Experiences gained using the Navy´s IDSS weapon system testability analyzer

The weapon system testability analyzer (WSTA), which has the ability to measure the testability of a design by modeling the actual process used during online, real-time fault diagnosis, is described. The results of experiences gained applying the ESTA to various levels of analysis are presented, including: built-in test (BIT) assessment at the organizational level; verification of complete testability from system, subsystem, and weapon replacable assembly (or line-replaceable unit) levels; and, through card-level testability, detection and isolation accurately and efficiently at the piece-part level. The ease of modeling, the reports generated and their usefulness to the testability process, and the unique features associated with the use of the tool are discussed