Introduction to Automated Test Systems — Back to Basics

Automated Test Systems (ATS) are application specific systems that increase the reliability and productivity of testing activities in different stages of product development, manufacturing, and maintenance. Different test strategies are necessary to validate a product's performances throughout the lifecycle. These strategies have been instantiated in the development of hardware and software as it is associated to the Test Program Set (TPS). With ATS the test control and decision logic are coded in computer programs, test program (TP). Thus, freeing up the test technician to perform other tasks. However, the introduction of automated test does not eliminate the need for an intelligent test technician or analysis of the results for a faulty Unit Under Test (UUT). In many ways it complicates the matter because the analysis and decision logic for diagnosis must be determined at the time the TPS is being developed. A TPS cannot rely on the intelligent reaction of a technician to dynamically changing circumstances. The advantages to the ATS are the speed, precision, and repeatability possible only with a computer. In this paper, an introduction to ATS and the TPS development process are presented. The development process follows standard systems engineering principles. No prior knowledge of ATS or TPS development is assumed on the part of the reader.