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Step 1: Load Example Sequence File

To introduce you to Test Flow, we will start by loading an example Sequence previously stored in the BenchVue Library.

  1. Click the Library view from the main BenchVue application window and search the folders on the left for "BenchVue Test Flow Examples" (an Internet connection is required). Then double-click on "BenchVue Test Flow - Getting Started with a Simple Sequence" to load the example for this Getting Started Tutorial. If Test Flow is not already running, it will automatically launch when you load the example.



    Note: The specific Test Flow examples included in the Library are subject to change.


  2. When launched, Test Flow occupies the right-hand panel of the BenchVue user interface. When Test Flow is running, launched bench applications occupy the left-hand panel of BenchVue user interface. This example is designed to run in the BenchVue Demo Mode with simulated instruments. If desired, you can modify the examples later to run with actual instruments on your bench.


       
1   Instrument controls and properties outlined with orange rectangles can be added to a Sequence. To add a control or measurement block to the Sequence, use your mouse to drag the block from the bench application and drop it in the Sequence Workspace. The controls and properties supported will vary depending on the instrument and model number.
2   Test Flow uses controls and measurements from launched bench applications to create a Sequence. When Test Flow is running, launched bench
applications occupy the left-hand panel of BenchVue user interface.
3   Click on the "Show More Blocks" button, or the "More Blocks" panel on the left, to get access to additional Sequence block types and tools.
4   Click the "Preview" tab to verify your steps in chart form before executing the Sequence (if necessary, use the slider bars to resize the Preview area).
5   Click here to launch the Test Flow application.
6   View this Help file for the Test Flow application.
7   Use the Settings menu to configure Test Flow options or view the Welcome Screen.
8   Click the 'Start' button to execute the current Sequence and store the test data.
9   Sequences are created in the Sequence Workspace area. Use your mouse to drag blocks from a running bench or PathWave application and drop them here in the Workspace.

 

  1. The term Sequence refers to a series of individual steps or operations that make up an automated test within Test Flow. Each step or operation, called a Block, corresponds to a measurement, configuration setting, or property from a launched bench application, such as a power supply or digital multimeter. Using Test Flow's drag-and-drop interface, as described later in this tutorial, you can easily add new blocks, move existing blocks, and also add loops and delays to the Sequence.





    For this example, a simple Sequence containing three blocks is created for you. As shown above, each block within the Sequence corresponds to a power supply configuration or property (designated as instrument #1) or a DMM measurement (designated as instrument #2). Each of the three blocks is described below (the color of the blocks may vary).

    Block A: Power Supply – This "Set" block disables the Channel 1 output.

    Block B: Power Supply – This "Sweep" block sets up a loop, which steps through a range of voltages on Channel 1 – the sweep steps from 1V to 5V in increments of 1V. With each sweep, the voltage is incremented to the next value and Block C, which is contained within the loop, is executed a total of five times.

    Block C: DMM – This "Get" block takes one DMM measurement with each loop of Block B – a total of five measurements will be taken when the sequence is executed.

  1. If desired, check "Show On-Screen Tips" below the Sequence Workspace to display hints as you are building your Sequence.


 

In the next step of this tutorial, we will add additional blocks to the Sequence and move existing blocks to new positions within the Sequence.