Writing ATE test programs

Guest

Hi

I am a ATE test interface board designer and i have programming experience in C++ and now i am interested in writing ATE test programs. What is basic requirement and from where i have start ?

regards
Amjad

Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Amjad,

Welcome to the forum! The quickest way to get the training and exposure to writing test programs is to be a test engineer in a semicon company. Since you're an interface board designer, then you are probably in the semicon industry already. It's a matter of making one more jump to being a test engineer.

Test programs are generally device- and tester-specific. Thus, to start writing a test program, you must have at least a device that you need to write a test program for. You also need a target tester where the device is to be tested. You also need basic device testing knowledge (forcing excitation and measuring response). All of these are conveniently available inside a semicon company, but are unfortunately hard to come by somewhere else.

Once you become a test engineer, you will not be asked to write a test program at once. You'll start with interpreting, debugging, or improving existing ones. Once your boss sees you're ready, he may give you the chance to start writing simple programs. You can take it from there.

Good luck!

EE

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2026 12:11 am Post subject:

Hello EE,

You are absolutely right. In most semicons, they expose you first to the test programs -- you debug, analyze it, modify it perhaps -- get the feel of it. And then if you're really in to it, you may have more challenging projects like making your own test program for a specific device to be used on a specific ATE.

On the contrary, there are also new graduates who are placed on a group who does test development work -- designing both hardware and software without undergoing the usual debuging, analyzing and modifying of existing test programs. HOwever, they do have very good hands on training, and selection is often based on their creativity and analytical skills.

Wink

Krygk

Guest

Hi amjadpuli;

I am a test development engineer. To add up to what EE and guest said you should also know the test methodogy.... At least the basics... Doesn't necessarily need to be proficient on C programming but you should concentrate more on methodology...

Unless you want to be an Applications engineer for a certain ATE company.

Just continue to visit the site for some articles that deals with methodology.

Guest

amjadpuli,

I think your little confused with what you should learn first...

Basic knowledge in C/C++/Pascal/any programming language, is the only requirement. But the importatnt thing you should know first is Test Methodology and advance electronics.

Best of luck

Flipflop