Test Program Set Obsolescence Mitigation via Modular Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated test systems face challenges in maintaining cost-effectiveness due to rapid obsolescence of hardware and software components, exacerbated by commercial standards being influenced by a single entity, leading to premature adoption of outdated technologies and increased costs, particularly in governmental sectors.
Innovation Solution
A method for obsolescence mitigation in electronic test systems involves defining governing rules for the system, creating and updating test program sets (TPS) to ensure compatibility with new components, detecting changes, and redefining rules as necessary to allow continued use of obsolete components, thereby enabling transparent updating and reuse within established boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercial standards are adopted to reduce costs, then interoperability and cost-effectiveness improve, but single entity influence causes premature obsolescence and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test system into modular components with standardized interfaces, allowing individual components to be updated or replaced without affecting the entire system. This modular architecture enables selective adoption of new technologies while maintaining compatibility with existing components, thereby extending system longevity while benefiting from commercial standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal interfaces and protocols that allow different components from various vendors to interoperate through a common standard layer. This multi-functionality enables the system to work with both legacy and new components, preventing premature obsolescence while maintaining cost-effectiveness through competitive commercial standards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new components are integrated to extend system life, then system adaptability improves, but test program set compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer between the test program set and hardware components. This mediator translates between the stable, standardized test programs and the varying characteristics of new components, allowing system adaptability to improve while maintaining test program compatibility through automatic translation and adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based configuration where new components are integrated by defining and registering their parameters rather than requiring program changes. The system automatically adapts test programs by substituting parameter values rather than modifying program logic, thereby maintaining compatibility while enabling adaptability to new components.
3Reliability
If proprietary standards are used to ensure system stability, then reliability improves, but adaptability to new technologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic standard architecture where the core interface standards remain stable and proprietary for reliability, while allowing dynamic extension and adaptation layers to integrate new technologies. The system can dynamically register and accommodate new component types without changing the fundamental stable interface, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic test system including hardware and software components and method of use of same which provide obsolescence mitigation. A set of governing rules for the system is defined and a test program test (TPS) is created to enable units to be tested. When a new component is introduced into the system, the change is detected and a new TPS is created. If the new TPS complies with the rules, testing using the new TPS is possible. If not, a determination is made as to whether any component of the TPS is obsolete and if not, the units can be tested using the new TPS without redefining the rules. When a component of the TPS is obsolete, the rules are reviewed to ascertain the effect of the removal of the component and optionally redefined to enable the new component to be used in combination with the remaining components.