Test and non-test cubes for diagnostic test generation based on merging of test cubes

Test generation by merging of test cubes supports test compaction and test data compression. This paper describes a new approach to the use of test cube merging for the generation of compact diagnostic test sets. For this the paper uses the new concept of non-test cubes. While a test cube for a fault f_i0 detects the fault, a non-test cube for a fault f_i1 prevents the fault from being detected. Merging a test cube for a fault f_i0 and a non-test cube for a fault f_i1 produces a diagnostic test cube that distinguishes the two faults. The paper describes a procedure for diagnostic test generation based on merging of test and non-test cubes. Experimental results demonstrate that compact diagnostic test sets are obtained.