Test specifications come from many sources. One source that can be used is Black Box test techniques. Black box testing uses the inputs, outputs, and performance specification of the Unit Under Test to develop the test specifications. The term “Black Box” comes from the idea that the UUT is in a black box and its inner design and workings are obfuscated.
The beginning of the test specification would then list all of the inputs and outputs on a document and apply the performance specification. Each time an input and output is referenced, the document is updated with the reference number of the performance specification. When the performance specification is exhausted, the engineer should be able to see any inputs or outputs that were not referenced. Typically the types inputs or outputs that are missed are those that use parallel pins on a connector, or in the case of software, excess information.
Other sources of test specifications include requirements that are not explicitly part of the performance specification of the UUT, but need to be included in the test. An example of this type of requirement may be safety or regulatory requirements.
-Rick Wagner