How to load the sequence file from the process model?

Question

Does anyone have an example process model that loads a sequence file? The out-of-the-box process models assume the sequence file is already loaded. I want the process model to identify the UUT type and load the appropriate sequence file based on that.

Answer 1

Mark,
A better solution to your question can be accomplised if you have TestStand 2.0.
Within the entry point of a process modle you can set the client sequence using Execution.ClientFile(). This is a new method of TestStand 2.0. It was specifically designed so that you could dynamically set the client sequence within the process model.
Currently the entry points in the default process models (i.e. Test UUTs and Single Pass) are configured to Show Entry Point When Client File Window is Active. This means that you must open and have active a client sequence file before you can execute one of the entry point. You probably do not want this implementation if you are going to set the client file during the entry point execution. To change this you will need to go the sequence properties of your entry point (while the sequence is open select Edit>>Sequence Properties), switch to the Model tab of the entry point's property dialog box, and enable Show Entry Point For All Windows. The entry point will then appear whether or not you have an open sequence file active.
You will need to add at least 3 steps to your entry point sequence that all use the ActiveX Automation Adapter. Remember that MUST disable Record Results for any step you add to the process model. The 3 steps will perform the following tasks:
1) Obtains a sequence file reference of the file that you want to be the client sequence file. You will need to use the Engine.GetSequenceFileEx method. You will need a local variable (ActiveX data type) in which to store the sequence file reference.
2) Set the client sequence file using the Execution.ClientFile property.
3) Close the reference to the client sequence file in the Cleanup step group of your entry point sequence using Engine.ReleaseSequenceFileEx
I am attaching a SequenceModel.seq file (the default process model in TestStand 2.0) in which we have modified the TestUUTs entry point as described above.
Note that you'll be prompted to enter the path to your client sequence file. This is a message popup that you can delete and it was added for your review only.
Good luck in your project,
Azucena Perez
National Instruments
Attachments:
sequentialmodel.seq ‏164 KB