Thanks the fast replies.
I've developed countless production and development ATE systems, and it depends entirely upon the product and it's requirements of course.
But one constant bottom line is to always build as little as possible in terms of electronics. Ideally all the electronics should be done with off-the-shelf hardware.
e.g. National Instruments cards for DAC/ADC, I/O mux boards etc, and commercial test gear for general measurements etc.
Dave, this is what you recomending?
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/hu/nid/211872This family would give a fast solution for dedicated ATE system for sure.
Could you briefly inform about the simplest programming possibilities of this family?
For scanner you can take a look on Keithley 7001 switch unit. They go fairly cheap on bay, (example), in range 100-250$ with a card or two.
HP/Agilent have similar boxes too, but they cost more and not as popular.
If you want DMM+scanner there are also Keithley 2700 series (6.5DMM, accept two switching card), HP/Agilent 34970A (6.5DMM+3 cards).
I often use 34970A with 34901A and 34907A cards for voltage/temperature logging, it comes with free software which can collect logs and support some math functions out of the box, so it's pretty useful kit to start with, and have both GPIB and RS232.
Also 7.5dig Keithley 2001 accept scanner cards, but that would be more than 1000$ total.
The 7001 is the best performance/cost in the market at the moment, thanks for the idea.
The HP 34970A is more expensive but gives the fastest start to build a general purpose ATE, it comes with all hw, sw needed, easy interconnecting, nice!
As I discovered it also has an LXI/LAN interface version.
Regarding to the DMM scanner question I should make a choice between the following options:
34461A + 7001 scanner + 7011c module
34970A + 34901A or 34902A + 34907A
I highly recomend python. It's free, cross platform (windows, mac, and linux), and you can interact with modules from the python command line for debugging and testing. I know opinions on python on the forum are rather mixed, but this is one area where I feel it is the right tool for the job. Well, vastly superior to Matlab and Labview, anyway. There is a library called Python IVI that acts as an abstraction layer for many standard instruments. It's also open source, so you can write drivers for your instruments and have them incorporated into the library. Python IVI also supports pluggable instrument interfaces, so any Python IVI driver can connect to instruments over GPIB, LAN (VXI-11), RS-232, and USB (USBTMC). It can also call on PyVISA to communicate with NI compatible hardware.
It is also quite easy to interface a python script to custom hardware over various interfaces (serial port, ethernet, usb, etc.). Python is a very nice 'glue' language.
Could you recommend sources for Examples, Tutorial of using Python?
I am programming in C++ (Arduino/chipKIT).
I have chosen the Arduino platform -in spite of many backdraws compared to MikroC or XC32-, because of the dozens of application examples, forums, tutorials on the web.
I am learning much faster based on real life examples.
I highly recommend running everything over LAN if possible as it is very convenient to connect everything to a standard ethernet router. You also won't have as many driver issues. To that end, a GPIB to LAN box such as the old HP E2050A is a good option. It speaks VX-11 on the LAN side. For serial instruments, USB to serial adapters are a good choice. Get anything with an FTDI chipset. I have had nasty driver issues on Windows with other chipsets. Generally data rates are low enough that if you need a USB hub, it shouldn't make much differece which one.
Very good advice, thanks. The E2052 can get at reasonable cost in the bay.
Could me redirect to a link to understand the VX-11 term?
2. What TEST APPLICATION are you recommending?
The control of the ATE is the next question. This have to be built from scratch.
The command language, and test application what makes my life easier in aqusition, storing, analysing the data of DUT (as this is the final purpose of this system!)
Well, that depends on your programming skills and your budget. If the latter is not a problem then a development environment like National Instruments LabVIEW or Agilent VEE would be a good start. Once you know their basics it's pretty easy to design test environments.
Of course you can also write your own applications from scratch and in any language you like.
What control hw should I build what can drive all the equipments I have.
Now I have to use Windows on limited computers what later can be migrated to Linux.
Again, it depends on your abilities and your budget. It's much easier to develop ATEs on Windows as there is much better/wider support and less need to fight the OS. But if you write your test application froms scratch you could as well start on Linux.
I should end up arond 2000USD at this step.
Now I want to setup a minimum system what I can use for collecting voltage (0-40V, 1mV resolution), current (0-50A on shunt, 1mA resolution), temperature(0-200 °C, 0,5 resolution) data at max 50smp/s of my designs.
Then I can expand to have more automation.
And the system should include a 6,5 digit DMM to calibrate the system parameters.
Currently I am using 3pcs. Pentium and Celeron notebooks in my laboratory dedicated for testing purposes.
Of course I can’t use my core i7 „everyday” notebook for permanent dedicated testing.
Should I get a new computer for this purpose?
Depends on what generation your Pentiums and Celerons are (Celeron have been made for over 15 years and Pentiums for approx 20 years, so you would need to be a bit more specific). If they are somewhat newer (i.e. Pentium M or later) computers then they should be sufficient as ATE controller.
Later I am also thinking to change to Linux to run the MPLABX development system.
You should leave the ATE controller as ATE controller and not as all purpose PC.
Yes, that is good advice, the ATE control have to be on a separate PC!
One notebook is a DELL D800, Pentium M 1,6GHz, but only 1Gb RAM.
That one runs MPLABX and a Terminal/Logger written in Processing (Java) program, without problem, this probably will be ok for ATE too.
Others are Celeron M, R? 1,6GHz with less RAM. I drop them for this application.
So one Pentium M or higher needed for my development background.
In EU it is more difficult to buy from US sources, shipping is horrible and sometimes also custom fees are applicable.
It is much easier to buy from China/Honkong.
Which means you still have to pay customs + VAT (although some seller misrepresent stuff as 'gift' to get around that, which is illegal and can get even yourself as buyer into trouble), and if they send via China Post as most do then it would be faster if it was delivered by horse carriage all the way from China.
If I buy from the EU there is no custom fees, and VAT is applicable for all purchases. In case of company purchase the VAT is deductible.
From outside the EU custom fees also coming to the picture.
Shipping is very expensive from the US.
One example:
A Keithley scanner:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keithley-7001-80-Ch-2-Slot-Half-Rack-Switch-Mainframe-/371084832099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5666612d63The cost is 150 USD
The shipping 117USD
The custom fess sould be about 30-40 USD.
The VAT is 27%.
So we end up more then double of the original equipment cost.
I am buying parts, etc from China, and most of the times it is written on the envelope: "electronic part or gift" all cases the value is shown at $8or $8,2, even when it is more expensive.
You are probaly right, this way they cheat the custom.
I don't know what is the law but I suppose the custom fees can be forced later on, if it is revealed.
Thanks for everyone the advices, now the picture is much clearer.
I will appreciate the future advices too.Csaba