Locating Arrays with Mixed Alphabet Sizes

Locating arrays (LAs) can be used to detect and identify interaction faults among factors in a component-based system. The optimality and constructions of LAs with a single fault have been investigated extensively under the assumption that all the factors have the same values. However, in real life, different factors in a system have different numbers of possible values. Thus, it is necessary for LAs to satisfy such requirements. We herein establish a general lower bound on the size of mixed-level ( 1 ¯ , t ) -locating arrays. Some methods for constructing LAs including direct and recursive constructions are provided. In particular, constructions that produce optimal LAs satisfying the lower bound are described. Additionally, some series of optimal LAs satisfying the lower bound are presented.