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INTRODUCTION
Most pressure calibration processes can benefit from automation. While automated calibration components are easily obtained, most users do not have access to the necessary software development and hardware integration resources needed to develop them into an automated calibration system. COMPASS for PPC/RPM provides the missing link needed to get from automated hardware components to a fully automated calibration system. and without consuming your internal engineering resources or facing the uncertainty usually associated with getting automated systems on-line.
 
FEATURES
  • Usable on any IBM-PC or compatible computer with 8 MB RAM, running Windows 3.lx, Windows 95 or Windows NT
  • Run complete automated calibration sequences on single or multiple DUTs unattended, including leak testing and pretest exercising.
  • Handles up to 15 RS232, IEEE 488, analogue or visual output instruments per test.
  • Calculates and reports linearity, hysteresis and repeatability for each DUT.
  • Readily adapts level of automation to test hardware and DUTs so COMPASS can be used for all your pressure calibrations even with standards other than DHI PPCs or RPMs.
  • Creates standard data files for easy downloading into other software tools.
  • On-board test report generation with simple template editing to produce calibration reports just the way you want them.
  • Includes special analogue gauge calibration mode with manual jog to set pressure to gauge cardinal point.
  • Supported by a detailed User's Manual and complete context sensitive on-board HELP
SETTING UP DEVICES TO BE TESTED (DUTs)
Screen Shot Individual device under test (DUT) definitions are defined and stored as *.dut files. The DUT file provides all of the information needed to identify a DUT and test it. Primary and secondary test files can linked to the DUT file so that the appropriate test procedures are automatically recalled when a DUT is tested.
Screen Shot
DUT profiles can be used to abbreviate setting up DUTs that are tested by type rather than by specific serial or ID number. A DUT selection tool allows DUT identification without having to keep track of *.dut file names.
 
SETTING UP TEST DEFINITIONS
Test sequences and characteristics are defined and stored as *.tst files. The *.tst files can be associated with specific DUTs. The test files specify the test procedure including the increments to be run (as a percent DUT span or in pressure units). Initialise Test and Run Test Options allow operation to be customised to specific user preferences.


Screen Shot
Screen Shot Screen Shot
 
CONFIGURING TEST HARDWARE
COMPASS for PPC/RPM makes setting up test hardware simple. Individual test system elements and their characteristics are set up in the Configuration Settings Tool. Then, specific elements to configure or reconfigure a test system can be selected at any time under a CONFIGURATION tab with pull down component lists. This allows hardware setups to be changed, for example to select a different calibration reference, without programming or interfacing skills.
Screen Shot Screen Shot
 
RUNNING TESTS
Running a test starts with the selection of a DUT to be tested. Once the DUT is selected, the user may choose to run the primary or secondary test associated with that DUT or another test selected from the available test definition files. In a multiple DUT test, the DUTs are identified and communications tested in an initialisation array. After initialisation, test execution begins. Unless a manual parameter has been specifically set up, test execution is fully automated and can run unattended.Screen Shot Test execution follows the sequential steps below:
  1. Leak test as defined in test file (if leak test included).
  2. Exercise DUT as defined in test file (if cycle at start of test is included)
  3. Set test pressure (automatically or manually as specified).
  4. Allow pressure jog to adjust pressure prior to readings (if specified).
  5. Wait for dwell time.
  6. Take reference and test readings for each DUT for averaging time (automatically or manually as specified).
  7. Store data to file, update test progress screen, update test plot screen.
  8. Set next pressure.
  9. After last pressure, present "Test Notes" screen.
  10. Present post test options screen.
While running a test, complete test information is available through a status line, a real time results array and error plot. Audible prompts are available to indicate when operator intervention is needed, when an out of tolerance condition is encountered and when a test has completed. An icon tool bar allows DUT and test details to be reviewed while the test is still running.
 
DATA HANDLING AND REPORT GENERATION
For each test a data file is created. The data file contains exhaustive information about the DUT and reference as well as the test data. This includes error, linearity and hysteresis values calculated from the test data. The data file is designed to be easily imported into third party applications, such as a spreadsheet program, for further analysis or report generation.

The COMPASS report function is available to create, view and print fully formatted test reports from data files. Extensive template based editing capabilities are included allowing the report to be formatted to your exact requirements. An error graph can be included in the report. (Note: The COMPASS Report function is only available with Windows 95.)

An advanced Plot function is provided to generate a variety of plots quickly and simply without leaving COMPASS. The plots can be created, viewed and printed. Available plots include error in pressure units, error in %FS, error % of reading and error vs. best fit straight line.

 


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