NI Introduces Newest Radar Target Generation System to Tackle Complexity and Cost in Modern Radar Environments

Rhea-AI Summary

National Instruments (NATI) has launched a new Radar Target Generation (RTG) Driver, enhancing its Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) RF instrument with real-time radar testing abilities. This new capability supports closed-loop testing, enabling engineers to detect design issues prior to open-air range tests, thus improving confidence in radar performance. The RTG Driver allows for the injection of multiple independent virtual targets and is designed to meet varying radar system requirements. Leveraging standard RF hardware, it combines multiple testing functions into one instrument.

Positive

• Introduction of the RTG Driver enhances radar test capabilities.
• Allows real-time closed-loop testing, improving design validation efficiency.
• Supports injection of multiple virtual targets, increasing test coverage.

Negative

• None.

New driver helps engineers spot issues sooner during design validation

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NI (NASDAQ: NATI) today announced its newest radar test capability in the modular PXI platform. The all-new Radar Target Generation (RTG) Driver is an add-on to NI’s Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) RF instrument that unlocks closed-loop, low-latency, real-time radar test capabilities. The new driver helps engineers identify and isolate issues in the design validation phase of development before costly open-air range tests, increasing user confidence in radar system performance with accurately calibrated RF test capability.

Today, radar test engineers must test realistic scenarios to fully evaluate system-level performance. Achieving adequate test coverage through traditional test methods is both complex and expensive. Additionally, the application-specific nature of radar systems means test requirements can vary widely from system to system. To meet these nuanced challenges, NI developed the RTG Driver for VSTs, which can inject multiple independent virtual targets into radar systems during validation and production tests. This allows users to validate system performance and provide end-to-end system functional test.

Built on standard, off-the-shelf RF test hardware, the RTG Driver provides engineers with a single high-performance RF instrument for multiple test requirements, effectively combining an RF signal generator, signal analyzer and a specialized radar target generator into a single piece of hardware.

“In recent years, radar technology has become increasingly critical for flight safety, precision navigation, space applications and more,” says Luke Schreier, NI’s senior vice president and general manager of the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Business. “Modern radars are designed to adapt to electronic warfare and the ever-changing electromagnetic spectrum in dynamic ways. Due to the increased complexity of designs, finding issues before an open-air range test has never been more important.”

The NI RTG Driver is an alternative field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration for specific PXI Express Vector Signal Transceiver models. The VST configuration is a closed source and license-restricted FPGA personality that allows the transceiver to operate as a closed-loop, real-time radar target generator or channel emulator. Users can confidently add up to four independent targets to their radar or provide four multipath delay channels for data link system test. Since the VST is a calibrated RF signal analyzer and generator, its highly accurate response improves the reliability and repeatability of test scenarios, delivering increased confidence in test results.

To learn more about NI’s PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) Radar Target Generation (RTG) system, download the solution brochure.

About NI

At NI, we bring together the people, ideas and technology so forward thinkers and creative problem solvers can take on humanity’s biggest challenges. From design and validation to manufacturing production, we provide software-connected systems leveraging data through all aspects of the development life cycle, enabling engineers and enterprises to Engineer Ambitiously™ every day.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220525005094/en/

Heather Gioco

pr@ni.com

Source: NI

FAQ

What is the new product announced by National Instruments?

National Instruments announced the Radar Target Generation (RTG) Driver for its Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), enabling real-time radar test capabilities.

How does the RTG Driver improve radar testing?

The RTG Driver allows engineers to identify design issues before open-air range tests, thus increasing confidence in radar system performance.

What are the capabilities of the RTG Driver?

The RTG Driver can inject multiple independent virtual targets during validation and production tests, enhancing system performance validation.

Who is the target audience for the Radar Target Generation Driver?

The RTG Driver is aimed at radar test engineers and developers in aerospace, defense, and government sectors.

What is the stock symbol for National Instruments?

The stock symbol for National Instruments is NATI.