VATE -- A Large-Scale Computer-Controlled Testing System (AN/USM-176)

The Hughes-USAF VATE (Versatile Automatic Test Equipment) system automatically performs fault detection, fault isolation to the plug-in module or inertial component, and full acceptance testing, of inertial guidance equipment. It features: (1) Full digital-computer control; (2) simultaneous, independent operation of several different test stations by each time-shared computer; (3) maximum standardization of consoles, units, and subunits, to facilitate efficient variation of workloads and introduction of new prime systems; (4) sophisticated man-machine interaction; (5) reliability and maintainability. The system is described and on-line operating experience is discussed. I. Introduction and Historical Background II. The VATE System III. The "Standard" Consoles (HCM-111) 1. The Computer Station 2. Standard Portions of the Test Stations IV. Programming V. Adapter Portions of the Test Stations VI. VATE Maintenance and Self-Test VII. Operating Experience with VATE