On the Saturation of $n$-Detection Test Generation by Different Definitions With Increased $n$

An n-detection test set contains different tests for each target fault. The value of is typically determined based on test set size constraints, and certain values have become standard. Appropriate values for are investigated in this paper by considering the saturation of the n-detection test generation process. As is increased, eventually, the rate of increase in test set quality starts dropping. Saturation occurs when the increase in test set quality with drops below a certain level. Three parameters of an n-detection test set are introduced to measure the saturation of the test generation process: 1) the fraction of faults detected times or less by the test set; 2) the fraction of faults detected fewer than times by the test set; and 3) the test set size relative to the size of a one-detection test set. It is demonstrated that the behavior of each one of these parameters follows a unique pattern as is increased, and certain features of this behavior can be used to identify saturation. All the parameters can be efficiently computed during the test generation process.