TATE - Target Automated Test Environment
TATE provides a smart and affordable way to manage target systems remotely. It makes it easier to install and test hardware, while streamlining both development and testing.
What is TATE?
TATE (Target Automated Test Environment) is a low-cost and efficient solution to control and monitor target systems remotely, which by extension also helps to give CI systems full control to install software and run test suites directly on the target hardware.
One of the first things we do when we get a new piece of hardware to work with is to mount it in our lab, connected to one of our TATE systems so that we have full access to the new board without having to keep it on a desk. As always, the development of TATE started with our own needs for an efficient working environment, but has now evolved into a product that several of our customers use in their labs, with the same purpose.
System components and functionality
A TATE system consists of a Beaglebone Black equipped with a number of relay outputs and additional USB ports so that in the most extended case it can connect 8 different target systems. The relay ports allow power cycling of the target systems and/or pulling the reset. The USB inputs allow you to easily connect to the serial ports of the target systems to, for example, influence and follow their boot sequence.
The TATE systems' software makes all serial connections available to the user, and includes commands to start and stop the connected systems. In addition, each TATE has a web server that provides the user with a snapshot of all connected systems.
TATE: System specifications
Hardware
- Beaglebone Black with Yocto-based Linux platform (Atlas)
- 4-8 relays for power cycling or target system reset
- 8 USB ports for connection to the serial ports of the target systems
Software
tatectl- command for control of target systems- web server with status information about connected systems
Get your own TATE
We have a well-stocked inventory of hardware to build new TATE systems, and are happy to deliver one to you. We do this either by pre-installing our own TATE software or by customising a solution for your specific needs. If you want to customise your own system, we will help you get started based on our own build system.