CASS common ID set cuts TPS costs, eliminates ID redundancy

When automatic test equipment (ATE) supports many different weapon systems, interface device (ID) proliferation substantially drives up test program set (TPS) design and production costs and creates significant ID storage problems at the user sites. The Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) common ID set, with its shared universal panel ID (UPID) and dedicated minor adapters (MAs), allows nearly all TPSs planned for CASS to use the same single UPID for their CASS general purpose interface needs. The authors describe the CASS common ID concept and the optimized UPID design. The CASS common ID set includes a UPID self-test TPS, with a self-test MA and a set of self-test shorting plugs and test cables. Documentation consists of a DOD-D-1000 Level 3 drawing package, an interface control document, and a user's guide with guidelines on MA wiring design and optimum CASS resource allocation for minimum cost, simpler, fewer CASS ID designs.<>