Test automation programs developed for the Semiconductor Device Control Add-On typically follow a consistent order of operations to ensure that the program instantiates and destroys references to register maps properly during each program execution.

Tip You can start and stop a device control session multiple times during a single instance of a device control session.

The following steps outline the order of operations in a Semiconductor Device Control Add-On program.

  1. Create an instance of the device control session using the instantiate function. Alternatively, access an existing device control session using the attach session function.
    Note Reusing an existing device control session across different measurements or processes is supported as of Semiconductor Device Control Add-On 2024 Q2 for InstrumentStudio.
  2. If you are working with digital pattern instruments and Measurement Plug-Ins in the programming flow, complete either one of the following to start the required Measurement Plug-Ins processes for sharing NI digital sessions.
    • Click Manual Layout on the InstrumentStudio Home screen.
    • Run an empty Measurement Plug-Ins service.
    You can ignore the error returned while running the empty Measurement Plug-Ins service.
  3. Start the device control session using the start function.
  4. Use the API to perform read and write operations for the registers, fields, and DIO pins.
  5. Stop the device control session using the stop function.
    Note You must stop the device control session before each program execution ends. Otherwise, the device control session locks and becomes unavailable for other measurements.
  6. Destroy the instance of the device control session using the destroy function.