Software

WinSAM 4

Software for controlling

ZERA meter test systems

Software

The purpose of WinSAM's -

control of meter test

systems

WinSAM is the user interface for the ZERA

meter testing devices. WinSAM consists of

seven individual programs, each of which

has a specific purpose. Together they form a

package that covers the whole range of func-

tions required for controlling meter test

devices. WinSAM is used to configure the

test device and the system environment. The

system can be controlled in manual or auto-

mated mode and the operator can compile

individual test sequences and data logs.

WinSAM allows the allocation of individual

user rights, as various tasks may be handled

by different individuals.

WinSAMs philosophy -

specific test procedures

Each meter type is different and the test pro-

cedure should match it exactly. The number

of meter types on the market is continuously

increasing and only tests that accurately

match the meter specifications ensure maxi-

mum reliability of the test results. This is

where WinSAM shows its strength. It provi-

des a pool of prepared test steps, which can

be used to compile a procedure that accura-

tely matches the meter to be tested. The

script debugger can be used to compile new

test functions, should the test steps provi-

ded be insufficient. In this way, the tests can

be optimally adapted to the meter for auto-

mated tests and ad-hoc operations.

Reporting

Testing

Configuration

Definition

WinSAMThe modular structure ensures flexibility:

The individual WinSAM programs are used for

different tasks.

1.

2.

3.

The route to individual test procedures:

1. Select a test step and drag it to the desired place in the test sequence.

When there is an associated dialog field, it will automatically open.

2. Enter the valid data for this test step into the dialog field.

3. Rename the test step if required.

4. .

Software

WinSAM's structure -

specialised programs

The split into several programs has an

important advantage: Each program con-

tains exactly the functions that are required

for a specific task. In this way, the number

of functions per program remains compre-

hensible and the functions are faster to

find. The functions of the individual Win-

SAM programs is described in the following

sections.

“Configuration” -

adapting WinSAM

The work environments of Win-

SAM are usually similar but

rarely identical. The "Configura-

tion" program adapts WinSAM to the

system environment of the customer. Infor-

mation concerning the test system, user

rights and similar data are entered. Examp-

les are the definition of the devices connec-

ted to the system, entering the port setting

for the device, configuring the amplifiers

and auxiliary circuits and determining the

settings for the input keyboard.

Task-oriented

user rights

Flexibility is very important when working

with WinSAM. The user administration of

WinSAM therefore supports the task-orien-

ted allocation of user rights. New users can

be created and their rights can be defined

by choosing from a range of functions. Each

user receives a spectrum of rights that is

tuned to a specific range of tasks - allowing

optimal adaptation to the situation in a

company.

No long searches -

all configuration options

are in one place.

Software

“Type definition” -

administration of meters

There are many types of meters,

and it must be possible to test all

of them according to their speci-

fications. The "Type definition" program

can be used to define and administrate any

number of meter types. Central administra-

tion allows access to the meters from all

other WinSAM programs. Type definition

can be called up whenever there is a need

for new meters. The name of the new meter

type can be freely selected. The definition

of a meter includes all its type-specific

data, e.g. nominal voltage, basic current,

limit current, meter constant, etc. Pre-defi-

ned variables are available for this purpose.

They can be extended by user-defined

variables, if required. Where there is a Win-

SAM access database with type definitions,

the type definitions can be imported. Defi-

ned types can also be exported and used in

other programs.

“Editor”-

test sequences

with drag & drop

The "Editor" is used to compile

and administrate the test

sequences. It provides a wide

range of options for the compilation of a

test sequence. WinSAM offers a multitude

of test steps that can be used as building

blocks for individual test elements. It is

also possible to integrate user scripts into

the test sequence.

Example: The test steps "Rel. test quanti-

ties" and "Switch phases" are combined in

the "switch on" test element. The test ele-

ments "switch on" and "measurement" are

combined in the "SC adjustment" test ele-

ment, etc. Finally, all test elements required

for the performance of a specific sequence

of tests are combined in the main test

sequence. After the test sequence has been

compiled, it can be checked for plausibility

with the control run function. The arrange-

ment of the individual steps in a tree struc-

ture increases clarity, helps to structure the

test sequence and makes it easier to jump

to a specific element during the test.

Re-usability To prevent double work and data storage,

repeatedly used test-step combinations can

be stored as step chains. They can then be

used in any number of test sequences, as

the individual data of a test step are only

entered into the respective dialog window.

When only some of the test steps present

are sufficient to do the work, the user can

create containers for combining the rele-

vant test steps and step chains.

The meter types are created

here. Use pre-defined

variables or create new ones.

Software

In this way, only the relevant test steps are

shown. The containers can also be used to

store user scripts. It is, of course, possible

to import and export test sequences to use

them on different computers.

“Script debugger” -

for user test functions

WinSAM provides a wide range of

predefined test steps. However,

in some cases, aspecial test step

is required. The script debugger is used for

compiling, executing and debugging scripts

and provides the specialist with a complete

development environment for the creation of

user-specific test functions. The script lan-

guages supported are VBScript and JScript.

The tree structure supports

a clear organisation

Test steps and step chains

can be administrated in

user-created containers.

Test steps are simply

moved into the test

sequence using drag & drop

and provided with values

The script debugger provides

all functions required for

editing and testing of scripts

in VB or JScript

Software

“Control” -

for automated operation

The controller can handle an

automated test completely sepa-

rately from the compilation of a

test procedure. However, the editor can be

called upon at any time to change the

sequence. The author can therefore test the

sequence without burdening the tester with

unnecessary work. Each execution is prece-

ded by a control run to check the plausibi-

lity of the individual test steps. Thereafter,

the program controls the whole test system,

receives measuring values and test results,

evaluates them and writes them into the

database. The collected results can be

shown in the log window. Individual set-

tings, e.g. repeating or skipping of single

test steps, are possible.

“Manual” -

for ad-hoc operation

Sometimes, it is not necessary to

execute an entire test sequence

as only individual functions are required,

for example to check the technical speci-

fications of a counter before compiling an

automated test sequence. The “Manual”

program is used for manual control of the

entire test system (ad-hoc operation). It

allows direct execution of individual func-

tions without the need to integrate them

into a full test sequence. Several test steps

can be open at the same time. They can be

viewed and executed independently of each

other. Test steps executed with the

“Manual” program are not included in the

test log.

The current test

step is highlighted

in the structure.

The detailed view

shows the

parameters of the

current test step.

The log window

provides an overview

of all results of the

current test sequence.

The status window

shows all open

functions.Test values are entered

and functions are executed

in detail view.

Software

“Report” –

Test reports of

the automated tests

The test reports of the automa-

ted tests are generated and

administrated with the “Report”

program. The number of sessions listed in

the log can be limited with user-defined fil-

ters. A wide range of tools is available for

processing the logged data: logs for all or

individual measuring stations, a special

random sampling log, statistics of the ratio

of good and bad ratings, log with mean,

range and standard deviation of all measu-

red error values, error curve for all error

values measured during selected sessions

with highlighting of the error band. It is in

all cases possible to print all sessions or

only the selected sessions, irrespective of

the processing vision chosen. The print

templates for the logs can be individually

configured with regard to test parameters,

test results and header data. Test runs can

be allocated to a batch to sort tests accor-

ding to orders or customers. For random

sampling tests, test procedures are alloca-

ted to a random sample. In the log, this test

is automatically allocated to the respective

charge or random sample.

For testing -

WinSAM in demo mode

WinSAM offers an unlimited test phase. You

receive the same program as for the full ver-

sion - only that system control is not pos-

sible without a dongle. The hardware is

simulated in a standard configuration. This

allows you to become familiar with the full

functional scope of WinSAM and to try out

all functions.

Tests can be

allocated to batches

or random samples.

When a test is

marked, appropriate

details are shown.

The demo mode uses a

standard configuration

of devices that cannot

be changed.

Software

ZERA GmbH

Hauptstraße 392

D-53639 Königswinter

Tel.: +49 (0) 2223 704-0

Fax: +49 (0) 22 23 704-70

E-Mail: info@zera.de

Web: www.zera.de WINSAM_PROS_EXT_GB_V103

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

Operating system Windows XP/SP2, Windows Vista (D or GB)

Processor Pentium IV / 2000 MHz / 1 GB RAM

Interfaces • 2x USB (Wibu and RS232-C adapter). An extension may be required, depending on the options ordered.

Drives DVD-ROM or adapter for SD cards

Storage space 10 GB storage space on C:\

Access rights Writing rights in the registry for the key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ZERA GmbH

Optional requirements

Monitor/loud speaker

We recommend operation with two monitors and loudspeakers (inte-grated or external). The graphics card used must support this option.

Remote mainte-nance / diagnosis

Customer service can directly link to the customer computer for remote maintenance / diagnosis. This requires access via Internet or a direct modem link with a 56k modem.