Validation and verification in open systems architectures for RF electronics

The Integrated Sensor System (ISS) program is defining an Open Systems Architecture (OSA) for RF sensor electronics. Several previous studies have shown a significant cost-savings potential in open systems architectures based on their flexibility and ability to accommodate change. An OSA is generally considered to be a basic requirement for any new design being considered today. A number of factors drive configuration changes, including the addition of new modules based on the need for additional functionality, insertion of new technology to reduce cost or replace obsolete parts, etc. Changes of this nature have typically required costly system-level validation and verification-negating a significant portion of the potential cost savings of an OSA. An architecture is not truly open unless these issues are addressed. This paper describes techniques that are applied in each phase of system development that ensure system integrity while minimizing the burden of validation and verification testing