Patent ID: 7478281

Claim:
An automated test system providing for the functional testing of an embedded system, wherein said embedded system implements an embedded processor unit and local memory, and a peripheral component coupled to an external interface port of predefined type, said automated test system comprising: a) a peripheral emulation module including port controller implementing an test interface port of predefined type coupleable to said external interface port; and b) a test control system coupled to said peripheral emulation module, said test control system including: i) a test generation processor coupled to access a plurality of component test templates and responsive to embedded system description data specific to said embedded system including said peripheral component, wherein said test generation processor is operative to autonomously compile a test program derivative of said component test templates resolved specific to said embedded processor unit and said peripheral component based on said embedded system description data; and ii) a test execution processor operative to autonomously execute said test program, wherein execution of said test program provides for the operation of said embedded processor unit to cause the transfer of test data through said external interface port, wherein execution of said test program provides for comparison of predetermined reference data to said test data, wherein said predetermined reference data is incorporated in said test program derivative of said component test templates resolved specific to said peripheral component based on said embedded system description data, whereby autonomous comparison of said predetermined reference data and said test data is reflective of the correct operation of said embedded system.