Automated Test Bench for Electronic Systems with Functional Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing complex electronic systems on aircraft and rotorcraft is challenging due to the complexity of signal exchange and numerous configurations, requiring highly qualified operators and leading to inconsistent test reports.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a test bench connected to the electronic system, where a sequence of commands is generated from an informal functional specification, allowing for data transfer definition between sender and receiver, and recording test results to identify unambiguously the corresponding functional specification, enabling automatic traceability and reducing operator dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual test procedures are used with highly qualified operators, then test accuracy can be maintained, but test complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated test system that acts as an intermediary between the test operator and the electronic system under test. This automated system includes a test controller, signal generators, and measurement devices that automatically execute test sequences, thereby maintaining test accuracy while reducing the complexity of manual test procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical test procedures with automated electronic testing. The automated test system uses computer-controlled signal generation, switching, and measurement to substitute for manual operator actions, thereby maintaining precision while reducing procedural complexity and test time.
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all system configurations is performed, then test coverage is improved, but test time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of the automated test system with pre-programmed test sequences for multiple system configurations. The test controller is pre-loaded with test procedures that can automatically adapt to different electronic system configurations, allowing comprehensive test coverage to be achieved without manually reconfiguring equipment for each test scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic test sequence generation where the automated test system automatically adapts its test procedures based on the detected configuration of the electronic system under test. The system dynamically selects and executes appropriate test sequences from a library, enabling comprehensive coverage of relevant configurations while minimizing test time by avoiding unnecessary tests.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized operators are used for different equipment functions, then testing expertise is sufficient, but coordination difficulty and inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated test controller that can handle multiple types of electronic equipment and test functions through a single integrated system. The controller includes programmable interfaces that can adapt to different equipment types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized operators and their coordination, while maintaining comprehensive testing expertise through software configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If informal functional specifications are used for test generation, then flexibility is maintained, but traceability and consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated test system continuously monitors and records the relationship between functional specifications and actual test execution. The system maintains a traceability database that links test results back to the original functional specifications, providing automatic feedback on coverage and consistency while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate informal specification formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a test for an electronic system including a plurality of pieces of equipment interconnected by at least one communications link, in which method, in order to perform the test, use is made of a test bench appropriate for the electronic system under test, which test bench is connected to the system and controlled in application of a command sequence established from at least one informal functional specification; while preparing the test, the informal functional specification, the command sequence, and a link identifying the informal functional specification from which the command sequence was established are all recorded so that after execution of the command sequence and after the test results have been recorded, it is possible to read the link and identify unambiguously the informal functional specification that corresponds to the test results obtained.