Measurement of MSSR transmitters using IF direct conversion, built with general purpose instrumentation

• Published in: 2016 European Radar Conference (EuRAD) pp. 149 - 152
• Main Authors: Parra-Cerrada, Ángel, González-Posadas, Vicente, Jiménez-Martín, José Luis, Blanco-del-Campo, Álvaro, Hernandez, Wilmar, Segovia-Vargas, Daniel
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: EuMA 01-10-2016
• Subjects: Oscilloscopes; Radar equipment; Radar measurements; Test equipment; Timing; Transmitters

A low-cost, direct FI conversion and high-precision timing test setup for measurements of Mode S Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) transmission signal is proposed. The objective of this proposed setup is to guarantee fully the compliance of the transmitter under testing with the International Civil Aircraft Organization (ICAO) requirements by using traditional measurement equipment. The low-cost structure proposed in this paper allows the user to perform measurements independently of the measurements performed by the test equipments shelled by the manufacturer of radar, which is a very important aspect since the independence of the verifications is a mandatory requirement established by the safety standards of Civil Aviation. The proposed setup has been validated with some Mode S transmitters and it has also been used for testing other radio navigation aids.