Dedicated engineering test equipment design for multi-function radar hybrid T/R modules

Abstract

The demand for complicated sensor (multi-function capabilities) technologies over radar platforms has grown while mission and efficiency constraints have become more stringent. Development of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and Digital Array Radar (DAR) technologies has created a strong demand to combine the functions of several digital and analog implementations into a single unit. Combining the functionality of several modules into one special package also makes testing process more challenging due to its comprehensive capabilities. It has also changed the way radars are characterized, from component level tests through complete system verification. Therefore, these complicated tasks require one special and unique test solution dedicated to hybrid T/R modules. Hybrid beam-forming technique and multi channel systems impose challenges on testing of T/R modules operating in a variety of modes. Therefore, T/R modules require a broad array of measurements and all interfaces must be driven by the Dedicated Engineering Test Equipment (DETE) platform. Beside basic challenges of testing, the test system rely not only on conventional microwave instruments but also on analog and digital test blocks optimized to the specific requirements of the radar system. Hence, DETE takes place between synthetic and rack-and-stack test solutions. The user could modify the test system for various purposes to cover all requirements of both test sets due to the verification requirements. Moreover, RF tests could be run much faster with more accurate and repeatable results during the design process and in the production line. In this paper, our goal is to put forward a special and dedicated design and verification test solution developed by ASELSAN Inc. for X-Band Compact Hybrid T/R modules. This paper describes the system level architecture, test solution abilities. Additionally, designing methods of the hardware and software architecture are presented.