Automatic instantiation of abstract tests on specific configurations for large critical control systems
Francesco Flammini, Nicola Mazzocca, Antonio Orazzo · Software Testing Verification and Reliability · 2008
Abstract Computer‐based control systems have grown in size, complexity, distribution and criticality. In this paper a methodology is presented to perform an ‘abstract testing’ of such large control systems in an efficient way: an abstract test is specified directly from system functional requirements and has to be instantiated in more test runs to cover a specific configuration, comprising any number of control entities (sensors, actuators and logic processes). Such a process is usually performed by hand for each installation of the control system, requiring a considerable time effort and being an error‐prone verification activity. To automate a safe passage from abstract tests, related to the so‐called generic software application, to any specific installation, an algorithm is provided, starting from a reference architecture and a state‐based behavioural model of the control software. The presented approach has been applied to a railway interlocking system, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness in several years of testing experience. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.