A full-function COTS tester for B-2 avionics

Abstract

This paper describes the integration efforts by Teradyne and Hewlett-Packard to produce the Radio Frequency Analog Digital (RFAD) tester for the B-2 Depot at Tinker AFB. The objective was to combine commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components while meeting the depot's system-level performance requirements. This paper discusses aspects of the integration effort, including hardware integration and test, software integration, and verification of system specifications. Hardware topics include the use of a matrix switching configuration to provide hybrid digital/analog pins and an RF interface switch matrix to ensure signal integrity at the RF system interface. Software topics include the integration of Teradyne's ProgramGuide software with Hewlett-Packard's Visual Engineering Environment (HP VEE) to provide a single, integrated test executive environment. The paper also discusses the self-test and normalization techniques used to ensure signal specifications are met at the RFAD's interfaces. The conclusion summarizes the challenges of integrating COTS test hardware and software on the scale required by the B-2 Depot, and describes technology that can be applied to a wide range of avionics applications.