Overview
IEC 61671-5:2016 (published jointly with IEEE Std 1671.5-2015) specifies an exchange format, based on XML / ATML (Automatic Test Markup Language), for describing test adapters. The standard provides a machine-readable way to identify the hardware, software and documentation associated with a test adapter and to define the interface between the unit under test (UUT) and the test station. It covers both the static description of a test adapter and instance-specific information for deployed adapters.
Key topics and technical requirements
- XML schema definitions: The standard includes a TestAdapterDescription schema and a TestAdapterInstance.xsd for structuring adapter metadata.
- Elements and simple types: Schemas define the required and optional elements and simple data types to represent adapter interfaces, capabilities and instance attributes.
- Schema locations and naming: Guidance is provided on ATML schema names and where schema files should be located for consistent exchange.
- Extensibility: The document explains mechanisms to extend the base schemas to accommodate vendor- or project-specific data while maintaining interoperability.
- Conformance rules: Criteria are specified for what constitutes a conformant TestAdapterDescription or TestAdapterInstance XML document.
- Informative annexes: Examples, glossary, user information and bibliography support implementation and interpretation.
Keywords covered naturally by the standard include: ATML, XML schema, test adapter, test fixture, interface device (ID), interface test adapter (ITA), automatic test equipment (ATE), automatic test system (ATS), and ATML instance document.
Practical applications and target users
- Test equipment vendors: to publish machine-readable descriptions of interface devices, fixtures and adapter hardware so customers and integrators can consume them automatically.
- Test program developers and integrators: to automate test station configuration, cable mapping, signal routing and resource allocation using standardized adapter metadata.
- Systems integrators and maintenance teams: to manage inventory, verify adapter compatibility with UUTs, and support configuration control across multiple test stations.
- Automated test environments and software tools: to parse TestAdapterDescription and TestAdapterInstance documents for runtime setup, diagnostics and documentation generation.
Benefits include improved interoperability, reduced manual configuration, consistent documentation of adapter instances, and easier exchange of adapter data across organizations and tools.
Related standards
- IEEE Std 1671.5-2015 (equivalent publication)
- Other ATML component standards within the ATML framework that define test program, system, and resources descriptions for ATE/ATS environments
For implementers, IEC 61671-5 is a practical foundation for automating adapter management and integrating diverse test assets in modern automated test systems.