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receiver of the radar and raw video
signal is processed in the radar
processing unit. This processor
provides synthesized TTL pulses
that represent the reply frame.
This frame is decoded in the FPGA
with a precise width of individual
pulses. Because the receiver also
picks up noise from the antenna,
some unwanted noisy pulses of the
desired range are generated out. We
developed an algorithm to discard
these noise pulses and decode
the actual frame. The FPGA then
calculates the range and azimuth
of the target, with the information
code, altitude, and country code of
the target.
The system can receive synthetic
TTL video using this format:
actual target acquired from the
antenna, simulated target internally
generated in the radar, and target
simulated through the VSG base on
the interrogation pulse.
Figure 4 shows the scan converter
display decoded through the FPGA.
Figure 5 illustrates the ACP; north
simulation through the FPGA;
trigger/sync pulse acquisition; reply
pulse simulation based on the range
and azimuth selection; acquiring
the TTL video signal; and decoding
the reply frame.
Modulated pulses from the VSG
contain a carrier of 1,030 MHz RF
wave.
Antenna Simulation
The north marker pulse generation
through the FPGA output and the
ACP generation through the FPGA
digital output provide antenna
simulation. We created a user-
configurable GUI based on LabVIEW
to set the pulse width, PRT, and
azimuth counts per north revolution
to simulate antenna parameters.
Software Features
We developed a modular, editable
sequence of tests to test total
functionality. Users can select
either automatic or manual mode
for individual parameter test. With
a diagnostic panel, users can access
the individual PXI instruments for
loop-back or self-test. Figure 6
illustrates the sequence of tests
present in ATE.
Reducing Radar Test
Time With the NI
Platform
With the ATE for SSR we created
using NI PXI modular instruments
and LabVIEW, our customer
reduced radar test time by 90
percent compared to earlier desktop
instrument manual connections. Our
customer also saved 60 percent of
costs compared to other ATEs built
with traditional box instruments. In
addition, the new system replaces
the pulse generators and modulator
with a single NI PXI VSG, which
provides complete functionality
test of target simulation, raw video
acquisition, and target detection,
making it a closed-loop tester.
We plan to upgrade the system to
test the redundant six ports of the
radar with an automated switching
incorporation. We will use an NI
PXI-2596 SP6T multiplexer for the
upgrade to avoid long cables and
connections.
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relationship with National
Instruments.
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