Methods and apparatus for providing automated test equipment with a means to jump and return in a test program

摘要

Sequences of instructions stored on machine-readable media cause a machine to execute one or more ordered sequences of tests and control functions in a test program, with execution of the tests causing stimuli to be applied to an electrical device under test. Upon execution of a control function that specifies a GOTO, the instructions redirect test program flow to a target of the GOTO (with the target not immediately following the GOTO in test program order). Upon execution of a control function that specifies a RETURN, the instructions cause test program flow to be redirected to an element of the test program that sequentially follows the GOTO. Methods using a GOTO to jump between different sequences of tests, and methods for returning without a RETURN element, are also disclosed.