A Need for Innovation
In the realm of nuclear security and I&C system development, innovation is crucial to reduce risks, enhance product quality, and achieve cost savings while adhering to project schedules. BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (BWXT) recognized this necessity and responded with an innovative solution - the Automated Software Test Equipment and Datalogger (ASTE/d). This powerful tool serves as a cornerstone in I&C system projects, offering automated testing, logging, and analysis capabilities.
A Powerful Tool for Rigorous Verification
The ASTE/d by BWXT is not just a tool but a versatile testing and development platform that facilitates formal verification and validation of I&C systems with exceptional precision and efficiency. Its flexible architecture enables a wide range of functions to support every phase of the development lifecycle, making it an indispensable asset in ensuring system reliability and performance.
Facilitating Comprehensive Testing
Manual testing can fall short when it comes to achieving exhaustive test coverage due to the sheer volume of test cases and field I/O involved. ASTE/d overcomes this challenge by enabling high-speed, automated scripted testing, which significantly reduces test execution time constraints. This capability allows for the thorough execution of a large number of test cases crucial for achieving comprehensive test coverage and detecting hidden defects that could have catastrophic consequences.
Unraveling Legacy System Operations
When upgrading legacy I&C systems, understanding the behavior and interaction between the legacy system and field equipment is paramount. ASTE/d's field data logging function proves invaluable in this scenario, enabling the high-frequency sampling and recording of analog and digital field I/O signals during normal system operation. This data can then be analyzed offline using BWXT's suite of examination tools, providing insights critical for defining requirements for the new I&C system.
Previewing System Operation Pre-Installation
Validation prior to installation is vital to ensure the seamless transition from legacy to new systems and minimize post-installation issues. ASTE/d offers a unique capability through its logged data playback function, which utilizes previously recorded data logs to simulate dynamic field operations. This cost-effective approach provides a full-scale system simulation, boosting confidence in the new system's performance and functionality.