Automatic test facility universal remote

With the rapid advance of electronic technology, particularly in the area of consumer electronics, the switch from manual testing methods to automated testing methods is required. The transition outlined in this thesis occurred in the television industry at a national consumer electronics company. A new Automatic Test Facility (ATF) was designed; the only part missing was a universal remote control device. The purpose of the Automatic Testing Facility Universal Remote (ATFUR) is to provide infrared control for all TV functions, brands and models subject to testing.

This project consists of both hardware and software designs. Hardware includes an IR transmitter controlled by a Motorola microcontroller chip, housed in a separate enclosure and connected to a computer. Software consists of LabVIEW programs with a graphical control panel on the computer screen similar to the panel of a real remote control. Two versions of the software are available: manual and automated. Manual operation allows the user to operate the system with a mouse button, while automated operation runs by itself without human assistance.

The use of the ATFUR proved to be more efficient and less time consuming than using real remote controls. This device is user friendly and can be easily maintained.