Software Testing

I employ automation wherever I can when testing embedded software. Experience has shown that if tests are not automated they are less likely to be run when a new software release is needed quickly, and may not achieve good coverage.

Off-Target Testing

Often, target hardware is not available for much of the software development phase. A good simulator is a boon here:

  • The Keil uVision IDE provides excellent simulation for a number of microcontrollers and their peripherals, with good scripting support for automation
System Testing

Test automation tools for system testing via a serial link or other interface can cost a fortune. Instead, I often use a flexible custom test system I wrote using VBA hosted by Excel spreadsheets, based on the TestFrame action word approach.