Hardware Open Systems Technologies (HOST) Conformance Tool

This project proposes the development of a HOST-based test system using automated test software and integrated hardware test instrumentation that will rapidly and accurately test candidate components for HOST standard conformance in form, fit, and function. The Phase II project will implement and test the Conformance Tool (CT) architecture developed in Phase I. The CT Hardware and Software Architecture is based on COTS products and technologies for the automated test platform. This project will generate the customized software test modules based on the Rules from the HOST Tier 1 and Tier 2 Standards. The Architecture calls for a self-contained test system housed in a typical 19” server rack, with all test equipment, cabling, Interface Test Assembly, and test management & control computers included. The initial CT test system resulting from the Phase II Base project will be capable of rapidly testing any standard 6U OpenVPX component module (Circuit Card Assembly (CCA)) for compliance to HOST Rules. Other module form factors (i.e. 3U) and other OpenVPX backplane standards (i.e. fiber optic) will be added in later phases. We intend to develop support for other form factors and for system-level (LRU and multi-LRU) testing for conformance to HOST standards in later initiatives.