Combining Algebraic and Domain Testing to Design Adequate Test Cases for Signal Processing Algorithms

Signal processing software is characterized by a heavy emphasis on arithmetic calculations and the lack of complicated control structures, placing specific constraints on which testing techniques are applicable and how signal processing software can be efficiently tested. In this paper, we analyze the unique characteristics of signal processing software from the testing viewpoint and propose applied techniques for tackling the verification challenges of such software. We propose a testing method for the signal processing context and provide examples of its application to an FIR and a second order IIR filter. This method extends the applicability of algebraic testing and domain testing methods to signal processing software. The developed method applies to linear systems and can be further extended to take nonlinearities in the tested system into account.