Welcome to EXB Solutions, Inc.

Systems & Software Test

EXB’s test services include rigorous systems and software test for high-reliability and safety-critical systems. EXB performs test activities in either of the following contexts:

As part of a development effort undertaken by EXB on behalf of the customer, or
where EXB is contracted specifically to perform independent test or independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities for a project, but is not the development contractor.

In either context, EXB has extensive experience developing systems and software test plans, test requirements, test cases, test procedures, test reports, as well as performing regression analysis.

EXB provides the following simple definitions:

Systems Verification – The process for proving that a particular design satisfies the corresponding requirement(s) on which it was based. Usually testing to prove the system design and performance satisfies requirements captured in the System Level Specification.

Systems Validation – The process of demonstrating requirements are clearly understood and meet their intended purpose.

Software Verification – Confirmation process that each step or stage of activity in the product development life-cycle meets its documented input requirements. Verification activities might include: software test, code review, statistical analysis, etc.

Software Validation – Confirmation that documented system requirements have been correctly implemented in the end product based on inputs throughout and at completion of the product development life-cycle.

Test Capability and Approach

EXB complies with regulatory programs outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), the U.S. military (military standards), and NASA. EXB is experienced in all aspects of DO-178B, including high and low level software verification. EXB also has experience with the following aircraft manufacturer specifications: Boeing D6 Series, Airbus ABD Series, Airbus General Requirements for Equipment and System Suppliers (GRESS).

Key points related to our approach include:

Systems engineering support throughout the entire product development life-cycle
Ability to follow RTCA DO-178B Level A through D
Traceability of requirements to code and requirements to test cases
Tool qualification
Support for certification
Systems and software modeling and simulation

Our systems engineering capability provides us with an understanding of the implications of how software is generated and typical problems that may arise. Our test cases and test procedures are more robust and can address issues that might otherwise have been “hidden”. Essentially our systems engineering capability helps us to be a “smarter tester”. Additionally, when something doesn’t work we can quickly determine the source of the error.

Also, during test it is a must that requirements are testable. Our systems engineers are involved early in product development life-cycle and assist with requirements definition and review of requirements to ensure testability. When we communicate with designers and developers about an untestable requirement, we are more effective since we have a thorough understanding of the full life-cycle. EXB’s approach throughout the product development life-cycle is highlighted by the figure below.

Click Here to See EXB Systems and Software Verification and Validation (V&V) Throughout the Product Development Life-Cycle

Project Example 1

Title: Agusta Systems Test

The Agusta AW139 is a medium-twin engine helicopter. EXB performed the Dynamic Bench formal systems test for the Agusta AW139 Phase 4 Epic® Automatic Flight Controls System (AFCS). The Dynamic Bench formal systems test was a component of the activities needed to support certification according to DO-178B Level A. The AFCS, from a pilot point-of-view, provides the following functionality:

Autopilot
Mach Trim
Manual Electric Trim
Yaw Damper
Flight Director
Autothrottle
Thrust Rating
Engine Trim
Stall Warning (stick shaker)
Stall Protection (stick pusher)

EXB developed formal tests and performed systems test. The outputs of these activities were:

Requirements Analysis
Test Plan and Procedure
Test Plan and Procedure Review Packets
Test Results
Test Results Review Packets

The EXB team worked many weekend and overtime hours to ensure the customer maintained schedule, while at the same time delivering quality work product.

Project Example 2

Title: Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) INS Systems and Software V&V

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF, also known as the F-35 Lightning II) is the U.S. Department of Defense's focal point for defining affordable next generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and its allies. The JSF’s advanced airframe, autonomic logistics, avionics, propulsion systems, stealth, and firepower will ensure that it is affordable, lethal, supportable and survivable. The JSF Inertial Navigation System (INS) is a strapdown system of instruments (gyroscopes and accelerometers) that measures 3-axis angular rate and 3-axis linear acceleration.

EXB performed the following:

System Requirement Verification - Defined system requirement test cases and procedures and executed them.
Software Requirement Verification - Defined software requirement test cases and procedures and executed them.
Requirement Coverage Analysis - Analyzed test coverage of system and software requirements and documented through a trace matrix.

EXB also assisted with test environment setup and task management activities, including problem reporting and status reporting.