Automated Test Equipment Simulation In CoppeliaSim Using C# Over WebSocket

Abstract

Purpose: Nowadays, we are surrounded by electronic gadgets. Most gadgets have more or less printed circuit boards (PCB). It needs to test before it is launched into the market. Otherwise, it can fail to sustain itself in the market. If we test manually in all aspects, a motherboard will take so many times that the production will go very slowly. So automated tests are becoming popular. There is various vendor that produces automated test equipment. ATE or automated test equipment is too costly. Purchasing the ATE system for training or learning the process flow is sometimes not feasible. This research work demonstrates a simulation framework to view the ATE working procedure. We use CoppeliaSim for animation and C# to control it over Websocket. All source codes are available. The researcher can customize and extend the functionality to their need.  

Design/Methodology/Approach: We developed a framework to demonstrate the ATE activity. It consists of CoppeliaSim Simulation software. We use C# language to control the simulator. At first, we created a model of ATE inside the CoppeliaSim. Add LUA code to receive commands from the remote host. When CoppeliaSim starts, it starts a WebSocket server. It listens to port number 8088. Then we created an application using C#. We designed a graphical user interface (GUI). We added some text boxes, buttons, and a WebSocket client. When connect button is pressed, the apps try to connect with CoppeliaSim. Then send the command by pressing the button.

Findings/Result: To understand the ATE working principle, we developed a simulation in CoppeliaSim, which controls using a C# websocket client. The simulation works like a natural system. Observing the process flow, the researcher gets an understanding better. So using this example and customizing it according to the need is the best way to understand it.

Originality/Value: Several procedures are available to understand the ATE system. Here we developed a simplistic approach to it. The CoppeliaSim is suitable for visualizing process automation. The C# language is better for controlling the simulation. The communication between two software is websocket which is easy to integrate, and send/received command string is also comparatively easy. The researcher trying to understand or work with the ATE system can get some reference information for their research work. So the complete framework process is the best value to the researcher. 

Paper Type: Experimental-based Research.