Course description

Course Title: TestStand Basics

Course Description:

This course introduces participants to NI TestStand, a powerful test management software for automating test execution and reporting. Through hands-on exercises, learners will build a solid understanding of test sequence creation, code module integration, data logging, and report generation. The course emphasizes best practices for developing efficient and maintainable automated test systems.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts and architecture of TestStand.

• Create, execute, and debug test sequences.

• Integrate external code modules written in LabVIEW, Python, or C/C++.

• Configure data logging, report generation, and database integration.

• Customize process models for specific testing requirements.

• Deploy and maintain TestStand applications effectively.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to TestStand

• Overview of NI TestStand and its role in test automation

• TestStand environment: Sequence Editor and Runtime Engine

• Understanding process models and execution flow

Module 2: Building and Running Test Sequences

• Creating new sequences and steps

• Step types and properties

• Executing, debugging, and analyzing sequences

Module 3: Integrating Code Modules

• Calling external code modules (LabVIEW VIs, Python scripts, DLLs)

• Managing parameters and return values

• Handling pass/fail logic and error reporting

Module 4: Data Logging and Report Generation

• Configuring report formats (HTML, XML, ATML, Text)

• Customizing report contents and layout

• Setting up database logging for test results

Module 5: Process Models and Customization

• Overview of TestStand process models (Sequential, Parallel, Batch)

• Modifying process models for custom workflows

• Implementing user callbacks and plugins

Module 6: Deployment and Maintenance

• Packaging and deploying TestStand systems

• Managing version control and system configuration

• Best practices for test system maintenance and scalability

Module 7: Final Project and Assessment

• Developing a complete automated test sequence

• Integrating multiple code modules

• Final project presentation and evaluation

What will i learn?

• ✅ 1. Understand the TestStand Architecture Describe the core components of NI TestStand Explain how TestStand integrates with external code (e.g., LabVIEW, C/C++, Python) Understand the role of the sequence editor and run-time engine ✅ 2. Create and Execute Test Sequences Build basic and multi-step sequences Add and configure different step types (e.g., numeric limits, pass/fail, action steps) Use preconditions, flow control, and looping to control sequence logic Execute sequences manually or programmatically ✅ 3. Work with Variables and Expressions Define and use local, file-level, and station global variables Use expressions to control execution flow and evaluate test results ✅ 4. Debug and Troubleshoot Test Sequences Use breakpoints, single-stepping, and watch windows Analyze runtime errors and fix common sequence issues ✅ 5. Generate and Customize Reports Enable automatic report generation Customize the format (e.g., HTML, XML, ATML, TXT) Log test data to files or databases ✅ 6. Integrate External Code Modules Call LabVIEW VIs, DLLs, or scripts from Python/C++ Pass data between TestStand and external code modules ✅ 7. Use Process Models (Introductory Level) Understand the basics of the built-in TestStand process models (e.g., Sequential, Batch) Execute sequences using a process model ✅ 8. Prepare for Deployment (Overview Level) Understand basic deployment concepts for sharing sequences Export a sequence for use on another system ✅ 9. Apply Best Practices Follow naming conventions and documentation standards Reuse and modularize code and sequences Use TestStand features efficiently to reduce development time ✅ 10. Boost Career Readiness Gain skills relevant to automation and test roles in electronics, aerospace, automotive, and other industries Be prepared to support or develop automated test systems in a professional environment

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