The 3B20D Processor & DMERT Operating System: Integration and System Test

An important aspect of the development of any complex system such as the 3B20D Processor is the methodical integration and system testing during all phases of the development consistent with the experience gained from previous developments. 1 " 4 Since the hardware, software, and microcode were designed and developed simultaneously, the initial efforts focused primarily on the hardware and firmware using stand-alone exercise modules and system diagnostics run from a laboratory support processor. After the hardware reached sufficient stability, emphasis turned to functional testing of each major software subsystem and feature. Finally, as full functionality was achieved, the major thrust of testing focused on system integrity and reliability using the previously developed tests as a regression test package to assure no loss in functionality as problems were cleared. The development methodology is summarized in the relative timeline sequence chart shown in Fig. 1. Also discussed in this article are some of the project management 399