Trends and Tradeoffs in Department of Defense Automatic Test System Measurement Receivers

In the past, many weapon system programs were independently developed and fielded which resulted in redundant Automatic Test System (ATS) development efforts, different ATS support requirements, and a correspondingly high cost of ownership. In response to this, the Department of Defense (DoD) created its Automatic Test Systems Master Plan, updated most recently in 2017. This document outlines four primary objectives for future ATS. Those objectives promote open test system architectures and commonality of hardware and software components to improve interoperability across the Services and reduce total cost of ownership, all while supporting current and future needs of the warfighter. In support of these DoD ATS goals, industry has responded with enhancements in the technology of test system components and architecture. This paper reviews past, present, and future trends in the evolution of test equipment and describes tradeoffs between different types of measurement receivers and their characteristics as it pertains to supporting the DoD ATS goals and future weapon systems. The paper presents the reader with all relevant information needed to make informed choices which will satisfy their ATS requirements now and in the future.