Radar signature simulator

Abstract

System and method for producing a pattern of radar radiation encountered by a object in the scan path of a radar, commonly referred to as 'radar signature'. The basic system has a memory containing at least digital amplitude information for each pulse of the signature, digital pulse width information for each pulse, digital pulse-to-pulse interval information for each pulse, scan time information and scan gap information. A digital to analog converter converts the digital amplitude information to a proportional voltage. Timers convert the pulse width information, the pulse-to-pulse interval information, scan time information and scan gap information to intervals of time in sequential fashion. During pulse width times, the output of the digital to analog converter is enabled. The output is disabled during pulse-to-pulse intervals and scan gap time. A controller controls the transfer of amplitude information from memory to the digital to analog converter and controls operation of the timers. The output of the digital to analog converter is a train of pulses of varying amplitudes. The output of the digital to analog converter can be sent directly to an intercept receiver or it can be mixed with an RF carrier wave to create a more accurate simulation of the radar signature. A computer responsive to an operator enables an operator to select a radar scenario, and based on the selected scenario, transfers amplitude and time information to the memory for use by the controller.