Test Dispatch - Jan 2026 Newsletter
1. Instrument Abstraction: Using a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) allows you to swap a failed Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) with a different model from a different vendor without changing your test code.
✅Fact
Myth
Fact. A well-designed HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) maps generic functions (e.g., "Configure Frequency") to specific driver commands, allowing hardware swaps with zero impact on the top-level test logic.
2. 5G Validation: Over-the-Air (OTA) testing is only required for final product certification and serves no purpose during the early sub-system development phase.
Fact
✅Myth
Myth. While originating in IT, ISTQB methodologies like Boundary Value Analysis and State Transition Testing are critical for embedded systems where edge cases often cause catastrophic hardware failures.
3. Signal Integrity: As long as you use high-quality coaxial cables, the signal loss at 24GHz (Millimeter Wave) is negligible and does not require software-based compensation.
Fact
✅Myth
Myth. At 24GHz and above, cable attenuation and connector loss are significant. Software-based path loss compensation (calibration) is mandatory to ensure measurements are accurate at the probe tip.
Operational Excellence: Scalability for 2026
True operational excellence in modern factories focuses on the longevity and adaptability of the entire test fleet, rather than just speed. To avoid technical debt in legacy TestStand sequences, plan for 2026 by separating your Deployment Strategy from the development environment. Centralizing limits, report templates, and user privileges in an external database enhances manageability and transforms isolated test stations into a cohesive production asset.
The Power of Asynchronous CallsSystem latency often stems from secondary tasks—such as complex data logging or UI refreshes—bottlenecking the primary test execution. To mitigate this, engineers can utilize the Asynchronous Call by Reference Node. This architectural approach allows the main test sequence to trigger a task and immediately proceed to the next non-dependent operation, only re-syncing when the specific result is required. Why ATE Professionals Need ISTQB
While LabVIEW and TestStand mastery provides the "how" of automation, ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) provides the "what" and "why." Our latest article, Level Up Your ATE Career: Why LabVIEW & TestStand Professionals Need ISTQB, explores how adopting standardized testing methodologies bridges the gap between hardware-centric engineering and modern software quality assurance. Learn how mastering concepts like Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning can drastically reduce escapee rates in your production line.