The Universal Elements of Multipurpose Automatic Test Systems

To assure the continuing satisfactory operation of a complex bombing-navigation and missile guidance system, extensive efforts must be expended in the testing process, which depends heavily upon the test system. In this paper, the testing process and test systems are treated in analytical fashion. The test system is divided into basic functional elements that are universal to all test systems. These functional elements, or subsystems, are then integrated into a theoretical automatic multipurpose test system; boundary conditions imposed on this general system would lead to any special-purpose test system. The theoretical model created is useful: 1) in designing any test system where boundary conditions are imposed; 2) in evaluating and standardizing existing and proposed test systems for a specific application; and 3) in extending available techniques of analysis in the fields of communication, computing, and control systems to the important, integrated system testing and test systems.