This project proposes the development of a HOST-based test system using automated test software and integrated hardware test instrumentation that will rapidly and accurately test candidate components for HOST standard conformance in form, fit, and function. The Phase II project will implement and test the Conformance Tool (CT) architecture developed in Phase I. The CT Hardware and Software Architecture is based on COTS products and technologies for the automated test platform. This project will generate the customized software test modules based on the Rules from the HOST Tier 1 and Tier 2 Standards. The Architecture calls for a self-contained test system housed in a typical 19 server rack, with all test equipment, cabling, Interface Test Assembly, and test management & control computers included. The initial CT test system resulting from the Phase II Base project will be capable of rapidly testing any standard 6U OpenVPX component module (Circuit Card Assembly (CCA)) for compliance to HOST Rules. Other module form factors (i.e. 3U) and other OpenVPX backplane standards (i.e. fiber optic) will be added in later phases. We intend to develop support for other form factors and for system-level (LRU and multi-LRU) testing for conformance to HOST standards in later initiatives.
Benefit: Integral to the HOST Conformance Tool, Lead Dog Technologies (LDT) will develop a library of automated test software modules that will accurately, rapidly, and cost effectively test candidate components for conformance to HOST standards for form, fit, and function. HOST conformance test automation can facilitate the design, production and verification of conformant components, which will enhance current weapon system longevity at reduced cost and implementation times. Design. The CT will be useful for testing module designs early in the development process, thereby minimizing costs. The tool will give the HOST prototype design engineer rapid and detailed feedback customized to the current area of development. When the development cycle is complete, the prototype module will be demonstrably conformant to HOST standards (i.e. interoperable, modular IT components) thus keeping prototype development costs low. The prototype design engineer also can add any non-standard tests needed (for example, tests required outside of HOST requirements). The tool will be affordable and useful to component developers, greatly lowering barriers to entry for potential hardware and software vendors. Production. The CT is architected to accommodate higher-level (pass / fail) production testing for low or high-volume HOST component manufacturing. The test data sheets will include pass / fail data, timing data, power data (voltage, current, power), etc. A pass will generally not require additional data. When a failure is detected, the CT provides detailed test failure information using Standard Test Data Formats (STDF), enabling debug technicians and test engineers to quickly identify the source of the failed status. Because the automated testing is rapid, batch testing will be feasible, thus allowing for greater quality assurance at low cost. Verification. As the tool, VITA HOST processes, and the overall HOST ecosystem mature, the Conformance Tool will become an instrument used in HOST conformance verification and ultimately for Conformance Certification. We believe certification is necessary to enable HOST products to become truly interoperable and truly COTS in the long-term. This CT innovation will contribute to cost effective, rapid, and robust conformance verification of HOST capabilities.
Keywords: Hardware Open Systems Technologies (HOST) Standards, OpenVPX, fit, Interface Test Assembly (ITA), Form, Function and Electro-Mechanical Interface Testing, Logical Interface Verification, Automated Test Engineering (ATE), HOST Conformance Tool (CT), Component Conformance and Interoperability
