Abstract: Multiple testing elements (26) are coupled to a bus (25) operated under the control of a graphically programmed computer (12). The computer (12) interrogates the bus (25) to identify the testing elements (26) coupled thereto. Icons (44) representing the testing elements (26) are displayed in an "Equipment Shelf" window (40). The user drags icons (44') from this window (40) onto a "Test Bench" window (42) and draws lines between I/O ports (4531 . . . 4431) on the icons (453 . . . 443) to graphically create a test circuit (54). The computer (12) generates bus commands to activate switches (28) to couple the testing elements (26) in the same manner as the graphical test circuit (54). Graphically set test ranges and parameters (472-494) are automatically sent to the testing elements (26) and test results (470) presented on the same computer display (16). The system (10) may be dynamically reconfigured for different tests without hand rewiring or loading of other test programs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing of a unit under test (50) by a communication system tester performs loopback tests. During these loopback tests, data transmitted by the unit under test may be stored (21) and sent back to the unit under test. In addition, user defined prestored data (22) may be transmitted to the unit under test. Further, prestored messages (24) and tones (23) may be stored by the communication system tester and transmitted to the unit under test for display on a speaker. An operator (52) may review the output of the speaker and determine whether the test has been properly passed. As a result, the operator may determine whether a fault exits in the receiver or transmitter of the unit under test.