MTS Multipurpose Elite Test - Manual (Page 23)

• The MPE application uses variables to simplify test creation and modification, allow operator interaction
in the test flow, and facilitate monitor display.
• The MTS TestSuite Reporter Add-In for Microsoft Excel uses variables to capture test data for test reports.
• The various MTS Analyzer applications use variables to create “what if” scenarios using specimen variables
and data from test runs.
Test activities and variables
The MPE application allows you to define many of the individual properties of test activities as variables. The
MPE application also includes test activities you can use to manipulate variables in the test flow, as follows:
• Assign Variables activity
• Calculate Variables activity
• Input Parameters activity
You can use these activities in a variety of ways to manipulate variables. For example, you can use an Input
Parameters activity to allow the operator to change variable values while the test is running.
Adding calculations to variables
You can add mathematical operators to variables to create calculated variables. You can do this in two ways,
depending on test design considerations:
• Click the Variables tab in the main window to add calculations to individual variables.
• Add the Calculate Variables activity to the test procedure. This activity allows you to add calculations to
variables in the test flow.
Adding and editing variables
You can add or edit variables from within the various variable editing windows and editors (such as the Map
Variables window or the Calculation Editor). You can click the Add Variable (green plus sign) or Edit Variable
(...) icon or right-click and select New Variable. To edit a variable, right-click a variable name and select Edit
Variable.
3.2.3.3.0 Information for an Operator
You can add information for an operator, such as hardware installation instructions or safety information,
directly into your test design. This allows you to create the information visible to the operator during the test,
and control at which point in the test flow to show the information.
To do this, add special test activities and run-time devices to your test.
• The Custom Message Window activity allows you to show a custom message to the operator anytime
the test is running.
• The Run External Application activity allows you to show documents that require external applications
to launch, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and video documents.
• The Custom Help monitor display allows you to show custom help information, such as files in the .chm
file format, that you create for the test.
Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 23
3.0 Designing a Test