Pushing The Boundaries Of Radar Test And Measurement

By Chris Loberg, senior technical marketing manager, Tektronix

The development of increasingly powerful, complex radar systems requires an evolution in the tools and techniques used to test them.

Designers of modern electronic warfare (EW) and radar systems face significant challenges in developing systems with the flexibility and adaptability required for next-generation threat detection and avoidance. Capable tools for generation and analysis of extremely complex pulse patterns are required to validate designs with advanced scanning methodologies — tools that can handle complex radar baseband, IF and RF signals, as well as identify multi-system interference. Another important trend is the growth of high-speed private satellite (K-band) communication networks in EW, which adds visibility testing needs.

With today’s rapid advances in radar technology, developing and manufacturing highly specialized and innovative electronic products to detect radar signals takes leading-edge technology and tools. The good news is that the tools needed to manage the requirements of modern radar applications now are arriving on the market. These include high-performance arbitrary waveform generators, advanced real-time spectrum analyzers, and ultra-high-bandwidth oscilloscopes. Real-time visibility of advanced pulse compression systems, and the generation and analysis of all digital dynamic signal types, are vital to enabling designers to create highly reliable, cutting-edge defense and electronic warfare systems.