Modeling A Loop Back Test For Radar Phased Array Digital Receiver Exciters Using Python

Abstract

Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESAs) used in radar systems typically use digital receiver exciters (DREX) units. Functional testing of DREX units can be challenging due to their complexity. This is true for lab testing but is especially true for field testing. This work describes a method for testing that uses a loop back approach. Three loop back tests are described which essentially involves one or more signals from transmit channels routed to one or more receive channels. An example digital receiver exciter is described along with the data converters and field programmable gate array. The loop back test method is then described, and a Python program is developed that simulates the approach. Initial testing of the receive section is then presented.