Test program set obsolescence mitigation through software and automatic test equipment system processes

A method for use of an electronic test system including hardware and software components while providing obsolescence mitigation, comprising:

• defining a set of governing rules for the system;
• creating, using a processor, at least a first test program test (TPS) for the system to enable units to be tested using the first TPS and the hardware and software components of the system when such units are coupled to the system;
• storing the first TPS in memory accessible by a processor of the system;
• coupling the units to the system and testing the units using a processor and the hardware and software components when the units are coupled to the system by executing the first TPS;
• when a new component is sought to be introduced into the system, first determining whether the new component can be introduced while achieving transparent obsolescence mitigation for the first TPS and thereby enable continued use of the first TPS in a system including the new component by:
• introducing the new component into the system;
• creating, using a processor, a new TPS that interacts with the new component and any remaining components in the system without changing the remaining components in the system;
• and
• determining, using a processor, whether the new TPS complies with the rules and
• if so, considering the introduction of the new component into the system to be permissible while enabling continued use of the first TPS, and
• if not, evaluating, using the processor, the effect of the new component on the system including advantages, disadvantages and applicability of the new component to the system and allowing or disallowing the introduction of the new component based on the evaluation;
• and after introduction of the component into the system and creation of the new TPS, enabling testing of units using the new TPS when such units are coupled to the system having the new component and any remaining components.