RF & Microwave Technology Qualification of Multi-Channel Direction Finding Radar Receivers in The Lab K ongsberg Defence & Aerospace selected a radar test setup from Rohde & Schwarz based on the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator for multi-channel phase-coherent radar signal generation. Kongsberg is Norway's premier supplier of defense and aerospace-related technologies. The joint strike missile (JSM) is a fifth generation long range precision strike missile. Using advanced sensors, the JSM can locate targets based on their electronic signature. Qualification of the JSM is under way with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). Kongsberg's JSM must operate autonomously in highly contested environments. To increase mission success, the missile has a passive RF sensor that can locate and identify radio frequency emitters. To test and verify this RF direction finding capability in a laboratory, Kongsberg required a multi-channel phase coherent vector signal generator that could be linked to existing test environments. The Rohde & Schwarz test system that PDWs Scenario simulator Dynamic modeling (e.g. attitude data) DUT (missile) Signal generator interface PDWs in RF Rohde & Schwarz format Rohde & Schwarz test system (R&S®SMW200A/ R&S®SMA100B) R&S®RF Ports Alignment Software and vector network analyzer Overview of a closed-loop simulation environment for testing direction finding radar receivers on a highly dynamic platform. 30 mobilityengineeringtech.com they selected can simulate multiple emitters in a dynamic environment in real time, enabling Kongsberg to perform closed loop testing of the missile system with the passive RF sensor and enabling massive amounts of integrated system testing on the host hardware, without costly flight tests and with a high level of repeatability. Test Tasks, Challenges and Requirements To test direction finding receivers effectively and efficiently, the test system must meet the following requirements: * Test system RF outputs must be connected to the receiver antenna inputs; a separate signal must be provided for each input, so the test system has an independent signal source for each simulated antenna. * The test system must be calibrated at the RF interface for exact adherence to Aerospace & Defense Technology, August 2023 Top Image: Andrey VP/Shutterstockhttp://mobilityengineeringtech.com