Design and Control of a Quadruple-Input Double-Output Coherent Radar Test Platform Composed of Test & Measurement Equipment and Custom Hardware

Abstract

A radar test platform composed of commercial off-the-shelf test and measurement equipment and custom hardware has been built. This platform, which enables production of dual-channel coherent radar transmitting signals with a bandwidth up to 500MHz, and reception of four parallel channels of RF injection signals or echoes, can simulate various types of radar emitters or to simulate the multiple modes of operation for a single type radar. A software is also programmed with C++ language to control the waveforms, frequencies, phases, time delays and all other aspects of the test platform’s operation at all stages. At last, an application example is given when the platform is used for ISAR imaging verification.