Test And Service of Microcomputer Systems.

Hardware and software development methods that will facilitate testing and servicing of microcomputers during production and utilization phases, are described. The software aspects cover self check of the individual parts of the system as well as generation of test patterns for use by specialized test equipment. The computer input/output section may be designed so that the computer is capable of performing a self-check, either automatically or manually. Watch-dog circuits may be inserted in order to indicate correct functioning of the computer. This may be augmented by a redundant system for improvement of the overall system reliability. Use of equipment such as signature analyzers, logical analyzers and oscilloscopes may be similarly facilitated, if appropriate considerations are made in the design phase. The choice of testing strategy depends on development time, development costs, production costs, sales arguments, as well as education of service employees.