Testing
When designing something new it is almost impossible to have a successful product without a lot of initial testing. While cutting back on testing may initially save some money, a problem found after distribution can result in servicing or a call back of all shipped products which will cost the business a lot of money and ultimately lead to a product and company with a poor reputation. The best way to avoid this and more problems along the way is to continuously test the product as its being developed.
Saturn Automated Systems undergo a multitude of testing procedures right from the initial stages of development to ensure a quality finished product.
Pre-Prototype Testing:
Block Diagram:
Before any physical testing or simulation testing takes place a block diagram is drawn up to clearly show the basic operation and features of the AIR. This allows us to visualise the process that must take place in order for the AIR to perform correctly. This will help us identify major bugs before we start designing circuits.
Simulation Testing:
Once a rough circuit diagram has been made, we then draw up the circuit on a computer simulation program such as Multisim 10. This is where the majority of designing takes place along with constant testing.
The simulation program will help fix major circuit errors by pointing out issues that prevent the circuit from operating. The use of virtual indicators, multimeters, logic controllers and virtual instruments help identify correct or incorrect outputs. The main advantage of a simulation program is that circuitry can be changed and modified then tested easily which allows for choosing of the best and cheapest possible components that are available. It should also be noted that SAS use simulation programs that can provide realistic values as well as ideal.
Bread Board Testing:
Before hardwiring the circuit onto a circuit board, bread board testing is used which provides a way of real non virtual testing. If a problem is found changes can be made before hand avoiding having to scrap a complete hardwired circuit.
Equipment used for bread board testing usually consists of standard tools such as a multimeter, power supply, CRO, indicators and logic testers if needed.
Components are first tested without the supply of external power. The power supply that is being used with the components must be checked before making any assumptions about the components themselves. Each individual component should be tested to see if it is in perfect working condition. The tested component should produce an output or perform the function that corresponds to the values or functions chosen in the simulation. Component load/limits should be tested in a non destructive way (if needed extra components should be bought for destructive testing).
After individual components have been checked sections of the circuit should be connected together on the bread board and tested as mini circuits, again checking for correct outputs and values.
The final stage in the breadboard testing is having the whole circuit physically tested after being assembled on the bread board. If errors occur the circuit is broken down into sections to discover where the error lies. If no errors occur the first prototype can be made.
he prototype circuit should also be tested with the same procedures having all components in place before it is hardwire to the circuit board.
Page put together by Joel McLean, (3281681).