Fourth-Generation Software for SEU Testing

RBK4 is a computer program for testing electronic components for susceptibility to single-event upsets (SEUs). RBK4 controls the computer on which it is executed to communicate with both the board holding the device under test (DUT), a power supply, and other laboratory instruments including custom circuitry integrated into the computer. Written for the Windows 95, 98, and NT operating systems, RBK4 offers improvements over RBK3, its DOS-based predecessor. RBK4 enables the user to open, change entries in, and save configuration files that set the values of virtually every changeable field in the software. Information in the configuration files includes names and settings of counters, power-supply settings (including voltage, current, and limiting values thereof), soft-programmable switches, and full control over instrumentation displays. Clock circuits on the board can be enabled and disabled while counters integrated into the computer can be monitored and time-tagged. The software provides for full control of the power supply, including the control and monitoring of voltages and currents in the power supply and a variety of error and reset conditions. The data collected during a test run can be stored in the computer with a variety of viewing modes integrated into the software such as text file viewing and graphical plots, providing for easy, quick analysis of the test data.