Patent ID: 6957369
Filing Date: 2005-10-18
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. In an electronic system that includes a main module and at least first and second subsidiary modules, each of said at least first and second subsidiary modules connected to the main module by one or more lines for carrying data, at least some of which lines are sometimes idle, the main module including a switch having ports connected to the lines, a method for self-testing the system, comprising: selecting a first idle line among idle lines connecting the first subsidiary module to a first port of the switch on the main module to serve as an aid line; instructing the first subsidiary module to loop back traffic reaching the first subsidiary module via the aid line; selecting for testing a second idle line among the idle lines connecting the second subsidiary module to a second port of the switch on the main module; configuring the switch to link the first and second ports; transmitting test traffic over the second idle line from the second subsidiary module to the main module, wherein the test traffic is conveyed via the switch to the aid line connecting to the first subsidiary module; and reporting that a failure has occurred if the test traffic does not return to the second subsidiary module within a predetermined period of time.