How to dynamically call and order program modules

[jcyth]

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@_Y_ wrote:

So, you probably need a state machine, which will control laucjnching/termination of threads and corresponding communication channels.

By the way, check Actor Framework Template. It could be helpful.

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Yea, we probably will have a Scheduler VI that will monitor and manage those program module so that they can be launched dynamically to differen threads.

Why do you suggest Actor Framework?

[jcyth]

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@Norbert_B wrote:

My point mentioning TestStand is that my feeling tells me that you are going to re-implement some very basic functions which are already included in TestStand.

To be honest: TestStand adds additional costs. You have to purchase licenses, you should get some training which takes time until getting payed off.

But on the other hand: You also need time to implement and test your self-made approach. Also: Does this project grow in the future? Do you need additional features in the (near) future?

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Teststand does seem to be very close to what we are looking for.

But since some of us is not very familiar with Teststand, maintenance cost might out weigh benefits.

I am learning Teststand bit by bit through NI's SPOT but I don't see a clear advatange over LabVIEW besides the pre-built sequence editor and all the options that comes along with it.

On another note, these program modules will need to process and analyze images in a timely fashion.

So we might have to use multiple PCs in order to process images and I am not sure how easy and flexible Teststand is when it's used in such fashion.

[Norbert_B]

TestStand is indeed the professional answer to your requirements, at least to those you mentioned here.

That being said, i have to point out one important thing regarding TS:

It is no replacement for LV (or other programming languages) as it cannot access e.g. hardware "gracefully" by itself. You will still need a programming language to interact with hardware, acquire and manipulate data and (most likely) interface to other software.

TS does, however, give you a great advantage during development and test of your test applications as it is a very flexible SEQUENCER with a lot of additional functionality out of the box concerning test system configuration and functionality.

As a comparison, TS would be your statemachine. So using TS will leave you to only implement each state, not the machinery necessary to execute the states in a certain, flexible order.

Of course, TS is a great deal more as it has reporting, configuring (and executing) several DUTs in parallel and interfacing to many common components used in testing environment.

Norbert