Advances in DoD'S ATS framework

The Automatic Test System (ATS) Executive Directorate (ED) is charged with developing objectives for the Department of Defense (DoD) ATS modernization. The DoD ATS Framework Working Group (FWG) was established by the ATS ED to create a Framework addressing these objectives. The FWG consists of two sub-groups; Management, that includes members from all of the DoD Services, and Technical. The Framework is made up of key elements and associated specifications and standards that form the open system architecture approach for DoD ATSs. In addition to creating and updating key element definitions, the FWG focuses on identifying commercial ATS related specifications that might satisfy the elements in the Framework. The standards specified in the DoD ATS Framework are documented in the DoD's Information Technology Standards Repository (DISR) and thereby become a mandatory requirement for all DoD ATS acquisitions. The Framework is also being specifically called out in DoD ATS requirements documents so that its standards are incorporated in future DoD ATS acquisitions, such as the Navy's eCASS. Although the ATS Framework was originally defined more than 10 years ago, it continues to evolve as test technology evolves. A function of the FWG is to continually assess the Framework and plan the development and demonstration of specifications and standards to satisfy ATS Framework requirements. The FWG is currently participating in the standards development process via standards organizations, consortia, and working groups. The FWG is evaluating these standards in terms of applicability to the twenty plus key elements defined in the Framework. The FWG is also continually evaluating new test and information technologies to further refine and add new key elements. When necessary, the FWG provides requirements and potential solutions to standards development teams so that the resulting standard will fit within the Framework. When these standards are published and proven to meet the requirements of a particular Framework element, the FWG makes recommendations to the DoD's ATS Management Board (AMB) regarding how these standards should be represented in the DISR. Standards which are mandated will be required by the acquisition process, and vendors' products acquired by the DoD must conform to them. This paper will provide a summary of the current activities and issues impacting the ATS Framework with a discussion of the near term plans of the FWG. It will provide status on the key elements that the FWG members are currently working on. These elements include the Adapter Functional and Parametric Data (AFP), Diagnostic Data (DIAD), Diagnostic Services (DIAS), Instrument Functional and Parametric Data (IFP), Master Conformance Index (MCI), Maintenance Test Data (MTD), Resource Adapter Interface (RAI), Run Time Services (RTS), Prognostics and Health Management (PHM), and Test Station Functional and Parametric Data (TSFP). The standards that satisfy or partially satisfy these key elements, and the current status of these standards are discussed. The paper also describes the purpose of, and the FWG's role in, several industry working groups; including LAN extensions for Instrumentation (LXI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Coordinating Committee 20 (SCC20), Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI), and Synthetic Instruments Working Group (SIWG). Finally, current issues, such as how signal modeling is to be incorporated within the Framework, the relationship to the DoD's efforts with those of the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD), the use of the DISR mandated elements in upcoming DoD ATS acquisitions, and how O-level test capabilities could be incorporated in the Framework are discussed.