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Frequently
Asked Questions
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initially develop the test program? Test program development is done on any standard PC (It doesn't need to be IBM compatible) running a simple word processor or text editor program. "Notepad" or "Wordpad" will do fine. Save the program as ASCII text (or DOS text). The program can be loaded into the FT-100 through the disk drive (IBM compatible format) or through the RS232 serial port. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]The easiest way to get a larger display is to interconnect a dumb terminal or personal computer to the RS232 serial port. No need to use a high-power computer, any old XT would work fine here. Run a terminal emulation program on the PC and all characters printed to the serial port will go to the computer screen. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]3. Can I control the FT-100 from a computer? Absolutely! The FT-100 can be operated in a "direct command" mode where input strings are interpreted as commands and executed immediately. Simply send individual commands from the computer, or you can have an FT-100 program that communicates with the computer. Doing this allows the FT-100 to run independently if needed, as well as be controlled remotely by the computer. Test results could be sent to the computer as needed. Y-tek Customer Support can help set this up if you are unsure of the procedure. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]4. I am using LabView for other test jobs. Can I connect the FT-100 to a LabView system? No problem. Many customers already have LabView set up and now want to add to their test capabilities. The FT-100 can be controlled through the RS232 serial port from LabView. The tester can be set up to execute individual commands or run independently and report results to LabView. This permits truly independent testing if needed. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]Changing from one
test setup to another involves four steps. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]6. What is the "speed" of the FT-100? The FT-100 normally executes commands through its built-in high-level language. Each command will take varying amounts of time, depending on many different factors, but we estimate a time for each command at about 300 microseconds. This varies with each command. If a much faster execution time is needed, the FT-100 can execute assembly-level subroutines directly. This allows commands of less than 10 microseconds. Y-tek Customer Support can help with any assembly-level subroutines. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]7. The board I need to test has 120 vac and 28 vac inputs. How can I control and test this board? The best way to control high voltages and/or AC voltages is through relays. The FT-100 digital outputs are high-current and can drive a small reed relay directly. Larger relays might require a transistor driver. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]8. I need to test a board that has voltages outside the range of the FT-100. How do I interface with these voltages? Switching high voltages can be done through relays driven by the FT-100 digital outputs. Measuring high voltages could be done through a scalar circuit (see Application Note AN100-06). The same process used in Application Note AN100-06 can be applied to supplying a wide-voltage range output as well. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]9. Can the FT-100 measure frequency? There is not a frequency counter built into the FT-100, however we do have an application note that is simply a subroutine that can measure low frequencies up to about 40 kHz (see Application Note AN100-10). Measuring higher frequencies would require an external frequency counter connected to the FT-100 through the RS232 serial port. If needed, the FT-100 has an external USB option that could be used to interface with an external frequency counter. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]10. I have a board to test but don't know exactly where to start. What do I do? Pick up the phone and give us a call! We always have an engineer that can help get you started. Even if you aren't a customer, we will be glad to talk with you about your test problems. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]11. I'm not a programmer. How can I develop the test program? Programming the FT-100 does not require a software engineer. The language was tailored after the BASIC programming language since it is the simplest and most widespread language. The FT-100 manual is an invaluable aid while programming. Every command is clearly described, with examples. And don't forget, help is as near as your phone. Every Y-tek customer gets lifetime technical support. And we don't mind the "easy" questions. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]12. Why didn't you design the FT-100 to be programmed in a language like C++? For the very simple reason that C++ is not an intuitive language. We wanted the FT-100 to be as simple and easy to program as possible. The FT-100 language is as straightforward as any language can get. We tell people "if you can verbally state you tasks, step-by-step, the program simply follows". [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]13. I need to generate an 11 bit pulse stream at 50 microseconds per bit. Isn't the FT-100 too slow to do this? Using a high-level language program would be a little too slow, but this should not be a problem for an assembly-level subroutine. The high-level program would handle all the tasks except the actual pulse generation. When the pulse stream needs to be sent, simply call the assembly routine directly from your high-level program. [Back to Questions]14. Can I connect the FT-100 to our network to automatically download test results? The FT-100 has an RS232 serial port that can be used to send data or test results to another computer or network. The FT-100 test program could be set up to continually send test results, or it could send the results when queried, like at the end of each day. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]15. Can the FT-100 be used to run parametric tests on components? While the FT-100 is not precisely a parametric tester, it can certainly be set up to accomplish many of the same tasks. The FT-100 measures voltages, so your test interface circuit would need to be configured to give voltage outputs. For instance, to measure current, simply use a fixed resistor and measure the voltage drop across the resistor. The FT-100 has extensive math capabilities and can handle any conversion routines directly. The ultra-high input impedance of the FT-100a analog inputs present practically no load to the circuits being measured. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]16. Will the FT-100 be damaged when I try to test a board that is full of "shorts"? All FT-100 I/O lines are overload protected, and all outputs should withstand continuous shorts to ground with no damage. If an I/O line is exposed to a voltage outside the protected range, the I/O interface IC will most likely be damaged. All interface IC's in the FT-100 are standard off-the-shelf devices and all are socketed for easy and quick replacement. [Back to Questions]17. How long is the FT-100 Warranty? All Y-tek products and services are warranted for one year. The only rare exception to this is in some high volume custom-designed test systems where test pins and/or connectors may have a shorter warranty. The warranty period is clearly stated in these cases. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]18. If any Y-tek equipment fails after the warranty period, can I still send it to you for repair? Yes. We can quickly repair any of our equipment, in warranty or not. Just let us know it's coming, and when you need it. We'll have it back to you when you need it. 24 hour turn-around is normal. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]19. The board I need to test has 220vac on it. What will happen if this voltage is shorted to one of the FT-100 I/O lines? Smoke! No, not really. But the interface IC will definitely be blown. If the tester is under warranty, send it back in for repair, or we can step you through the repair over the phone if you can't afford to be without the tester for awhile. All interface IC's are standard off-the-shelf devices and all are socketed for easy and quick replacement. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]20. We can't afford to have our manufacturing tester "down" for any length of time. How can we assure continuous test capability? The low cost of the FT-100 makes it easy to have a "spare" tester on hand. If you can't afford to be without test capabilities for a few days, that's really the only solution. The spare tester can usually be used for test program development or some non-critical test duties. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]21. I need to measure voltages on some very high impedance lines. Will the FT-100 load down my circuit? The new FT-100a has ultra-high impedance analog inputs and should introduce practically no load to your circuit. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]22. Our board has LED's and switches that must be manually tested. How do we handle these? Using the built-in LCD display, simply ask the operator if the red LED is "on", then wait for an answer. The operator would then press either the YES or NO push-button on the YES-NO pod to answer. The FT-100 is set up for complete operator interaction when needed. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]23. I need a printout of test failures for the repair technician, preferably with some diagnostics. Can the FT-100 do this? Yes. Connect a serial printer to the RS232 Serial Port on the FT-100 and include print commands in your test program whenever you want to print some information or data. The amount and detail of information is only limited by what you instruct the test program to print. For instance, if you want extremely detailed data at the instance of a failure, just insert a PRINT command that includes all input and output conditions. This could be a lot of information, but it would sure help the technician zero in on the defect, especially if the problem were an intermittent! [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]24. We need to record statistical test data for each of our boards. How would I do this with the FT-100? If you already have a statistical analysis program running on a PC or network, just connect the FT-100 up through the RS232 serial interface. All test data can be downloaded either as each test is performed or whenever queried. If the FT-100 needs to run alone, it can be a very powerful data collection and analysis tool. Test result data can be stored on the built-in floppy disk, and at a given time period (like the end of a production run) the data can be analyzed in a statistical way. The FT-100 has plenty of math capabilities to handle statistical analysis. All this, without extra computers or equipment. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]25. We have several FT-100's and need to purchase some more, but now you have the FT-100a. Is it compatible? Yes and no, but mostly yes. All accessories and Expansion Modules will work equally well with both units. Test programs developed for the FT-100 will always work on the FT-100a; however the reverse is not always true. The FT-100a has some features and program command that were not available on the FT-100. If you have a mixture of both units and need to develop test programs that must work on both, just use the FT-100 manual for all development. If you have already developed a program for the FT-100a, and it doesn't work on the FT-100, call Y-tek Customer Support. We will be glad to help you to get your program working. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]26. I need to capture and verify 8 bits of digital data that occurs only about every second. How would I go about doing this? There is no steady pattern. The FT-100 has an external trigger for one of the Digital Input Ports, much like an oscilloscope external trigger. Connect this line to a transition source that can be used to capture the data (the polarity of the trigger is unimportant). This is a hardware trigger, so it is completely independent of the test program. To use, simple RESET the latch, then periodically check the TRIG line. When the TRIG is "set", go recover the data. Reset the trigger whenever you want to capture the next set of data. All this is done through program commands. This hardware external latch allows the FT-100 to connect directly to microprocessor busses and act just like an output port. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]27. We need to test a board with frequencies of about 1 GHz. How can we do this? The FT-100 cannot directly handle that high frequency, however it is an excellent controller for other equipment. If your RF equipment has RS232 or USB options, the FT-100 can control all functions and record responses, in addition to controlling and testing other functions of your board. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]28. We test quite a few cables and have been using a standard cable tester, but now we have a new cable that has some electronic circuitry built in. Standard cable testers cannot test the active components. How can we test this cable? Lately, this has become a very common problem. With electronics get smaller and smaller, many manufactures are including interface electronics and circuit boards inside the connectors of optional cables. Fortunately, the FT-100 is very well equipped to handle this task. Using the digital I/O lines, the FT-100 makes an excellent "cable tester", plus all the electronic circuitry can be fully tested. Some manufacturers even include reprogrammable memory inside the cable. The FT-100 can easily test the memory and then download data to the memory as needed. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]29. Can I use the FT-100 for continuity testing on a backplane? Yes. The Digital I/O lines make an excellent continuity tester. With Expansion Modules, you can test almost 900 lines. If your backplane has some active components onboard, the FT-100 can test this circuitry as well. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]30. The board we need to test is actually a complete small computer on a board. The only access we have is through the interface connectors. How can I test this board? The only way to test a board under these conditions would be a functional test. The FT-100 can interface with your board in a straight-forward manner, however it would be advantageous to have your board respond to the FT-100 and perform some simple tasks. If your board has some sort of serial or parallel interface that could be used for communications, the FT-100 could very easily send simple "commands" to the board-under-test and test for the proper response. If the board-under-test has some extra memory available, a very small interface and decode routine could be included to permit direct communications with the FT-100. This would also allow field diagnostics using the FT-100. Y-tek has worked with several companies setting up this sort of communications. Call or e-mail Customer Support for more information. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]31. I need to capture and analyze a pulse waveform. Do I need extra equipment to do this? It depends on the speed and/or frequency of the signal. If it is very fast, you might need to interface with something like a storage oscilloscope. The FT-100 can control the oscilloscope and automatically download a captured waveform, then analyze the waveform for proper response. The waveform could even be stored on disk if a failure is detected, aiding the repair technician. If your signal is not too fast, we have two Application Notes that might work. One is an analog waveform capture routine (AN100-07) that can record a signal, much like a digital storage oscilloscope. The other (AN100-08) is a logic capture routine that can capture and record 8 digital input lines, much like a logic analyzer. These application notes capture and record data that can be analyzed by the FT-100. Pulses or any other complex waveform can be analyzed for proper functionality. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]32. My board has logic levels of 0 to 9 volts. How would I interface the FT-100 to this board? The easiest way to interface mismatched logic levels is by using devices like the 7407 and the 74HC4050 to translate the levels. Your board most likely is using standard 4000 series CMOS logic devices. If so, could probably interface the output of your board's 0 - 9v logic directly with the FT-100 digital input lines. The FT-100 digital inputs are overload protected up to 50 volts, so your 9 volts is well below the "danger level". [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]33. Can the FT-100 be used to control other test instruments? Yes. In fact it makes a very good controller, as well as a tester. Interface can be through the RS232 serial interface, or an optional USB interface. Power supplies often use a 0 to 10 volt control signal to adjust the output. Connecting one of the FT-100 analog output lines to this line allows the FT-100 to set the power supply output to the exact voltage needed. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]34. I need to simultaneously run two completely independent automated tests on separate parts of our subassembly, but coordinate the results as part of the overall test. How would I do this? Ideally, you should contact Y-tek Customer Support for detailed information, but in general, it sounds like this sort of test would best be done using two FT-100's, connected together through their serial interfaces. One unit would control the other, but they would each be able to run completely independent of each other. Test results from the "slave" tester would be transferred to the "master" tester. The test operator would interface with only the "master" tester. The low cost of the FT-100 makes this sort of testing a reality. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]35. Can the FT-100 be used to help troubleshoot and repair our boards? Absolutely! In fact, we strongly recommend using the FT-100 for troubleshooting defective boards. There are several ways the FT-100 can assist the repair technician: - Print and/or display detailed information about the defect and conditions at the time of failure. - Have the test pause on the defect condition. This will "freeze" the I/O to allow probing. The repair technician, using the attached keyboard, can look at all I/O conditions. He can even change the inputs and observe the outputs, yielding complete control over the defective board. - Develop a "troubleshooting program", separate from the main test program, to step the repair technician through the board's operation and zero in on the defect. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]36. Is there any way to "automate" the troubleshooting and repair of our board? Several of our customers have developed a separate "troubleshooting program" to be used by the repair technician, only on defective boards. This program steps the technician through the operation of the board and zeros in on the defect. The technician is often prompted to use tools like an oscilloscope or DMM to probe around the defective circuit. While this sort of program may not solve all the defective boards, it is usually very successful in getting the technician near enough to the problem that the solution becomes obvious. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]37. What happens if I purchase the FT-100 but decide later that it isn't suited for our particular testing? All Y-tek's standard products come with a "no lose" policy. If, for any reason, you decide the FT-100 is not suited for your application, simply send it back within the first two weeks for a complete and full refund (excluding shipping). It's that simple. By the way, we have had this same policy for over five years, and no one has ever asked to return a piece of equipment! [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]38. How can we use the FT-100 to catch intermittent problems? The best method is to set up the FT-100 to continually run tests on your board and monitor the responses. When the FT-100 detects a defect, record all conditions and continue testing for the next defect. This sort of testing could be set up to run for days, weeks, or more. If the intermittent only occurs during certain environmental conditions, the tests may be run in an environmental chamber. The FT-100 should record the exact environmental conditions at the time of failure, as well. Mechanical intermittent problems would most likely show up when the test is performed on a vibration table. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]39. Can the FT-100 be used for "life-testing" components and/or subassemblies? The FT-100 can be set up to run continuously, recording all data, or recording data only when failures occur. Tests could be set up to run for days, weeks, or much longer. In fact, some applications require a "test-till-failure". [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]40. We develop our test programs here in the United States, but our manufacturing and testing is done overseas. How can we update the test programs? Often, due to Engineering Changes, the tests performed on a production board must be modified. If Production and Engineering are in the same building, this might not be much of a problem, but that's not often the case. The test programs that run on the FT-100 can be transferred by floppy disk, or even better, sent through e-mail. We routinely send (and receive) programs all over the world through e-mail. Since the FT-100 disk drive is IBM compatible, simply copy the e-mailed file (or program) to a floppy disk and plug it into the tester. It's that simple. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]41. We use contract manufacturers for all our board assembly and testing. Can the FT-100 help us have more control over their test procedures and results? There are several ways the FT-100 can help: - Develop test routines at the designer's location. This maintains control of the testing by the designer and forces the manufacturer to use the exact test setup specified. - Have your test program record test data and results, and have the manufacturer ship or send this data to you. This gives you a record of the board's test results, plus a clear picture of how the manufacturer is doing. - Duplicate the test setup at your location. This assures complete test compatibility between the designer and the manufacturer. No mis-communication here! [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]Accessories 1. Can I add Expansion Modules later? Expansion Modules can be added at any time. Since there is no setup or configuration, Expansion Modules can be freely swapped at any time. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]2. Do I get free lifetime technical support with Expansion Modules and accessories? Yes. All Y-tek's standard products come with free lifetime technical support. 3. Will my FT-100 Expansion Modules work with the new FT-100a? And vice-versa? Yes. All FT-100 accessories will work equally well with the new FT-100a. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]Custom Test Systems 1. How much does it cost for a quotation? Nothing. All quotes are free. In fact, we will provide budgetary quotations for a board or assembly that is still in the design phase. A final quotation can be done later, if needed. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]2. What information do you need to provide a quotation? It's always good to get as much information as possible, however we can work with very limited information if necessary. Some customers come to us with detailed "books" describing their test needs in infinite detail. Others come to us with not even as much as an idea of what they need to test on their board. We can work at both extremes, and anywhere in the middle. Although each case is different, here is a list of some of the information that we might need: - Schematics are a almost always a necessity. - Mechanical information about the board, drawings or even sketches. - Type of fixture desired. Bed-of-nails, cable connect only, etc. - Any special tests that you are concerned about. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]3. I have a board to test, but don't know exactly what needs to be tested on this board. What do I do? Pick up the phone and call a Y-tek Test Consultant. We often work with our customers in defining the exact tests their board needs. The customer always has the final say in the test setup and conditions, but we can be a great asset when defining the required tests. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]4. We are a contract manufacturer and have a board to test, but very little technical information from our customer. Can you help us? Sure. We can work with very limited information if needed. If you wish, we can contact your customer to get technical information about the board, or we can tell you what information we will need and you can contact your customer. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]5. How long does it take to get a quotation on a test system? Normally, we can provide a quotation within about 24 hours after we receive the information. If you need a quotation sooner, just let us know. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]6. Our new product is not released yet. Can we get a "rough" quotation for a test system? Yes. We routinely work with customers before their board has reached final release. A "rough" quotation is a very good idea and can be used to assist the project budgeting. When the product is "released" to manufacturing, we can then provide an update to the quotation. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]7. At what point in the development cycle for a new product should we contact you about a test system? That's pretty much up to you, however we like to become involved as soon as possible. Before the board's final release, we can often make suggestions that make your board easier to test. Changes and/or additions are very costly (or impossible) after a product's release. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]8. What type of fixtures can you provide? Just about any type that you can imagine. We routinely design and build bed-of-nails fixtures with one-, two-, or three-dimensional operations. Some customers want the connectors on their board tested, so cable interfaces are also quite common. No two test fixtures are ever the same. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]9. We can build the fixture and interface but don't have the personnel to develop the test program. Can you help us? We can help with any part of the test system development that you need. You do what you feel you can handle, and we'll do the rest. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]10. What kind of warranty do we get with a custom test system? All of Y-tek's custom test systems come with a one year warranty. Test interface connectors and replaceable test pins are usually warranted for less. All warranty information is always clearly included with each quotation. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]11. Couldn't we build the same test system "in house" for a lot less money? Maybe, but probably not. Unless you build a lot of test systems, it is probably much less expensive to have us build the entire system. We are intimately familiar with the FT-100 and it operation. Although interfacing and programming the FT-100 is very simple, we are probably much more experienced and efficient than most others. We recommend estimating your cost to develop in-house, then get a quotation from us. Most are very surprised at our low prices. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]12. How much documentation do we get with a custom test system? There are no surprises or hidden information with a Y-tek designed test system. Our documentation normally includes: schematics of all custom-designed circuits, circuit descriptions, test program listing with line-by-line documentation, test program description, calibration information (if needed), etc. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]13. If we need to make some minor changes to our test program after delivery, do we need to send it all back to you? That's up to you. If the change is minor, you might want to make the change yourself. We can instruct you every step of the way. If you want, we can make the required modifications and either mail or e-mail the program back to you. We always keep copies of test programs on hand. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]Customer Support 1. How long can I get free technical support? Unlimited. Once a Y-tek customer, always a Y-tek customer. Pick up the phone when you need help. We're always here. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]2. Are there any limitations on the type of questions I can ask Customer Support? With the possible exception of personal questions, none. And there are no "silly" questions. In fact, we welcome the easy questions. They are a lot easier to answer! [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]3. How long does it normally take for a technical person to "get back" to me? Only in very rare circumstances will you not be able to talk with a Engineer every time you call. We take a great deal of pride in our customer service. When you have a problem or question, you deserve an answer right away! That's how we feel. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]4. I will be sending our test system to our manufacturing facility in Taiwan. Can they contact you directly for technical help? Yes. We don't care who has our equipment, we support it. They can contact us directly or you can require they go "through" you. It's your choice. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page]5. What if I have a problem on Sunday afternoon? Y-tek's normal business hours are 8-5 CST M-F, but we recognize that all our customers don't have the same hours. During our off-hours, our Customer Service lines are always routed to an Engineer.. If no one answers, please leave a message. We will do our best to make sure you get the help you need as quickly as possible. [Back to Questions] [Top of Page] |
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Y-tek, Inc. 851 Seton Court, Suite 1B, Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: (847) 436-9835 Y-tek, FT-100 and
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