PDb is a combination parser, database, automatic test-program generation framework. The parser reads IEEE Standard Test Interface Language (STIL) waveform, timing, level, and test-flow specifications into an Application Programming Interface (API) accessible runtime database. The database/framework is designed to generate native language test-programs for a variety of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), interface to ATE hardware via vendor provided APIs, and/or provide a state machine for implementing a debugger.

The framework systematically targets new ATE via a set of configurable reusable C++ classes that have proven their utility by targeting Advantest, Teradyne, and Verigy testers. Reusable subsystems include tests and flows, tester configurations (setups), interface hardware configurations, and binning structures.

Tests and flows support standard and user-defined types via inheritance. Tester configurations (setups) are composed of per signal-group tester resources featuring programmable constraints. Tester resource parameters and constraints are specified as mathematical, boolean, and/or string expressions whose constituents' write formats can be configured on a per-target-tester or as-required basis. Hardware configurations model chip to tester connectivity. Binning structures include soft and hard bin definitions and soft to hard bin maps.

PDb currently runs under Microsoft Windows 7 and 10. It does not translate test patterns. Pattern translators, readily available from other vendors, may be integrated by request.