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Overview

The Echo ATS Command-Line Interface (CLI) enables you to configure and control your Echo ATS device from the command prompt or integrate it into automated test sequences. The CLI provides scriptable access to all major device functions, including input configuration, session file management, headphone outputs, and device-level settings.

Key Capabilities

  • Configure microphone inputs with gain and constant current power
  • Load and save complete device configurations using session files
  • Configure headphone outputs with impedance measurement
  • Set device-level parameters like clock source
  • Read TEDS (IEEE 1451.4) data from smart transducers
  • Integrate with automated test frameworks and scripts

When to Use the CLI

The CLI is ideal for:
  • Test automation - Integrate ATS configuration into automated test sequences
  • Batch configuration - Set up multiple channels quickly with scripts
  • Remote operation - Configure devices from scripts or remote sessions
  • CI/CD integration - Include hardware configuration in continuous testing pipelines
  • Repetitive tasks - Automate frequently-used configurations
For interactive configuration and audio routing, use the ATS Control Panel GUI application.

Installing the CLI

  1. Download and run the Echo Test Interfaces Installer from support.echotm.com
  2. The installer places the CLI in the default location:
    C:\Program Files\Echo Test Interfaces
    
  3. The CLI executable is named EchoCLI.exe
  4. Verify installation by opening Command Prompt and navigating to the CLI folder:
    cd "C:\Program Files\Echo Test Interfaces"
    EchoCLI.exe help
    

Required Files

The CLI requires EchoAPI.dll to communicate with the device. This library must be located:
  • In the same folder as EchoCLI.exe, OR
  • In C:\Program Files\Echo Test Interfaces\
The installer places these files correctly. If you move the CLI executable, ensure you also move or copy the DLL.

Adding CLI to System PATH (Optional)

To run the CLI from any directory without specifying the full path:
  1. Open System PropertiesAdvancedEnvironment Variables
  2. Under System Variables, select Path and click Edit
  3. Click New and add:
    C:\Program Files\Echo Test Interfaces
    
  4. Click OK to save changes
  5. Open a new Command Prompt and verify by typing:
    echocli help
    

Command Structure

The Echo ATS CLI v5.0 uses a command-based syntax where the first argument specifies the operation:
echocli <command> [options...]

Available Commands

CommandPurpose
helpDisplay help information for commands
micConfigure microphone input channels
headphoneConfigure headphone outputs and measure impedance
configLoad or save session configuration files
deviceConfigure device-level settings (clock source, calibration)

Getting Help

To display general help:
echocli help
To display help for a specific command:
echocli help <command>
For example:
echocli help mic
echocli help config
echocli help headphone

Command Options Format

Commands use long-form options with double dashes:
--option=value
For boolean options, you can omit the value to query the current setting:
--ccp          # Query current CCP setting
--ccp=on       # Enable CCP
Note: Parameters are not case-sensitive.

Configuring Microphone Inputs

Use the mic command to configure input channels with gain, constant current power, and TEDS reading.

Command Syntax

echocli mic [--slot=<1|2>] --input=<1-4> [--gain=<1|10|100>] [--ccp=<on|off>] [--cal=<on|off>] [--teds[=file]]

Options

OptionDescriptionValues
--inputInput channel to configure1, 2, 3, 4
--gainInput gain amplification1 (0 dB), 10 (20 dB), 100 (40 dB)
--ccpConstant current power for IEPE/ICP micson, off
--calCalibration signal enableon, off
--tedsRead TEDS data from smart transducerNo value or filename for export

Understanding Constant Current Power (CCP)

Constant current power provides 4 mA of DC power to IEPE (Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric) or ICP (Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric) microphones and sensors.
  • Enable CCP (--ccp=on) when using IEPE/ICP microphones
  • Disable CCP (--ccp=off) when using:
    • Line-level inputs
    • Traditional condenser microphones (require phantom power)
    • Dynamic microphones
    • Passive sensors
Warning: Enabling CCP on incompatible devices may damage equipment. Verify your transducer requires constant current power before enabling.

Examples

Example 1: Basic Configuration Set input channel 3 to 10x gain and enable constant current power:
echocli mic --input=3 --gain=10 --ccp=on
Example 2: Line Input Configuration Configure input 1 for line-level signal with 1x gain and CCP disabled:
echocli mic --input=1 --gain=20 --ccp=off
Example 3: High-Sensitivity Microphone Set input 2 to maximum gain (100x) for very quiet signals:
echocli mic -input=2 --gain=40 --ccp=on
Example 4: Query Current Settings Display current gain and CCP settings for input 1:
echocli mic --input=1 --gain --ccp

Reading TEDS Data

TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) is an IEEE 1451.4 standard that allows smart transducers to store calibration data digitally. Compatible microphones include manufacturer information, sensitivity, frequency response, and serial numbers in embedded memory. Read and display TEDS data:
echocli mic --input=1 --teds
Export TEDS data to a file:
echocli mic --input=1 --teds=calibration_data.csv
echocli mic --input=1 --teds=calibration_data.json

Managing Session Files

Session files store complete device configurations, including all input/output settings, gain levels, routing, and driver parameters. Use session files to quickly restore known configurations or switch between test setups.

Command Syntax

echocli config [--load-file=<filename>] [--save-file=<filename>]

Options

OptionDescription
--load-fileLoad a session file and apply configuration to device
--save-fileSave current device configuration to a session file

Session File Extensions

Session files typically use the .aiosession extension, though the exact extension may vary based on your configuration.

Loading Session Files

Load a session file to instantly configure the entire device:
echocli config --load-file=<path\to\session.aiosession>
Example: Load a session file from the current directory:
echocli config --load-file=factory_default.aiosession

Saving Session Files

Save the current device configuration to a file:
echocli config --save-file=<filename.aiosession>
Example: Save current configuration:
echocli config --save-file=current_setup.aiosession

Device-Level Configuration

Use the device command to configure settings that affect the entire Echo ATS unit.

Command Syntax

echocli device [--clock=<internal|usb>] [--cal=<on|off>] [--wasapi=<on|off>]

Options

OptionDescriptionValues
--clockAudio clock sourceinternal, usb
--calDevice-wide calibration signalon, off
--wasapiWindows WASAPI driver supporton, off

Clock Source

The clock source determines the master timing for all audio operations. Internal Clock (default):
  • Device uses its own crystal oscillator
  • Use for standalone operation
  • Best for most applications
USB Clock:
  • Device synchronizes to USB bus clock
  • Use when synchronizing with computer’s audio interface
  • May have slightly higher jitter
Set clock source:
echocli device --clock=internal

Scripting and Automation

The CLI is designed for integration into automated test workflows and scripts.

Using the CLI in Batch Scripts

Create a Windows batch file (.bat or .cmd) to automate configuration: Example: setup_test.bat
@echo off
REM Configure Echo ATS for microphone testing

echo Configuring Echo ATS for test session...

REM Load baseline configuration
echocli config --load-file="C:\TestConfigs\baseline.aiosession"

REM Configure input channels
echocli mic --input=1 --gain=10 --ccp=on
echocli mic --input=2 --gain=100 --ccp=on
echocli mic --input=3 --gain=1 --ccp=off
echocli mic --input=4 --gain=10 --ccp=on

REM Set device clock
echocli device --clock=internal

echo Configuration complete!
pause
Run the script by double-clicking or from Command Prompt:
setup_test.bat

Additional Resources

API Library

For custom application development, Echo provides a C++/Python API library: GitHub Repository: github.com/mattgonzalez/EchoAIOExample

Contact Echo for info or support.