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Showing papers presented at "AUTOTESTCON in 2006"


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: Prognostics and health management (PHM) is an approach to system life-cycle support that seeks to reduce/eliminate inspections and time-based maintenance through accurate monitoring, incipient fault detection, and prediction of impending faults as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Prognostics and health management (PHM) is an approach to system life-cycle support that seeks to reduce/eliminate inspections and time-based maintenance through accurate monitoring, incipient fault detection, and prediction of impending faults. Coupled with autonomic logistics for unprecedented responsiveness, cost effectiveness, and mission availability, PHM is largely automated in its application. Incorporating the principles of condition-based maintenance (CBM) along with the tenets of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), the PHM paradigm extends these capabilities and provides a robust environment to optimize maintenance and logistics for increased operational availability (A0), and reduced life-cycle costs (LCC) while potentially increasing the reliability and life expectancy of mechanical, structural, and electronic systems. Driven by a demand for greater reliability at reduced cost and fueled by technological advancements, the PHM contribution to an already robust and confounding vocabulary surrounding maintenance and logistics is significant. As adopters of PHM technology attempt to define requirements and performance parameters, difficulties encountered with various non- standardized terminology indicate that the PHM vocabulary merits a lexical review. This paper will provide a compendium of PHM terminology along with definitions and examples, derived from the authors' experience in the implementation of PHM systems. Coalescing existing vocabularies and introducing, formally, the new lexicon of maintenance and logistics, the authors seek to aid in clarification of the emerging dialogue of life-cycle support.

123 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: This work presents novel approaches for feature selection and alarm settings that can be exploited by automatic health monitoring systems that use vibrations of industrial machinery as a primary source for detection of failures and incipient faults.
Abstract: This work presents novel approaches for feature selection and alarm settings that can be exploited by automatic health monitoring systems that use vibrations of industrial machinery as a primary source for detection of failures and incipient faults. For any feature extracted from a sensor signal, a baseline is created that is accepted or rejected according to its statistical properties and the largest time constant of the system. The proposed framework determines alarms using an alarm coefficient that is motivated by established engineering norms, heuristics, and acceleration models. The operation of the architecture and the system performance are tested with industrial failure data.

33 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, a data-driven process that utilizes knowledge from signal processing and statistical domains to detect and diagnose faults in automotive engines is proposed, and the proposed approach is applied to a Toyota Camry engine.
Abstract: The competitive businesses' desire to provide "smart services" and the pace at which the modern automobiles are increasing in complexity, are motivating the development of automated intelligent vehicle health management systems. Current On-Board Diagnosis (OBD II) systems use simple rules and maps to perform diagnosis, and significant human intervention is needed to troubleshoot a problem. More research is needed on developing innovative, easy-to-use automated diagnostic approaches for incorporation into the OBD systems. In addition, developing intelligent remote diagnosis technology, building a bridge between on-board and off-board diagnosis are open areas of research in the automotive industry.Here, we propose a systematic data-driven process that utilizes knowledge from signal- processing and statistical domains to detect and diagnose faults in automotive engines. The proposed approach is applied to a Toyota Camry engine, and the experimental results are presented in detail. The experimental system consists of an engine running with manual transmission on a dynamometer test- stand. For our experiments, the data for five faults (three sensor faults and two physical faults) with different severity levels under various operating conditions (e.g., different throttle angles, engine speeds, etc) is collected from the engine, and the application of a data-driven diagnostic process is examined.

30 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this article, a fault tolerance model called triple modular redundancy with standby (TMRSB) is developed which combines the two popular fault tolerance techniques of TMR and standby (SB) fault tolerance.
Abstract: A fault tolerance model called triple modular redundancy with standby (TMRSB) is developed which combines the two popular fault tolerance techniques of triple modular redundancy (TMR) and standby (SB) fault tolerance. In TMRSB systems, each module of a TMR arrangement has access to several independent standby configurations. When a fault is detected in a module's active configuration, the physical resources within that module are re-mapped to restore the desired fault-free functionality by reconfiguring the resource pool to one of the standby configurations. A mathematic model for TMRSB systems is developed for field programmable gate array (FPGA) logic devices. Simulation of the model was also performed using the BlockSim reliability software tool which takes into account the reconfiguration time overheads and an imperfect switching mechanism. With component time-to-failure following an exponential distribution throughout long mission duration, the range of operation over which TMRSB is superior to a standby system and a TMR system is shown.

24 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The described procedures can be used for the model-based testing process so as to improve its effectiveness and are exemplified by a component of an Adaptive Cruise Control model in Matlab/Simulink/Stateflowreg.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the means of black-box on-line test evaluation for hybrid real-time systems. The described procedures can be used for the model-based testing process so as to improve its effectiveness. In particular, intelligent automotive validation functions are considered, which are divided into different types depending on the nature of the evaluated issue. All provided definitions are specified on the meta-model level according to the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) trends. The application of the concepts given in this paper contributes to the continuous on-line test analysis and is exemplified by a component of an Adaptive Cruise Control model in Matlab/Simulink/Stateflowreg.

22 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: This paper proposes a data- driven approach using a data reduction technique, coupled with a variety of classifiers, for an automotive engine system, and results in significant reduction in data size without loss of accuracy in classification.
Abstract: Faults in automotive systems significantly degrade the performance and efficiency of vehicles, and often times are the major causes of vehicle break-down leading to large expenditure for repair and maintenance. An intelligent fault diagnosis system can ensure uninterrupted and reliable operation of vehicular systems, and aid in vehicle health monitoring. Due to cost constraints, the current electronic control units (ECUs) for control and diagnosis have 1-2 MB of memory and 24 -50 MHz of processor speed. Therefore, intelligent data reduction techniques and partitioning methodology are needed for effective fault diagnosis in automotive systems. In this paper, we propose a data- driven approach using a data reduction technique, coupled with a variety of classifiers, for an automotive engine system. Adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) is employed to improve the classifier performance. Our proposed techniques can be used for any vehicle systems without the need to tune the classification algorithms for a specific vehicle model. Our proposed fault diagnosis scheme results in significant reduction in data size (25.6 MBrarr12.8 KB) without loss of accuracy in classification.

20 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, a three-tier failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was used to identify the primary modes of failure for a switchedmode power supply (SMPS) using corroborative evidence sources.
Abstract: Increased awareness of potential cost savings and improved reliability associated with condition based maintenance (CBM) for avionic systems has generated interest in the research and development of novel electronic prognostic and health management (PHM) solutions. This paper describes the process, with related examples, used to develop prognostics algorithms for a commercially available switched-mode power supply (SMPS) using corroborative evidence sources. The process begins with a Pareto analysis indicating the primary modes of failure. Critical components are identified using a three-tier failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) by investigating device, circuit, and system parameters sensitive to degradation. Once acceleration factors, or sources of degradation, are known damage accumulation failure models for each critical component are derived from highly accelerated life tests (HALT). Then, healthy components are systematically degraded to varying levels of severity by performing highly accelerated stress testing (HAST). These components are used in seeded fault tests to identify system- level parameters sensitive to device damage. Features extracted from data recorded during seeded fault tests are used to derive feature- based failure models. Finally, reasoning and data fusion algorithms are applied to both models to generate corroborative remaining useful life (RUL) predictions.

18 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this article, an in-situ solder-joint built-in self-test (SJ BIST) is proposed for detecting high-resistance faults in operational, fully-programmed field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
Abstract: In this paper we introduce an in-situ solder-joint built-in self-test (SJ BIST) for detecting high-resistance faults in operational, fully-programmed field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The approach is simple to implement, offers a method to detect high- resistance faults that result from damaged solder-joints, and uses a maximum of one small capacitor externally-connected to each selected test pin or each group of two test pins.

17 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an approach that addresses the concept of self-healing as a contingency management approach framed in the PHM perspective, which is capable of maintaining operational functionality at reduced performance during various fault conditions, as well as optimization of the impact of stresses in the failing parts in the overall system.
Abstract: This work presents an approach that addresses the concept of self-healing as a contingency management approach framed in the PHM perspective. The study is centered on developing strategies for extending the operation of power-electronics to motor-drives and electric machinery. The strategies proposed are capable of maintaining operational functionality at reduced performance during various fault conditions, as well as optimization of the impact of stresses in the failing parts in the overall system. The main tradeoffs of the techniques are discussed and evaluated.

16 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors considered the economic aspects of DFT as they affect post-manufacturing supportability and found that while the costs of implementing DFT are easy to predict, resulting economic benefits are difficult to predict or calculate.
Abstract: Design for testability (DFT) is a design activity intended to reduce the cost and effort of testing, diagnosis and consequently support. Built-in self test (BIST) can be thought of as an extension of DFT. While DFT enables external testers to find faults, BIST itself also includes the tester mechanism. In this paper we will include BIST as a form of DFT. A number of DFT techniques have been documented in standards, handbooks, industry guidelines, books and articles. While the need for DFT has been increasingly recognized in the past decades, it has received less than enthusiastic endorsement from designers, or even from their managers. For designers, DFT means yet another constraint and added activity, so their reluctance is not surprising. Managers, concerned with return on investment, however, should be supporting DFT. Yet often, we find that they do not. Probably, the reason is that while the costs of implementing DFT are easy to predict, resulting economic benefits are not easy to predict or calculate. DFT offers many benefits for reducing test costs. Some of these benefits are realized in manufacturing tests. This paper will address the economic aspects of DFT as they affect post-manufacturing supportability.

14 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The paper identifies the modeling and run-time parameters of the diagnosability metrics of TFPG models, and the application of diagnosable analysis to the problem of alarm allocation is discussed.
Abstract: Timed failure propagation graphs (TFPG) are causal models that capture the temporal aspects of failure propagation in dynamic systems. This paper presents several notions of diagnosability for timed failure propagation models. Diagnosability characteristics of TFPG models are defined based on three metrics; failure detectability, distinguishability, and predictability. The paper identifies the modeling and run-time parameters of the diagnosability metrics. The application of diagnosability analysis to the problem of alarm allocation is discussed.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, two major schools of process improvement, Six-Sigma1 and Lean Manufacturing, are merged to a unified methodology to gain the advantages of each school, including concepts and tools from each school.
Abstract: The many activities that fall in the domain of test can be modeled as processes and thus can benefit from the discipline of process improvement. Process improvement is itself a process that helps organizations deliver better product, more quickly, at a competitive price. The methods of process improvement are themselves evolving. Two major schools of process improvement of the 1990' s, Six-Sigma1 and Lean Manufacturing, are merging to a unified methodology to gain the advantages of each school. This paper overviews concepts and tools from each school. This paper also contains methods and tools from the Training-Within-Industry (TWI) Service training program, which provides a training foundation for present day Lean Six-Sigma process improvement.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: An editor for the BN model is developed that can be used directly by the domain expert without assistance of a knowledge engineer, and a layered structure of BN and custom node types are used to reduce the complexity of the models without degrading their fidelity.
Abstract: Bayesian networks (BN) have been shown to be a very effective form of models for diagnostic assistants. However, the difficulties creating a BN model for complex domains have been a barrier to their use. We present a methodology and supporting software for rapid and robust development of BN models for diagnostic systems. Our approach uses a layered structure of BN and custom node types. These reduce the complexity of the models without degrading their fidelity. Together with keyword tags and policy based conflict resolution, they make it possible to develop subsystem models that are merged into a single integrated model. Extracting and re-merging the subsystem models allows cyclic development by appropriate domain experts. We have developed an editor for the model that can be used directly by the domain expert without assistance of a knowledge engineer. The expert enters the domain information into simple tables. The BN file used for reasoning and other BN computations is created automatically by the editor.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
M. Granieri, A. Estrada1
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the need for a common set of specification parameters to characterize a down converter in a synthetic instrument and discuss a core set of specifications that the DOD Synthetic Instrumentation Frequency Translation Device Working Group (SI FTD WG) has identified as "best specification practices" for both characterizing and specifying a down converter.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the need for a common set of specification parameters to characterize a down converter in a synthetic instrument (SI). It then identifies and briefly discusses a core set of specification parameters that the DOD Synthetic Instrumentation Frequency Translation Device Working Group (SI FTD WG) has identified as "best specification practices" for both characterizing and specifying a down converter. The paper then provides an in-depth technical discussion of two of the less understood down converter related intermediate frequency (IF) output parameters: group delay and phase linearity.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: A non-concurrent on-line testing technique via scan chains that is characterized by high error coverage, moderate hardware overhead, and negligible time redundancy is presented.
Abstract: With operational faults becoming the dominant cause of failure modes in modern VLSI, widespread deployment of on-line test technology has become crucial. In this paper, we present a non-concurrent on-line testing technique via scan chains. We discuss the modifications needed in the design so that it can be tested on-line using our technique. We demonstrate our technique on a case study of a pipelined 8 x 8 multiply and accumulate unit. The case study shows that our technique is characterized by high error coverage, moderate hardware overhead, and negligible time redundancy.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
S.L. Dreyer1
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: Advance Maintenance Planning and Scheduling (AMPS) performs an integral role in reducing maintenance turnaround time and increasing system availability as mentioned in this paper, which can be an effective method to leverage real-time health and status data of the mission system, significantly increasing maintenance productivity.
Abstract: Advance Maintenance Planning and Scheduling (AMPS) performs an integral role in reducing maintenance turnaround time and increasing system availability. The virtues of well-executed maintenance planning and scheduling are well documented. One reason for implementing the maintenance planning and scheduling process is because it can be an effective method to leverage real-time health and status data of the mission system, significantly increasing maintenance productivity. When the occurrence of a failure is discovered while the mission is still underway, maintenance resources can be prepared in advance. The capability to prepare maintenance resources in advance requires the implementation of AMPS and a maintenance planner to facilitate that process.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The authors of this paper present the results of synchronization tests using hardware time- stamping and the IEEE 1588 protocol, and share the test results of PTP performance over networks comprised of commercial off-the-shelf network switches and hubs versus PTP-optimized devices.
Abstract: Next generation test systems are converging on Ethernet as the primary interconnect for data acquisition and instrument control. The emerging LXI standard relies on IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to synchronize distributed and large channel-count measurement systems over Ethernet. The authors of this paper present the results of synchronization tests using hardware time- stamping and the IEEE 1588 protocol. They discuss the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages of using PTP for time and frequency distribution; consider PTP performance under various network topologies and traffic scenarios; and share the test results of PTP performance over networks comprised of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) network switches and hubs versus PTP-optimized devices.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the approaches that can be applied to solving selected government Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) CASS issues and will be the basis for examples of how to address the various points covered in the GAO audit.
Abstract: This paper describes the approaches that can be applied to solving selected government Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) CASS issues and will be the basis for examples of how to address the various points covered in the GAO audit. [1] Problems between the government and the PBL contractors will be identified. Department of Defense (DOD) expects an increasing number of weapon systems and components to be maintained for military services by private sector companies under long-term, fixed-price, performance-based contracts. The use of a performance-based logistics strategy is mandated according to recent DOD guidance. Recommendations are made in this paper to assist government program offices in conducting business case analyses currently adopting the PBL approach. Several recommendations are made on how contractor support can assist the government in accomplishing their PBL goals. Contractor support is described along with PBL implementation strategies of PBL contracts. Government program offices need independent contractor support working with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to update their business case analysis, to validate the assumptions used based on actual cost and performance data and to support future weapon systems plans.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an economics model for system-on-chip (SoC) to predict the total cost of SoC development at the early design stage, and decide the strategy to test by cost-effective way.
Abstract: The test of chip has become an important issue as its complexity has been dramatically increased. Currently, system-on-chip (SoC) is major product that can be used for many applications. Since the SoC is a chip designed by VLSI design techniques, its methodologies of design and test are similar to conventional chip manufacturing aspects. However, the complexity, developing procedures, and many other things are different from the case of the conventional chips. Thus, new test approach is needed for complex SoC. The proposed economics model for SoC helps the chip developers predict total cost of SoC development at the early design stage, and decide the strategy to test by cost- effective way.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The next generation automatic test system (NGATS) is the latest addition to the Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE) developed and managed by product manager, test, measurement and diagnostic equipment (PM TMDE).
Abstract: The next generation automatic test system (NGATS) is the latest addition to the Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE) developed and managed by product manager, test, measurement and diagnostic equipment (PM TMDE). This is Version 6 of what is commonly known as the Base Shop Test Facility series of systems developed by the off platform, automatic test system program. NGATS is a reconfigurable, general-purpose, mobile, deployable, automatic test system designed to provide sustainment support to all Army weapon systems. This flexible testing platform will finally standardize and reduce the quantity of the Army's ATE systems to one modern tester and improve weapon system availability. It will allow for a decrease in logistical support requirements for ATE systems and the supported weapons systems and increase the mobility, deployability, affordability and supportability, of automated test equipment. NGATS assures compliance with Joint NxTest architecture and will support the agile rapid global combat support (ARGCS) advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) by using a common framework for DOD automatic test systems (ATS). Incremental deployment of this system will ultimately modernize and replace three existing test platforms, DSESTS, BSTF (V) 3, and BSTF (V) 5. NGATS will not only support the weapons systems currently fielded but will also support additional weapons systems as they are developed and fielded in the future. The NGATS will initially take advantage of the existing Test Program Sets for legacy weapons systems however new systems and those legacy systems that will remain in the Army inventory will have TPSs designed to take full advantage of the modern NGATS technology. Increment 1 replaces DSESTS and supports the weapons systems in the heavy brigade combat team (HBCT). The TPSs for Abrams, Bradley and other systems will be rehosted to NGATS with significant improvements. Increment 2 replaces BSTF (V) 3 and supports the MLRS, Avenger, Paladin, TOW, SINCGARS, Kiowa Warrior, Ground Based Sensor, G/VLLD, and M1A1 (SRUs) systems. Increment 3 replaces BSTF (V) 5 and supports the Kiowa Warrior and Apache. There has been increased interest in utilizing the IFTE NGATS as an Army organic sustainment support platform. Other systems that are candidates for support are KNIGHT, LLDR, STRYKER, FCS, Firefinder, LOSAT, NLOS, HIMARS, Land Warrior, SHORADS, TAD, and CROWS.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: A theoretical assessment of the representation power of the D-matrix is provided and suggestions are suggested for algorithms and model types for which the DThematic is appropriate and how to take advantage of the power of those approaches are suggested.
Abstract: As new approaches and algorithms are developed for system diagnosis, it is important to reflect on existing approaches to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Of concern is identifying potential reasons for false pulls during maintenance. Within the aerospace community, one approach to system diagnosis - based on the D-matrix derived from test dependency modeling - is used widely, yet little has been done to perform any theoretical assessment of the merits of the approach. Past assessments have been limited, largely, to empirical analysis and case studies. In this paper, we provide a theoretical assessment of the representation power of the D-matrix and suggest algorithms and model types for which the D-matrix is appropriate. Finally, we relate the processing of the D-matrix with several diagnostic approaches and suggest how to extend the power of the D-matrix to take advantage of the power of those approaches.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a viewpoint of capability maturity model integration (CMMISM) from the perspective of automated test equipment (ATE) development and test engineering, focusing on the CMMI processes and best practices which yield the greatest impact to test organizations and groups that provide ATE.
Abstract: This paper provides a viewpoint of the capability maturity model integration (CMMISM ) from the perspective of automated test equipment (ATE) development and test engineering. ATE development is a specialized segment of product development and shares many of the same issues. Requirements for the test equipment are very dependent on continually evolving product characteristics. Even with the best planning, lead times for ATE development are typically eroded by late changes to product requirements and designs, and eventually the critical path leads right through test! Without a solid process foundation, chaos ensues. The CMMI process models provide a framework for the integration of best practices in many disciplines. Portions of the systems engineering, software engineering, Integrated Product and Process Development and Supplier Sourcing models all offer important perspectives which affect ATE developers. This paper focuses on the CMMI processes and best practices which yield the greatest impact to test organizations and groups that provide ATE. The overall Test Strategy should help prioritize the process areas which deserve the most attention. Mature ATE organizations use a Balanced Scorecard approach to provide alignment with corporate and program level goals. Metrics monitor their progress against their corporate goals. At the program level, they apply a risk- driven approach to selectively apply resources that achieve the highest ROI for test dollars. From this business-oriented vantage point, organizations are likely to see increased efficiencies that will decrease overall system development costs by streamlining the testing component of their budgets.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: A benchmarking technique for comparing instruments buses is discussed, actual measurement performance results across several instruments are shown and system developers can measure actual bus performance and optimize their test systems.
Abstract: When designing automated test and measurement systems, developers can optimize system throughput by evaluating instrument control buses. Part of the optimization process includes defining a benchmark test, selecting the appropriate instruments and determining which instrument control bus provides optimal performance. While there are a variety of factors to consider when selecting an instrument, the instrumentation bus used has a large impact on the instrument performance. Many instrumentation buses are available for instrument control, such as GPIB, HS488, VXI, USB, LAN/LXI, PCI, PXI, and others. This paper briefly discusses a benchmarking technique for comparing instruments buses and shows actual measurement performance results across several instruments. Based on the testing methodology and sample results, system developers can measure actual bus performance and optimize their test systems.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The interface used and code generated for the interface will demonstrate the flexibility of the Boeing application executive's reasoner interface and the versatility of the MATLABreg environment.
Abstract: Extensible markup language (XML) transactions have been investigated by the Automatic test markup language (ATML) working group as a standardized way to establish connectivity between maintenance systems in a network centric support (NCS) environment. These same types of transactions are currently implemented in the smart TPS application executive for reasoner types of services. This paper discusses the engineering effort required to integrate MATLABreg into these transactions as a reasoner. We will outline the interface used and describe the code we generated for the interface. This integration will demonstrate the flexibility of the Boeing application executive's reasoner interface and the versatility of the MATLABreg environment. In order to exercise the interface between the application executive and MATLABreg, we developed a very simple reasoner in MATLABreg. This reasoner was only generated as a proof of concept and not a fully defined reasoner as outlined by IEEE 1232. This reasoner was developed for the demo system designed for the Boeing RT-CASS system demonstration of reasoners.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: An overview of the DoD ATS framework is provided, including its purpose and benefits, to serve as a tutorial for acquisition experts in both DoD and industry on how the framework, or other frameworks, should be applied to meet the goals and objectives of an ATS organization.
Abstract: The department of defense (DoD) automatic test system (ATS) framework was designed to address the goals of the DoD's ATS policy. The DoD's framework working group (FWG) was established by the DoD's ATS management board (AMB) to define this framework. The Framework continues to evolve as technology advances, in terms of testing requirements of ATS, commercial test product capabilities, and industry standards. The FWG has identified several industry consortia to support the advancement of the framework. These consortia are leveraged to address specific aspects of the framework. In addition, complimentary DoD efforts such as the agile rapid global combat system (ARGCS) are being used to mature or validate the framework elements. The framework is currently being used to specify standards that must be incorporated in future DoD ATS acquisitions, such as the Navy's eCASS. As the framework matures, additional requirements are placed on DoD ATS acquisitions. These requirements are contained in the DoD information technology standards repository (DISR) and are mandated by the DoD ATS Executive Directorate (ED). This paper will provide an overview of the framework, including its purpose and benefits. It will describe the plans and status of the FWG, the relationship to industry consortia and related DoD efforts, and how the framework is being implemented within the DoD. Finally, it will serve as a tutorial for acquisition experts in both DoD and industry on how the DoD ATS framework, or other frameworks, should be applied to meet the goals and objectives of an ATS organization.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: This technical document discusses a method that reduces the amount of resources and time necessary to trace requirements by including requirements coverage information in the software where requirements will be implemented.
Abstract: The increase in complexity of engineering projects, stronger competition and the need to reduce product lifecycles has led to the increased use of formalized requirements. In order to help trace requirements relationships and store specification information, requirements management and traceability applications were developed. Tracing and managing requirements can include many hidden costs that in some cases outweigh the benefits offered by requirements traceability. This technical document discusses a method that reduces the amount of resources and time necessary to trace requirements by including requirements coverage information in the software where requirements will be implemented. It also emphasizes the importance of easy-to-use graphical tools to specify the coverage relationships between elements and analyze the traceability information between requirements, their implementation and test results.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
G. Drenkow1
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The paper will show the triggering and synchronization techniques used today in GPIB (like group execute trigger and SRQ); comparing them to similar and new techniques used in LXI (LXI events, LXI alarms, NXI trigger bus, peer-to-peer triggers, and multi-cast triggers).
Abstract: LXI, introduced in September 2005, is the next generation test system architecture and will over time replace many of the existing GPIB-based systems. The LXI Consortium has taken great care in designing the triggering and synchronization functionality needed in future test scenarios. The paper will show the triggering and synchronization techniques used today in GPIB (like group execute trigger and SRQ); comparing them to similar and new techniques used in LXI (LXI events, LXI alarms, LXI trigger bus, peer-to-peer triggers, and multi-cast triggers). It will provide typical trigger examples and give code examples for the most common triggering and signaling techniques in LXI.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: The Integrated Diagnostics and Automated Test Systems (IDATS) team at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Lakehurst has investigated the realization of net-centric avionics diagnostics within the current Navy maintenance system as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The U.S. Navy's current implementation of the three-level maintenance philosophy achieves mission readiness. However, there are inefficiencies in the maintenance system which waste resources and manpower. These inefficiencies may be overcome by facilitating improved testing capabilities and data sharing between the Organizational level of maintenance (O-level) and the Intermediate level (l-level) and/or Depot (D-level). The Integrated Diagnostics and Automated Test Systems (IDATS) team at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Lakehurst has investigated the realization of net-centric avionics diagnostics within the current Navy maintenance system. This paper describes efforts by the IDATS team to realize a proof-of-concept demonstration involving many aircraft maintenance technologies. These include data mining, diagnostic reasoning, and the transmission of diagnostic and maintenance data between levels of maintenance in order to reduce diagnostic ambiguities and testing time for an avionics system. Cost savings resulting from increased aircraft operational availability (Ao) can be achieved by implementing a net-centric approach to diagnostics Navy maintenance system. within the current Navy maintenance system.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
Paul H. Barton1
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method to predict failures in subsystems before they actually occur through the use of prognostic techniques, which can remove potentially faulty units or prepositioning of spares to allow quick repairs at minimal cost.
Abstract: Maintenance and repair of weapons systems is an ever-increasing part of the total cost. The time to repair faults can also have a major impact on system availability. Prediction of faults before they occur allows removal of potentially faulty units or the prepositioning of spares to allow quick repairs at minimal cost. Many new weapon system pro-curements include requirements to predict failures in subsystems before they actually occur through the use of prognostic techniques. This is a difficult task requiring innovative solutions. 3584

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2006
TL;DR: A solution to overcome obstacles by providing remote access to a target system's internal Boundary-Scan infrastructure utilizing the existing, secure, wired or wireless communication protocol is described.
Abstract: The IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan standard has become an invaluable tool for testing today's complex, high density digital designs. Although typically used to detect structural faults at board level test, access to the Boundary-Scan infrastructure at the system level enables such capabilities as system monitoring, system test after final assembly and system reconfiguration. To exploit these capabilities, one must have access to the internal Boundary-Scan infrastructure, which is becoming increasingly difficult with the miniaturization of products, shielding requirements and security concerns that prevent external access via the edge connector to the necessary test signals. Subsequently, it has become imperative that an alternative solution be found to gain access to the internal Boundary-Scan infrastructure. This paper will describe a solution to overcome these obstacles by providing remote access to a target system's internal Boundary-Scan infrastructure utilizing the existing, secure, wired or wireless communication protocol.