Avionics system design for testability using a knowledge engineering approach

The authors present a design methodology and a knowledge-based computer-aided design (CAD) environment that allows an avionics system designer to incorporate testability into a design in a formal, verifiable way which also provides clear documentation for this activity. Prototype CAD tools have been built and have met with in-house use success. The design and implementation of the current prototype tools, collectively known as the test engineer's assistant (TEA,) tools, are presented, along with an example application. All outline of a more robust system which should provide users with a more comprehensive environment with enhanced capabilities to better meet the challenges posed by the design methodology presented is given. In addition, the impact of using testability design tool's to potentially reduce life cycle costs is discussed.<>