Re-host factors and a method to maintain the integrity of a test

Re-hosting test program sets (TPS) is a diverse science. Methods of re-host are determined by many multifaceted factors. Some of these factors are: circuit complexity, customer requirements, documentation, optimal circuit coverage, schematics and data availability, existence of and obtainable test specs, legacy TPS history (no-fault-found and could-not duplicate problems or a high quality reliable TPS), quality of unit under test (UUT) data, technology of the TPS (digital, analog, hybrid, etc.), legacy ATEs, software (SW) development environment, SW tools and translators, interface test adapters (ITA), contractual requirements; mating connectors, test connectors and fixtures and usability and accessibility of existing legacy TPS code. This paper will cover various TPS re-hosting philosophies. Also, the paper will discuss the details of using the soft front panel method to duplicate a non-simulated digital legacy TPS.