New-Tech Europe | Oct 2016 | Special Edition For Electronica 2016

parameters. Functionality tests included target simulator to the radar at 1,090 MHz, video signal detection, and radar scan converter display using synthetic transistor- transistor logic (TTL) video signal and LAN communication. Reply pulses in the target and multitarget simulators were stationary and trajectory motion. Figure 1 illustrates the overall architecture of the ATE connected to SSR. System Overview We created a system composed of an NI PXI-1042 eight-slot chassis and an NI PXI-8196 embedded controller. We kept the radar either in transmitting mode or receiving mode to test the Tx and Rx functionality. External antenna signals north and azimuth count pulses (ACPs) were generated and simulated through an FPGA board. Target reply pulses were generated through an NI PXI- 5671 vector signal generator (VSG) at 1,090 MHz. The system acquired demodulated video signals from the receiver through an oscilloscope card for Rx functionality tests. High- power transmitted RF pulses were acquired through an NI PXI-5661 vector signal analyzer (VSA) to measure Tx signal power and pulse parameters. The synthesized video at the TTL level generated from the radar processing unit was acquired through FPGA digital input and used for a radar scan converter to display the target on a polar plot with its range and azimuth position, info code, altitude, and country code. Figure 2 shows a detailed diagram of the ATE connected to SSR. Each trigger and sync pulse was synchronized with the interrogating RF pulse of the SSR. To protect the instruments, we switched off the transmitter of the radar during the

Figure 1- Overall Architecture of ATE to test SSR

Figure 2- Detailed Diagram of ATE and SSR

Rx tests because the radar had a built-in TR module. Both Tx and Rx ports shared the same physical port,

which connected to an antenna. The VSA and VSG connected to this same physical port, replacing

52 l New-Tech Magazine Europe

Made with