Achieving greater automation in fibre channel test equipment for parametric and ASM protocol analysis and testing [military avionics]

Achieving true harmonization of fibre channel testing in the avionics environment has presented new challenges in developing a single automated test station to support the diversity of avionics applications. The need for a fibre channel (FC) intermediate level maintenance concept was identified and defined in the paper "intermediate level maintenance fibre channel testing" written by Charles R. Barker, Jr., Lockheed Martin, 2002. This paper is an extension of that concept identifying the requirements necessary for the next generation of automated FC test equipment to support analysis/testing during product manufacturing and development. It is imperative that a common solution be developed for protocol analysis such as asynchronous subscriber message (ASM) as well as the needs of fiber optic testing. A significant increase in the sophistication of the test equipment is driven by the need for greater automation, advanced analysis capabilities, and commonality between production test, depot test/maintenance, and design verification testing. The requirements and design concepts in this paper demonstrate how harmonization may be realized for the established FC test methodologies bringing the benefits of increased automation to all levels of test using commercial equipment and standards.