Test capabilities for embedded systems

Citation

(2004), "Test capabilities for embedded systems", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776ead.006

Test capabilities for embedded systems

Test capabilities for embedded systems

Keywords: Applied Dynamics International, I-Logix, Inc., Software, Control systems

Applied Dynamics International and I-Logix, Inc. (Andover, MA) recently announced that they are partnering to provide a comprehensive solution for development of embedded control systems. ADI, a provider in real-time, hardware-in-the-loop simulation and test, and I-Logix, a provider of solutions for systems and software design focused on real-time embedded applications, are providing a solution that allows a customer to rigorously test and validate their designs based on the executable specification models developed early on in the process. “We see powerful synergy in the collaboration that we demonstrated at the SAE Show in March 2004, where I-Logix Statemate automatically generated test vectors from the specification model, which were in turn used to test the embedded system”. stated John McIntosh, President and CEO, Applied Dynamics International.

The joint partnership provides the engineer the ability to design and test their embedded system from requirements and design through validation phases with a seamless environment. Tests generated for design verification can now extend to the testing of the actual embedded target system. Automating this process extension is said to improve efficiency and provide a higher-level of traceability to the design and requirements.

One of the popular features of statemate is that it enables an exhaustive set of test vectors to be automatically generated from the specification model to test the embedded target system. By automatically generating these test vectors using statemate automatic test generator (ATG), significant time can reportedly be saved versus manual generation, and by introducing this capability at the specification phase of a project, errors can be spotted early, reducing the risk for late cycle design iterations and reducing the potential for costly product recalls. Statemate test vectors can now exercise the embedded target system using ADIs ADvantage test vector capability combined with the rtX Simulator. Requirements can be verified by comparing the expected results of the design with the actual results on the embedded target system. The technology allows the same testing methodology used in the design phase on the virtual design to extend to the verification and validation phases of the embedded system.

ADIs rtX with ADvantage software provides the ideal test environment for exercising the embedded system. The device can be stimulated by the test vectors in a very streamlined process. ADIs real-time, deterministic scheduler is used to stimulate the device with precision timing in order to give the user repeatable, deterministic results. The timing and latency of the embedded system to respond to stimulus, give the engineer better insight into the design by gaining visibility into the system.

ADIs rtX simulator can also be used for real- time execution of an I-Logix's Statemate design, which can easily be connected to hardware components through ADIs ADvantage tools. The virtual model of the device and actual device can be co-simulated during the verification phase to study any differences in behavior.

These combined solutions are said to save engineers valuable time testing the specification, creating tests for the embedded system and testing integration of the final product, ultimately leading to lower costs and higher quality.

Details available from: Applied Dynamics International. Tel: +1 978 645 3099.