Patent ID: 8484618

Claim:
A method for use of an electronic test system including hardware and software components while providing transparent obsolescence mitigation, comprising: creating, using a processor, a first test program set comprising at least one test program test, the first test program set being governed by defined rules for the electronic test system, the electronic test system being configured to enable a test unit to be tested using the at least one test program test and other hardware and software components of the electronic test system when such test unit is coupled to the electronic test system; testing the test unit, while the test unit is coupled to the electronic test system, using a processor and the hardware and software components of the electronic test system by causing the electronic test system to access the first test program set and execute the at least one test program test; when a new component is sought to be introduced into the electronic test system, determining whether the new component can be introduced while achieving transparent obsolescence mitigation thereby enabling continued use of at least part of the first test program set, including the at least one test program test, by: introducing the new component into the electronic test system; evaluating whether the first test program set, with the new component and any remaining components in the electronic test system, can comply with the rules; and if so, creating, using a processor, a second test program set including at least part of the first test program set, including the at least one test program test, and considering the introduction of the new component into the electronic test system to be permissible; if not, reviewing and redefining the rules, and then creating, using a processor, a third test program set including at least part of the first test program set, including an alternative test program test, that is in compliance with the redefined rules, and then considering the introduction of the new component into the electronic test system to be permissible.