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Diagnostic Profiler Development Tools
Development Tools include:
...the Diagnostic Profiler has automated inputs directly from CAD platforms.
 In the IPDE environment, the most efficient approach to data capture is to import design data directly from a CAD system. The tools contain automatic translators to facilitate the capture of electronic data from CAD/CAE output formats, including VHDL and EDIF. The translators generate the required input format, which is a set of software files called the Matrix File Set. The Matrix File Set is an internal data base which contains structural, hierarchical and signal flow, and fault propagation information, captured from the design data. Electronic data input from Computer-Aided Design data base files can be in either VHDL (VHSIC (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit) Hardware Description Language) or EDIF (Electronic Design Interchange Format). VHDL format design data is translated into the matrix file set via the VHDL-to-Matrix File Set Translator. EDIF data is translated into the required matrix file set via the EDIF-to-Matrix File Set Translator. In some cases, electronic-formatted data will not be available. This is especially true for older systems. When CAD data is not available, but rather paper-based schematic and parts list data are, the user can enter the schematic design data into the commercially available OrCAD Schematic Design Tool. OrCAD outputs the EDIF format, which can be then translated into the matrix file set. OrCAD contains an extensive component library (20,000 components) and is a low-cost, easy to use, PC-based CAD package.
The design model is developed as a series of finite, hierarchical logical blocks which represent the design. Modeling can be initiated with system level functional block diagrams and proceed over time to detailed logic diagrams.
... complete metrics are provided to guide the decision process.
 As new designs and update/modernization of existing systems are becoming more complex, testing these designs is becoming more difficult. It is no longer feasible to consider test of these complex designs after the design has been completed. Test must be developed concurrent with design. This requires tools to allow the designer to concentrate on his key goal - getting the design to perform - while allowing the test engineer to influence the design without undue delay or impact to the designer. This requires tools that work within the Integrated Product team environment to facilitate concurrent design of support attributes.
For the designer, the testability characteristics can help guide him or her in improving the inherent testability of the design. This may include adding or modifying built-in test or adding accessibility via additional test points or breaking design loops. Lack of good design/test interaction has been blamed for many weapon system supportability and sustainability problems.
For the diagnostic system engineer, the tools can provide insight as to what available measurement points should be used to maximize fault detection and isolation capability, within predefined test constraints. It can also verify that the test program will meet fault detection and fault isolation requirements in simulation mode (Dem/Val Phase I) prior to hardware fabrication. This analysis is performed for all maintenance levels both on-line and off-line. The Diagnostic Profiler automatically furnishes testability and diagnostic characteristics. These outputs include comprehensive reports on:
Constraints can be design-oriented or test oriented. Design oriented constraints include: available real-estate for test points, capability of built-in test, unbreakable design loops. Test constraints include: test point availability, test equipment capability and test comprehensiveness.
...the tools allow design data changes to be easily integrated into work in process
 After the design has been captured and a baseline of design information has been established, the design will undergo changes and updates throughout the development process and well into its useful lifetime. The Merge Updates function of the Diagnostic Profiler enables the user to update the model baseline efficiently, by combining updated CAD data into the model base. The design modifications and updates are carried forward to the impacted area of the design. Field modifications/updates are facilitated by model-based diagnostics in a CALS-compliant IPD environment. Configuration management of legacy data is simplified because of its inherent electronic format.
Run-Time Linkages Provided by theDiagnostic Profiler
The knowledge base operates in conjunction with an AI Run-Time Executive system, called a DiagnosticianTM to perform fault localization within an overall testing environment. The DiagnosticianTM can be either embedded within the design or external to the design. Linkage Data is required when the results of the analysis are to be used in a run-time environment. The run-time DiagnosticianTM software is an integration of the diagnostic knowledge base, the test data, the technical information and the Inference Engine. Therefore the linkage data is that data that provides for the specific run-time integration of these elements. There are two primary types of linkages:
Test-related linkages - To special test programs, including ATE tests, PMA tests, subsystem BIT, or Performance Monitoring Systems which integrate the knowledge base with the actual execution of tests or collection of data within each maintenance level. Fault-related linkages - To Repair Procedures which links the knowledge base to the on-line documentation systems. Linkage is also provided to reconfiguration management software, decision aids and RF links to the air base.
Completion of the run-time linkages provides a run-time diagnostic environment. The knowledge base is used in conjunction with the inference engine to perform fault isolation. The DiagnosticianTM uses artificial intelligence in the form of a unique set of algorithms to automatically interpret test results to provide fault isolation. This is an innovative approach to Run-time applications which will have a major impact on reducing schedule risk and cost for diagnostics.
Show me Tool Set for Generation of Knowledge Bases CETS Advantages / Users / Questions and Answers
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