Programmable system for device testing and control

A method for revising a relay test device, comprising:

• providing one or more versioned programs to the relay test device, the versioned programs embodied on a computer-readable medium to support relay testing;
• selecting one of the versioned programs to install in at least a portion of the relay test device;
• transmitting the selected one of the versioned programs to the at least a portion of the relay test device;
• and
• installing the selected one of the versioned programs in the at least a portion of the relay test device for use by the relay test device in relay testing.

A programmable device, comprising:

• a plurality of autonomous signal generators for generating signals, each of the plurality of autonomous signal generators having:
• a signal generator,
• a processor to promote signal generation by the signal generator,
• an amplifier to amplify the signal generated by the signal generator, and
• a power supply;
• a memory location;
• a first program stored in the memory location, the first program to support operation of the device;
• a versioned program to direct binary inputs and outputs of the signal generators;
• a processor in communication with the signal generator and the memory location;
• a routine operable by the processor to install a versioned program in the memory location replacing the first program;
• and
• a control component operable to manage installation of the versioned program by the routine.

A method for dynamically updating a relay test device, comprising:

• receiving updated instructions into a relay test device, wherein receiving the updated instructions comprises receiving, by a communication interface of the relay test device, the updated instructions, and managing installation of the updated instructions by an installation manager operable on the relay test device, the updated instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium;
• storing the updated instructions in a storage portion of the relay test device;
• and
• using the relay test device to test a relay using the updated instructions, wherein the updated instructions are defined as new software to support relay testing by the relay test device.

A method for dynamically updating a relay test device, comprising:

• receiving updated instructions into a relay test device, the updated instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium;
• storing the updated instructions in a storage portion of the relay test device;
• using the relay test device to test a relay using the updated instructions;
• initiating a communication session with a remote computer, wherein the communication session is via one of user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), and file transfer protocol (FTP);
• querying for new updated instructions to install on the relay test device;
• and
• downloading the updated instructions to install on the relay test device.

A method for dynamically updating a relay test device, comprising:

• receiving updated instructions into a relay test device, the undated instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium;
• storing the updated instructions in a storage portion of the relay test device;
• using the relay test device to test a relay using the updated instructions;
• initiating a communication session with a remote computer;
• querying for new updated instructions to install on the relay test device;
• downloading the updated instructions to install on the relay test device;
• and
• wherein an update manager on the relay test device is programmed to automatically manage initiating the communication session, querying for new updated instructions, and downloading the updated instructions.

A method for dynamically updating a relay test device, comprising:

• receiving updated instructions into a relay test device, the updated instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium;
• storing the updated instructions in a storage portion of the relay test device;
• using the relay test device to test a relay using the updated instructions;
• assessing a firmware level of the updated instructions received by the relay test device;
• updating a second module of the relay test device with second updated instructions to the firmware level of the updated instructions;
• and
• wherein all updatable modules of the relay test device are updated with additional instructions at the firmware level of the updated instructions.

A method for dynamically updating a relay test device, comprising:

• receiving updated instructions into a relay test device, the updated instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium
• storing the updated instructions in a storage portion of the relay test device;
• using the relay test device to test a relay using the updated instructions;
• uploading to a computer system from the protective relay test device a firmware level of the updated instructions received by the relay test device;
• and
• wherein the firmware level of all the updatable instructions on the relay test device are communicated to the computer system.