System Validation

System validation of your system tests the interaction between modules, as described in the system interface. Unit testing should have ensured that the individual modules operate as expected, and system validation tests that they work together.

Testing Types

Of the five types of unit testing described in unit testing, it is the later three that are relevant at this stage:

  • Model(/prototype) testing (Type II), such as the construction of prototype
  • Operational testing (Type III), for when the design introduced into the field
  • Support testing (Type IV), for when the design is in operational use For your project, it is likely that only Model/prototype testing will be possible, if at all. You may also take a ‘proof-of-concept’ approach to validating the system interactions. The important difference between unit testing and system is that the unit testing occurs inside modules, and the system testing occurs between modules.

Goals for this topic

Depending on the scope and progress of your project, your goals at this stage will be different. The purpose of testing in this course is to demonstrate to your client that they should have confidence in your work.

  • at minimum, design a test procedure to test at least one subsystem interaction at a future proof-of-concept stage
  • if possible, demonstrate at a proof-of-concept or prototype level that subsystems interact as expected. For example, using a breadboard design of a single subsystem to manipulate a mechanical subsystem

Steps

A test design should follow a similar procedure as for Unit Testing.

Hints

  • Just like the experimental method, tests should be robust, objective and repeatable.
  • Test interactions between individual subsystems before testing the whole system at once. As subsystems are included, the dynamic complexity of the system increases, making it difficult to isolate problems.
  • If you do have a complete prototype, consider conducting isolation testing to ensure that the expected behaviour occurs between modules

Core resources

As for Unit testing

Updated:  12 Mar 2018/ Responsible Officer:  Head of School/ Page Contact:  Page Contact