To test a line of embedded controllers that work in a wide range of products, we had to design a test system that's flexible enough to handle numerous variations in hardware and software. How a machine performs those functions depends on the machine's components. Controllers Vary Product delivery, detection, displays, key pads, and refrigeration control are machine dependent. So, the hardware and software of the controller may differ significantly from machine to machine. To properly vend a product, a machine's controller must communicate with vending-machine components such as coin mechanisms, bill validators, and card readers.
Input devices range from discrete switches to matrix keypads.
Output displays can be simple seven-segment LEDs or LCDs. These peripherals communicate with the controller through one of several industry-standard protocols. The protocols allow online reporting of peripheral configurations so machine manufacturers can use the controllers all over the world. To properly test a controller, the test system must simulate and monitor all inputs and outputs through the controller's standard port interfaces and protocols. Therefore, we needed to design a test system with an adaptable hardware platform that can test controllers with many different types of signals.