Michael L Proctor

US Patent:

50364790, Jul 30, 1991

Filed:

Apr 20, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/341020

Inventors:

Leonard J. Prednis - San Diego CA
Michael L. Proctor - San Diego CA
Alan D. Sugarman - Poway CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

G01D 1800

US Classification:

364580

Abstract:

A modular automated test station permits a plurality of tests to be performed under program control on complex electronic assemblies such as avionics equipment and provides for calibration. Interactive prompts are displayed enabling test personnel with minimal training to operate the test station and perform the tests. Particular kinds of test instrumentation together with the associated software program may be removed or replaced by other instrumentation and software to adapt the test station to test of another kind of equipment. A group of test stations forms a part of an assembly line in which information may be shared among test stations and with remote databases. The test stations are arranged in groups with one test station in the group containing a processor that is shared with other stations in the group and with each test station containing an assigned processor with the assigned processors being permitted to communicate with the shared processor. The shared processor may also communicate with remote databases.