The Automated System Marginer was developed to test the
reliability of modern personal computers in a variety of ways. Four new stations
recently went on line in personal computer manufacturing and reliability
analysis laboratories.
Microsoft Windows(TM) is the operating system and user
interface. The multi-tasking ability of Windows(TM) and ease of use were
key reasons for the choice.
The Automated System Marginer exercises all combinations of AC
and DC power supplies and clock cycles over a wide range of temperatures. Up to
127 different tests can be run in sequence.
The tester communicates with the device under test using the
universal RS-232 interface, so the tester can test virtually any IBM compatible
computer system. It reports all test voltages and sequences the test results to
the operator and to a real-time disk log. These tests can take days to execute,
so it was important that the operator understand where in the test sequence the
tester was at any given time.
The operator can control the +5, -5, +12, -12, and Power Okay
signals manually or automatically. Hi/Lo limits and test steps can be set. The
AC line voltage can be set to any frequency or voltage for international test
capability. The clock frequency, voltage levels and rise and fall times can be
set. All settings can be saved to disk.
