White box, which uses knowledge of a mechanism's inner functions for direct testing.

Black box, which is testing of a mechanism without knowing how it works, and merely focusing on the accuracy of output data based on a known input.

Solution-based diagnostics, that test for known failure modes by identifying if their known symptoms are detected.

Background monitoring of system indicators, for statistical analysis of trends, and for recording abnormal events.

These Methods of Operation are arranged, more-or-less, in order of increasing complexity and their increasing value of diagnostics information. The diagnostics program for a device or system may be independently located or integrated within. In the late 1960s, Volkswagen introduced the first on-board computer system with diagnostics provisions. See Built-in test equipment that enabled system operators to perform testing and diagnostics.Īs computers became smaller, more mobile, computer programs were used to perform diagnostics tasks.

4 Example diagnostics program applicationsĮarly diagnostics programs were procedural instructions performed by humans, not by computer programs.

Sometimes if the owner of an electronic device asks the manufacturer how to access the hidden diagnostic program, they may reply to the consumer saying that the information is considered to be 'proprietary' and cannot be shared. ĭiagnostic programs are also inserted into consumer electronic products and electronic games. Everyday examples are a microwave oven that displays code F6 to warn of a shorted temperature probe or a garage door opener that flashes its control board's LED four times warning of critically misaligned safety sensors and impending shutdown. Diagnostic programs ideally provide the user with guidance regarding any issues or problems found during its operation.ĭiagnostics programs may be simple or complex, operating unknowingly within everyday devices or awaiting their invocation to make more complex performance assessments.

JSTOR ( December 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī diagnostic program (also known as a Test Mode) is an automatic computer program sequence that determines the operational status within the software, hardware, or any combination thereof in a component, a system, or a network of systems.

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