Autonomous Driving Compute Board Self-Testing for Factory Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing computation hardware in autonomous driving vehicles are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring manual operation and external signal provision, which limits test coverage and factory productivity.
Innovation Solution
A test suite software is loaded onto an autonomous driving data processing board to control external systems and perform functional tests on the computation hardware, including sensors like cameras, GPS, and LIDAR units, enabling full functional coverage and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator-based functional tests are used to test computation hardware, then test coverage can be achieved, but test efficiency and factory productivity are reduced due to lengthy manual procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The computation hardware under test performs self-testing by executing test programs stored in its own memory. The hardware automatically provides test signals to itself and measures its own functional responses, eliminating the need for external manual testing equipment and operators. This self-service approach maintains comprehensive test coverage while dramatically improving testing speed and factory productivity.
2Reliability
If manual operators provide external signals and measure test results, then functional tests can be performed, but test complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the testing functionality from external manual operators and integrates it directly into the computation hardware under test. By storing test programs in the hardware's own memory and executing them locally, the system eliminates the need for external signal provision and measurement equipment, thereby reducing test time while maintaining functional test capability.
3Reliability
If conventional external testing equipment is used, then computation hardware can be tested, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the testing equipment and the computation hardware into a single integrated system. The computation hardware's memory stores test programs and its processor executes them, combining the functions of test equipment, test signal generation, and measurement into the device under test itself. This reduces overall system complexity and eliminates the need for separate external testing equipment.
4Reliability
If manual testing procedures are used, then functional tests can be conducted, but ease of operation is reduced due to operator intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The computation hardware automatically executes test programs stored in its memory without requiring operator intervention. The system self-manages the entire testing process including signal generation, functional testing, and result measurement, making operation simple and eliminating the need for trained operators to conduct lengthy manual tests.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method verifies functionality of computation hardware on a device under test (DUT). The method loads a software test program onto the DUT, wherein the DUT includes computation hardware components. The method executes the software test program on the DUT to test the hardware components. During the testing, the software test program instructs one or more devices external to the DUT to provide one or more signals to one or more of the computation hardware components. The software test program generates a set of test results in response to testing the computation hardware components based on the one or more signals.