Traffic capture and debugging tools for identifying root causes of device failure during automated testing

Abstract

A method for diagnosing a root cause of failure using automated test equipment is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring data traffic associated with testing a device under test (DUT) in the automated test equipment using a plurality capture modules, wherein the plurality of capture modules are programmed onto a programmable logic device, wherein the programmable logic device is controlled by a system controller and is operable to generate commands and data to test the DUT, wherein the plurality of capture modules are operable to selectively capture the data traffic to be monitored, and wherein the data traffic monitored comprises a flow of traffic between the DUT and the system controller. The method further comprises saving results associated with the monitoring in respective memories associated with each of the plurality of capture modules. Further, the method comprises transmitting the results upon request to an application program executing on the system controller.