selecting the appropriate product

[avihay]

I'm not familiar with any of NI products. I'm planning to develop an automation framework application which will perform automatic testing in the area of electrical validation. the framework should also store all data in a database and produce reports. the idea is to provide a set of tools for the Test Eng. to easily creates a test case ,execute it automatically, store the data in a database for sharing and produce the reports. which tools should I use for these purposes. I'm well experienced in C/C++ and also familiar with C# .NET. I would like to start the evaluation ASAP.

thanks
Avihay

[ryank]

TestStand would be a good start. TestStand allows you to execute sequences of tests created almost any language (works with NI Languages such as LV and CVI as well as other languages such as VB, VC++ and .NET(C#)). It includes all the functionality for creating test reports and logging results to a database.

For creating the individual tests, the best language would depend on how you are communicating with your test equipment and what your programming preferences are. LabVIEW is a great choice for any test or measurement application, but would require you to learn a new language. CVI provides most of the functionality of LabVIEW, but as as C compiler, so it might be a good option for you. If you are interested in staying in Visual Studio, NI sells a package called Measurement Studio, which provides .NET assemblies and ActiveX controls which provide some of the test and measurement functionality common to CVI and LabVIEW (Measurement Studio isn't neccessary for creating tests which can be used in TestStand, but it can eliminate a number of hassles which are common to creating test and measurement apps).

You also don't need to use the same language for every test (TestStand allows you to easily plug in tests from multiple languages). So you could start with whatever you are familiar with, and then switch to another language as it becomes neccessary.

I believe that all four of these products (LabVIEW, CVI, TestStand and Measurement Studio) have evaluation versions, which you could have a look at. I think that some of them (TestStand) have to be shipped on a CD, but you should be able to download or request each one from our web site. You could also call 1-800-433-3488 to speak to a Sales Rep., who should be able to send you evaluation versions, or give you quotes for any of these products. Finally, if you have an NI rep in your area you might be able to schedule some time to talk to them about your application and what NI products might be of the most use to you (a Sales Rep. should be able to tell you if there is an NI Rep. in your area and might be able to help you schedule such an appointment).

Regards,
Ryan K.
NI