Automatic Testing of Electronic Calculators

Abstract

Professional Electronic Equipment after the final assembly in production are subjected to a number of tests to ensure that they meet the specifications laid down. In the case of calculators, these tests consist of performing a number of predetermined calculations depending on the type of machine. When the number of calculations is too large and when these have to be performed under different environmental conditions, automatic test facility becomes a necessity. This paper describes an automatic test system in which seven calculators could be tested, simultaneously.

Calculations to be performed, expected result and the serial number of the calculations are punched on a tape which is passed through a tape reader. Output of the latter is used to initiate calculations in the calculators under test. Results obtained are compared with the expected results, available from the tape reader. If any calculator's output is wrong, its serial number is printed out. Finally serial number of the calculation is also printed out. A teletype unit compatible with the above tape reader is used as an output device.

With minor modifications this system could be used for testing different types of calculators.