Frontier Engineering's Common Core Test System (CCTS) is a user-friendly, automated, system/subsystem tester incorporating the latest advantages in test technology. The CCTS utilizes generic test resources which include stimulus and measurement instruments, universal switching devices, and modular, computer-controlled power supplies. Instrument control is optimized by utilization of GPIB and MXI bus communication protocols.

The system was designed to provide high reliability and maintainability, with multi-role test capability accommodating multiple units under test (UUT's).

The CCTS open system architectural features include VXI bus modularity, universal test fixturing Interface Connector Adaptors (ICAs) and Interface Test Adapters (ITAs), universal switching, and powerful embeded processor control. Test capabilities include support of multiple UUTs on a generic platform with UUT specific ITAs.

The CCTS addresses automation by providing a fully programmable array of test instruments, switching resources, and modular power supplies. The relay matrix and multiplexers allow routing of any test signal to multiple test instruments. Control of all CCTS resources is provided by off-the-shelf and custom LabVIEW drivers. LabVIEW software provides a graphical programming environment for rapid UUT specific code development. Universal test fixturing allows for rapid transition from one test interface to another. Unique UUT interface requirements such as signal buffering, conditioning, and loading are accomplished in the UUT specific ITAs for maximum test flexibility.

To accomodate varied test designs, the CCTS architecture offers an upward compatible, flexible growth path without compromising existing interface structures. The VXI bus architecture allows for user-defined test instrument selection with a minimum of system and user interface redesign.