Test Steps¶
Test Steps define the individual measurement points and test instructions within a calibration. They describe which measurements are to be performed and which criteria are applied.
Overview¶
Test steps are assigned to a calibration and can be created from procedures or manually. Each test step contains the target values, tolerances, and measurement conditions for a single measurement point.
Test Step Types¶
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual Test | Manual measurement point with configurable input format (numeric, UUT display, nominal, text). |
| Header | Heading for structuring test steps. |
| Message | Information text or instruction for the technician. |
| Comment | Comment field for supplementary information. |
| Rating | Rating with configurable format (numbers or stars). |
Fields¶
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Step Number (Test Step) | Sequential number of the test step within the calibration. |
| Row Number | Position in the display order (changeable via drag-and-drop). |
| Description | Textual description of the test step (max. 500 characters). |
| Test Type | Type of the test step (Manual Test, Header, Message, Comment, Rating). |
| Test Mode | Measurement mode or measurement function. Supports Markdown formatting. |
| Configuration (Config) | Input configuration (e.g., NUMERIC, UUT INDICATED). |
| Range | Numeric measurement range for the current test step. |
| Test Value | Expected measurement value with prefix and unit. |
| Auxiliary | Additional reference quantity. |
| Resolution | Resolution of the measurement. |
| Tolerance | Permissible deviation from the target value (max. 500 characters, e.g., formula specification). |
| Uncertainty | Measurement uncertainty of the test step. |
| Creator | User who created the test step. |
Configuration¶
For manual tests and ratings, various configuration options are available:
- NUMERIC -- Numeric input with unit and prefix.
- UUT INDICATED -- Display of the unit under test (UUT = Unit Under Test).
- NOMINAL -- Nominal reference value.
- TEXT(Y=PASS) -- Text input where "Y" is considered as passed.
- TEXT(N=PASS) -- Text input where "N" is considered as passed.
- Alert -- Warning message when limits are exceeded.
Typical Workflows¶
- Load Procedure: Test steps are automatically loaded from a calibration procedure and assigned to the calibration.
- Manual Creation: Individual test steps are entered directly in the calibration process. Steps can be inserted at specific positions using the "Insert Before" and "Insert After" buttons.
- Execute Steps: Test steps are processed sequentially in a wizard dialog via the Play button. Manual tests and ratings automatically generate measurement results.
- Adjust Order: Test steps can be reordered via drag-and-drop (activate sortable mode).
- Quality Requirements: Test steps can be linked to quality requirements to automatically specify test conditions.
Technical Notes¶
Procedure Files
Test steps can be imported from Excel-based procedure files (e.g., MET/CAL). The file must contain the worksheets measurements, usedcolumns, and fieldsettings.
- The tolerance reference can be based on the UUT display value or the nominal value.
- Test steps automatically generate measurement results when the type supports it (Manual Test, Rating).
- Changes to test steps affect the associated measurement results.
See also: Specifications · Measurement Results · Procedures · Procedure Templates