINCIPLES ...................................................5

3.1 OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................................................5

3.1.1 BASICS SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................. 6

4. MAIN RUN SCREEN............................................................7

4.1 OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................................................7

4.2 MAIN MENU BAR....................................................................................................................................7

4.3 RUN TEST SCREEN................................................................................................................................8

4.4 RUN TEST TOOLBAR........................................................................................................................... 10

5. THE [RUN] MENU.............................................................11

5.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................11

5.2 [RUN], [RUN TEST]...............................................................................................................................11

5.2.1 TEST INITIALIZATION............................................................................................................................ 11

5.2.1.1 SELECT DUT FILE.............................................................................................................................. 12

5.2.1.2 PREVIEW DUT.................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2.1.3 SELECT TEST FILE.............................................................................................................................14

5.2.1.4 PREVIEW TES T.................................................................................................................................. 14

5.2.1.5 REFERENCE VERIFICATION............................................................................................................. 15

5.2.1.6 SETUP DUT(S).................................................................................................................................... 16

5.2.1.7 USER ID.............................................................................................................................................. 18

5.2.2 RUN TEST............................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2.2.1 MANUAL ENTRY DATA ACQUISITION............................................................................................... 19

5.2.3 TEST CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 20

5.3 [RUN], [RE-RUN TEST].........................................................................................................................21

5.4 [RUN], [EXIT].........................................................................................................................................21

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

6. THE [DUT] MENU ............................................................. 23

6.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................23

6.2 [DUT], [CREATE DUT] ..........................................................................................................................23

6.3 [DUT], [EDIT DUT FILE]........................................................................................................................27

6.4 [DUT], [REMOVE DUT FILE].................................................................................................................27

7. THE [TEST] MENU ........................................................... 29

7.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................29

7.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST].......................................................................................................................29

7.2.1 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], <TEST POINTS> TABLE............................................................................... 30

7.2.1.1 ZERO ABSOLUTE TEST POINTS.......................................................................................................31

7.2.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [AUTO FILL POINTS] TAB............................................................................ 31

7.2.3 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [LEAK TEST] TAB......................................................................................... 32

7.2.4 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CYCLE] TAB................................................................................................ 34

7.2.5 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CONTROL SETTINGS] TAB........................................................................ 35

7.2.6 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [SEQUENCE] TAB ........................................................................................ 37

7.3 [TEST], [EDIT TEST FILE] .................................................................................................................... 38

7.4 [TEST], [REMOVE TEST FILE].............................................................................................................38

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU .........................................................39

8.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................39

8.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE]........................................................................................................ 39

8.2.1 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [CONFIGURATION] TAB................................................................ 40

8.2.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [REFERENCE] TAB........................................................................ 41

8.2.3 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [DMM] TAB ..................................................................................... 43

8.2.4 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [MULTIPLEXER] TAB..................................................................... 46

8.2.5 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [IEEE 488] ....................................................................................... 48

8.2.6 RS232 SETUP......................................................................................................................................... 48

8.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS]............................................................................................................................49

8.3.1 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [MAINTAIN LISTS].............................................................................................. 50

8.3.2 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [INITIALIZE TEST].............................................................................................. 50

8.3.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [RUN TEST]........................................................................................................ 51

8.3.4 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [DATA FILE]....................................................................................................... 53

8.3.5 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [FILE LOCATIONS] ............................................................................................54

8.3.6 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [LANGUAGE]...................................................................................................... 54

8.4 [TOOLS], [REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS] ..........................................................................................55

9. THE [DATA] MENU ........................................................... 57

9.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................57

9.2 [DATA], [VIEW TEST DATA] ................................................................................................................57

9.3 [DATA], [PRINT TEST DATA]...............................................................................................................58

9.4 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA]................................................................................................................58

9.4.1 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA], [FILE]...................................................................................................... 59

9.4.2 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA], [PLOTS].................................................................................................. 59

10. THE [REPORT] MENU ....................................................... 61

10.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................61

10.2 REPORT PRINCIPLES.......................................................................................................................... 61

10.3 MAIN MENU BAR..................................................................................................................................62

10.3.1 [FILE] MENU........................................................................................................................................... 62

10.3.1.1 [FI L E ], [ED I T RE P O R T ] ..................................................................................................... 63

10.3.1.2 [FI LE], [GENERATE REPORT] ....................................................................................... 63

10.3.1.3 [FILE], [EDIT TEMPL A TE] ........................................................................................................ 63

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10.3.1.4 [FILE], [CREATE TEM PLATE] ..................................................................................................64

10.3.1.5 [FILE], [SAVE] .......................................................................................................................... 64

10.3.1.6 [FILE], [SAVE AS ]................................................................................................................................ 65

10.3.1.7 [FILE], [SAVE ALL ]...............................................................................................................................65

10.3.1.8 [FILE], [CLOS E]................................................................................................................................... 65

10.3.1.9 [FILE], [CLOS E AL L ]............................................................................................................................ 65

10.3.1.10 [FILE], [PRINT] ......................................................................................................................... 65

10.3.1.11 [FILE], [PRINT AL L].............................................................................................................................. 65

10.3.1.12 [FILE], [EXIT]....................................................................................................................................... 65

10.3.2 [ED IT] MENU........................................................................................................................................... 66

10.3.2.1 [EDIT], [UNDO] ......................................................................................................................... 66

10.3.2.2 [EDIT], [CUT] ............................................................................................................................ 66

10.3.2.3 [EDIT], [COPY] ......................................................................................................................... 66

10.3.2.4 [EDIT], [PASTE] ....................................................................................................................... 66

10.3.2.5 [EDIT], [FIND] ........................................................................................................................... 66

10.3.2.6 [EDIT], [FIND NEXT]............................................................................................................................ 67

10.3.2.7 [EDIT], [SELECT ALL].......................................................................................................................... 67

10.3.3 [FORMAT] MENU.................................................................................................................................... 67

10.3.3.1 [FORMAT], [INSER T DATE/TIME]....................................................................................................... 67

10.3.3.2 [FORMAT], [INSERT FIELD KEY] ............................................................................................ 67

10.3.3.3 [FORMAT], [SELECT TEMPLATE]....................................................................................................... 68

10.3.3.4 [FORMAT], [PAG E SETUP] ................................................................................................................. 68

10.3.4 [O PTIONS] MENU................................................................................................................................... 69

10.3.4.1 [OPTIONS], [TOOLBAR] ...................................................................................................................... 69

10.3.4.2 [OPTIONS], [FO N T FO R MAT BAR]..................................................................................................... 69

10.3.4.3 [OPTIONS], [RULER]........................................................................................................................... 70

10.3.5 [WINDOW] MENU................................................................................................................................... 71

10.3.6 [H ELP] MEN U......................................................................................................................................... 71

10.4 REPORT EDITOR AUTOMATION .........................................................................................................71

10.4.1 DRAG AND DROP.................................................................................................................................. 72

10.4.2 COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS............................................................................................................. 72

10.4.3 DDE (DYNAMIC DATA EXCHANGE)...................................................................................................... 72

11. THE [HELP] MENU ........................................................... 73

11.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................73

12. DATA FILES .................................................................... 75

12.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................75

12.2 DATA FILE CREATION (LOG FILES)...................................................................................................75

12.3 NAMING AND STORING DATA FILES.................................................................................................75

12.4 DATA FILE STRUCTURE......................................................................................................................76

13. APPLICATION EXAMPLES................................................. 79

13.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................79

13.1.1 EXAMPLE #1........................................................................................................................................... 79

13.1.1.1 SET UP AN RS232 DUT...................................................................................................................... 79

13.1.1.2 SET UP A PPC2+ AS THE REFERENCE............................................................................................ 80

13.1.1.3 RUN THE TEST................................................................................................................................... 81

13.1.2 EXAMPLE #2........................................................................................................................................... 82

13.1.2.1 SET UP DMM DATA ACQUISITION DUT............................................................................................ 82

13.1.2.2 DMM CONFIGURATION SETUP.........................................................................................................84

13.1.2.3 RUN THE TEST................................................................................................................................... 85

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

13.1.3 EXAMPLE #3........................................................................................................................................... 85

13.1.3.1 EXAMPLE MULTIPLEXER SETUP...................................................................................................... 86

13.1.3.2 EXAMPLE DMM SETUP...................................................................................................................... 87

13.1.3.3 UPDATE THE CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................87

13.1.3.4 CONNECT THE DUTS......................................................................................................................... 87

13.1.3.5 RUN THE TEST................................................................................................................................... 87

14. QUICK TIPS .................................................................... 89

14.1 HOW DO I? ............................................................................................................................................89

15. CALCULATIONS .............................................................. 93

15.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................93

15.2 DUT PRESSURE....................................................................................................................................93

15.3 ERROR DETERMINATION.................................................................................................................... 93

15.4 TOLERANCE .........................................................................................................................................94

15.5 BEST FIT................................................................................................................................................94

15.6 LINEARITY.............................................................................................................................................94

15.7 HYSTERESIS.........................................................................................................................................95

15.8 PRESSURE UNIT CONVERSIONS.......................................................................................................95

16. DDE SUPPORT ................................................................97

16.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................97

17. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................99

17.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................99

18. APPENDIX .................................................................... 101

18.1 GLOSSARY .........................................................................................................................................101

19. END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ................................... 103

19.1 OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................................................103

INDEX ................................................................................ 105

TABLES & FIGURES

AABBLLEES

Table 1. Run Test Screen............................................................................................................................8

Table 2. Tools Available on the Toolbar ....................................................................................................10

Table 3. <Test Complete> Screen Options................................................................................................20

Table 4. <DUT Definition/Profile> Screen.................................................................................................. 24

Table 5. <Test Points> Table.....................................................................................................................31

Table 6. [Auto Fill Points] Tab.................................................................................................................... 32

Table 7. [Leak Test] Tab............................................................................................................................33

Table 8. [Cycle] Tab...................................................................................................................................35

Table 9. [Control Settings] Tab ..................................................................................................................36

Table 10. [Sequence] Tab..........................................................................................................................37

Table 11. [CONFIGURATION] Tab............................................................................................................ 41

Table 12. [Reference] Tab .........................................................................................................................43

Table 13. [DMM] Tab .................................................................................................................................45

Table 14. [Multiplexer] Tab.........................................................................................................................47

Table 15. COMPASS Lists......................................................................................................................... 50

Table 16. [Initialize Test] Tab..................................................................................................................... 51

Table 17. [Run Test] Tab ...........................................................................................................................52

Table 18. [Data File] Tab............................................................................................................................53

Table 19. <Find> Sc reen............................................................................................................................67

Table 20. Font Format Toolbar ..................................................................................................................70

Table 21. Ruler...........................................................................................................................................71

Table 22. Pressure Unit Conversion Chart ................................................................................................ 96

Table 23. DDE Link Items..........................................................................................................................97

Table 24. Symptom / Probable Cause / Solution Checklist .......................................................................99

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

IIGGUURREES

Figure 1. Language Selection...................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 2. Run Test Screen...........................................................................................................................8

Figure 3. Select the DUT file for the Test Screen ......................................................................................13

Figure 4. DUT Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\DUT\DUCE …) Screen ...........................................................13

Figure 5. Select Test File Screen...............................................................................................................14

Figure 6. Test Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\TEST\TEST1.TST) Screen...................................................... 14

Figure 7. Reference Range Selection Screen ........................................................................................... 15

Figure 8. Setup DUT(s) Screen ................................................................................................................. 16

Figure 9. Manual Pressure Entry ...............................................................................................................19

Figure 10. Test Complete Screen..............................................................................................................20

Figure 11. DUT Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\DUT\XMITT …) Screen.........................................................23

Figure 12. Unit/Mode Selection..................................................................................................................24

Figure 13. Test Definition Screen - Sequence...........................................................................................29

Figure 14. Test Definition Screen - Auto Fill Points................................................................................... 32

Figure 15. Test Definition Screen - Leak Test ...........................................................................................33

Figure 16. Test Definition Screen - Cycle..................................................................................................34

Figure 17. Test Definition Screen – Control Settings................................................................................. 36

Figure 18. Test Definition Screen - Sequence...........................................................................................37

Figure 19. COMPASS Configuration Settings Sc reen...............................................................................40

Figure 20. COMPASS Configuration Settings ...........................................................................................42

Figure 21. Edit Reference Device Screen.................................................................................................. 42

Figure 22. COMPASS Configuration Sett ings Sc reen - DMM...................................................................44

Figure 23. Edit DMM Screen ...................................................................................................................... 44

Figure 24. COMPASS Configuration Settings Screen - Multiplexer......................................................... 46

Figure 25. Edit Multiplexer Screen.............................................................................................................46

Figure 26. COMPASS Configuratio n Sett ings Scr een - IEE-488............................................................... 48

Figure 27. RS232 Settings Screen ............................................................................................................ 49

Figure 28. Options Screen - Maintain Lists................................................................................................49

Figure 29. Options Screen - Initialize Test................................................................................................. 50

Figure 30. Options Screen - Run Test ....................................................................................................... 52

Figure 31. Options Screen - File Locations................................................................................................54

Figure 32. Options Screen - Language......................................................................................................55

Figure 33. Remote Communications Screen.............................................................................................56

Figure 34. Data Viewer Screen..................................................................................................................57

Figure 35. Plot Screen ...............................................................................................................................58

Figure 36. COMPASS Report Editor .......................................................................................................... 62

Figure 37. Find Text Screen.......................................................................................................................67

Figure 38. Data Field Insertion Tool Screen ..............................................................................................68

Figure 39. Page Setup Screen ................................................................................................................... 69

Figure 40. COMPASS Report Editor, Main Toolbar ..................................................................................69

Figure 41. COMPASS Report Editor, Font Format Bar ............................................................................. 69

Figure 42. COMPASS Report Editor, Ruler...............................................................................................71

Figure 43. RS232 DUT Example ............................................................................................................... 80

Figure 44. Example #1 PPC2+ Reference Setup ......................................................................................80

TABLES & FIGURES

Figure 45. Example #1 Configuration ........................................................................................................ 81

Figure 46. Example #1 DUT Interface Setup.............................................................................................81

Figure 47. Example #1 RS232 Setup with Ref Com2................................................................................82

Figure 48. Example #2 User Defined Unit Setup.......................................................................................83

Figure 49. Example #2 DMM DUT Data Acquisition..................................................................................83

Figure 50. Example #2 DMM Setup........................................................................................................... 84

Figure 51. Example #2 DMM Configuration...............................................................................................85

Figure 52. Example #2 DUT DAQ with DMM.............................................................................................85

Figure 53. Example Multiplexer Setup.......................................................................................................87

Figure 54. Multiple DUT Setup with DMM+Multiplexer DAQ.....................................................................88

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

OOTTEES

USER REGISTRATION

SSEERR

Please fill out this r egistration s heet and return it to DH Instruments. Registering as a user will allow us to contact you with important inform ation about COMPASS and product announcement s .

COMPASS® for PPC/RPM™ User Contact:

Company/Organization:

EEGGIISSTTRRAATTIIOON

Pressure Calibration Software

Name:

Address 1: Address 2:

City: State/Province:

Postal Code: Country:

Tel: Fax:

inc luding prod uct upgrades, p ossible reca lls

email:

I am using COMPASS for PPC/RPM Ver. ____ ___ _ ____ __. I will run COMPASS on a computer whose operating system is:

Windows95 WindowNT Other__________ I plan to use COMPASS with the following reference pressure devices:

PPC2 PPC2+ PPCK RPM1 RPM3 Other________ I plan to test up to __________ DUTs at a time with COMPASS.

When I run tests with COMPASS, I will acquire data from the DUT(s) using the following:

Manual DMM DMM+multiplexer RS232 direct IEEE 488 direct

Please return this form by mail or fax to: ATTN: COMPASS Registration

DH Instruments, Inc.

4765 East Beautiful Lane Phoenix AZ 85044-5318

or via

Fax: 602.431.9559

email: dhi@dhinstruments.com

NOTE: COMPASS for PPC/RPM is a licensed software product intended for single computer use.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

OOTTEES

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

BBOOUUTT

HHIISS

AANNUUAAL

Manual Conventions

This manual provides the user with the basic information necessary to set up and run COMPASS for PPC/RPM. It also includes a great deal of additional information provided to help you optimize COMPASS use and take full advantage of its many features and functions.

Before using the manual, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Table of Contents structure. Sections 1 through 12 describe each of the six main menu selections in detail.

Quick Tips (see Section 13) provides responses to commonly asked questions and situations. Certain words and expressions have specific meaning as they pertain to COMPASS for PPC/RPM.

The Glossary (see Section 15) is useful as a quic k refer ence for us age of s pecific term s and expr essions as they are used in this manual and the program.

For those of you who don’t read manuals, go directly to Section 2.3 to install COMPASS and then

Section 3 for a summary of operating principles. Later … when you have questions or start to wonder about all the great features you might be missing, get into the manual.

Cross references are used extensively to direct you towards additional information on a topic. Cross references are generally in parenth eses and give the reference’s section num ber. For example:

(see Section 11). [ ] indicates COMPASS menu or tab selections (for example [Data]) . Menu or tab selec tion paths are

always described hierarchically from highest to lowest level. For example: [Tools], [Options], [Maintain Lists].

< > indicates COMPASS text displays such as screen names, field names, prompts, warnings

and instructions. For example: <Enter user ID>. File names are designat ed in quotation m arks when they do NOT include a file ex tension. For example:

“log” file or *.log.

(CAUTION) is used in manual to identify user warnings and cautions.

(NOTE) is used in the manual to identify operating and applications advice and

additional explanations.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

OOTTEES

1. INTRODUCTION

11..

NNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOON

1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Welcome to COMPASS® for PPC/RPM™, the complete pressure calibrati on software package f or users of DHI PPC2, PPC2+, PPCK and RPM3 pressure transfer standards. COMPASS for PPC/RPM is designed to suppl y the miss ing link nee ded to get f rom individu al autom ated hard ware com ponents to an automated pressure ca libration s ystem. Using COMPASS for PPC/RPM, you can create any number of calibration test s cenarios; define characteris tics of various devices u nder test (DUT); run tests ; analyze test data and generate rep orts without ever leavin g the program or you can exp ort test data for anal ysis using other applica tions. COMPASS’s flexible approach makes it easil y adaptable to a wide variet y of hardware and allows you to adjust the level of automation for a variety of tasks and hardware configurations from analog gauge calibration to fully automated multiple DUT test runs.

Please fill in and return the User Registration form located in this manual immediately following the

Table of Contents.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

OOTTEES

2. GETTING STARTED

22..

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TTAARRTTEED

2.1 OVERVIEW

This section expla ins how to install COMPASS for PPC/RPM on your computer. Although COMPASS for PPC/RPM is a multilingual application, the installation always uses English.

2.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

COMPASS for PPC/RPM is an application designed for Windows 32 bit operating systems. The following minimum configuration is required to run COMPASS:

• Windows 95, 98, or NT

• 100 MHz, Pentium processor

• 16 MB RAM

• 5 MB free hard disk space

2.3 INSTALLING COMPASS FOR PPC/RPM

 Insert the COMPASS for PPC/RPM disk 1 in your floppy drive.  Press the [Start] button and select [Run].  In the Run dialog box, t ype a:\setup or b:\setup, depend ing on the drive in which you plac ed the

COMPASS for PPC/RPM disk.

 Insert the COMPASS for PPC/RPM disk 1 in your floppy drive.  Use the Add/Remove Programs feature in the Windows Control Panel. Press [Start] and select

[Settings] followed by [Control Panel].

 Double-click the [Add/Remove Programs] icon and c lick the [Install] butto n. Follow the prom pts to

install COMPASS.

2.4 RUNNING THE PROGRAM

When the software installation is complete, a new Windows group is created to hold the COMPASS program. To run th e program , select it by pressi ng [Start], selecting the [Program s] sub-menu followed by the [COMPASS] group. Click the [COMPASS for PPC/RPM] icon to start the program.

2.5 LANGUAGE SUPPORT

When COMPASS loads, a prompt displays requiring the selection of the language to use. Make the selection from the lis t and press [OK]. The progr am displays all m essages and prompts in the selected

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

language. Subsequent runs of COMPASS display this dialog in the language selected in the previous run. The [English] button will always run COMPASS in English and has the same effect as choosing [English] from the language list. Check the <Do not display..> box at the bottom of the window to prevent this displa y in the future. The language c an be changed while running COMPASS by selecting

[Tools], [Options], [Language] (see Section 8.3.6).

Figure 1. Language Selection

2.6 UNINSTALLING

To uninstall COMPASS, use the Remove COMPASS for PPC/RPM icon in the COMPASS program group created during ins tallation. Alternatively, use the Ad d/Remove Programs feature in the W indows Control Panel and select COMPASS for PPC/RPM. In both cases, a series of prompts must be followed in the application removal program to uninstall COMPASS. All installation files and registry updates are removed. Data directories cr eated by running COMPASS are not rem oved by uni nstalling. It is up to the user to manually remove th ese da ta dir ect ories. T he a pplic ati on rem oval program wil l al ways dis pla y a mes sage indicating COMPASS was not com pletely removed when executed and th e data directories ar e present. Any file management tool such as Windows Explorer can be used to remove these data directories.

3. OPERATING PRINCIPLES

33..

PPEERRAATTIINNGG

RRIINNCCIIPPLLEES

3.1 OVERVIEW

COMPASS for PPC/RPM is an application program intended to automate the test and calibration process to the extent supported by your calibration hardware and appropriate for the DUT being calibrated. COMPASS supports autom ated operation of DHI PPC and RPM transfer standards but can als o be used with any type of pres sure standard from any manuf acturer. This feature allows COMPASS to be used systematically to provide consistent data formats and report generation for all of your pressure calibrations.

COMPASS sets up and maintains files on devices under test (DUT) (see Section 6) and testing procedures (see Sec tion 7) to assoc iate with DUTs . These files are recalled to run tests. Tests are run using the hardware th at has been configur ed (see Section 8.2) in COM PASS. While running a tes t, data is acquired and stored in a standard ASCII comma or tab delimited data file (see Section 12). Within COMPASS, data files m ay be viewed (see Section 9 .2), used to generate plots (see Sec tion 9.4) and used to generate reports (see Section 1) which can be customized with user edited templates. COMPASS operations foll ow conventional Windows protocol for file management, menu and message formatting, graphics and editing.

Devices under test (DUT) and test pr ocedures are def ined and recorded in *.dut and *.ts t files. To run a test, first a *.dut f ile m ust b e create d (see Secti on 6.2) to def ine the DUT that wil l be test ed and a *.ts t file must be created (se e Section 7.2) to pro vide COMPASS with the exac t testing procedure f or that DUT. The hardware configurat ion, including the pressure referenc e device, the electrical measuring dev ice (if present) and the computer ’s IEEE 488 card (if present) used to run the t est is specified with a Hardware Configuration Tool ( see Section 8.2). Once “DUT” and “test” files have been set up, and the hardware configuration has been defined, tests can be run (see Section 5.2).

Many operationa l preferences relating to how test are i nitialized and ru n, and how data is g athered and stored are configurabl e with user options (see Sectio n 8.3). The use of these configura ble preferences results in a test environment that is customizable to meet the testing needs of a diverse group of end users.

As a test runs, the data is c oll ected in a “ l og” f ile ( s ee Sect ion 12 .2) . When the test completes, the r es u lts of the test are copied f rom the “ log” f ile in to “da ta” f iles . “Data” f iles are des igned to be eas il y exported t o other applications by the u ser for further analysis or report ge neration. In addition, COMPASS includes integrated analysis and reporting func tions which allo w full custom ization of repo rts (see Sec tion 1). Any number of custom report formats can be creat ed and employed. Re ports can then be edit ed, printed or saved. A plottin g function allows vario us auto-sc aled err or plots fo r test results t o be view ed and printed (see Section 9.4).

Detailed inform ation and assis tance on COMPASS application a nd functions ar e available i n this manual and with on-line help (accessed by pressing [F1] or selecting [H

elp]).

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

3.1.1 BASICS SUMMARY

In summary, the following steps and sections s hould be refer red to while trying to s et up and run a test for the first tim e. Subseque nt tests will onl y require a sel ection of the desired DUT and test file. The Run T est section of this manual has a m ore detailed explanation of the requirements to run a test in COMPASS (see Section 5.2). Several COMPASS exam ples and frequently asked ques tions are in t he Qu ick Tips section of this m anual ( see Section 1 3). These sections are also very useful in gett in g star te d.

• Select [DUT], [Create] to create a DUT (see Section 6.2). A DUT that outputs an electrical signal suc h as V, m V or m A will most lik ely use a dig ital m ultimeter . This DMM should be set up in the program configuration (see Section 8.2).

• Select [Tools], [Configure Hardware] to update the program configuration (see Section 8.2). This includes setting up the press ure reference as well as any other peripheral devices required by a DUT. This option should be used t o set up a DMM, multiplexer and s elect the system IEEE 488 i nterface card. Once these selec tions are made there is no need to access the configuration unless a change in one of these devices occurs. M ake sure the des ired selec tions are m ade on the [CONFIGURATION] tab of the hardware configuration.

• Select [Test] , [Create Test] to create a test that will define the pr essure sequence and other aspects of the testing procedure (see Section 7.2).

• Select [Run], [Run Test] or the corresponding toolbar shortcut to run the test.

4. MAIN RUN SCREEN

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4.1 OVERVIEW

The main screen contains the:

• Main menu bar to access all COMPASS menus and functions (see Section 4.2).

• Run test toolbar with seven test running short cut keys (see Section 4.4).

• Run test screen providing complete real tim e information on test progress and results as a test is

running (see Section 4.3).

4.2 MAIN MENU BAR

The main menu is divi ded into seven separate selections. Each menu item is summarized below and covered in detail in Sections 1 through 1:

[Run] Initialize and run tests. This menu also contains the choice used to exit the program

(see Section 1).

[DUT] All device under test (DUT ) inf orm ation is hand led her e b y creating, editin g and d eletin g *.dut

files (see Section 6).

[Test] All test procedure information is handled here by creating, editing and deleting *.tst files

(see Section 7).

[Tools] Access tools to c onfigure the test hard ware used by COMPASS, sel ect user preferences to

customize test ini tializati on and exec ution, select user pref erences f or file locati ons, m aintain lists and send discreet commands to interfaced devices (see Section 8).

[Data] View, plot or print the raw data contained in the *.dat files that result from test execution

(see Section 9).

[Report] Edit report templates. Generate reports from *.dat files, save and print reports (see Section 1). [Help] Access on-line help (see Section 1.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

4.3 RUN TEST SCREEN

The Run Test screen provides real time information on test execution while a test is running.

Figure 2. Run Test Screen

The run test screen is segmented into eight functional areas described on Table 1.

Table 1. Run Test Screen

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Status Message Bar

(Top line next to the

run test toolbar)

Read-out Panel

(Top left hand

quarter of screen)

Ready Indication LED

(Circle in the top left hand

corner of the screen)

Test Progress Summary

(WHITE characters in upper

right hand quarter of screen)

Current Function Box

(BLUE box in top right hand

quarter of screen)

Test Progress Bar

(Across middle of screen)

Displays real time messages describing t he sp ecific acti on COMPASS is executing. Uses color coding and font changes to indicate that the program is running and to draw attention when needed.

Provides real time readings of reference press ure, DUT output, DUT pressure (c alculated from DUT output if DUT output is other than pressure), rate of change (stability) of reference pressure and a green/red circular indicator of pressure ready/not ready (see PPC or RPM Operation and Maintenance Manual for ready/not ready definition). Readings are only displayed for values that can be read remotely by COMPASS from interfaced devices. If no values are available, the fields show < -------- >.

Changes color from GREEN to RED to indicate whether the pressure reference meets or fails the stability criterion specified in the test file.

Displays current DUT # (always one for single DUT tests), test point currently being executed and total number of points in test, cycle # (always one for single c ycles tests), and nominal pressure of current test point.

Indicates the current macro test function being executed by COMPASS (<IDLE>,

<Initialize Test>, <Leak Check>, <Pressure Cycle>, <Setting Pressure>, <Dwelling>, <Taking Data>).

Visualizes test progress with a p rogressive horizontal bar and percent executed value. Progress is in terms of current test point over total number of test points.

4. MAIN RUN SCREEN

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

<Current Display> Selector

(Top of bottom left hand

quarter of screen)

Test Point Log

(Bottom left hand quarter of

screen)

Run Time Plot

(Bottom right hand

quarter of screen)

Identifies the DUT that is currently being displayed in the test point log and in the run time plot. DUTs are identified by serial number/ID. If multiple DUTs are being tested, a dropdown menu to select an individual DUT or <All> is available.

Selecting <Pre Test> causes information on the leak test and/or cycling (exercising) conducted at the beginning of the test to be displayed i f these were included in the test definition.

The data for each test point is recorded and displayed in the test point log. If the DUT error for the current test point exceeds the DUT tolerance, the computer beeps (if audible feedback is enabled) and the row containing the t est point is highlighted (only the most recent out of tolerance test point is highlighted). The status column for this point will include a <T> for out of tolerance.

When testing multiple DUTs, selecting a single DUT in the <Current Display> selector causes the complete test log for the DUT to be shown; selecting <All> causes the current point for all the DUTs to be shown. The change f rom a single t o all DUTs c an be made at any time.

<Test Point> is the number of the pressure point in the pressure point sequence. <Reference Pressure> is the reading from the reference pressure device. <DUT output> is the output recorded from the DUT. <DUT Pressure> is the pressure

calculated from the output using the output and pressure spans from the “DUT” file. If the DUT output is pressure, DUT output and DUT pressure are identical.

<Error> is the difference between the DUT pressure and the ref erence pressure (DUT pressure – reference pressure).

The <Status> column reports the status of the test point.

<OK> indicates that the test point executed normally and the DUT error was in tolerance. <T> indicates that the DUT error was out of tolerance. <S> indicates that data was taken from the reference when the reference was not ready

(applies only to automated reference devices). The run time plot shows a plot of the DUT error (DUT pressure - reference pressure) in the

DUT pressure units. The plot can scale automatically to the error data or include DUT tolerance bars and scal e

automatically to the DUT tolerance. Which scaling is used is determined by user preference: [T

When testing multiple DUTs, selecting a single DUT in the <Current Display> selector causes the error plot of the selected DUT only to be shown; selecting <All> causes error plots for all the DUTs to be shown simultaneously. The change from a single to all DUTs can be made at any time. Clicking on the plot causes a plot legend to appear.

The <Maximiz e Graph> key of the run test tool bar (see Section 4.4) may be used to maximize the graph to the full screen. Click the key again to minimize the graph.

ools], [Options], [Run Test], <Plot data to tolerance> (see Section 8.3.3).

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

4.4 RUN TEST TOOLBAR

The run test toolbar pro vides a shortcut method for starting a t est, accessing DUT and test procedure information while a test is running and other test func tions. The toolbar is located in the up per left-hand corner of the main run screen. To use a tool, click on the tool icon.

Table 2 lists the tools available on the toolbar.

Table 2. Tools Available on the Toolbar

ICON DESCRIPTION

Starts a test, beginning with DUT selection or displays an option to re-run a test. Tests

Run

can be re-run only if the previous test was succ essfully initialized, and no configuration changes have occurred since the com pletion of the previous run. The current DUT and test file can be edited only. If this criterion is not met, the re-run option will not display and test initialization immediately begins with DUT selecti on.

Step Back

Step Forward

View DUT

View Test Procedure

Maximize Graph

Causes the current test point to be interrupted and t he test point sequence to st ep back to the most recent set pressure step. Subsequent clicks caus e the tes t to step back one point for each click. This key is used to repeat points when needed.

Causes the current test point to be interrupted and the test point sequence to step forward to the set pressure s tep of the next pressure point. This key enables only after the step back key has been used; it cannot be us ed to s tep f orward over tes t point s t hat have not been executed. Most often it is used to avoid repeating all previously execut ed points when the step back key has been used to go back several pressure points.

Causes the DUT Profile screen to be displayed over the run test screen. This allows complete information on the DUT being run to be reviewed without i nterrupting the t est. Click <OK> to close the screen.

Causes the Test Definition screen to be dis played over the run tes t screen. This al lows complete information on the current test proc edure to be reviewed without interrupting the test. Click <OK> to close the screen.

Causes the current run time plot t o be maximized. Toggles between maximized and standard size plots.

Abort

Causes the <Abort Test> confirmation pop-up to appear to abort the test that is running.

5. THE [RUN] MENU

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5.1 OVERVIEW

The [Run] menu is used to execute a test and to exit COMPASS. It has the following choices:

un Test], [Re-Run Test] and [Exit].

5.2 [RUN], [RUN TEST]

This menu selectio n is used to start execution of a test. Pressing the [Run] key on the r un test toolbar has the same effect as selecting this menu option. Test execution is divided into three sequential parts:

Test Initialization Selects the DUT and test procedure to run, sets up the reference, sets up DUT

identification and communications, enters user ID. The sequential steps of test initialization can be turned ON or OFF using [Tools], [Options], [Initialize Test] (see Section 8.3.2).

Run Test uns leak check (if included), runs pressure cycling to exercise DUTs (if included),

runs test pressure points and takes data at each point. The test run details are defined by the *.dat file. Certain aspects of operation can be customized using

[Tools], [Options], [Run Test] (see Section 8.3.3).

Test Conclusion Presents <Test Notes> screen to rec ord test specific notes and <T est Complete>

screen with various test conclusion options.

5.2.1 TEST INITIALIZATION

Test initialization is the first part of test execution. The seven sequential steps of test initialization can be turned ON or OFF using [To (see Section 8.3.2). The test initialization sequential steps are listed immediately following below (see Sections 5.2.1.1 through 5.2.1.7 for details on each initialize test step):

 Select DUT File (see Section 5.2.1.1): The DUT selection tool is presented allowin g

browsing of DUTs avai lable and selection of the DUT file to run. If this s tep is turned OFF, the screen is not shown and the last DUT file used is automatically selected.

 Preview DUT (see Section 5.2.1.2): The DUT profile screen is presented to allow

verification of the DUT file to run. If this step is turned OFF, the step is omitted entirely.

 Select Test File (see Section 5.2.1.3): The select test file screen is presented

identifying the primary and secondary test files associated with the current DUT and allowing browsing of the test f iles available. If this ste p is turned OFF , the scree n is not shown and the primary test file associated with the DUT is automatically selected.

 Preview Test (see Sect ion 5.2.1.4): The pre view test file sc reen is presented to allow

verification of the test file to run. If this step is turned OFF, the step is omitted entirely.

ols], [Options], [Initialize Test]

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

 Reference Verification/Range Selection (see Section 5.2.1.5): The reference

verification scree n is presented ident ifying the source of reference pressur es to be used in running the test. If the reference has m ultiple ranges and ca n be communic ated with remotely, the range selection function is included. The range recommended by COMPASS or a d ifferent r ange can be selec ted. If this step is turned OF F, the screen is not shown and the recommended range is automatically accepted.

 Setup DUT(s) (see Section 5.2.1.6): The setup DUT(s) screen is presented.

This screen is intended to allow input of DUT identification and communication details if necessary. If the DUT being run is a m anual data acquisition t ype DUT and the DUT file is a DUT defini tion, t he scr een serves as verificat ion of DUT identif ication onl y. If the DUT file is a DUT prof ile, identification of the DUT( s) must be provided. If the DUT(s) being run is/are DMM, RS232 or IEEE 488 data acquisition type, the DUT communications deta ils can be verified, changed and tested. If this step is turn ed OFF and the DUT file is a DUT definition, the step is om itted entirely when all requ ired DUT communications inf ormation is curren tly configured. T his means that a DMM is set up for a DMM output DUT and the default R S232 or IEEE 488 comm ands have been set up to meet the requirem ents of the current DUT (see Sectio n 8.3.3). If this step is turned OF F and the DUT file is a DUT profile or the previous inform ation is not set up, the screen is still presented and DUT identification(s) must be entered.

 User ID Entry (see Section 5.2.1.7): The user ID entry screen is presented. T he last

user ID can be accepted, a new user ID m ay be enter ed, or a previo usly ent ered user ID may be selected from the user ID drop-do wn list. If thi s s tep is turned OF F, the s creen is not shown and the last user ID selected is automatically used.

Test initialization is complete, run test begins (see Section 5.2.2).

5.2.1.1 SELECT DUT FILE

The DUT selection tool is presented allowing browsing of DUTs available and selection of the DUT file to run. If this step is turned OFF, the screen is not shown and the last DUT file used or accessed is automatically selected.

DUTs available are listed by manufacturer, model, serial number and identification as extracted from *.dut files. The list is alphabetical by manufacturer. Us e your k eybo ard’s ar ro w k e ys or po in ting de vic e to hi ghl ig ht th e desired DUT. The highlighted DUT file name and path are listed following:

Figure 3. Select the DUT file for the Test Screen

5. THE [RUN] MENU

To select the DUT based o n its f ile nam e, or if the f ile you want was not store d in the directory specified for DUTs in your file location preferences (see Section

8.3.5), click <Browse> to activate a standard Windows file selection pop-up.

Figure 3. Select the DUT file for the Test Screen

5.2.1.2 PREVIEW DUT

The DUT profile screen is presented to allow verification of the DUT file to run. If this step is turned OFF , the ste p is sk ipped entir ely. Edits cannot be m ade to a DUT file during test initialization.

If the previe wed D UT is cor r ect, clic k <OK> and test ini ti ali zat io n wi ll c ont in ue. If the DUT is not correc t, click <Cancel> to return to the DUT selection tool an d make a new DUT selection. To abor t the tes t completely, click <Cancel> from the DUT selection tool.

Figure 4. DUT Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\DUT\DUCE …) Screen

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

5.2.1.3 SELECT TEST FILE

The select test file s c reen i s pres ente d i dent ifying the primary and secondary test files associated with the current DUT and allowing browsing of the test files available. If this step is tur ned O FF , the s cr een is not s ho wn and the pr imary test file associated with the DUT is automatically selected.

The test selection screen c ontains the core information about the s elected DUT which may be helpful in selecting the test file to run. The DUT’s primary and secondary test files display and one of these can be selected by clicking the corresponding selection button. To select a test file other than the primary or secondary test file associated with the DUT, click <Browse> to activate a standard Windows file selectio n pop-up. Click <Cancel> to abort the test completely.

Figure 5. Select Test File Screen

5.2.1.4 PREVIEW TEST

The preview test screen is presented to allow verification of the test file to run. If this step is turned OFF, the step is skipped entirely.

The test cannot be m odified using this po p-up, but all the charac teristics can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate tabs.

If the previewed test is correct, click <OK> and test initialization will continue. If the test is not correct, click <Cancel> to return to the tes t selection tool and make a new test selection. To abort the test completely, click <Cancel> from the test selection tool.

Figure 6. Test Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\TEST\TEST1.TST) Screen

5. THE [RUN] MENU

5.2.1.5 REFERENCE VERIFICATION

The reference verif ication sc reen is pr esented identif ying the sour ce of r eference pressures to be used in ru nning the test. If COMPASS can communicate with the reference remotely and the reference has multiple ranges, the reference range selection tool and h ead adjustment is also included . If this step is turned OFF, the screen is not shown, the recommended range is automatically accepted and the current head (if the reference supports head corrections) is accepted. See the Reference Pressure Device Operations and Maintenance Manual for details on head corrections.

The reference shown is the reference currently selected in [T

ools], [Config

Hardware], [CONFIGURATION]. To change references, abort the test and go to

ools], [Config Hardware], [CONFIGURATION] to set up and/or select a

different reference (see Section 8.2.1). If COMPASS is able to communicate remotely with the reference, the range

selection tool is disp la yed. T his too l rec omm ends the range tha t COM P ASS has determined to be the optimum range based on the span and pressure measurement mode of the DUT . A different range may be selec ted by clicking on the corresponding button.

If COMPASS is able to communicate remotely with the reference and the reference supports automated pressure head corrections the current head correction height is displayed and m ay be edited to reflect the correc t height for the current setup. The head correction un its and/or medium cannot be change d using this pop-up. To change these, abort the test and m ake the changes using the reference device’s front panel function keys then restart the test. See Reference’s Operatio n and Mainte nance Manua l for com plete information o n the head correction function).

Erroneous data may be logged if the reference device’s characteristics are

modified manually without restarting the test. Always restart the test if pressure reference device changes are made using the reference device’s front panel.

Figure 7. Reference Range Selection Screen

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

5.2.1.6 SETUP DUT(S)

The setup DUT( s) screen is pr esented. T his screen is intended to a llow input of DUT identification and communication details if necessary.

See Section 6.2 for information on DUT profiles vs. definition files and DUT

data acquisition type.

Do not use the following characters in the serial number or identification

fields: \,/, :, *, ?, “, <,>, |, a comma or tab character. These characters will cause problems when importing the “data” file or creating the “data” file directory.

The setup DUT(s) screen’s appearance and operation vary depending on whether the DUT file being run is a DUT definition or a DUT profile and on th e DUT’s data acquisition type (see Section 6.2):

• If the DUT file is a DUT definition file and the DUT data acquisition type is

manual, the screen sets up for a single DUT. The screen serves only for DUT

verification as the DUT ide ntification comes from the *.dut file and there are no communications to verify. If the setup DUT step is turned OFF, setup DUT is omitted entirely.

• If the DUT file is a DUT definition file and the DUT data acquisition type

is DMM, RS232 or IEEE 488, the screen sets up for a single DUT.

DUT communication details c an be verif ie d, c han ged a nd tested. If the setup DUT step is turned OFF, s etup DUT is omitted ent irely. This f eature can be removed only when a DUT definition is used with DMM data acquisition or the default interface parameters (see Section 8.3.3) will work with the current DUT.

• If the DUT fi le is a DUT p rofil e file , the scr een se ts f or entr y of up to 5 0 DUTs . The screen requires entry of a DUT serial number for each DUT to be t es ted. Serial number entr y in the DUT position is the means b y which COMPASS determines how many DUTs to include in the test run and the position of the DUTs. Identification is not a requ ired field. If the DUT data acquisiti on type is DMM, RS232 or IEEE 48 8, DUT comm unication det ails for each DUT individually can be verified, changed and tested. If the setup DUT step is turned OFF, the setup DUT sc reen will still ap pear and r equire serial num ber entry to identify the DUTs to be tested.

To check communications with the DUT(s), click the <Communications Test> button. COMPASS attempts to comm unicate with all DUTs that have had a serial number entered using the command specified in the DUT file and the current comm unications settings. If communication is successful, the DUT output is update d in the <D UT O utp ut> column. If communication fails, an error message is displayed.

Figure 8. Setup DUT(s) Screen

5. THE [RUN] MENU

Setup DUT(s) - Data Acquisition

When using the <Setup DUTs> screen, keep in mind that DUT Data

Acquisition type refers to the manner in which data will be gathered from the DUT. DUTs with electrical outputs are read with a DMM and the data acquisition type is DMM (it is not the interface on the DMM such as RS232 or IEEE 488). Only DUTs read directly by RS232 or IEEE 488 interfaces are considered to use RS232 or IEEE data acquisition.

The data acquisition colum n of the DUT Setup table (third column from the lef t) varies depending on the DUT data acquisition type.

The data acquisition t ype can be m anual, DMM, DMM + MUX, RS232, I EEE 488 (see Section 6.2):

• If the DUT data acquisition type is manual, the data acquis ition colum n is labeled <Data Acquisit ion> an d <Manual> is listed for the DUTs . When the test is run, DUT readings will be entered manually.

• If the DUT data acquisition type is RS232 or IEEE 488, the data acquisition column is labeled <RS232 Settings> or <IEEE 488 Address>. When a test is run, COMPASS will r ead the DUT(s) directly using R S232 or IEEE 488 and the command strings defined in the *.dut file. The default RS232 DUT set tings or IE EE 48 8 addr ess are ente red f or e ach DUT . T he DUT RS232 settings or I EEE 488 address can be changed by d ouble clicking on the corresponding c olumn entry to access the sett ings pop-up. The def ault RS232 parameters and IEEE 488 address for DUT communications can be changed using [T

ools], [Options], [Run Test]. <Default DUT

Communications> (see Section 8.3.3). If RS232 is the DUT data

acquisition type, a <Chained DUTs> check box appears above the data acquisition column. Checking the box forces RS232 settings for multiple DUTs to be the same for all the DUTs.

• If the DUT data acquisition type is DMM, the data acquisition column is labeled <Data Acquisition > and <DMM> is listed f or all the DUT s. When a test is run, DUT readings will be read automatically from the DMM. The actual DMM communications are defined and changed, if desired, in the DMM configuration (see Section 8.2.3).

• If the DUT data acquisition type is DMM and a multiplexer is included in the hardware configuration, the data acquisition co lumn is labeled <Data

Acquisition> and <DMM + M ultiplexer> is listed f or all the DUTs. When a test is run, the multiplexer will automaticall y switch DUT outputs to the DMM and DUT readings will be read automatically from the DMM. The actual DMM and multiplexer com munications are defined and changed, if desired, in the DMM and multiplexer configuration (see Sections 8.2.3 and 8.2.4).

For DUT profiles with RS232 or IEEE 488 data acquisition type, the position

in the communication setup corresponds to the DUT number in the DUT command list of the DUT profile (see Section 6.2) (i.e., COMPASS will use the command assigned to DUT 3 in the DUT profile to communicate with Position 3 of the communications setup, even if there is no entry in Positions 1 and 2). When setting up DUT communications, for DUT profiles with DMM data acquisition type using a multiplexer to switch DUTs, the position in the communication setup corresponds to the multiplexer command number from the multiplexer definition (see Section 8.2.4) (i.e., COMPASS will use multiplexer switching Command 3, followed by the DMM command, to read

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

Position 3 of the communications setup, even if there is no entry in Positions 1 and 2).

5.2.1.7 USER ID

The user ID entry screen is presented. T he last user ID can be ac cepted, a ne w user ID may be entered, o r a previously entered user ID m ay be selected from the user ID drop down l ist. If this step is turned OFF , the screen is not shown and the last user ID selected is automatically used.

Any time a new user ID is entered, it is automaticall y added to the user ID list. Names can be removed from the list using [To (see Section 8.3.1).

5.2.2 RUN TEST

After test initialization is complete, run test begins.

The test procedure is defined by the *.tst file (see Section 7.2) associated with the DUT

being tested. Prior to running a test, various aspects of run test behavior may be customized (see Section 8.3.1).

ols], [Options], [Maintain Lists]

During run test the main menu bar is disabled but th e run test toolbar is ac tive. Use the run test toolbar keys to vie w de tai led D UT or test information whil e the t es t is r unn in g, to s tep tes t points back or forward, to maximize the run time graph or to abort the test (see Section 4.4).

A test that is running can be abort ed at any time by pressing the computer ’s [ESC] key or clicking on the <Abort Test> button of the run test tool bar. Before aborting the test, COMPASS requires confirm ation and quer ies whethe r the partia l data f ile conta inin g the data collected for the test so far should be saved.

The run test sequence is as follows:  Run leak test: If a leak test is specified in the test procedure (*. tst file), the leak test

is run. Pressure is set to the leak test pressure. The leak test time counts down. Pressure is vented. If pressure setting is manual, the user is prompted to set the pressure. If reference reading is manual, th e user is prom pted to enter the ref erence reading at the start and f ini sh of the leak test c ountdo wn. The l eak rate is c alcu lated and leak test pass/f ail determ ined. Leak test res ults are posted in the first line of the test point log by selecting <Pre Test> in the <Current Display> selector. If the le ak test f ails due to a l ea k test se t pre ssure time-out o r l eak rate lim it exceeded and <Continue on failure> is set to <No> in the *.tst file, the test aborts. If <Continue on failure> for leak test is set to <Yes> test execution continues.

 Run cycle(s) (exercise DUTs): If run cycles are specified in the test file, exercising

occurs now. Pressure is set to the cycle min pressure followed by the cycle max pressure for the num ber of times spec ified in the test f ile. If pressure setti ng is manual, the user is prompted to s et the pres sure. T he res ults of the c ycling tes t are pos ted i n the first line of the test point lo g by selecting <P re Test> in the <Curren t Display> selector. If cycling fails due to a cycle s et pressure time-out and <Continue on failure> for cycling is set to <No> in the *.tst file, t he t est a bor ts. If <Continue on failure> is set to <Yes>, test execution contin ue s.

5. THE [RUN] MENU

 Set pressure test point: The test pressure point is set. How the pressure is set is

determined by the *.ts t file. If pressur e setting is manual, the user is prom pted to set t he pressure to the pressur e point value. If pressure setting is aut omated, pressure is set automatically using either dynamic or static control as specified in the *.tst file. Once <ENTER> has been pressed in manual c ontrol, test exec ution continues. Once a pressure ready cond ition has been reached or a se t pressure time-out has occurr ed in automated control, tes t exe cution co ntinues. Se e the Pres sure Ref erence O perat ion and Maintenance Manual for information on static and dynamic control and ready/not ready conditions. In automated control, if set test pressure times out, the audible feedback failure sound will be made if the feature is enabled and TIMEOUT will be logged in the data file for the set pressure time. The <Status> column will not necessarily display <S> under these conditions. This displ a y is res er ved for the occasion that the actual DUT data is taken when the reference pressure is unstable.

 Dwell: If automatic dwell is specif ied in the *.tst file, the dwell time counts down and

execution continues. If the test file specifies manual dwell, COMPASS waits for the operator to press <ENTER> before test execution can continue.

 Read reference and DUT outputs: The reference and the DUT(s) are read as many

times as possible for the averaging period. Averaging occurs only for references and DUTs that can be read automatically. In the event tha t the c ur rent tes t p oi nt is 0 abs ol ute or any static pressure, t he reference pressure will ne ver be averaged if the DUT outpu t is manual. This special case preven ts averagi ng a refer ence pressur e that could c hange significantly over t he duration of the av eraging time. Com paring this averaged p ressure to a non-averaged DUT pressure will yield inconsistent data (see Section 5.2.2.1 for manual data entry). When running multiple DUTs, a common manual reference entry can be applied to a ll the D UTs by setting a preferenc e in [T

ools], [Options], [Run Test]

(see Section 8.3.3). Af ter reading the reference and the DUT (s), if there are more test points in the test, test ex ecution continues with the next test point ( go to Step 3). If this was the last test point of the last test cycle, run test is complete and test conclusion begins (see Section 5.2.3).

5.2.2.1 MANUAL ENTRY DATA ACQUISITION

When <Manual> is selecte d as the DUT data acquis ition or t he reference device in a test cannot be read rem otely, the <Manual entry> screen displa ys. Enter the required output of the DUT and/or reference pressure as required. All DUT entries must be in the output units setup in the “DUT” file and the reference pressure must be entered in the pressure units of the DUT. Use a COMPASS preference under [Tools], [Options], [Run Test] to allow only one manual reference pr essure to be en tered (see S ect ion 8. 3. 3). To retak e a referenc e point, use the <Run Test Toolbar> back option (see Section 4.4). Each entry field displays according to the DUT position set up during test initia lization (see Secti on 5.2.1.6). Press [Enter] to move to the nex t require d f i e ld after an entry is mad e. To close t h e manual pressure entry screen, press [ENTER] on the last entry field or click <OK>.

Figure 9. Manual Pressure Entry

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

5.2.3 TEST CONCLUSION

After run test is complete, test conclusion begins. Test conclusion has two steps.  Test Notes: The <Test Notes> pop-up appears to allow the user to enter notes

concerning the tes t run that has j ust completed. The notes ar e included in the raw data file and can be used in reports . In a multi-cycle test, s eparate notes can be incl uded for each test cycles data file or only the last data file as specified by user preference (see Section 7.2.6).

 Test Comp lete Screen: The <Test Complete> s creen gives the name and path of all

data files created d uring the test and offers various post test options. Operat ion always returns to the <Test Complete> screen until <Exit Test> has been selected.

Figure 10. Test Complete Screen

The multiple “data” file selection in the <Test Complete Screen> is designed to allow

multiple reports to be generated in one step using the <Generate Report> feature. Use one “data” file selection when accessing any option except <Generate Report>. If multiple files are selected, only the file name that currently has the focus is used. In most cases, this is the first selected “data” file.

Table 3 lists the test complete options.

Table 3. <Test Complete> Screen Options

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Used to override the default file name and directory for the data file resul ting from the test. Brings up a standard Windows Save As file box showing the default di rectory and file name. These can be rewritten, if desired.

Used to review raw test data immediately f ollowing test completion without exiti ng the test completely. The data fil e viewer appears with the *.dat fil e from the test that has just completed open. This is funct ionally equi valent to selectin g [D with the data file from the test that has just completed (see Section 9.2).

Used as a shortcut to generat e a test report immediately following test completion. Multiple data files can be selected to generate multiple reports in one step. The COMPASS Report Editor merges each selected data file with the last used report template to generate a separate report for each data file (see Sect ion 1). The report editor then displays each report generated. This is functionally equivalent to running the COMPASS Report Editor as a standalone application and selecting the [File], [Generate Report] option (see Section 10.4.2).

Used to rerun the same DUT(s). The result is functionally equi valent t o exiting the t est and selecting [R

Used as a shortcut to immediately view plots using the data from the test that just completed. This choice is functionally equivalent to exiting the test and selecting

ata], [Plot Test Data] (see Section 9.3).

Exits the test. The <Test Complete> po p-u p dis ap pe ars a nd t he m ai n menu and associ at ed screen reappear. The current test data remains active until another test is started.

un], [Re-Run Test].

ata], [View Test Data]

5. THE [RUN] MENU

5.3 [RUN], [RE-RUN TEST]

[Re-Run Test] is provid ed t o r es tart a tes t that was ab or ted pr ior to c ompletion for setup specif ic reas ons , for example when a test was started without a pr essure suppl y. If the test is abo rted [Re-Run T est] can be used to skip the tes t initiali zation s teps. Tes ts can be re-run onl y if the pr evious test was suc cessf ully initialized, and no [CONFIGURATION] selections have occur red s inc e the completion of the prev io us run. The DUT and test file used in the m os t r ec ent test c an be edited o nl y. New DUT and test f iles m a y not be selected. If this criterion is not met, the re-run option does not display. Use [Run Test] to start test initialization with DUT selection.

5.4 [RUN], [EXIT]

This selection caus es the COMPASS program to ter minate if a test is not runnin g. If a test is running, [Exit] acts like <Abort>. It must be selected a second tim e after the test closes before the option will

close COMPASS. This operating princip le also applies when using the contro l box X found on the t op right corner of the COMPASS main window.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

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6. THE [DUT] MENU

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6.1 OVERVIEW

The DUT Menu accesses the functions used to set up and maintain *.dut files. *.dut files define the devices under test (DUTs) that are tested using COMPASS.

6.2 [DUT], [CREATE DUT]

The *.dut file defines all th e c har acter istic s of a DUT to be tested by COMPASS. [Create DUT] is used to create a new *.dut f ile from s cratch. Use [E file from an old one (see Section 6.3).

Selecting [D information blank or in its default s tate. Data enter ed on this f orm does not b ecom e active until the *.d ut file is saved. Cl icking <Save> caus es a traditional Windows Sav e As tool to appear set to the default *.dut file path. Select [To Section 8.3.5). Long file nam es are supported by COMPASS to provide the ability to cr eate explicit files names that describe the DUT file.

There are two types of *.dut files:

UT], [Create DUT] causes the <DUT Definition/Profile> screen to appear with all the DUT

ols], [Options], [File Locations] to change the defau lt file path if desired ( see

dit DUT] to change an ex isting * .dut f ile or m ake a ne w *.dut

DUT definition files define specific individual DUTs and include serial number and

identification fields. Definition file DUTs can only be tested one at time.

DUT profile files define a general DUT type and do not include serial number and

identification fields. DUT prof iles are used to run m ultiple DUT tests. T he DUTs are identified during test initialization.

Both DUT definitions and profiles are created using the <DUT Definition/Profile> screen.

Figure 11. DUT Definition (C:\COMP4PRS\DUT\XMITT …) Screen

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The purpose of the <DUT Definition/Profile> fields a nd settings as well as instructions on ho w to use them are provided in Table 4.

Table 4. <DUT Definition/Profile> Screen

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

DUT Definition /

Profile

(radio button

selection)

Manufacturer

(required entry

Model

(required entry

Serial Number

(required entry

field, DUT

definitions only)

Pressure Units

(required

selection field)

Determines whether the *.dut file created will be a DUT definition or a DUT profile. One must be selected. Default is DUT definition. Use a DUT definiti on if t his *.dut f ile is f or a specific, unique DUT that will be tested individually. Use a DUT profile if this *.dut file will be used to test multiple DUTs simultaneously.

The manufacturer can be selected from the drop-down list or a new manufacturer can be entered manually. Manual ly ent ere d manuf acture rs a re autom atic ally ad ded to the d rop-do wn list (alp habetic all y). Select [T

field)

DUT files that contain a deleted manufacturer name are still valid. The model number or name for the DUT can be sel ec ted from the drop-down list or a new model can

be entered manually. Manually entered models are automatically added to the drop-down list (alphabetically). Select [T

field)

DUT files that contain a deleted model are still valid. Write in the DUT serial number. The default data file naming preference will store the “data” files

created when tests are run in a directory named using the value entered in t his field (see Sections

12.3 and 0). DUT profiles do not include a serial number during the creation of the DUT.

Write a device identification, if desired. This field can be used for internal tracking of DUTs or to record other information. Any c ombinati on of inf ormation c an be entered i nto t he ID fi eld. The val ue entered will be included in the run test data files and c an be included in repo rts . DUT prof iles do not include a device ID. A COMPASS preference can be set the device identification field as the directory name for the DUT “data” files instead of the serial number field (see Sections 12.3 and 0).

ools], [Options], [Maintain Lists] to delete unwanted manufacturers (see Section 8. 3.1).

ools], [Options], [Maintai n Lists] to delete unwanted model s from the lis t (see Section 8.3. 1).

Do not use the following characters in the serial number or identification fields: \,/, :, *, ?, “, <,>, |, a

comma or tab character. These characters will cause problems when importing the “data” file or creating the “data” file directory.

Figure 12. Unit/Mode Selection

Pressure units in which the pressure i nput range of the DUT is expressed. Clicking on this field causes the <Unit/Mode Selection> pop-up to appear. Click the [Pressure Units] tab and select a pressure unit from the drop-down list. The conversion factor to Pascal will display as each new unit is selected. User defined units can be created by selecting the <User Defined> item in the list and manually entering the conversion factor to Pascal and a four character unit label in the <User Defined> field. The conversion factor entered multiplied by the current pressure should be the equivalent pressure expressed in Pascal. When a test is run, COMPASS displays user defi ned units as the four character unit l abel entered. The pres sure m easurement mode (gauge or absol ute) may also be changed at this time if desired by clicking on the [Mode] tab.

6. THE [DUT] MENU

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Pressure Mode

(selection field)

Max Pressure

(required entry

Input Span

(calculated field)

Output Units

(required selection

Min Output

(required entry

Pressure measurement mode (gauge or absolute) of the DUT. Clicking on this field causes the

<Unit/Mode Selection> pop-up to appear. Click the [Mode] tab and s elect <Absolute Mode> or <Gauge Mode> by clicking the corresponding radio button. If the DUT measurement mode is differential, select gauge. Pressure meas urement units may als o be changed at this time if desired by clicking on the [Pressure Units] tab.

Generally, if a DUT reads atmospheric pressure when vented, it is an absolute DUT. If the DUT reads

near zero when vented, it is a gauge DUT.

Enter the lowest pressure of the DUT input range in t he pres sure units and mode specified above. In the case of negative gauge DUTs, the <Min Pressure> can have a numericall y absolute pressure value that is larger than the <Max Pressure> value entered. For example, many users will enter <0> (zero) for the <Min Pressure> for a 0 (zero) to -30 inWa DUT. It is up to the user to decide which pressure to designate “min” and which press ure to designate “m ax”. Just make sure t he DUT <Min Output> value (see below) corresponds the <Min Pressure> entered.

Enter the highest pressure of t he DUT input range in the pressure unit s and mode specified above. In the case of negative gauge DUTs , the <Max Pressure> can have a numerically absol ute pres sure value that is less than t he <Min Pressure> value. For example, many users will enter <-30> for the

field)

<Max Pressure> for a 0 (zero) to –30 inWa DUT. It is up to the user to decide which pres sure to call “max” and which pressure to call “min”. Just make sure the <Max Output> value (see below) corresponds to the <Max Pressure> entered.

The DUT input pressure span is calculated automatically f rom the minimum and maxim um pressures entered above. Span is the distance from the minimum pressure to the maximum press ure. When the minimum pressure is zero, span is the same as what is often called full scale.

Units in which the DUT output is express ed. This can be a pressure or electrical unit. The DUT output unit defaults to the i nput pressure unit when the input pressure unit is entered. If the DUT output is pressure units, t he output span must be the same as the input span so the mi nimum and

list)

maximum output and span are copied from the input values and cannot be changed. If the DUT output is electrical, use the drop-down list to select <V>, <mV> or <mA>.

Enter the lowest output (output c orresponding to t he <Mi n Pressure>) of t he DUT in t he output units specified immediately above. If the output units are pressure units, the <Min Pressure> value is copied here and cannot be changed.

field)

Max Output

(required entry

field)

Output Span

(calculated field)

Output

Resolution

(drop-down

selection list)

Tolerance Type

(selection button)

The values entered in the output fields should be output by the DUT when the corresponding input

pressure for the DUT is reached. Failure to enter the “min” and “max” pressure and output values correctly will cause incorrect pressure calculations in COMPASS and improper test pressure sequencing.

Enter the highest output (output corres ponding to the <Max Pressure>) of the DUT in the output units specified above. If t he output units are pressure units, the <Max Pressure> value i s copied here and cannot be changed.

The DUT output span is calculated automaticall y from the minimum and maximum output values entered above. Span is the distance from the minimum output to the maximum output. If the out put units are pressure units, the <Pressure Span> value is copied here and cannot be changed.

Sets the resolution with which DUT data will be logged and displayed. Select the desired resolution from the drop-down list. This option should be used to adjust the resolution to a level that is appropriate for the performance of the DUT. Generally, resolution is set to one order of magnitude greater than the DUT tolerance.

Selects the formula used to calculate DUT t olerance. The DUT tolerance t ype along with the value entered in the tolerance field(s) is used when a test is run to calculate whether the DUT error at each point is in tolerance or out of tolerance (see Sect ion 15.4). DUT t olerance is als o used to det ermine the tolerance bars on test data plots. Clic king on the button caus es the a tolerance type list to dropdown. Choices are:

%DUTspan: DUT tolerance is calculat ed as the pressure span of the DUT times the tolerance

value.

%DUTreading: DUT tolerance is calculat ed as the current reading of the DUT tim es the tolerance

value.

%DUTspan or %DUTreading (greater of): DUT tolerance is calculated at each point as both

%DUTspan and %DUTreading. Tolerance used is the greater of the two.

%DUT span + %DUTreading: DUT tolerance is calculated at each poi nt as both %DUTspan and

%DUTreading. Tolerance used is the sum of the two.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Tolerance Value

(required entry

Primary Test

(optional entry

Secondary Test

(optional selection

DUT Data

Acquisition

(DAQ)

Command

(required entry

field, RS232 or

IEEE 488 data

acquisition type

DUTs only)

Command

Terminator

(drop-down

selection list for

RS232 or

IEEE 488 only)

Leading

characters to

(required selection

field for RS232 or

IEEE 488 data

acquisition type

DUTs only)

Specifies the value in % to use in calculating the DUT tolerance. If the DUT tolerance type is %DUTspan or %DUTreading, there is only one entry fi el d. If the DUT tolerance type is (%DUTspan or %DUTreading) or (%DUTspan + %DUT reading), there are two entry fields.

field)

Specifies the *.tst file that is most commonly used to run this DUT. When a DUT to run is s elected, the primary *.tst file is automatically offered as the default test (though a different file can be selected). If *.tst file selection in test initialization is turned OFF, the primary test file will

field)

automatically be used. The associat ion of a primary test file with t he *.dut file makes it poss ible to assure that a DUT will always be tested us ing a cons istent test procedure. The f ile is s elect ed using a traditional Windows file browser which is activated by clicking on the <Primary Test> field. The browser defaults to the *.tst directory. The default *.tst directory can be changed by selecting [To

ptions], [File Locations] (see Section 8.3.5). Right click this field to remove the test file entry.

Specifies an alternate *.tst file for this *.dut file. When initializing a test, during *.tst file selection, the secondary test file is automatically of fered as a selec tion choice. Operation of the sec ondary *.tst f ield is the same as operation of the primary *.tst field. Right click this field to remove the test fil e entry.

field)

Defines the data acquisition mode of the DUT. Regardless of the selection, DUT data must be obtained in the output units selected in the current DUT file. The selections available are:

Manual: DUT data must be entered manually by the user during the test. No command

DMM: DUT data is obtained using the DMM setup in the hardware configuration (see Section 8.2.1).

RS232: DUT data is gathered using an RS232 interface by sendi ng the <Command> entry to

IEEE 488: DUT data is gathered using the IEEE 488 interface provided by the IEEE 488 card

Defines the string of characters which, when sent to the DUT will cause it to respond with its output in the units specified for output units. For DUT profiles, with RS 232 or IEEE 488 data acquisiti on, up to 50 unique commands can be defined as required by the DUT. If the DUT uses the same command for all DUT’s regardless of position, only enter the first command. COMPASS will automatically copy this command to all remaining command fields. For DUT definitions, only one command string can be defined. Each command entered corresponds to a separate DUT position (see Section 5.2.1.5).

Defines how the DUT terminates the command strings. The selections avail able from the drop-down list are carriage return <CR> and carriage return + line feed <CR> + <LF>. The majority of instruments that support an RS232 or IEE E 488 interface use carriage return and line feed as the command terminator. Refer to the instrument documentation for more details.

Specifies leading characters to strip f rom the DUT return string in case the DUT return st ring does not start with the output value. This allows COMPASS to properly interpret the output of devices with different communication protocols. This field can include any combination of delimiters and

strip

numerical space values. For example, a devic e might ret urn the st ring, “Press ure: 14. 343 PSI”. The actual output value for this example appears at positi on 11. Therefore, ten l eading characters need to be stripped prior to processing the string. Alternatively, if the colon following “Pressure” will always appear prior to the pressure value, “:” could be entered as the leading character t o strip. In some cases both a delimiter and a number of characters to strip may be required. For exam pl e, if a remote device returns <Range 1, 4.34 volts, NR 14.343 psi >. In t his example, the num ber of charac ters in the volts output can change making it impossible to use a fixed length value for the number of spaces to remove to access the pressure value. To avoi d this problem enter the text <,,4> as the leading characters to strip value. This tells COMPASS to move to the second comma, then increment four spaces to read the pressure output value. A separate value for this field can be used for every command in the DUT.

information is required.

The output units must be: V, mV or mA when this selection is used. No command information is required.

the DUT. The RS232 settings are not selected in the DUT file, this s election is made during test initialization (s ee Section 5.2.1.5) prior t o running a tes t. Up to 50 individual or common commands can be entered in the <Command> field. At least 1 command must be entered.

selection in the hardware configurat ion (see Section 8.2.1). The IEEE 488 address is not part of the DUT file, this entry is made during test initialization (see Section 5.2.1. 5) prior to running a test. Up to 50 individual or comm on commands can be entered in the

<Command> field. At least 1 command must be entered.

ols],

Only non-numeric text can be used as a delimiter in the leading characters to strip field. All numerical

entries are assumed to represent the correspond numerical value.

6. THE [DUT] MENU

6.3 [DUT], [EDIT DUT FILE]

[Edit DUT File] is used to modify an exist ing *.dut file. Use [Edit DUT File] to change an exis ting *.dut file or make a new *.dut file from an old one (see Section 6.3).

Selecting [D allow easy ident ification an d selection of the DUT file to ed it. The DUT file select ed becomes the ac tive DUT and the <DUT Definition/Profile> screen is op e ned a nd loa de d with th e i nf or mation for the selected DUT. Operat ion of this f orm and its fields an d selecti ons are th e same as when using [D (see Section 6.2). W hen done editin g the form, save the f ile to the sam e file name to s ave changes the DUT file or save the file under a new file name to create a new “DUT” file.

UT], [Edit DUT file], causes the DUT selection tool ( see Section 5.2.1.1) to be presented to

UT], [Create DUT]

6.4 [DUT], [REMOVE DUT FILE]

This selection is used to delete unwanted *.dut files from the hard disk. Selecting [D

allow easy identific ation and selection of the “DUT ” file to remove. Select th e file by double clicking on the DUT or using <Browse> to find a DUT file not in the def ault *.dut direc tor y. Once the file is selec ted, confirmation is requ ired before the file is actually deleted. Any file m anagement tool supported by the operating system can also be used to remove DUT files.

UT], [Remove DUT file], c auses the DUT selection tool (s ee Sectio n 6.3) to be presente d to

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7. THE [TEST] MENU

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7.1 OVERVIEW

The Test Menu acces ses the functions used to set up an d maintain *.tst files. *.tst f iles define the test procedures used by COMPASS to test DUTs in the run test portion of test execution (see Section 5.2.2).

7.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST]

The *.tst file defines the test procedure that is used when COMPASS runs a test on a DUT.

reate Test] is used to create a n ew *.tst file from scratch. Use [Edit Test] to change an existing *. tst

file or make a new *.tst file from an old one (see Section 7.3). Selecting [T

information blank or in its default state. Data entered on this f orm does not becom e active until the *.tst file is saved. Clicking <Save> caus es a tra ditional Windows Sa ve As too l to a ppe ar set to the d efault *.tst file path. Use [To

est], [Create Test], causes the <Test Definition> screen to appear with all the test

ols], [Options ], [Fi le Loca tions ] to change the default file path i f desi red (see Se ction 8.3.5) .

Figure 13. Test Definition Screen - Sequence

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The <Test Definition> screen is made up of six main sections: <Test Points> Table Lis ts the test poi nts inc luded in the tes t proced ure. T est points c an be edite d

in the table or using the [Auto Fill Points] tab (see Section 7.2.1).

[Auto Fill Points] Tab Provides a short cut method for filling in the <Test Points> table

(see Section 7.2.2).

[Leak Test] Tab Determines whether a leak test will be included in the test procedure and

defines the leak test parameters (see Section 7.2.3).

[Cycle] Tab Determines whether c ycling (exercising) of DUTs will be inc luded in the test

procedure and defines cycling parameters (see Section 7.2.4).

[Control Settings] Tab Defines the pressure control mode and control parameters to be used in

setting pressures (see Section 7.2.5).

[Sequence] Tab Defines test procedure sequence aspects including whether to jog before

dwell, dwell time, averaging time, number of test cycles and reference resolution (see Section 7.2.6).

Familiarity with test execution sequence is necessary for proper creation of *.tst files (review Section

5.2 before creating test files).

The purpose and use of the <Test Definition> screen sections is defined in Sections 7.2.1 to 7.2.6.

7.2.1 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], <TEST POINTS> TABLE

The <Test Points > table is used t o define and d isplay the press ure points that m ake up the test sequence.

The purpose of the ta ble’s fields and settings as well as instructions o n how to us e them are provided in Table 5.

7. THE [TEST] MENU

Table 5. <Test Points> Table

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Point Type

Indication

(indication box)

Insert Vent

(action box)

Test Point Table

(entry table)

Indicates either <%DUT Span> or <Pressure>. If the indication is <Pressure>, when a test is run the table values will be run directly as pressure values in the pressure unit and mode specified in the DUT file. If the indication is <%DUT Span>, when the test is run, the pressure points will be calculated from the DUT span defined in the DUT fi le. Specifying points in <%DUT Span> is useful in setting up a c ommon test proc edure that runs t he same point distribution for DUTs with different ranges. The point type can be changed in the [Autofill Points] tab (see Section 7.2.2).

Clicking <Insert Vent> c auses a vent point to be inserted i n the test point t able in the test point field where the cursor is currently loc ated. This is useful, for example, to take a test point when vented as the low point when testing an absolute measurement mode DUT. All test sequences end by venting the reference if it is automated so a vent does not need to be included to assure a vented condition at the end of a test.

Do not use <Insert Vent> to set zero gauge pressure. Use a set point of zero.

The test point table lists the test pressure points that will be run when the test file is used. The values entered can represent either press ure values or %DUT span values (see <Point Type Indication> of this table). If the test points exceed the 22 points that are normally displayed, the scroll bar can be used to sc rol l to additional columns. The test point table can be filled in placing the cursor in t he test point fields and editing the des ired test point val ue. It can also be filled in automatically using the [Auto Fill Points] tab (see Section 7.2.2). The test point table can be cleared using <Clear> on the [Auto Fill Points] tab.

A test point with a value of 0.0 is not averaged in a test with an absolute measurement

mode DUT unless both the DUT and pressure controller have remote interfaces.

7.2.1.1 ZERO ABSOLUTE TEST POINTS

In general, when operating in absolute measurement mode, it is preferable to specify the lowest pressure that can be set reli ably rather than zero as the l ow test point.

A test that uses zero absolute pressure as a test point will not average the pressure while tak ing t he p oint un les s bot h the DUT and pressure c o ntr ol ler ha ve a remote interface. This is to avoid averaging a changing reference pressure and comparing it to a single disc reet DUT reading. See the PPC2+ Operation and Maintenance Manual for additional information on setting zero absolute pressure.

7.2.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [AUTO FILL POINTS] TAB

The [ Auto Fill Points Tab] is used to set the test point t ype and pro vides a shor t cut to fill in the <Test Points> table automatically, if desired.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

Figure 14. Test Definition Screen - Auto Fill Points

The purpose of the [ Auto Fill Points] tab’s fields and s ettings as wel l as instruc tions o n how to use them are provided Table 6.

Table 6. [Auto Fill Points] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Test Point Type

(radio button

selection)

Starting Point

(entry field)

Ending Point

Selects whether the points in t he test point table repres ent <%DUT Span> or <Pressure>. If the indication is <Pressure>, when a test is run the table values will be run directly as pressure values in the pressure uni t and mode speci fied in the DUT file. If the indic ation is <%DUT Span>, when the test is run, the pressure points will be calculated f rom the DUT span defined specified in the DUT file. Specifying points in <%DUT Span> is useful in setting up a common test procedure that runs the same point distribution for DUTs with different ranges.

Defines the first point of a test point sequence.

Defines the last point of a test point sequence.

(entry field)

Step Value

(entry field)

Return to Start

(radio button

selection)

Auto Fill

(action box)

Clear

(action box)

Defines the increment used to det ermine test points between the s tarting point and ending point.

Selects whether the point sequence will run from starting point to ending point only or from starting point to ending point and back to starting point. If <Yes> is selected, the test point sequence is from starting point to ending point and back to starting point. The ending point is repeated to provide proper point weighting when calculating best fits from the test data.

Clicking <Auto Fill> causes the test point table to clear and fills in the table with the points calculated from the auto fill instructions. If the values are such that the distance from starting point to ending point is not an even m ult iple of the step value, the last step value will be adjusted to end exactly on the ending point. Points set up by auto f ill can be edited directly in the test point table and vents can be inserted at any point.

Clicking <Clear> at any time causes all entries in the test point table to clear.

7.2.3 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [LEAK TEST] TAB

The [ Leak Test] tab is used to specif y whether a leak test wil l be run at the beginni ng of run test (see Section 5.2.2) and to define the parameters of the leak test.

When running a leak test, pr es sur e is set to the leak test pressure and c ontrol is aborted after a ready condition is reached. The leak test time counts down, then pressure is vented.

7. THE [TEST] MENU

The leak rate is calculated as the difference in press ure from the beginning an d end of the leak test divided b y the leak time. The leak test pass/fail is determined by com paring this value to the <Leak Rate Limit> of the test file.

Figure 15. Test Definition Screen - Leak Test

The purpose of th e [L ea k T est ] ta b’s f ie lds and settings as well as inst ruc ti ons o n ho w to us e them are provided in Table 7.

Table 7. [Leak Test] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Run Leak Test

(radio button

selection)

Leak Check

Pressure

(aaaaaaaa)

(entry field)

Leak Rate Limit

(aaaaaaa/s)

(entry field)

Leak Test Time(s)

(entry field)

Set Pressure

Time-Out(s)

(entry field)

Determines whether a leak test will be run at the beginning of run test or not. If <Yes> is selected, a leak test will be run. If <No> is selected, a leak test will not be run and the rest of the [Leak Test] tab is disabled.

Defines the pressure at which the leak test will be run. (aaaaaaa) depends on the point t ype specified in [Autofill Points] (see Section 7.2.2). If the point type is <Pressure> the value entered will be interpreted as a pressure in the pres sure units and measurement mode of the DUT being run. If the point type is <%DUT span>, the value entered will be used to calculate the leak test pressure from the DUT span.

Defines the leak test pass/fail criterion. (aaaaaaa) depends on the point type specified in [Autofill Points]. If the point type is <Pressure>, the value entered will be interpreted as a pressure in the pressure units of the DUT being run. I f the poi nt t ype is <%DUT Span>, the value entered will be used to calculate the leak test pressure from the DUT span. The leak rate is calculated in pressure units per second following: total pressure change duri ng the leak test time divided by the leak test time i n seconds. If the c alculated leak rate is greater than the leak rate limit, the leak test fails.

Defines the amount of time, after the leak test pressure is set, over which leak testing will run. The appropriate amount of tim e depends on the characterist ics of the test syst em and the leak rate limit. When setting the leak test time, keep in mind that immediately after setting the leak test pressure, the dissipation of adiabatic temperature changes and settling time of the test volume will give the appearance of a leak. For this reason COMPASS automatically delays 10s after setting an automated leak pressure. In many cases 10s will not be long enough so the leak test time should be long enough to allow these effects to settle out. Typical leak test times are from a minimum of about 30 seconds to a maximum of about 5 minutes.

Defines the amount of time in seconds before a time-out will occur when an automated pressure controller is being used to set the leak test pressure. If the controller is unabl e to set the leak test pressure within the tim e-out period, the leak test is aborted. When setting the pressure, the criteria us ed to determine if the pressure has been set are the s ame as those used to determine a ready condition (see Section 7.2.5). Whether the test will continue on time-out is determi ned by the <Continue on Failure> setting (see following in this table). If pressure control is manual, the leak test set pressure time-out is ignored.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Continue on

Failure

(radio button

selection)

The selection determines whether test execution will continue if the leak test fails (a set pressure time-out occurs or the leak rat e limit is exceeded). If <Yes> is selected, t he test will continue if the leak test fails and the failure will be indicated in the test data file. If <No> is selected, the test will abort. Continue on failure is sometimes set to <Yes> when running fully automated unattended tests to att empt to complete the test and gather test dat a even though the leak test failed. Of course, if the leak is too large, the test may yield invalid test data.

7.2.4 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CYCLE] TAB

The [Cycle] tab is used to specify whether the DUT and test system will be pressure exercised at the beginning of run test (see Section 5.2.2) and to define the exercising parameters . Exer cis ing occ ur s immediately following t he le ak test (if included) and just before the test pressure points begin. Pressure is set to the <Min Pressure> immediately followed by the <Max Pressure> entry for the number of cycles selected.

The [Cycle] function, used to exercise the system before running test points, should not

be confused with the <Number of Test Cycles> on the [Sequence] tab which determines how many times the complete test pressure points sequence will be run (see Section

7.2.6).

When exercising, press ure is set to the cycle m inimum, set to the c ycle maximum , and back to the minimum for the number of cycles that are specified. No measurement data is recorded.

Figure 16. Test Definition Screen - Cycle

7. THE [TEST] MENU

The purpose of the [Cycle] tab’s fields and settings as well as instructions on ho w to use them are provided in Table 8.

Table 8. [Cycle] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Run Cycles

(radio button

selection)

Max Pressure

(aaaaaaaa)

(entry field)

Min Pressure

(aaaaaaaa)

(entry field)

Number of

Cycles

(entry field)

Set Pressure

Time-out(s)

(entry field)

Continue on

Failure

(radio button

selection)

Determines whether pressure exercising will be conducted at the beginning of run test or not. If <Yes> is selected, a exercising will occur. If <No> is selected, exercising will not occur and the rest of the [Cycle] tab is disabled.

Defines the maximum exercising pressure that will be set for each exercise cycle.

(aaaaaaa) depends on the point type specified in [Auto Fill Points]. If the point type is <Pressure> the value entered will be interpreted as a pressure in the pressure uni ts and

measurement mode of the DUT being run. If the point type is <%DUT Span>, the value entered will be used to calculate the cycle pressure from the span of the DUT being tested.

Defines the minimum exercising pressure that will be set for each exercise cycle. (aaaaaaa) depends on the point type specified in [Auto Fill Points]. If the point type is <Pressure> the value entered will be interpreted as a pressure in the pressure unit s and measurement mode of the DUT being run. If the point type is <%DUT Span>, the value entered will be used to calculate the cycle pressure from the span of the DUT being tested.

Defines the number of times minimum – maximum – minimum pressure cycle is repeated.

Defines the amount of time in seconds before a time-out will occur when an automated pressure controller is being used to s et the exercise pressure. I f the controller is unable to set the exercise pressure within the time-out period, c ycling is aborted. When setting the pressure, the criteria used to determine if the press ure has been set are the same as those used to determine a ready condition (see Section 7.2.5). Whether the test will then continue is determined by the <Continue on Failure> setting (see following in this table). If pressure control is manual, the cycle set pressure time-out is ignored.

The selection determines whether test execution will continue if cycling fails (a time-out occurs when setting cycle pres sure). If <Yes> is selected, the test will continue if cycling fails and the failure will be noted in the test data file. If <No> is selected, the test will abort when cycling fails. [Continue on Failure] is sometimes set to <Yes> when running fully automated unattended test to attem pt t o complete t he test and gather t est data even t hough cycling was not completed. Of course, t he conditions that caused cycling to fail may also cause the test data to be invalid.

7.2.5 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CONTROL SETTINGS] TAB

The [Control Settings] tab is used to s pecif y how pres sure will be c ontrolled t o set press ure for test points as well as leak check and cycling. In the cas e of autom ated pres sure control, the control param eters to be used by the pressure c ontroller are also specified here. It is important to set up and use control parameters that are correct for the DUT(s) range and test conditions. See the PPCx Pressure Controller/Calibrator Operation and Maintenance Manual for complete information on control modes and control settings.

This section refers frequently to dynamic and static pressure control, pressure control

parameters and ready/not ready criteria. See your PPCx Pressure Controller/Calibrator Operation and Maintenance Manual for details on these terms.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

Figure 17. Test Definition Screen – Control Settings

The purpose of the [Control Settings] tab’s fields an d s ettin gs as we ll as i ns tr uct ions on ho w to use them are provided Table 9.

Table 9. [Control Settings] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Control Mode

(radio button

selection)

(entry field)

Stability

(entry field)

Target Limit

(entry field)

Determines how pressure will be controlled to set pressures when running a test. Manual: Pressures will not be set automatically in response to COMPASS remote

commands. As a test is run, the operator will be prompted to set the pressures. Use this choice when a manual pressure control system is being used or an automat ed controller with which COMPASS cannot communicate remotely.

Dynamic: Pressures will be set automatically in dynamic control mode in response to COMPASS remote commands. This sel ection requi res a DHI PPCx pressure controller and a test hardware configuration that allows COMPASS to communicate with the controll er.

Static: Pressure will be set automatically in static control mode in response to COMPASS

remote commands. This selection requires a DHI PPCx pressure controller and a test hardware configuration that allows COMPASS to communicate with the control l er.

Static reference pressure points are not averaged during a test unless both the pressure

controller and the DUT(s) use a remote interface. This avoids comparing a reference pressure averaged over time with an discreet unaveraged DUT reading.

Defines the hold limit to be used in dynamic or static pressure c ontrol mode with a PP Cx

Hold

Pressure Controller/Calibrator as the reference pressure device. Generally, in dynamic control mode this value is set to about 10 times smaller than the DUT tolerance if that is

possible with the pressure controller. In static control mode this value is usually set to roughly 10 to 20 times the DUT tolerance. The hold limit is always set in %DUT span and will be calculated using the pressure span specified in the “DUT” file that is run.

Defines the stability limit to be used to determine a ready condition in static pressure cont rol mode and in manual control mode if the pressure reference device is set up for remote communication with COMPASS. Generally, this value is s et to about 10 times smaller than the DUT tolerance/second. The stability limit is always set in %DUT span. The stability setting is ignored in dynamic control mode.

Defines the target limit to be us ed in static pressure control mode with a PPCx Pressure Controller/Calibrator as the ref erence press ure device. General ly this val ues is s et to about 10 times larger than the DUT tole rance. The target lim it is always s et in %DUT span. The target limit is ignored in dynamic control mode or when using st atic control mode with a controller other than PPC2 or PPCK.

7. THE [TEST] MENU

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Control Time-

out(s)

(entry field)

Defines the amount of time in seconds before a t ime-out will occur if a ready c ondition has not been achieved in response to a set pressure command to an automated pressure controller. If the controller i s unable to set the test press ure and achieve a ready condition within the time-out period, an error is logged in the run t ime test log and in the data file and test execution proceeds with the dwell step for that point (see Section 5. 2.2). The control time-out assures that a test will not hang up indefinitely waiting to achieve a ready condition at a test point but data tak en after a control tim e-out is likely to be inval id. Control tim e-out should be set to greater than the worst case pressure setting time of the controller. If pressure control is manual, the control time-out is ignored.

7.2.6 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [SEQUENCE] TAB

The [Sequence] tab is used to specify details of how the run t es t por tion of tes t e x ec ution wi ll operate (see Section as the number of times to run the test (number of cycles).

5.2.2). This includes defini ng d w ell a nd d ata r ea di ng parameters as well

Figure 18. Test Definition Screen - Sequence

The purpose of the [Sequence] tab’s fields a nd settings as well as ins truc ti ons on ho w to us e them are provided in Table 10.

Table 10. [Sequence] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Jog Before Dwell

(radio button

selection)

Dwell

(radio button

selection)

Dwell Time(s)

(entry field)

Averaging

Time(s)

(entry field)

<Jog Before Dwell> is provided to allow the pressure to be adjusted before reference and

DUT readings are taken. When <Jog Before Dwell> is set to <Yes> and pressure control is automated, COMPASS pauses at each pressure point just before the dwell step to all ow the pressure to be adjusted. An adjustment pop-up appears to allow pressure adjustments to be made. This feature is m ost often used to adjus t the needle of an an alog gauge DUT ont o the nominal point before taking readings. <Jog Before Dwell> has no effect when pressure control is manual.

Dwell is a pause between the time that the test pressure is set and data taking from the DUT(s) and reference begins. When <Dwell> is set to <Aut omat i c >, COMPASS wil l dwell at each test point for the specified <Dwell Time> (see immediately below in this table). When <Dwell> is set to <Manual>, COMPASS will dwell at each pressure point until <OK> is clicked on the <Continue Test> pop-up or the computer’s [ENTER] key is pressed. This feature is used to pause operation during pressure setting, for example to make adjustments to the DUT.

Sets the time in seconds for which COMPA SS will dwell at each pressure p oi nt when <Dwell> is set to <A utomatic>. Dwell time is i gnore d if <Dwell> is set to <Manual>. The time value must be between 0 and 9999s.

Sets the time in seconds for which COMPASS will average refe rence and DUT readings whe n taking data at a pres sure poi nt. Avera ging only occurs when readi ngs c an be taken remot ely. As many readings as possible a re taken du ring the a veraging pe riod and t hese are av eraged a t the end of the pe riod. If bot h the reference and DUT can be re ad remotel y, readings alt ernate between the two during the averaging period. The time value must be between 0 and 9999s.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Number of Test

Cycles

(entry field)

“Test Notes” On

Each Cycle?

(conditional check

Reference

Resolution

(drop-down list

selection)

COMPASS can run up to 10 test cycles in one test. A test cycle includes setting and taking data at each of the test pressure points in the test point table. When test cycles are set to more than one test cycle, leak testing and exercising (see Section 5. 2.2) occur only at the beginni ng of the first cycle. When more than one c yc l e i s run, each cycle gets i ts own unique data fil e. A user preference determines whether test notes will be included for each cycle or only for the last cycle (see immediately following). Do not confuse <Number of Test Cycles> with <Cycle> or exercising (see Section 7.2.4).

If the number of test cycles is greater than one (see immediately above in this table), this selection becomes active. If the check box is checked, unique test notes can be entered for each cycle and will be logged in the data file for that cycle. If the box is not checked, test notes will be included only with the last cycle’s data file. Keep in mind that test notes for each cycle will cause the test to

box)

pause and wait for test note entry at the end of each cycle so the test will not complete without operator intervention.

This drop-down l ist is used t o set the resol ution of the r eference devi ce. The reso lution settin g determines how many digits of resolution wi l l be shown for reference readings in the dat a file and on the reference display. The choices are <DUT Drive n> and <0.1> to <0.00 001>. If <DUT Driven> is selected the reference resolution will automatically be 10 times higher than the resolution specified in the *.dut file of the DUT being tested.

7.3 [TEST], [EDIT TEST FILE]

[Edit Test File] is used to m odif y an existin g *.tst f ile. Use [Edit T est File] to change an ex is ting *.ts t file or make a new *.tst file from an old one.

Selecting [T

est], [Edit Test File], causes a standard Windows load f ile tool to appear to select the test file to be edited. T he file loading too l is defaulted to the *. tst directory. W hen a file is selected, the test file editor is opened, lo aded with the inform ation for the selected *.tst f ile. Operation of this f orm and its fields and selectio ns are the same is when using [T

est], [Create Test] (see Section 7.2). When done editing the form, s ave the file t o the sam e file name to edi t the selected t est or save t he file under a new file name to create a new *.tst file.

7.4 [TEST], [REMOVE TEST FILE]

This selection is used to delete unwanted *.tst files from the hard disk. Selecting [T

as the default directory. The user can se lec t a n y test f ile to de let e. O nc e t he f il e is s elec ted, co nfirmation is required before the file is actually deleted.

est], [Remove Test File], causes a standard W indows file se lection box to appear with *.tst

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

88..

HHEE

[[T

OOOOLLS

]] M

EENNU

8.1 OVERVIEW

The [Tools] menu accesses tools that al low COMPASS configurations and opt ions to be customized to the user’s preferences. A tool for direct, single command communication with remote devices is also included for troubleshooting.

8.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE]

Selecting [Tools], [Config Hardware] sets up the hardware that is used by COMPASS to run tests.

ols], [Config Hardware] is m ade up of five tab selected panels used to define individual har dware

[To

components and to put the components together into the overall test system. The five tab selected panels include:

[CONFIGURATION] Selects from com ponent lists thos e to include in the ac tive COMPASS hardware

configuration. Components include Pressure Reference, Electrical Measuring Device (DMM), Multiplexer (MUX), and IEEE 488 card.

The [CONFIGURATION] tab is the only tab that actually selects the current

COMPASS configuration. All other tabs are provided to display, edit and create COMPASS supported hardware. A selection on these tabs updates the current hardware displayed on that tab only. It does not change the hardware configuration.

[Reference] Defines and stores pr essure ref erences. T hese are the devices that are us ed by

COMPASS as the source of reference pressure values when running a test.

[DMM] Defines and stores electr ical meas uring devices that can be used b y COMPASS

to read electrical output DUTs.

[Multiplexer] Defines and stores elec trical switching devic es that can be used by COMPASS

to switch electrical signals from multiple DUTs to a single electrical measuring device (DMM).

[IEEE 488] Selects the IEEE 488 card installed in the c omputer running COMPASS that will

be used to read IEEE 488 remote devices (pressure references, DMMs, MUXs).

Sections 8.2.1 to 8.2.5 detail the purpose and operation of the tab selected panels of [To

onfig Hardware].

ols],

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

8.2.1 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [CONFIGURATION] TAB

[Tools], [Config Hardware], [CONFIGURATION] is a tab selected panel used to s elect the components to include in the hardware setup that COMPASS uses when running tests. Each hardware component is s elected f orm a drop- down list. T he selec tio ns ava ilab le on the drop-down lists are created using the corresponding tabs [Reference], [DMM],

[Multiplexer], [IEEE 488].

Figure 19. COMPASS Configuration Settings Screen

The [CONFIGURATION] tab is the only tab that actually selects the current

COMPASS configuration. All other tabs are provided to display, edit and create COMPASS supported hardware. A selection on these tabs updates the current hardware settings display on the tab.

Hardware component selection categories include those listed in Table 11.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Table 11. [CONFIGURATION] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Pressure

Reference

(drop-down list

selection)

Electrical

Measuring

Device

(drop-down list

selection)

Multiplexer

(drop-down list

selection)

IEEE 488

(drop-down list

selection)

This is the device that will be used to supply reference pressures and, if it’s a controller, to set pressures when a test is run. The drop-down list choices are set up using the [Reference] tab (see Section 8.2.2). This is a required select ion as every test requires a reference pressure device. The reference devic e selected must be compatibl e with the test file for the test to run. If the test file specifies automated pressure control (see Section

7.2.5), the reference device must provide autom ated pressure control and be confi gured to communicate remotely with COMPASS. Use a reference with no remote interface for manual entry of reference pressures (see Section 6.2.1).

This is the device that will be used to read the output of DUTs whose data acquisition type is DMM (see Section 6.2). The drop-down list c hoices are set up using the [DMM] tab (see Section 8.2.3). A selection is required only to run DMM data acquis ition type DUTs. Sel ect <None> if no electrical measuring device is needed. To run tests of DUTs whose data acquisition is electrical, an elec trical measuring device must be included and configured to communicate remotely with COMPASS.

This is the device that will be used to switch the output of multiple DUTs whose data acquisition type is DMM (see Section 6. 2). The drop-down list choices are s et up usi ng the [Multiplexer] tab (see Section 8.2.4). A selecti on is required only t o run multi ple DMM data acquisition type DUTs. Select <None> if no signal switching device is needed. To run t ests of multiple DUTs whose data acquisi tion type is DMM, a multiplexer must be included and configured to communicate remotely with COMPASS. The multiplexer command setup will be sent prior to reading the DMM.

This is the type of IEEE 488 card that will be used by the computer running COMPASS to read IEEE 488 devices included in the hardware configuration and/or IEEE 488 data acquisition type DUTs. The card port addres s i s set up in the [IEEE 488] tab. A selection is required only if the hardware conf iguration includes a reference, DMM or MUX setup for IEEE 488 communications and/or if IEEE 488 data acquisition type DUTs will be tested. Otherwise, <None> may be selected. To run a test that includes any type of IE EE 488 communications, an IEEE 488 card must be included and properly configured f or use by the computer running COMPASS. Refer the card inst ructions for information on how to set up the card and troubleshoot problems. After proper card installation, no special setup is required to use the card in COMPASS.

8.2.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [REFERENCE] TAB

[Tools], [Config Hardware], [ Ref erenc e] is a tab s e le c ted pa ne l us ed to set up the pressure references devices available to COMPASS. The panel all ows new reference devices to be created and existing reference devices to be edited. The reference devices set up in the [Reference] pane l is available for selectio n when setting up the COMPASS test system in the [CONFIGURATION] panel (see Section 8 .2.1). COMPASS will use the active r eference device as the source of reference pressure values when running tests and to set the pressures if the reference device is a controller.

The [Reference] panel provides a list of the references available, displays complete information on the selec ted reference, allows the selected reference to be e dited or a new reference to be created . To select a reference to vie w, single click on the reference nam e and serial number in th e <References> display panel (upp er left-hand corner). To edit an existing referenc e device, double click on the refer ence device list ing or click on the <E button with the desired reference device highlighted. To test communications with the currently selected reference device, click on <Co

mmunications Test>. If communication with the device is successful, a confirmation message is displayed. If communications cannot be establis hed, COMPASS will dis play an error message. T he <Co

mmunications

Test> button is active only if the current reference device is set up to support

remote communications. Double clicking the r eference device listing, click ing on the <E

ew> button causes the <Edit Reference Device> or <Add New Reference Device>

dit> button or click ing on the

pop-up to appear. These pop- ups are identical but differentiated b y name to make it clear which task is currently being performed.

dit>

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The <Edit Referen ce Dev ice> or < Add New Reference Dev ice> pop-ups allow a reference device to be set up from scratch or edited from an existing one.

Figure 20. COMPASS Configuration Settings

Figure 21. Edit Reference Device Screen

The purpose of the reference device def inition fields and setti ngs as well as instruct ions on how to use them ar e provided in Table 12. When defining a ne w reference device all the fields come up blank . W hen editing an ex istin g devic e, the f ields c ome up pop ulated with the information on that device. When editing is complete, click <OK> to save changes.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Table 12. [Reference] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Model

(drop-down

selection list)

Serial Number

(required

entry field)

Identification

(optional

entry field)

Calibration Due

(optional

entry field)

Remote Interface

(drop-down

selection list)

Defines the model of the reference device. The drop-down lis t choices include all of the DHI models which COMPASS supports with remote communications: PPC2, PPC2+, PPCK, RPM1, RPM3. An <Other> c hoice is also available. Use this choice to set up reference devices other than the DHI models j ust listed. When <Other> is selected, a pop-up appears for entry of the model name of the reference device. The m odel name entered will be the model name for the device being edited and will automatically be added to the model dropdown selection list.

Write in the reference device serial number.

Write in a device identification, if desired. The fiel d can be used for internal tracking of reference devices or any other information des ired. Any desired com bination of information can be entered into the ID field. The value entered will be included in the run test data files and can be included reports.

Only the pressure reference and the DMM support this field. The value entered should represent the next required calibration date of the instrument. No special formatting is

Date

expected or checked in this field however, entering the date i n a consistent format including the full year, month and day is recommended. The value entered is logged in the run test data files and can be included in reports.

The choices available include <None>, <RS232> and <IEEE 488>. To set up the reference device for remote communications, select the type of interface that is on the reference device. When an interface type is selected, the rest of the <Remote Interface> panel changes as appropriate to accommodate definition of the interface characteris tics. If the reference device model is <Other>, the drop-do wn list is not active. The <None> selection on a reference requires manual entry and manual control of reference pressure during a test.

Remote communications are not supported with devices other than DHI models PPC2,

PPC2+, PPCK, RPM1 and RPM3.

RS232 Settings

(conditional

display panel)

IEEE 488 Address

(conditional

entry field)

Communications

(action button)

If the remote interface s election is RS232, the <RS232 Setting> panel is shown. When creating a new reference device, the settings are loaded with COMPASS default settings. Port settings are listed baud rat e, parity, data bits, stop bits. Clicking on any setting field causes the <RS232 Settings> editor to appear (see Section 8.2.6). Select the correct settings for the reference device from the drop-down lists and click <OK> when ready.

If the remote interface selection is IEEE 488, the <IEEE 488 Address> entry field is shown. When creating a new ref erence device, t he IEEE 488 address is set to the def ault address 10. The address can be edited directly in the entry field.

Clicking on the [Communications Test] button causes COMPASS to attempt to communicate with the device using the c urrent device interfac e settings. If comm unication

Test

with the device is successful, a message confirming that the device was detected is displayed; if communications cannot be established, an error message is displayed.

8.2.3 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [DMM] TAB

[Tools], [Config Hardware], [DMM] is a tab selected panel used to set up the digital multimeter(s) (DMM) available to COMPASS. The panel allows new DMMs to be created and existing DMMs to be edited. The DMMs setup in the [DMM] panel are available for selection when setting up the COMPASS test system in the [CONFIGURA TI ON] panel (see Section acquisition type DUTs (see Section

8.2.1). COMPASS will always try to use the active DMM to read DMM data

6.2).

The [DMM] panel provides a list of the DM Ms ava ilab le, dis pla ys com plete inf orm ation on th e selected DMM, allows the selected DMM to be edited or a new DMM to be created. To select a DMM to view, single c lick on th e DMM nam e and se rial num ber in the <DMMs> display list (upper left hand corner ). To edit an existing DM M, d ouble click on the DMM listing or click on

dit> button with the desired DMM highlighted in the DMM listing. To test communications

the <E with the currently s elected DMM, click on <Co

mmunications Test>. If communication with

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

the device is success ful, the results displa yed; if communications c annot be established, an error message is displayed.

Double clicking on the D MM listing, clicking on the <E

dit> button or clicking on the <New> button, causes the <Edit DMM > or <Add New DMM> pop-up to appear. T hese pop- ups are identical but differentiated by name to make it clear which task is currently being performed.

The <Edi t DMM> or <Add New DMM> pop-ups allow a DMM to be set up from scratch or edited from an existing one.

Figure 22. COMPASS Configuration Settings Screen - DMM

Figure 23. Edit DMM Screen

The purpose of the DMM def inition fields and setting s as well as instructions on ho w to use them are provided in

Table 13. When defining a new DMM the fields come up blank; when editing an existing device the fields com e up populated with the information on that device. When editing is complete, click on <OK> to save changes.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Table 13. [DMM] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Model

(required entry field)

Serial Number

(required entry field)

Identification

(optional entry field)

Calibration Due

(optional entry field)

Remote Interface

(drop-down

selection list)

RS232 Settings

(conditional

display panel)

IEEE 488 Address

(conditional e n try field )

Communications

(action button)

SCPI Command

(check box for RS23 2

or IEEE 488)

Command Type

(drop-down select ion

list for RS232 or

IEEE 488)

Command

(required entry field for

non-SCPI RS232 or

IEEE 488)

Command

Terminator

(drop-down sele cti on

list for non-SCPI

RS232 or IEEE 488)

Leading characters

to strip

(required selection

field for RS232 or

IEEE 488)

Defines the model of the DMM.

Write in the DMM serial number.

Write in a device identification, if desired. The field can be used for internal tracking of DMMs or any other information desired. The value entered will be included in run test data files and reports.

Only the pressu re ref er enc e a nd th e D MM sup po rt thi s fie ld. The val ue e nte re d sho ul d r ep res ent the next required cal i bration d ate of the ins trument. No special formatting is expected or chec ked

Date

in this field however, entering the date in a con siste nt for ma t in cludin g t he ful l year , mon th and day i s recommended. The va lue entered is l ogged in the run test data files and can be included in repor ts.

The choices available are <RS232> and <IEEE 488>. To set up the DMM for remote communications, select the interface that is on the DMM. When an interface type is selected, the rest of the <Remote Interface> and <Command Information> panels change as appropriate to accommodate definition of the int erface characteristic s. A DMM requires a remote interface. COMPASS generates an error when <None> is selected.

If the remote interface selection is RS232, the <RS232 Settings> information is shown. When creating a new reference device, the settings are loaded with COMPASS default settings. Port settings are listed baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bi ts. Clicking on any setting field causes the <RS232 Settings> editor to appear (see Section 8.2.6). Select the correct settings for the DMM and click <OK> when ready.

If the remote interface selection is IEEE 488, the <IEEE 488 Address> entry field is shown. When creating a new reference device, the IEEE 488 address is set t o the default address 10. The address can be edited directly in the entry field.

Clicking on the communications test button causes COMPASS to attempt to send the command specified by the <Command Type> selection to the DMM. The results of the

Test

command or an error display. If the <SCPI> option is checked, the “*IDN?” command is sent to the DMM instead of the current command selection.

Checking the SCPI Command Set check box indicates to COMPASS that the DMM communications follow SCPI (Standar d Commands for Program mable Instruments) prot ocol.

Set

When the SCPI check box is checked, t he <Command Information> fields show <N/A> and cannot be edited. COMPASS will use the commands <MEAS:VOLT:DC?> to read voltage and <MEAS:CURRENT:DC?> to read current without removing any leading characters. If the DMM does not correctly respond to these commands do not use the <SCPI> opti on. If t he SCPI Command Set check box is not checked, the <Command Information> fields must be filled in with the appropriate current and voltage reading commands.

Indicates whether the command is for reading voltage (V) or current (A).

The commands specified are the commands for reading Volts and Amps from

the DMM. COMPASS always reads Volts or Amps and performs the necessary calculations to mV and mA internally when necessary.

Defines the string of characters which, when sent to the DMM, will cause it to respond with its Volt or Amp reading depending on the <Command Type> selection. Only one command can be entered per command type selection. Use the [Tools], [Remote Communications] (see Section 8.4) option to make sure the DMM command outputs as expected when setting up a DUT for the first time. Refer the DMM documentation for information on the DMM remote interface.

Defines how the commands sent to the DMM are terminat ed. The selections available from the drop-down list are carriage return <CR> and carriage return + line feed <CR>+<LF>.

Specifies l eading charact ers to strip f rom the DMM return s tring in case the DMM return stri ng does not start with the output v alue. This allows COMPASS to prop erly interpret the output of devices with different communication protocols. Both numeric leading space values and character delimiters can be entered in t hi s fie ld . For example, a device migh t re turn the string <Volt: 2.103 V>. The actual outp ut val ue f or thi s exa mple ap pea rs at p ositi on 7. Th eref ore, six l eadi ng ch aract ers need to be stripped prior to processing the str ing. Al ternat ive ly, the colon ( :) af ter Vo lt could be used as a delimiter value. In this case the colon (:) should be entered in th e field instead of 7. This field has the identical function for the DMM as it does for the DUT. For other examples, see Section 6.2.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

8.2.4 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [MULTIPLEXER] TAB

[Tools], [Config Hardware], [Multiplexer] is a tab selected panel used to set up the multiplexer(s) (MUX) available to COMPASS. The panel allows new MUXs to be created and existing MUXs to be edited. The MUXs set up in the [Multiplexer] panel are available for selection when setting up the COMPASS test system in th e [CONFIGURATION] panel (see Se ctio n 8.2. 1 ). If a MUX is active in the co nfiguration, COMPASS wi ll always use the active MUX c ommand to switch signals of multiple DMM data acquisition type DUTs onto the currently active DMM.

The [Multiplexer] pane l provides a list of the MUXs ava ilable, disp lays com plete infor mation on the selected MUX, allo ws the selec ted MUX to be e dited or a ne w MUX to be c r eated. To select a MUX to view, single click on the MUX name and serial number in the <Multiplexers> display list (upper left- hand corner ). T o edit an exis tin g MUX, d ouble c lic k on the MUX l istin g or click on the <E communications with the currently selected MUX, click on <Co If settings entered c orrespond to a valid rem ote interface an interface d etected message is displayed; otherwise an error message is displayed. Unlike other communications tests, no test command is issued for a multiplexer. The te st determine s the validity of the inte rface setup.

dit> button with the desired MUX highlighted in the MUX listing. T o test

mmunications Test>.

Double clicking on the MU X listing, clicking on the <E

dit> button or clicking on the <New>

button caus es the <Edit Multiplexer> or <Add New Multiplexer> pop-up to app ear. T hese are identical but distinguished by name to make it clear which task is currently being performed.

The <Edit M ult iplexer> or < Add New M ultip lexer> pop- ups a llow a m ultip lexer devic e to be set up from scratch or edited from an existing one.

Figure 24. COMPASS Configuration Settings

Screen - Multiplexer

Figure 25. Edit Multiplexer Screen

The purpose of the definit ion fields and settings as well as i nstructions on how to use them are provided in Tab le 1 4. When defining a new MUX the f ie lds c ome up blank. When editing an existing device, the fields come up populated with the information on that device. When editing is complete, click <OK> to save changes.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Table 14. [Multiplexer] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Model

(required entry field)

Serial Number

(required entry field)

Identification

(optional entry field)

Calibration Due

(disabled entry field)

Remote Interface

(drop-down

selection list)

RS232 Settings

(conditional

display panel)

IEEE 488 Address

(conditional e n try field )

Communications

(action button)

Command Number

(drop-down

selection list)

Command

(required entry field)

Command

Terminator

(drop-down

selection list)

Defines the model of the multiplexer.

Write in the multiplexer serial number.

Write in a device identification, if desired. The field can be used for internal tracking of MUXs or any other information desired. The value entered will be included in run test data files and reports.

Multiplexers do not support this entry.

Date

The choices available are <RS232> and <IEE 488>. To set up the MUX for remote communications, select the interface that is on the MUX. When an interface type is selected, the rest of the <Remote Interface> and <Command Information> panels change as appropriate to accommodate definition of the interface characteri stics.

If the remote interface sel ection is RS232, the <RS232 Settings> information is shown. When creating a new reference device, the settings are loaded with COMPASS default settings. Port settings are listed baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bi ts. Clicking on any setting field causes the <RS232 Settings> editor to appear. Select/enter the correct settings for the multiplexer and click <OK> (see Section 8.2.6).

If the remote interface selection is IEEE 488, the <IEEE 488 Address> entry field is shown. When creating a new reference device, the IEEE 488 address is set t o the default address 10. To address can be edited directly in the entry field.

Clicking on the communications test button causes COMPASS to check the validity of the interface. No test command is issued to the multiplexer. Use [Tools], [Remote

Test

Communications] (see Section 8.4) to send commands directly to the multiplexer.

Identifies the multiplexer comm and number. The command number corresponds to the DUT position in the <Setup DUT> screen when a test is run (see Section 5.2.1.6). The actual command is specified in t he <Command> field described immediately following. When testing DMM data acquisition type DUT(s), with a m ul tiplexer ac tive i n the hardware configuration, for each DUT a multiplexer command will be sent prior to reading t he DMM. Command 2 will be sent to the multiplexer before reading DUT 2’s output from the DMM.

Defines the st ring of charac ters which, when sent to th e multiplexer, causes the s witching to connect the corresponding DUT position to the DMM and isolate all other output lines. The command entered is the command that will be used for the current <Command Number>.

When entering commands into the <Command> field adhere to the following rules: Remember that generally, only one channel should be closed at a time, t herefore it is

necessary t o o pen al l cha n nels bef or e c los i ng on e. Thi s m ay re q ui re m ult ipl e c om m ands fo r on e <Command Number> . To enter multiple commands for one <Command Number>, separate the commands by pressing <Enter> between commands. Thi s places a carriage returns between the commands.

Not all multiplexers output a response to all commands. Place an “[NR]” in front of commands that have no response or COMPASS will time-out waiting for a response. For example, entering the following commands :

[NR] CLOSE 101

OPEN 102

Causes COMPASS to send the first command “CLOSE 101” and not attempt t o read a response. Then the command “OPEN 102” will be sent and COMPASS will attempt to read a response from this command. If a response is not obtained, COMPASS will time-out.

COMPASS does not process t he response of a multiplexer. A response is read from a multiplexer purely to prevent communic ations problems that can result from not reading a command that generates a response. The output of the multiplexer will never appear in a COMPASS data file or report.

Defines how the commands sent to the multiplexer are terminated. The selections available from the drop-down list are carriage return and carriage return + line feed.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

8.2.5 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [IEEE 488]

[Tools], [Config Hardware] , [IEEE 488] is a tab s elec ted panel us ed to set up th e IEE E 488 cards that the computer running COMPASS can use for IEEE 488 communications. The panel allows a Capital Equipment Corporation (C EC) or National Instrum ents’ IEEE 488 card to be selected and the card address to be specified. The cards setup can then be selected in the [CONFIGURATION] panel.

The default selections within COMPASS are designed to work with the default Windows setup

of the supported IEEE 488 cards. Unless the host PC has multiple IEEE 488 cards or is specially configured; a properly installed IEEE 488 card with a default setup will work with COMPASS. Simply select the card on the [CONFIGURATION] tab (see Section 8.2.1). This section is provided to display and edit the card address only. Do not confuse the card address with that of an individual instrument.

The <Card Type> pull down provides the choice of <National Instruments> and <CEC Capitol Equipment Corp>. Clicking on the <Card Address> field caus es an address

entry pop-up to be displayed. Only one address per card type is supported. This field represents the address of the IEEE 488 card itself and not any specific instrument. Refer to the card manufacturer documentation on how to change the address in the card when necessary.

Figure 26. COMPASS Configuration Settings Screen - IEE-488

8.2.6 RS232 SETUP

If the remote interf ac e sel e c tion is R S2 32 f or a n y dev i c e, the <RS 232 S ett ing s> sc reen m ust be used to determ ine the specific setting information. This is t ypically achieved by clic king the RS232 settings th at displa y during the setup process. Selec t the correct s ettings for the device from the dr op-down lists and clic k <OK> when r eady. All settings with the exception of the <COM Port> are defined by the device that will use the interface. Refer to the instruction manual of that device to determine these settings and make any necessary selections for the interface to function in RS232. The <COM Port> port selection should represent the ph ysical connection of the device and an RS232 port on the host PC or the currently configured reference device.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Use the <Ref Com2> selec tion f ound at the en d of the <CO M Port> drop- down li st to acc ess the currently configure d ref erence CO M2 port r ather t han a st andar d com m unications p ort on the host PC. If the reference device does not have a remote interface, CO MPASS will generate an error when trying to access the port. No special c ommand setup is r equired to use the <Ref Com2> option. Select this option just as any other COM port selection, COMPASS will set up the referenc e de v ice COM2 port and m odify the commands as n eeded to send and receive commands using this interface.

Figure 27. RS232 Settings Screen

8.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS]

[Tools], [Options] is used to set up COMPASS operation al preferenc es. [Tools], [Options] is made up of six tab selected panels including:

[Maintain Lists] Delete items from COMPASS’s automated entry drop-down lists (see Sect ion 8.3 . 1). [Initialize Test] Set user preferences for steps to include or suppress during test initialization

(see Section 8.3.2).

[Run Test] Set user preferences affecting the run test portion of test execution (see Section 8.3.3). [Data File] Set user preferences affecting the “data” file (*.dat) which records the data from a test

run (see Section 8.3.4).

[File Locations] View and edit the default locations for the files COMPASS creates and maintains

(see Section 8.3.5).

[Language] Select the language that COMPASS will use (see Section 8.3.6).

Figure 28. Options Screen - Maintain Lists

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

8.3.1 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [MAINTAIN LISTS]

[Tools], [Options], [Maintain Lists] is a tab selected pane l used to delete u nwanted items from the various lists that COMPASS adds to automatically. To delete an item from a list, select the item fr om the drop-down list and click the corresponding <D included are shown in Table 15.

el> button. The lists

Table 15. COMPASS Lists

DUT Manufacturers

DUT Models

Reference Devices

DMMs

Multiplexers

Users

From <DUT Definition/Profile> screen, <Manufacturer> field (see Section 6.2). From <DUT Definition/Profile> screen, <Model> field (see Section 6.2). From <Reference> tab (see Section 8.2.2) used in [CONFIGURATION] tab. From <DMM> tab (see Section 8.2.3) used in [CONFIGURATION] tab. From <Multiplexer> tab (see Section 8.2.4) used in [CONFIGURATION] tab. From run test, <Enter User ID> pop-up (see Section 5.2.1.7).

8.3.2 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [INITIALIZE TEST]

[Tools], [Options], [Initialize Test] is a tab selected panel used to set user preferences affecting the init ialization portion of test execution (see Secti on 5.2.1). The test init ialization steps can be turned ON or OF F to avoi d r epe ati ng un d esir ed or un nec es sary steps each time a test is run. The panel lists the different steps of test initialization in order of execution. Clicking on the check box corresponding to the s tep turns it ON or OFF (ON if box checked, OFF is box is blank).

Figure 29. Options Screen - Initialize Test

The test initialization behavior with initialization steps turned ON or OFF is outlined in Table 16.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

Table 16. [Initialize Test] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Select DUT

(check box)

Preview DUT

(check box)

Select Test

(check box)

Preview Test

(check box)

Verify Reference

Serial Number

(check box)

Select/Verify

Reference Range

(check box)

Setup DUT

Interface

(check box)

Select User Name

(check box)

When OFF, the select DUT step is skipped and the last DUT that has been accessed (edited, viewed, created or run) is aut omatically used as the selected DUT (see Section

5.2.1.1). When ON, the selected DUT is previewed. W hen OFF, the DUT preview is skipped (see

Section 5.2.1.2).

If ON, the <Select Test To Run> file box appears. If OFF, the primary test associated with the selected DUT is automatically selected. If COMPASS cannot access the file specified as the primary test, then the <Select Test To Run> file box appears even though this prompt was OFF (see Section 5.2.1.3).

When ON, the selected test is previewed. When this prompt is OFF, the selected test is automatically accepted without preview (see Section 5.2.1.4).

When ON, COMPASS compares the serial number of the connected reference device with the serial number specified for the referenc e in the hardware configuration. If the serial numbers do not match, a warning message appears. If they do match, then no message appears. When this feature is OFF, the comparison is not performed and no messages appear (see Section 5. 2.1.5). Verification of reference serial number oc curs only if the reference can be read remotely.

When ON, COMPASS queries the connected reference to determine what ranges are available. It then analyzes the test points in the current test to determine the recommended range. It selects this range by default, but this prompt displays the alternate ranges and allows the operator to override the def ault selection. If t he prompt is OFF, COMPASS automat ically accepts its recommended reference range and no prompt appears (see Section 5.2.1.5). Reference range is verified automatically only if the reference can be read remotely.

This prompt can only be turned OFF if the DUT file is a DUT definition (i.e. , not a DUT profile) (see Section 6.2). DUT profiles require <Setup DUT Interface> for identificat ion of the DUT(s) being run. When this prompt is ON, the <Setup DUT Interface> pop-up appears to allow changing of DUT communications parameters and testing of DUT communications (see Section 5.2.1.6).

When ON, the user is prompted to enter his/her nam e (or select it from the drop-down user name list). This name appears under user in the test data and in reports (see Section 5.2.1.7). When this prompt is OFF, the last user’s name is automatically select ed as the user for the current test. Turning OFF this prompt is useful for single user systems and can even be done after the first run of the day for a specific operator.

8.3.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [RUN TEST]

[Tools], [Options], [Run Test] is a tab selected panel used to s et user pr ef erences aff ecting the run test part of test execution (see Sec tion 5.2.2). Vario us aspects of run tes t behavior can be changed in five main categories:

Audible Feedback On Turns ON and OFF aud ible feedback for various run time

events.

Plot Scaling Affects the scaling of the run screen’s run time plot (see

Section 4.3).

Reference Reading Affects how readings will be taken from the reference

pressure device when running a test.

Default DUT Communications Sets def ault communicatio n parameters f or r eading R S23 2

and IEEE 488 data acquisitio n type DUTs (see Sectio n

6.2).

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

Figure 30. Options Screen - Run Test

The purpose and operation of the run test preferences are defined in Table 17.

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Audible Feed back On

(check boxes)

Plot data to

tolerance

(check box)

Use set point as

reference reading

in dynamic control

(check box)

These check boxes turn ON and OFF audible feedback associated with run tim e events. When the box is checked, audible feedback is ON, when the box is blank, audible feedback is OFF. The run time events and associated sounds are:

<Out of Tolerance>: When running a test, after taking data at each test point, the error of

<Test Complete>: This s ound occurs to alert the operator that t he last pressure point

<Failures>: Failures occur when the pressure has not been set within the

<Manual Entry>: An audible prompt alerts the user any time that a user response is

Affects the run time plot of the run sc reen (see Section 4.3). If the box is checked, the plot will be scaled to the DUT tolerance (see Section 6.2) and DUT tolerance bars will be included on the graph. If the box is not checked, t he plot will automatically be scaled and re-scaled as needed to show DUT error values as the test progresses.

Affects how readings are taken from the referenc e pressure device when a test is run using a DHI PPC2, PPC2+ or PPCK press ure controller in dynamic control mode. If the check box is checked, the reference pressure reading will be assumed to be equal to the target value when a ready condition occurs. If the check box is not checked, actual momentary reference readings will be used. The default condition is box checked as this reflects the most comm on use of dynamic control mode. See the pres sure controller’s Operation and Maintenance Manual for a complete explanation of static and dynamic control modes and ready/not ready conditions.

This setting has no effect if the reference device is not a DHI PPC2 , PPC2+ or PPCK or dynamic pressure control mode is not speci fied in the test file or the current test point is 0 (zero) or a VENT, as there is no control under these conditions (see Section 7.2.5).

Table 17. [Run Test] Tab

the DUT relative to the reference is calculated. If this error exceeds the tolerance specified in the DUT file, an out of tolerance c ondition can occur (see Section 4.3). An out-of-tolerance condition is indicated by a low buzz.

in a test has been completed and the <Test Notes> display is being presented. Test complete is indicated by three short beeps.

pressure setting time-out limit specified in the test file (s ee Section

7.2.5). Pressure setting time-outs are included in leak test, c ycle pressure and for each pressure point in a test. A press ure setting time-out is indicated by a buzz of a diff erent frequency than the out of tolerance buzz.

required to continue test execution (e.g. confirmation of manual pressure setting, manual reference pressure entry, manual DUT output entry, etc.). The need for operat or respons e is signaled by a rapid series of ascending tones.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Use common

manual reference

pressure for

multiple DUTs

(check box)

RS232 Settings

(display field)

IEEE 488 Address

(display field)

Affects how reference readings are taken when reference readings are entered manually and multiple DUTs are being tested. I f the box is checked, a single reference press ure entry will be made common for all of the DUT readings. If t he box is not checked, an individual reference reading must be entered for each DUT.

This setting has no effect if the reference devic e is not manual and/or the test is not a multiple DUT test.

Displays the default settings for communicat ions with RS232 data acquisition type DUTs (see Section 6.2). The information displayed is com port, baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits. Clicking on the display f ield caus es the <RS232 Setti ngs> editor to appear allo wing the default RS232 port and settings to be changed. Use the drop-down list s to select the desired settings and click <OK> (see S ection 8.2.6). The s ettings selected will appear as the initial RS232 settings when setting up an RS232 DAQ DUT.

Displays the default IEEE 488 address for communication with IEEE 488 dat a acquisition type DUTs (see Section 6.2). The IEEE 488 address may be edited directly in the field.

8.3.4 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [DATA FILE]

[Tools], [Options], [Data File] is a tab selected panel us ed to set user pref erenc es affecting the “data” file (*.dat) which records the data from a test run.

The purpose and operation of the data file preferences are defined in Table 18.

Table 18. [Data File] Tab

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Data Delimiter

(drop-down selection list)

Log File

(drop-down selection list)

Directory Name

(Check box at the bottom

of the display)

This preference sets the data delimiter for the data i n “log” and “data” fil es (*.dat , *.log). The choices are comma, tab or sem icolon. Comma data delimi ter is the default as it is more commonly used. The choice can be useful to assure compatibility when COMPASS data files will be exported into another program. The COMPASS internal data and report functions automatically detect and handle which delimiter was used in the data file s o the choice can be changed occasionally without affecting COMPASS operation.

When COMPASS runs a test, the data is saved to a *.log file. At the end of the test the *.log file is saved as a *.dat file (see Section 12.2). This preference determines whether an individual *.log file will be saved for each test run (<Save> selection) or the “log” file will be overwritten at each run (<Overwrite> selection). The *.log file can be usef ul as a backup to recover data lost from a *.dat file. The default setting is <Overwrite> to minimize the number of files created automatically by COMPASS.

Not only does COMPASS generate default file names for *.dat files, it also creates a default directory bas ed on the DUT that the data is taken from (s ee Section 12.3). This preference allows the directory to be named after the DUT serial number or the DUT ID. Unlike the ID field, the DUT serial number is a required field and therefore used by default. If no DUT ID is present, the serial number is used. This DUT dependent data directory is created as a sub directory of the directory selected for *.dat files (see Section 8.3.5). The directory name will include the full text of the serial number or ID of the DUT unless one of the following invalid characters is part of the field: /, \, ?, :, *, <, >, |, or “. If so, the directory name will contain all text up to the first occurrence of the character. In the rare case the first character is invalid, the data file will be placed in the root *.dat directory.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

8.3.5 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [FILE LOCATIONS]

[Tools], [Options], [File Locations] is a tab selected panel used to view or modify the default directory path used to store each of the various file classes used by COMPASS.

To edit the director y path for a spec ific f ile class eithe r double clic k on that f ile class or single click the file class and then click <E selection of a new path. This tool also allows the creation of new directories. Any new directories created with this tool will immediately exis t on your computer system or network (assuming you had the rights necessar y to create the director y). It will not be rem oved if the edit directory option is subsequently canceled.

The file location path for *.dat and *.rtf (report) files is actually the root directory path

for the DUT serial number or ID based sub-directories that COMPASS creates automatically (see Section directories.

dit>. A directory browsing tool appears to allow the

12.3). *.dat files and *.rtf (report) files are stored in the sub-

Figure 31. Options Screen - File Locations

8.3.6 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [LANGUAGE]

[Tools], [Options], [Language] is a tab selected panel used to select language related pr eferences. This feature is provide d in addition to the startup language pr ompt to allow language selec tions while COMPASS is running (see Section 2.5). Select the desired language and press <Close>. The new language will not display until COMPASS is restarted. To avoid the necess ity of th is selectio n, chec k the <Prompt for language> box at the bottom of the display. When this f eature is enabled, the op ening language selecti on prompt will appear each time COMPASS is run. Remove the check to prevent the opening language display.

All COMPASS for PPC/RPM on-line HELP is in English regardless of language selection.

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

COMPASS for PPC/RPM uses the decimal separator set up in the international settings

of Windows. This determines whether the separator is a “.” or a “,”.

COMPASS is run in one language at a time. Any language selection using this option will

not occur until COMPASS is restarted.

Figure 32. Options Screen - Language

8.4 [TOOLS], [REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS]

[Tools], [Remote Communications] provides a simple means of sending individ ual comm and strings to remote devices and r eceiving and displaying the res ponse. This tool can be used fo r discreet remote device communication and communications testing. Use this tool for troubleshooting communications problems and determ ining t he ap pr opriate command to s end pr ior to entering the <Command> value in a DUT, DMM or multiplex er. If a comm and issued to a device does not give the desir ed results using this tool, refer to the device manual for any special requirements that must be used to send the command.

This tool allows the desired interface type to be selected and interface parameters to be specified. IEEE-488 communication assumes use of the IEEE 488 card selected in [T (see Section 8.2.5). En ter the comm and to be sent in the c ommand field. C licking <S command to be sent usin g the c urr ent <In terf ace Set up>. Resu lts and return strings are dis p layed in the <Last Command Reply> box. These return strings are logged as rea d and unmodif ied by COMPASS. The communications time-out is 10 seconds. A time-out is indicated by displaying <COMPASS TIME-OUT>. If the command does not have a response or the target communications device does not normally respond to commands, click the <Send Only> check box or COMPASS will expect a response and time-out if none is recei ved. Comm ands sent are automatically added to the drop-down <Command> list; the list is cleared each time COMPASS is run.

ools], [Config Hardware]

end>, causes the

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

Figure 33. Remote Communications Screen

9. THE [DATA] MENU

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9.1 OVERVIEW

The [Data] m enu acc esses too ls that wor k direct ly with COMPASS *.dat files. T he *.dat f iles cont ain the data acquir e d during a test run (see Section 12). The data to o ls al l o w t he “data” file t o b e v ie w e d a n d pr i nt e d. There is also a plotting t ool to produce and print a variet y of error plots for *.dat files. T hese tools are provided to allow co nve nient a cce ss to te st data wi th out cre a ting comple te test rep orts (se e Secti on 1).

9.2 [DATA], [VIEW TEST DATA]

[Data], [View Test Data] is used to view the *.dat files in which test data is stored (see Section 12.3). When [D

directly set to the default * . dat directory (see Section 8.3.5). Selecting a f ile, c aus es that f ile t o be o pened and displayed without form atting in the COMPASS <Data Viewer> sc reen. This display is provided to view data files onl y. There are no opt ions to edit and/ or save data f iles us ing this featur e. T he nam e and directory path of the *.dat file currently being plotted is shown at the top of the window.

While viewing a data file, a [F

ata], [View Test Data] is selected, a s tandard Windows file browser appears with the default

ile] menu is available. The [File] menu choices are:

elect New Data File] To pick a different *.dat file to view. [Print] To print the *.dat file that is being viewed using the standard Windows print function. [Exit] To leave the view test data function.

Figure 34. Data Viewer Screen

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

9.3 [DATA], [PRINT TEST DATA]

[Data], [Print Test Data] is used to print raw data files.

When [D directly set to the default *.dat directory (see Section 8.3.5). Selecting a file causes the standard Windows print function to open allowing the file to be printed with any printer that is set up.

ata], [Print Test Data] is selected, a standard W indows file browser appears with the default

“Data” files may also be printed from within [View Test Data] by selecting [File], [Print].

9.4 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA]

[Data], [Plot Test Data] is used to ge nerate error plots of DUT readings vs . reference rea dings from the data contained in *.dat files. The plots generated may be viewed and/or printed. T his func tion is us ef ul to quickly analyze data. The plots may also be selected for inclusion in COMPASS reports (see Section 10.4.3).

Calculations used to produce data plots are documented in Section 14.

When [D that holds the *.dat f iles. Selecting a file ca uses the <Plot> screen to appear loade d with an error plot generated using the data from the *.dat file.

ata], [Plot Test Data] is selected, a s tandard W indows file browser app ears set to the director y

Figure 35. Plot Screen

The name and director y path of the *.dat f ile curr entl y being plott ed is sho wn at th e top of the p lot screen. Under the plot itself is a su mmar y of the DUT inf ormation. Two m enu choices are availa ble from the plot screen: [F menu choices select different plots for the current *.dat file (see Section 9.4.1) and change plot scaling.

ile], [Plot]. The [File] menu allows a d ifferent *.dat file to be selected f or plotting. T he [Plot]

9. THE [DATA] MENU

9.4.1 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA], [FILE]

The [File] menu includes menu choices to:

elect Data File] Allows selection, using a standard W indows file bro wser, of a diff erent

data file to be plotted.

rint Graph] Allows the graph currently selected to be printed using the standard

Windows print function.

xit] Exits the [Plot Test Data] function.

9.4.2 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA], [PLOTS]

From the [Plots] menu, five dif ferent error plots can be generat ed and the plot scaling can be changed. The current plot choice is indicated by a check mark by that menu item. The menu choices are:

rror vs. Reference] Creates a graph of the DU T er ror vs . the ref er enc e

in the DUT pressure units.

[Best F

[Error a n d B

[%D

[%Reading Error vs. Reference] Creates a graph of the DUT error vs. the r ef erenc e

[Di

it Error vs. Reference] Creates a graph of the DUT error vs. the ref er ence

in the DUT pressur e units after fitting the DUT to the reference using a simple regression, best fit straight line.

est Fit Error vs. Reference] Creates a graph of both the Error vs. Reference

and Best Fit Error vs. Reference in one plot (see immediately above).

UTspan Error vs. Reference] Creates a graph of the DU T er ror vs . the ref er enc e

in percent of span of the DUT.

in percent of reading of the reference.

splay Tolerance] Causes any displayed graph to include tolerance bars

and to scale to 1.5 times the tolerance. The tolerance is the tolerance of the DUT that was tested as specified in the *.dut file (see Section 6.2). Selecting [Di ON and OFF conditions. If the menu choice is checked, display tolerance is ON and tolerance bars will be shown on any displayed graph. If the menu choice is not checked, display tolerance is OFF, no tolerance bars will be shown and any graph displayed will automatically scale to the pl otted er rors.

splay Tolerance] toggles between

Tolerance bars are not plotted when the selected plot uses a scale that the tolerance

specified in the *.dut can not be converted to. The %Reading plot when the DUT tolerance in the *.dut file was specified as %DUTspan, nor are they plotted

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OOTTEES

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

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10.1 OVERVIEW

The purpose of the COMPASS Report Editor is to generate test r eports fr om *.dat files, vie w the reports and edit them.

The COMPASS Report Editor can be accessed in three ways: by using the [Rep ort ] menu option or pressing the <G enerate Report > button in the Test Com plete Screen from within COMPASS (see Section 5.2.3), or from outs ide COMPASS b y clicking the assoc iated icon in th e COMPASS for PPC/RPM program grou p. In all cases the report editor runs as stand alone application and can be closed at any time without affecting COMPASS.

10.2 REPORT PRINCIPLES

The COMPASS Report Editor is used to create templates (*.tpl) that are merged with *.dat files to generate a report. Several r epor t templates can be created t o ha ve c us tom reports to support a vari ety of report styles. All basic word process ing features are inc luded to allow custom formatting, cut and p aste ability, changing font t ypes and point size, inserting o bjects, etc. Several report s and templates can be viewed, edited, saved or printed within the report editor at the same time.

Only the top most file displayed within the COMPASS Report Editor is acted on by the tool bar and

menu selections unless or the selection specifically refers to “All. “ The [OPTION} functions are not file specific.

The report editor includ es a Test Data Field Insertion Tool. This tool allows link s to fields in COMPASS *.dat files to be em bedded into the report template. The abil ity to insert *.dat file links at an y location within a report template us ing any available text formatting is one of the m ost important features of the report editor. Acces s this tool by pressing <CTRL+T>, the toolbar short cut <Insert Field Key>, or the menu option [Format], [Insert Field Key] (see Section 10.3.3.2).

The default directory locations for *.dat, *.rtf, and *.tpl files are those specified in the COMPASS main program (see Section 8.3.5). Each file selection box within the report editor defaults to one of these directories depend ing on the type of file req uired. Unless changed by the user, all report tem plates are stored in the ..\template sub-directory of the COMPASS root directory. The <Current Template> selection on the bottom s tatus bar of the m ain disp la y is alwa ys used to g enera te a repor t. T his selectio n can be changed by using [Format], [Select Template].

Reports generated automatically have the same name as the *.dat file that was merged but with the extension *.rtf. By default they are stored in the s ame directory as the data file in automatic DUT serial number based sub-directories (see Section 12.3). Report file location can be changed by selecting

ols], [Options] , [File Lo cations] within the COMPASS main program (see Section 8.3.5). If the report

[To

file directory is not the same as the data file directory, automatic sub-directories will not be made or used. The COMPASS Report Editor supports Windows dr ag and drop functional ity. All supported f iles of the

report editor can be dra gged to the title bar of the program from Windows Explorer. Depending on the type of file, the report editor will either generate a report or display the file (see Section 10.10.1).

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

10.3 MAIN MENU BAR

The main menu of the report editor is divided int o several sec tions each with a separate funct ion. Many of these functions can also be accessed by a shortc ut included on on e of the COMP ASS Report Editor toolbars. Each menu is summarized immediately below and covered in detail in subsections of this section.

[File] Print, save, open and close reports (*.rtf) and report templates (*.tpl) (see Section 10.3.1). [Edit] Search, cut and paste text. These features are also ava ilable using th e toolbar and s tandard

Windows shortcuts (see Section 10.3.2).

[Format] Insert information an d change the page m argins of the current top fil e displa yed (see Section

10.3.3). [Options] Toggle the display state of toolbars (see Section 10.3.4). [Window] Change the current top W indow within the COMP ASS Report Editor display. This changes

the file which will be acted on by the menu options (see Section 10.3.5).

[Help] Access on-line help (see Section 10.3.6).

Figure 36. COMPASS Report Editor

10.3.1 [FILE] MENU

Detailed inf ormation o n each of the it ems in the [File] menu is listed in th is section. Items that have an equivalent toolbar shortcut, display the icon of the tool bar next to the section title.

Multiple files can be selected using many of the [File] menu options. Specifically, when

selecting a *.dat file to generate a report or selecting a *.rtf or *.tpl file to edit a report or report template. Use the Shift and arrow keys to highlight the desired files within the Windows file selection tool when making a multi-file selection. The function that generated the file selection will act on all files selected. For example, generating reports starts with the selection of *.dat files. Selecting several *.dat files in the file box will generate a separate report for each file selected. It is a short cut to selecting each file one at a time.

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

10.3.1.1 [FILE], [EDIT REPORT]

[Edit Report] is used to edit an existi ng report. Selec ting this featur e displa ys a standard Windows file selection tool set to the directory containing the data sub-directories in which reports are stored (see Section 12.3). The selected report file opens in th e editor where it ca n be edited as des ired. Use the [File], [Save] feature or the toolbar shortcut to save the file.

10.3.1.2 [FILE], [GENERATE REPORT]

[Generate Report] is used to create new test reports f rom test “ data” files (*.dat) and a template file (*.tpl). T he firs t step is to s elect a *.dat f ile usin g the stan dard Windows file selection tool. As previously described at the beginning of this section, a single *.dat or multiple *.dat files can be selected. The COMPASS Report Editor merges the selected *.dat file(s) with the current template to generate the report. T his task is perform ed by loadin g the templat e into m emor y then replacing every field key with the corresponding piece of data file information. Al l formatting char acteristics of the f ield ke y that are present in the report template are maintained during report generation. The final report is automatically saved a nd loaded into the r eport editor. At this point the report f ile can be acted on like any other document within the report editor.

Prior to using this option, make sure the desired report template is selected by

noting the name of the file on the bottom status bar’s <Current Template> field. If no template displays or you wish to change the template, use [Format], [Select Template] to select the desired template (see Section 10.3.3.3).

10.3.1.3 [FILE], [EDIT TEMPLATE]

[Edit Template] is used to edit an existing tem plate. This can be used eith er to change an existing template or to create a new template similar to an old template. For example, if an existing template contains a standard header, footer and formatting, it m ay be sim pler to create a ne w template b y editing an ex isting template and saving to a new name than to start a new template from scratch (see Section 10.4.5). Template files can ha ve either a *.rtf or *.tpl extens io n. It is preferred that *.tpl be used as the file extension for newly created templates. This extension is more descripti ve than the *.rtf extension which is prov ided for compatibilit y with previous ver s io ns of COMPASS.

The first step is to select the tem plate file to edi t using the W indows file select ion tool that displa ys after this opti on is selected . The selec ted template dis plays in the report editor. Edit all constant t ext that you wish to display on every repor t. Use the format toolbar a nd menu f eatures of the r eport edi tor to mak e any visual edits desired. To insert a data file link use the [Format], [Insert Field Key] menu option or toolbar sho rtcut (see Se ction 10. 3.3.2) . A fte r all e dit s have b een made, save the template. At this point the template has n ot been selected for report generation unless it is already listed in the <Current Template>. To use this template for a report f irst select the template usin g [Format], [Select Template] then select [File], [Generate Report] to create the report (see Section 10.3.1.2).

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The font and paragraph format of a field key is maintained during report

generation. As a result the “data” file information that the field key represents will be inserted using the font and alignment characteristics of the field key. For example, if the “data” file key in a template uses a font point size of 20 with bold text. The “data” file name will display in the completed report with a font point size of 20 and also have bold text. Keep this in mind when generating a report template.

10.3.1.4 [FILE], [CREATE TEMPLATE]

[Create Template] is provided to c reate a tem plate from scratch. W hen used, a new blank report template will be opened for edit. The report template defines the information fr om COMPASS *.dat files that will be incl uded in the report. It also defines the fixed information and the report format. A typical report template includes a customized header and footer, data labels and embedded links to “data” files. The flexibility of report tem plates and the ease with which they can be created and edited allo w COMPASS test reports to be personalized to your exact requirements. T he first step is to add constant tex t that should appear on all reports generat ed with this tem plate. Com pany specif ic inform ation is a good example of constant tex t. If the template is being cr eated for a spec ific model of DUT, constant inform ation spec ific to this model c ould be entered. W hen all t ext is entered and form atted as desired use [Format], [Insert Field Key] to insert data file links using the Field Insertion Tool (see Section 10.3.3.2 for more information on how this to ol works). Although field keys can be enter ed at any time, it is recom mended that they be entered after constant text to prevent the chance of corrupting th e field key. Regardless of the approach, the fi nal step is to save the template with a descripti ve name that will mak e it easy to distingu ish from other files. T o choose the template for report generation, select [Format],

[Select Template]. Creating and/or editing a template does not make it the <Current template> selection of the COMPASS Report Editor.

[File], [Create Template] is provided to create a template from scratch. This

is a more advanced report feature that should only be used after the report generation process is thoroughly understood. It is a much simpler task to edit an existing template and save that template with a different file name (see Section 10.4.3). Try editing the sample template “Normal.rtf” provided with COMPASS.

10.3.1.5 [FILE], [SAVE]

[Save] acts on the c urrent top file in t he report editor. If the current top f ile has previously been named, the name of the file will appear in the title bar of the text window. Choosing [Save] in this case saves the current contents of the window to the current file name with no further prompts. Files that have not previously been sa ved displa y <Untitled> in their window caption. Saving these files generates a prompt for the entry of the path and file name of the file. By default, the file path is set up using the [Tools], [Options], <File Locations> preference (see Section 8.3.5). If you wish to save the file in another location, do so realizing the COMPASS Report Editor will no longer know the location of the f ile unless the COMPASS <File Locations> preference is changed.

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

10.3.1.6 [FILE], [SAVE AS]

[Save As] is used to save the cur rent top file with a different nam e, essentially making a copy of the file. The option always displays a file selection box allowing the entry of a new file name and follows the same procedure as the [Save] option when an untitled file is saved (s ee Secti on 10.4 . 5) .

10.3.1.7 [FILE], [SAVE ALL]

Unlike the other save options, [Save All] acts on all documents open in the report editor. It is the equivalent to selecting each file and choosing [File], [ Save] (see Section 10.3.1.5). Untitled files will still require the in put of a new file nam e. This is a shortcut save option that can be used when multiple f iles have been modified and you wish to save the changes to all of them.

10.3.1.8 [FILE], [CLOSE]

[Close] has the same f unction as press ing the c lose <X> in the W indows contro l box of any open document. It closes the current file, unloading the contents from memory. If changes hav e been made to the document s ince the previous save, a prompt to save the file occurs. Choosing <Yes> saves the file ap plying the rules of the [File], [Save] optio n. Se lect ing <No> closes the f ile i gnor ing an y changes that may have occurred.

10.3.1.9 [FILE], [CLOSE ALL]

[Close All] is a short cut to selectin g every file c urrentl y open in the re port editor then choosing [File], [Close] (see Secti on 10.3.1 .8). T his is a conven ient way to close several open f iles. If changes ha ve occur red ther e is still a prom pt to save the file before closing. W hen several files are being closed, an extra opt ion is provided to automatic ally save an y changed files prev enting the need to m ake a selection for each file. The prompt displays only after a changed file is encountered and more than one file is currently open.

10.3.1.10 [FILE], [PRINT]

[Print] is used to print th e cu rr e nt fi l e to a ny printer setu p on t he P C in use. A printer setup window displa ys prior to printing allowing a pr inter to be selected and set up before printing. T he COMPASS Report Editor prints the document exactl y as it is displayed with in the report ed itor unless a pri nter specif ic issue override s a document feature. Since all printers do not support the same font set, it is possible for one printer t o print as expected whi le a not her prin ter do es not. If th is is the case, refer to your printer’s operation manual for instructions.

10.3.1.11 [FILE], [PRINT ALL]

[Print All] displays one printer setup dialog and prints all open documents according to the printer settings. This feature is provided as a short cut to selecting the [File], [Print] option for each open file (see Section 10.3.1.10).

10.3.1.12 [FILE], [EXIT]

Selecting [Exit] closes the report editor.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

10.3.2 [EDIT] MENU

The [Edit] menu provides common word processor editing functions. Many of these functions have several possible shortcuts. The toolbar and short cut keystrokes provide direct access to many editing features. All edit functions act on the current document only.

A right mouse click in any open document accesses a mini edit menu with the basic

edit options.

10.3.2.1 [EDIT], [UNDO]

[Undo] is provided to undo the most recent editing operation within the report editor. Undo support in the COMPASS Report Editor does not provide the ability to undo several previous steps. Only the most recent step per open document is mainta ined in the undo buffer. As a res ult, the first tim e [Undo] is activated the most recent step is undone. The next time it is activated it will Redo this step becaus e that is what is required t o undo the last action. This is essentially a toggle between undo and redo.

10.3.2.2 [EDIT], [CUT]

[Cut] deletes the current selection and copies it to the Windows clipboard. This information can be pasted into other applications or other locations within the COMPASS Report Editor.

10.3.2.3 [EDIT], [COPY]

[Copy] copies the current selection to the Windows clipboard without first deleting it. The information can be pasted into other applications or other locations within the COMPASS Report Editor.

10.3.2.4 [EDIT], [PASTE]

[Paste] copies the contents of the Windows clipboard to the current cursor location in the document.

10.3.2.5 [EDIT], [FIND]

[Find] provides the ability search for specific text within a report or report template. Enter the search text in the <Find What> field a nd choose the searc h options then press <Find>. T he sear ch begins at th e c urrent c ursor loc atio n and continues to the end of the docum ent. T he firs t occurrence of the searc h text will be highlighted in the c urrent document. T o repeatedly search f or the same text, use the shortcut key CTRL+F.

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

Figure 37. Find Text Screen

Table 19. <Find> Screen

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Find What

(required entry field)

Match Case

Find Whole Word

Cancel

The text entered in this field is the search text.

Select this feature when the search should match both case and text. Causes search to ignore occurrences of the search text that are

embedded in other words.

Only

Starts the text search according to information provided on the form.

Find

Closes the search tool.

10.3.2.6 [EDIT], [FIND NEXT]

[Find Next] performs another text s earch using the most recent sear ch criteria (see Section 10.5.5). It is most efficient to use the shortcut key combination [CTRL]+F instead of making a menu selection.

10.3.2.7 [EDIT], [SELECT ALL]

[Select All] highlights all text in the act ive document. Mos t frequentl y, selecting all text is done to co py the information to later paste it in another appl ication or open document. The selected text can also be deleted to clear an entire document of all text.

10.3.3 [FORMAT] MENU

10.3.3.1 [FORMAT], [INSERT DATE/TIME]

[Insert Date/Time] adds the current system date and time to the active document according to the f ormat specified in the W indows Regional S ettings of Control Panel. The text is always be entered at the current text insertion point.

10.3.3.2 [FORMAT], [INSERT FIELD KEY]

[Insert Field Key] displa ys the Field Inserti on Tool which is used to embed link s to COM P ASS “data” files into report templates. The toolbar icon displayed above or [CTRL]+T are shortcuts to displaying this tool.

To embed a link using the field insertion tool, place the cursor in the report template at the desired loc ation of the link. Pres s [CTRL] + T to invoke the Data Field Insertion Tool. The tool appears over the top o f the open report template. The “data” file fields available are sorted into “field categories”. Select a <Field Category> by clic king on the des ired category. Then sel ec t a <F i e ld Na me>

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

by clicking on the desir ed field name. The scroll bar s may be used to move up and down in the category and name lists. Once the field name has been selected, click the <Insert> button to embed the link into the document at the current cursor locat ion and close the Data Field Ins ertion Tool. The embedde d link appears as a character string (e.g., $DUT_MNF$). The character strings have consistent and intuitive structure to help identify them in use ($category_field name$, except data in columns such as output data has two $$). Do not edit the link character s trings or they will n o longer o perate. T he y can be cut and pasted to new locations so long as care is taken not to alter them. The formatting present in the docum ent at the c urre nt ins ertio n po int is appl ied to th e fiel d link and to the data imported data from the test data file when the template is merged.

It is a good idea to use tabs to fix field key locations when column alignment

is desired in a report. Using spaces does not always give the desired results. Text can vary in size based on the selected font. This moves the relative location of an inserted field preventing the desired column alignment. Click the <Ruler> to create a tab or adjust an existing tab to get the desired effect.

Figure 38. Data Field Insertion Tool Screen

10.3.3.3 [FORMAT], [SELECT TEMPLATE]

[Select Template] displays a standard Windows file selection tool set to the template directory specified by COMPASS (see Section 8.3.5). The selected template name appears on the bottom status bar as the <Current Template>. All reports generated will use this file as the report template u ntil the selection changes. The most r ecent <Current Template> is saved by the COMPASS Report Editor. So, this field does not requi re regular updating unle ss the templ ate to use change s.

10.3.3.4 [FORMAT], [PAGE SETUP]

[Page Setup] is provided to change the margins of the active document. By default, all page m argins ar e 0.5 inc hes on ne w docum ents. Use the [↑] and [↓] arrow keys to modif y the page margins. Each k ey press corresponds to a 0.1 inch margin incr ement in the d irection of th e arrow. A margin valu e can also be entered manually. Margin changes are not reflected on the active document. The margin change is evident only after printing the file.

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

Figure 39. Page Setup Screen

10.3.4 [OPTIONS] MENU

The [Options] menu is the only main menu option that does not depend on the active document. The options in this menu toggle the display state of the program’s toolbars.

10.3.4.1 [OPTIONS], [TOOLBAR]

The [Toolbar] refers to the main toolbar containing shortcuts to many of the file options. Selectin g this it em toggl es the dis play sta te of the too lbar. Ref er to the previous sections for specific information on how to use these toolbar shortcuts.

Figure 40. COMPASS Report Editor, Main Toolbar

10.3.4.2 [OPTIONS], [FONT FORMAT BAR]

The [Font Format Bar] provides access to standard font and paragraph formatting options. The purpose and use of each option on this toolbar are summarized in Table 20. Each selection on the [Font Format Bar] can be used to affect a range of text b y highlighting the desire d text then making a selectio n. When a text range is not selected, any [Font Format Bar] selection wi ll effec t all text entered at the current insertion point only. This toolbar also displays the formatting in place at the current insertion point when a sel ection is not made. Using the arrow ke ys to move within the text of an open document refreshes this toolbar with the current text formatting at the cursor insertion point.

Figure 41. COMPASS Report Editor, Font Format Bar

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Font Selection

Font Size

Font Bold

Font Italic

Font Underscore

Font Strikeout

Left Justify

Center

Right Justify

Bullets

Table 20. Font Format Toolbar

Displays and changes the current f ont. A complete list of all fonts supported by the PC displays in the font selection box.

Displays and changes the current font size. Enter the numerical value of the desired font size and press [ENTER]. Each value entered or present in the document is added to the list of available font sizes and can be selected using [↓].

Displays and changes the current font bold setting. [CTRL]+B is a shortcut to this toolbar item. This font is in bold.

Displays and changes the current font it alic setting. [CTRL]+I is a shortcut to this toolbar item. This font is in italics.

Displays and changes the current font underscore setting. [CTRL]+U is a shortcut to this toolbar item. This font uses an underscore.

Displays and changes the current font strike out setti ng. This font uses a the font strike out.

Displays and changes the paragraph justification to left. Left justification forces all text to begin at the current left indent ation point (see Section 10.7.3). Only one style of jus tification can be used per paragraph.

Displays and changes the paragraph jus tification to center. When active, text is centered between the lef t and right indentation points (see Section 10.7.3).

Displays and changes the paragraph justification to right. When active, text is aligned to the right indentation point of the docum ent (see Section 10.7.3). Most commonly this is the right margin.

Adds or removes bullets to a paragraph.

10.3.4.3 [OPTIONS], [RULER]

The Ruler gives a visual indication, in inches, of the document layout. At all times the left mos t position of the ruler corresponds to the lef t margin setting of the document. Changes in the m argin settings will not reflect on the ruler (see Section 10.6.4). T he COMPASS Report Editor uses the ruler mainl y to support tab positioning and paragraph indentation. Table 21 gives a functional description of the options present on the Ruler toolbar.

Tabs and indent values are adjusted by using the mouse to click and drag

the tool to the desired location. Where the mouse button is released determines the new location of the indent or tab.

10. THE [REPORT] MENU

Figure 42. COMPASS Report Editor, Ruler

Table 21. Ruler

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Sets or displays the left indentation point of the first line of a paragraph. The ruler location of this indent always displays as the

Left Indent

Left Hanging Indent

Right Indent

number of inches from the left margin. Sets or displays the left hanging indent of subsequent lines in a

paragraph. Using the mouse, click the left hanging indent image and drag it to the desired locati on then release the mous e button to drop it. This parameter has no effect on the first l ine of a paragraph and can be greater than or less than the left indent.

Sets or displays the right indentation point of a paragraph. Unlike the left indent properties, the right indent affects the entire paragraph. The ruler location of this indent always displays as the number of inches from the left margin.

Sets or displays the location of all tabs that effect the current

insertion point. To add a tab, click t he ruler where you want the tab

Tab

to be located, a “T”l appears indica ting t he new ta b locati on. A djust t ab locations by using a mouse drag and drop operation. Right click a tab to remove it from the ruler. A Windows standard tab of 0.5 inches is always present, even when no other tabs display on the ruler. A maximum of 15 tabs can be used to effect a single range of text.

10.3.5 [WINDOW] MENU

The [Window] menu contains a list of the file names of all open documents in the COMPASS Report Editor. Any document selected in the list becomes the current top document in

the editor. As an alternative to using th is menu feature, clicking an y open document in the display can make it the current top document.

10.3.6 [HELP] MENU

The [HELP] menu accesses the COMPASS Report Editor on line help. [S

how Help] opens the Help function to the C ontents screen fr om which help functio ns can

be accessed.

earch Help] opens the Help function to a standard keyword search tool.

10.4 REPORT EDITOR AUTOMATION

The COMPASS Report Editor supports several Windows automation features which allow the report editor to be used with other applications. The intent of these features is to allow another application to cause the report editor to generate a report using COM P ASS data files. There is no intent for the COMPASS Report Editor to act as a generic reporti ng tool for other applications. O nly *.dat files generated b y COMPASS can be merged to successfully produce reports. All other files are opened as documents in the editor.

The automation features of the COMPASS Report Editor are advanced topics requiring information

beyond the scope of this manual. This information is provided for advanced users. There is no intent for the COMPASS Report Editor to act as a generic reporting tool for other applications. Only *.dat files generated by COMPASS will successfully produce reports. All other files are opened as documents in the editor.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

10.4.1 DRAG AND DROP

The COMPASS Report Editor supports standard Windows file drag and drop features. A set of file names can be dragged to the title bar of the COMPASS Report Editor from Windows Explorer or th e <Test Conclusion> screen (see Section 5.2.3). A ll *.dat files will automatically generate a report in the report editor using the current report template. All other files automatically open for editing in the report editor.

10.4.2 COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS

COMPASS uses comm and line arguments an d DDE (Dynam ic Data Exchange) to ge nerate reports in the report ed itor after the completion of a test. Running th e COMPASS Report Editor with a comm and line of data file names s eparated by the pipe ch aracter “ |” generates a separate report for each data file using the cur rent report template. T he command line is accessed using the shortc ut target property of an ico n in Windows. Familiar ity with creating and editing Windows icons is required to use this feature. Refer to the Windows documentation and Help for details.

10.4.3 DDE (DYNAMIC DATA EXCHANGE)

The COMPASS Report Editor has an object th at ac ts as a DDE source that can be c ha nge d to generate a report or open docum ents. To simplify the DDE exchange, the report editor acts as a source instead of a destination to avoid the requirement for a user setup in the report editor. The three ba sic requir em ents to esta blis h a DD E link are the applic ation nam e, link topic and link item. These values respectively correspond to: “COMPASS Report Editor”, “mdiReprt” and “lblDDE.” Us e these valu es with the DD E destinatio n application to initiate the DDE link . Poke data file names s epar ate d b y a pipe c harac t er “ |” into the “lblDDE” source to generate reports. Poke refers to the technique of setting data in a DDE source using a DDE destination application.

11. THE [HELP] MENU

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11.1 OVERVIEW

The [Help] accesses COMPASS on line help.

how Help] opens the Help function to the Welcome screen from which Help functions can

be accessed.

earch Help] opens the Help function to a standard keyword search tool.

For further help on using COMPASS, refer to the on-line help . C lick on the i tem of inter est and pres s the [F1] key to call up the Help file, or choose <COMPASS Help Index> from the Help menu. For ins truc ti on on the use of Help, select <Help for Help> from the Help menu.

HHEE

[[H

EELLP

]] M

EENNU

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12. DATA FILES

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12.1 OVERVIEW

Data files (*.dat) ar e the files created by COMPASS to stor e the data relating to a test run o n a DUT. Data files can be viewed, edit ed, printed and made into custom report all within COMPASS. Data f iles have also been designed to be easily exported to third party applications, such as spreadsheets or instrument management software.

12.2 DATA FILE CREATION (LOG FILES)

At the beginning of a test run, a .log file is created. This file contains all the details on the test (reference information, DUT information, test information) and test data is logged to it as the test runs. A “data” fil e (.dat) is created fr om the log file at the tim e of normal test c onclusion. If a test is

aborted before test conclusion is reached, COMPASS queries the operator as to whether to keep the partial “data” file. If <Yes> is selec ted, a *.dat file is created from the *.log f ile containing the c omplete test information and the data taken to the point at which the test was aborted.

“Log” files are nam ed autom atic ally the sam e wa y as “ data” files (see S ection 1 2. 3) but are stor ed i n their own single director y. T he def ault dir ec tory is “comp4prs\log\*.log”. The def ault direc tory may be changed by user preference (see Section 8.3. 5).

“Log” files may be useful to recover lost data if a “data” file is damaged. COMPASS offers the choice of whether to create a new log fi le for each t est or to over write the l og file eac h time a test is started (s ee Secti on 8.3.4) . The default selection is to overwrite the log file to limit the number of files created by COMPASS.

12.3 NAMING AND STORING DATA FILES

“Data” files are named and stored automatically. The default directory for COMPASS “data” files is “comp4prs\data\DUTIDinfo\*.dat”. The “DUTIDinfo” sub-director y is created autom atically by COMPASS using the DUT serial number or the DUT ID depending on the [Tools], [Op tions], [Dat a File], [Directory Name ] preference selected (see Section 8.3.4). By default, the DUT serial number is used (specified in the “DUT” file, s ee Section 6.2). The defa ult root dir ectory for COMPASS data su b-directori es can be cha nged (see Section 8.3.5). The DUT based sub-directories are automatically be created at the designated location.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The automated *.dat file name follows dddddddaa0.dat where: ddddddd Is the dat e of the test using a four digit year followed by the J ulian date (e.g., 1999001 for

January 1, 1999). The year 2000 will, therefore be ide ntif ied b y 2000.

“Data” file naming is the only date sensitive COMPASS function. The file naming

convention is fully year 2000 compliant.

aa Represents the test run n umber on the DUT being tested for day dddddd d. This indicator

increments from aa to zz allowing up to 676 tests per DUT, per day.

0 Represents the cycle num ber (see Section 7.2.6) of test aa on date ddddddd on the DUT

being tested. This indicator increments 0 to 9 and increments only on tests with multiple test cycles.

COMPASS’s automatic naming convention for “data” files makes it possible for two *.dat files to have

the same name. However, the two files will always be stored in different directories since they would have to be for DUTs with different serial numbers. To avoid conflicts or accidental overwrites when moving “data” files to new locations, the user should keep in mind that different “data” files may have the same name.

12.4 DATA FILE STRUCTURE

The “data” file structure includes headings and labels that make it easy to read and follow. The information in the “data” file is divided into sections. Each section, with the exception of the first section, is preceded with a blank line followed by a single line describing the section. The “data” file sections are:

Run Information (no section title) Gives test data, start time and operator name. DUT Includes the inform ation from the “DUT” file (*.dut) of the DUT that

was tested (see Section 6.2).

Reference Data Includes inf ormation on the pres sure reference included i n the h ardware

configuration at the time the test was run (see Sections 8.2.1 and 8.2.2).

Electrical Measuring Device Includes information on the electrical measuring device included in

the hardware configura tion at the time the test was run (on ly if the electrical measuring device was used) (see Section 8.2.3).

Multiplexer Includes information on the multiplexer included in the hardware

configuration at the time the test was run (only if the electrical measuring device was used) (see Section 8.2.4).

Test Includes information from the “test” file (*.tst) that defines the test

procedure used to run the test (see Section 7.2).

Leak Test Includes leak pressure set time, calculated leak rate and pass/fail

status for the test run (see Section 7.2.3).

Cycle Test Includes cycle pressure set times (see Section 7.2.4).

12. DATA FILES

Test Data Includes , f or ea c h p re s sure point in t h e test: Nomin a l Set P o int , Se t T ime,

Reference Pressure, DUT Output, Error and Status.

Calculations Includes values calculated from the test data: linearity, hysteresis,

best fit straight line slope and offset (see Section 15). Notes User notes entered at the end of the test. Each of the “data” file sections, except the first section, starts with a blank line and the section title

followed by a retur n. For the first five secti ons, following the section tit le and return, each data f ield is listed preceded by a label and followed by a return. The next three sections (Leak Test, Cycle Test, Test Data) are in a table form at. The line immediately following the section title gives the table colum n headings followed by a retur n and th en each l ine of the t able fol lowed b y a return. The Calculations section follows the structure of the first sections. In the Notes section, the Test Notes are in one continuous string following the section title return.

The data in a *.dat file m ay be delimited by commas or tabs (see Section 8.3.4). The default cho ice is comma data delim iters. The COMPASS functions that use *.dat files ad apt autom atically to comm a and tab delimited “data” files. When using a third party application, be sure to choose the appropriate delimiter prior to importing the data.

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13. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

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13.1 OVERVIEW

This section contains several gener ic applicat ion examples that c over m any common COMPASS setups. Using these exam ples and the How Do I? ti ps in Section 14 will greatly sim plify the learning process to get a test started. Althoug h each ex am ple m ay not include ex plic it instr uctions on all t est s teps, there ar e three required steps that must be followed before a test can be run:

 Create (or select) a *.tst file.  Create (or select) a *.dut file.  Configure the test hardware for the current setup.

Each of the examples in Sections 1 3.1.1 to 13.1. 3 uses gener ic DUT command inf ormation. Ref er to the actual DUT documentation when trying to run a test following any of these examples.

13.1.1 EXAMPLE #1

“How do I use a PPC2+ re f erence t o au to mati cally calibrate my DUT that has a ran ge of 0 to 100 kPa and an RS232 output?”

For this example, ass um e the test fil e “T est1.tst” has dynam ic contr ol tes t points s etup that f it the requirements of the DUT. The DUT in this example outputs in the format “*010096.343 kPa” as 96.343 kPa when pass ed the command “*0100P3.” The objective of this example is t o dem onstrate t he basic re quirem ents of a direct pressure o utput DUT using a remote comm and and how to use the COMPASS [CONFIGURATION]. The DUT in th is example uses an RS232 interface, however changing the <DUT Data Acquisition> to IEEE 488 is all that is required to use an IEEE 488 DUT.

13.1.1.1 SET UP AN RS232 DUT

Use [DUT], [Create DUT] to set up a new DUT file. If a DUT with similar character istics alr eady exis ts it is eas ier to use t he [DUT], [Edit DUT] option rather than starting f rom scratc h. Before at tempting to s et up the RS 232 DUT refer t o the DUT docum entation to de termine th e command to output pres sure and the RS232 interface s ettings. The firs t step is to ent er all of the DUT h eader informati on and decide whet her to make th is a <DUT P rofile> or a <DUT Def inition>. Unless the DUT is unique or will be run several times it is a good idea to select the <DUT Profile> option to allow th e DUT file to be us ed for mult iple DUTs (se e Sect ion 6. 2). Next, enter th e press ure r ange inf orm atio n. In m ost cases , if a DUT outputs direc tl y in RS232 or IEEE 488, it will output in pressure units. This example assumes this to be the case. No te th at bo th <Output Units> and <Pressure Units> are kPa and the <DUT Data Acquisiti on> se lect ion is R S232 in Fig ure 43. F inall y, the c omm and to read pressur e in kPa must be entered in the <Command> field. T he DUT in this example outputs “*010096.343 kpa” when passed the command “*0100P3.” The initial “*0100” is not part of the pressure response and must be stripped away. This is ach ieve d by se ttin g the <L eading characters to strip.> f ield to 5. Save this DUT as “Example DUT 1”. The basic structure of an RS232 DUT is shown in Figure 43. See Section 6.2 for more information on DUT setup.

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The RS232 communications port and settings have not been entered. This selection occurs in one of the last steps in test initializ ation, <Setup DUT(s) - Data Acquisition> (see Section 5. 2.1). Figure 47 and th e associated no te describe wh at is necessar y to select the RS232 port and settings.

Figure 43. RS232 DUT Example

13.1.1.2 SET UP A PPC2+ AS THE REFERENCE

Use [Tools], [Config Hardware] to open the hardware configuration screen. Select the <Reference> tab and press <New> to create a new reference (see Section 8.2.2). Select PPC2+ from the model in the reference setup screen. Then enter all other support information. For this example, the PPC2+ will use an IEEE 488 inter face. T he IEEE 4 88 addres s of the P PC2+ ca n be deter mined us ing the PPC+ fro nt panel “Set up” menu. In th is example, 10 is used. Press <OK> to save this reference profile.

Figure 44. Example #1 PPC2+ Reference Setup

Now that the PPC2+ is set up, it must be selected o n the [CONFIGURATION] tab (see Section 8.2.1). This tab is the o nly place a real confi guration selection can be made. The [Reference], [DMM ], [Multiplexer], and [ IEEE 488] tabs ar e all displays of the available device options. A selection on any of these tabs simply updates the d ispl a y and does n ot make a configurati on s e lec t ion. Ch oos e

13. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

the [CONFIGUR ATION] tab after saving the referenc e setup. Select the PPC 2+ in the <Pressure Reference> list. Since the PPC2+ will use an IEEE 488 interface, mak e sure an <IEEE 488 Card > selection is made. The <DMM> and <Multiplexer> selections will have no effect on the test. COMPASS reserves these selections for DUT’s with DMM <Data Acquisition>. When the [CONFIGURATION] is set up, there is no reason to make future selections unless adding ne w hardware or editing a n existing se lection. Cl ick the <Close> button to store the current [CONFIGURATION] selections.

Figure 45. Example #1 Configuration

13.1.1.3 RUN THE TEST

Use [Run], [Run Test] to execute a test with the “Example DUT 1.dut” file. Select this file and the “Test1.tst” f ile in the test init ialization (see Section 5.2.1). COMPASS will automatically access the PPC2+ and allow range selection. Next, the <Setup DUT(s)> screen displays for the final setup of the DUT serial number, identification, and RS232 settings. Enter the DUT serial number and identification then c lick the RS232 settings labe l next to the DUT to disp lay the RS232 setup window. Make the necessar y RS232 selections and press <OK> (see Section 8.2.6). Since the DUT was saved as a <DUT Profile>, several DUTs can be set up at this point if des ired. Pres s <OK> on the <Setup DUT(s)> screen to start the test. COMPASS will step through the test point sequence gathering data from the PPC2+ and the DUT (see Section 5.2.2).

Figure 46. Example #1 DUT Interface Setup

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

The COM2 port of the PPC2+ can be used instead of a communications port

on the PC by selecting <Ref Com2> found at the end of the <COM Port> list.

This selection is valid for any RS232 device except the pressure reference itself.

Figure 47. Example #1 RS232 Setup with Ref Com2

13.1.2 EXAMPLE #2

Assuming the PPC2+ fro m Example 1 is s etup, and “T est1.tst” exists w ith the desired pressure sequence, “How do I calibrate 1 DUT that outputs 0 to 100 mV corre sponding to 0 to -30 inWa @ 15 °C using an HP34401A Digital Multimeter to read the DUT?”

The HP34401A is a popular high accuracy Hewlett Packard multimeter that has an IEEE 488 and RS232 interface. T o read a v oltage fr om this DMM, the SCPI com mand “ME AS:VOLT:DC?” must be issued. This ex ample demonstrates how to use a user def ined unit, and the basic requirements of setting up a DMM data acquisition DUT and what is required by the [CONFIGURATION].

13.1.2.1 SET UP DMM DATA ACQUISITION DUT

Use [DUT ], [Create DUT] to create this DUT from scratch or use [DUT], [Edit DUT] to edit a sim ilar DUT (see Section 6.2). Enter the basic DUT inform ation

and min/max pressure and output values. Select “mV” as the output units as required by the DUT. To enter a new pressure uni t, click the <Units> field. To use inWa pressure units always requires knowledge of the temperature reference of the unit. COMPASS supports 4 °C, 2 0 °C and 60 °F units b y default. In this example, the DUT requires 15 °C as the temperature reference. Since t his is not part of the standard units selection, a user defined unit must be created (see Section 6.2). Select the <User Defined> item in the units list. This enables the <Conversion to Pa> entry f ield. Enter the conversion factor 4.01812e-3. This number converts inW a @ 15 °C to Pa. The unit label “W15” is entered s o this units displays in an ob vious fashion during t ests. Since this DUT is gau ge, use the <Mode> tab to select <Gauge> then click <OK>.

13. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Figure 48. Example #2 User Defined Unit Setup

Select DMM in the <DUT Data Acquisition> since this DUT outputs in m V and will use a DMM to r ead this output. T here may be a temptatio n to select IEEE 488 or RS232 as the <DUT Data Acquisition> and enter the command “MEAS:VOLT:DC?” in th e <Command> field. Altho ugh this woul d work in m any cases, it will not work in this example. This command will give the current voltage in “V” not “mV” as required b y the <Output Units> selection. COMPASS will never make any unit conversions to the output of a DUT read using the <Command> entr y. The DUT data tak en would be off b y a factor of 1 000. T he output command m ust always respond in the output units se lected. It is best to configure a DMM in the COM PASS [CONFIGURATION] and selec t D M M as t he <DUT Data Acqui sition > mode ins tead of at temptin g to enter th e command in the DUT. Enter the other basic DUT information then save this DUT as “Example DUT 2.dut”. The <DUT Profile> se lection is used in this c ase m aking it poss ible to use this DUT profile for a multiple DUT test.

Figure 49. Example #2 DMM DUT Data Acquisition

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

13.1.2.2 DMM CONFIGURATION SETUP

Use [Tools], [Config Hardware] then s elect th e <DMM> tab and cl ick <New> to create a new DMM. Enter the basic DMM setup information at the top of the form. This particular DMM supports both RS2 32 and IEEE 488. In this ex ample IEEE 488 is used. If RS232 wer e chosen, it is possibl e to use the <Ref Com2> option to use the COM2 port of the PPC2 + reference. The DMM d ocumentation states that it uses the SCPI commands and ex plains how to se t up the DMM for communications. To complete the DMM setup requires the entry of the IEEE 488 address and the se lection of the <SCPI> box. When <SCPI> is selected there is no special command setup required because COMPASS stores the necessary information to interface with a SCPI DMM (see Section 8.2.3). To make this example more general, assume the command “MEAS:VOLT:DC?” is not an SCPI command. Deselect the <SCPI> option then select “Voltage (V)” from the <Command Type> field and enter the command “MEAS:VOLT:DC?” in the command field. Now is a g ood time to find the command to read current so there is no need to re-configur e this DMM in the futur e. Select “Current (A)” from the <Command Type> field and enter the command “MEAS:CURRENT:DC?”. This is the command to read cur rent i n Amps for this p articular DMM. T here are no lead ing characters to strip and the command terminator is carriage return + line feed. Press <OK> to save this DMM. This setup provides COMPASS with the necessary information to use a DUT that outputs in V, mV and/or mA.

Figure 50. Example #2 DMM Setup

Select the DMM on the [CONFIGURATION] tab by it s model and serial num ber. Unlike Example 1, the <DMM> and <Multiplexer> selections ha ve a large impact on the test. If the <Multiplexer> field co ntains any selecti on other than “None”, COMPASS will issue the multiplexer command(s) before attempting to read the DMM. In this example, “None” s hould be selected. Click <Close> to store the configuration and return to the main program.

13. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Figure 51. Example #2 DMM Configuration

13.1.2.3 RUN THE TEST

Now that COMPASS is c onfigured with the necessary hard ware to run the test, use [Run], [Run Test] to start a test sequence. Se lect the DUT file “Example

2.dut” and the test file “T est1.ts t” when pr om pted. Ther e is no int erfac e selectio n required when setting up the DUT interface at the end of the test initialization. The text “DMM” will appear under the <Data Acquisition> column heading. COMPASS will step through the test point sequence gathering data from the PPC2+ and the DUT (see Section 5.2.2).

Figure 52. Example #2 DUT DAQ with DMM

13.1.3 EXAMPLE #3

“How do I calibrate 8 DUTs from Example 2 using an HP34970A data acquisition unit and a PPC2+?”

An HP34970A is a DMM/M ultiplexer unit manufac tured by Hewlett Packard that can contain up to 60 rela y channels whi ch can be in divi duall y route d to an intern al m ultim eter . Fluk e and Keithley also manufacture similar instruments. To read a voltage on channel 1 of this instrument requires th e command “MEAS:VOLT :DC? (@101)”. To read channel 2 requires “MEAS:VOLT:DC? (@1 02)”. The last 2 digits will increment to 20 correspond ing to the first 20 relay channels . Each of these comm ands switches the multiplexer channel and returns

COMPASS® FOR PPC/RPM™ USER’S MANUAL

the DC voltage measurement. Issuing the command “READ?” following a measure command will out put an oth er r ead in g us ing the same channel and readin g co nfiguration. It is a short cut to issuing another measurement command. This example demonstrates how to set up a DMM and multiplexer configuration.

This example builds on Examples 1 and 2, using the reference, DUT and test file of these examples. Refer to these examples for more information on the setup of the other support instruments for this test.

13.1.3.1 EXAMPLE MULTIPLEXER SETUP

The HP34970A multimeter is special because it also acts as a multiplexer. COMPASS can use the sam e device as a m ultimeter and multiplex er as long as the device interface and supporting command information is entered properly. Start the multiplexer setup by using [Tools], [Config Hardware] then select the [Multiplexer] tab and click the <New> button to cr eate a new multiplexer (see Section 8.2.4). Enter the basic multiplexer header inform ation at the top of the <Add Multiplexer> screen (see Figure 53). In this exam ple the HP43970A is setup to use IEEE 488 address 2, this should be set up on the <Remote

Interface> panel. Nex t the command to read each DUT must be entered in the <Command Information> panel. Select <Command 1> from the <Command Number> option. Enter “MEAS:VOLT:DC? (@101)” as required to read channel 1.

Select <Command 2> from the <Command Number> option. Enter “MEAS:VOLT:DC? ( @102)” as requir ed to r ead channe l 2. COMPASS will automatically copy the previous comm and to an y ne w c ommand selected mak ing it necessary to only edit the last two digits of the command as opposed to reentering all of the command information. Repeat this sequence for the eight DUTs required by this s etup. At this point, it is good prac tice to add as many commands as the current setup could possibly support to avoid future configuration changes. Click <OK> to save the multiplexer setup.

Notice there is no leading c haracter to s trip inform ation required for a multipl exer. This is because COM P ASS never uses the response of the multiplexer even if the command used would produce the desired output. The sole purpose of the multiplexer command(s) is to close and open the appropriate channels to expose an individual DUT output to a DMM. This exam ple is a bit simplified in the f act that the command to expose a DMM also isola tes all other DUTs. See Sect ion 8.2.4 for more information on the command requirements of a multiplexer.

Fluke COMPASS FOR RPM V2.0, COMPASS FOR PPC V2.0 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

USER REGISTRATION

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

2. GETTING STARTED

2.1 OVERVIEW

2.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

2.3 INSTALLING COMPASS FOR PPC/RPM

2.4 RUNNING THE PROGRAM

2.5 LANGUAGE SUPPORT

2.6 UNINSTALLING

3. OPERATING PRINCIPLES

3.1 OVERVIEW

3.1.1 BASICS SUMMARY

4. MAIN RUN SCREEN

4.1 OVERVIEW

4.2 MAIN MENU BAR

4.3 RUN TEST SCREEN

4.4 RUN TEST TOOLBAR

5. THE [RUN] MENU

5.1 OVERVIEW

5.2 [RUN], [RUN TEST]

5.2.1 TEST INITIALIZATION

5.2.1.1 SELECT DUT FILE

5.2.1.2 PREVIEW DUT

5.2.1.3 SELECT TEST FILE

5.2.1.4 PREVIEW TEST

5.2.1.5 REFERENCE VERIFICATION

5.2.1.6 SETUP DUT(S)

5.2.1.7 USER ID

5.2.2 RUN TEST

5.2.2.1 MANUAL ENTRY DATA ACQUISITION

5.2.3 TEST CONCLUSION

5.3 [RUN], [RE-RUN TEST]

5.4 [RUN], [EXIT]

6. THE [DUT] MENU

6.1 OVERVIEW

6.2 [DUT], [CREATE DUT]

6.3 [DUT], [EDIT DUT FILE]

6.4 [DUT], [REMOVE DUT FILE]

7. THE [TEST] MENU

7.1 OVERVIEW

7.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST]

7.2.1 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], <TEST POINTS> TABLE

7.2.1.1 ZERO ABSOLUTE TEST POINTS

7.2.2 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [AUTO FILL POINTS] TAB

7.2.3 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [LEAK TEST] TAB

7.2.4 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CYCLE] TAB

7.2.5 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [CONTROL SETTINGS] TAB

7.2.6 [TEST], [CREATE TEST], [SEQUENCE] TAB

7.3 [TEST], [EDIT TEST FILE]

7.4 [TEST], [REMOVE TEST FILE]

8. THE [TOOLS] MENU

8.1 OVERVIEW

8.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE]

8.2.1 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [CONFIGURATION] TAB

8.2.2 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [REFERENCE] TAB

8.2.3 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [DMM] TAB

8.2.4 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [MULTIPLEXER] TAB

8.2.5 [TOOLS], [CONFIG HARDWARE], [IEEE 488]

8.2.6 RS232 SETUP

8.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS]

8.3.1 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [MAINTAIN LISTS]

8.3.2 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [INITIALIZE TEST]

8.3.3 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [RUN TEST]

8.3.4 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [DATA FILE]

8.3.5 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [FILE LOCATIONS]

8.3.6 [TOOLS], [OPTIONS], [LANGUAGE]

8.4 [TOOLS], [REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS]

9. THE [DATA] MENU

9.1 OVERVIEW

9.2 [DATA], [VIEW TEST DATA]

9.3 [DATA], [PRINT TEST DATA]

9.4 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA]

9.4.1 [DATA], [PLOT TEST DATA], [FILE]