Remote access of automated test equipment

Abstract

The control of Programmable Instruments using the GPIB, is possible through the use of Application Programmers Interface (API). This thesis investigates the possibilities of using a web server to provide remote access, to allow interactive control of the instruments in an Automated Test Equipment (ATE) rack. Fully documented programs where developed using the lcc-win32 software development environment, and tested using an Apache web server. Programs and web pages where developed for all the instruments included in the ATE Rack. A web server to host all the pages developed for interaction with the ATE rack was configured to provide a password controlled system. But due to security issues regarding the PC that the equipment is attached to, connection to the Internet was not possible. But some tests where performed to simulate the various components that the Internet is comprised of, to detect possible errors that may occur.