Once the Interface Test Adapter has been made and successfully quality-checked, the testing process can now begin.
There are several different types of test that the IFD™ TE system can carry out; see Tests for more details on these. There is no correct or incorrect testing solution for a UUT – test methods chosen will clearly be dependent on the problem being dealt with - and each testing regime is like to be subtly different with a number of contributing factors. For example, does the UUT need to be environmentally stressed, are there any dead areas that can't be tested, are there certain relays or switches that need to be made as part of the test process to increase test coverage (note that the IFD™ TE must not be connected to a powered UUT at any time).
The User must assess the UUT, reflect on the symptoms and failures that have been reported, review the test modes available and then design a test plan that is optimised to isolate the fault(s), for more on this subject see Identification of the Problem. The priority is to minimise the testing time and isolate the fault to a single test point as quickly as possible. A typical Test Plan might be as follows:
Ø Begin with a simple Continuity check to ensure the ITA and UUT are connected correctly.
Ø Carry out a Shorts test. If a fault or faults are found then use the Trace function to determine the root cause.
Ø Carry out an Intermittence test. This might require the User to stimulate the cable, connectors or chassis points on the UUT to provide a better opportunity of capturing any intermittent faults. The stimulation of the UUT needed can range from simply gentle tapping on the UUT components to using a full environmental chamber.
Ø LogScope™ testing of individual test points (point-to-point) could be carried out on tests points that exhibit any intermittent faults to establish how unstable the test point(s) are. Conversely, LogScope™ could also be used on test points to provide confidence as to the stability of the test points under test.
If further help is needed in developing a Test Plan, then contact Copernicus Technology Ltd.
If further help is needed in developing a Test Plan, then contact Copernicus Technology Ltd.