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Functional Validation for Modern Radar Systems

Radar test engineers must test in realistic scenarios to evaluate system-level performance. Target generators are often used to simulate targets for test. However, the increasing complexity of modern radars and their operating environments make it challenging to achieve adequate test coverage through simulation. Additionally, the application-specific nature of radar systems means test requirements can vary widely from system to system. Common radar test requirements include:

 

  • Identifying functional radar issues prior to costly open-air range tests

  • Delivering integrated radar capabilities on a tight schedule

  • Adapting to new radar waveforms and modes by simulating multiple realistic targets with independent range, velocity, and attitude

  • Testing signal-level parametric properties along with system-level functionality in a single test station

  • ​Increasing access to realistic test capabilities early in the design process

Radar Target Generation Software

  • The PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) unlocks closed-loop, low-latency, real-time radar test capability.
  • Including the VST in a modular PXI Express system enables you to scale your radar test station to multiple channels.
  • Using RFmx measurement software with the VST, you can add signal spectrum and parametric test capabilities to your test station.
  • Custom coprocessing may be implemented on a PXIe-6594 high-speed serial instrument, which features a powerful Xilinx Kintex UltraScale+ FPGA.
  • To expand to high-fidelity environment emulation capabilities, consider partnering with one of NI’s radar test partners for expert guidance.

Solution Advantages

  • Generates up to four simultaneous, in-beam targets per vector signal transceiver, with configurable time delay, frequency offset, and attenuation.

  • Sets targets ranging from <1 m in a low-latency, predictive mode, to a maximum of 64,000 km.

  • Target configurations may be streamed from scenario generators, provided in a list of beyond 10 million entries or derived from a defined motion path.

  • Self-calibration allows the RTG Software to measure losses in the system, to provide accurate delays and attenuations and optimal spectral performance.

  • Coprocessor harness allows custom IP to be executed, adding inline parametric measurements or augmented signal processing.

Build Your Solution with the NI Ecosystem

NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.

NI Partner Network

The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.

Services and Support

NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.

Radar Target Generation Software Solutions Brochure

Learn more about the NI Radar Target Generation Software, including key signal characteristics, software functionality, target parameters, and more.