Method and system for optimizing termination in systems of programmable devices

A method of controlling the deactivating of computer-controlled test equipment during a plurality of tests, with each test using one of a plurality of sets of test devices, the method comprising the steps of:

• storing in the memory of a test-equipment-controlling computer system data defining the tests that are to be performed and the set of test devices required for each test, and data identifying the set of devices currently activated and the set of devices to be used for the next test;
• determining, for each next test, the devices in the currently activated set that will not be used in the next test;
• and
• generating commands for deactivating those devices that are in the currently activated set that will not be used in the next test.

A system for selectively deactivating computer-controlled devices used to perform a sequence of operations with each operation using an associated set of the devices, the system comprising:

• user-operable input means for inputting instructions comprising a plurality of operation modules, each operation module defining an operation to be performed using the associated set of devices, and data defining a list of the devices used for each operation;
• and
• programmable computer means including memory means for storing computer program instructions and data, and processing means coupled to the input means and to the memory means for executing the stored program instructions, the processing means being responsive to the input data for, prior to performing a current operation, determining from the stored lists those devices that will not be used in the current operation;
• and generating commands for deactivating those devices that will not be used in the current operation.