Abstract: A radar target simulator for generating simulated targets used in testing a radar system. Simulated targets are generated out of the radar system noise. The radar system includes a radar receiver coupled to a receive antenna. The simulator has an input for sampling a transmitted output signal from the radar system. A first reference oscillator is provided for generating a first reference signal, and a first mixer is coupled to the first reference oscillator for mixing the first reference signal with the sampled signal from the radar system to provide a simulated target signal. A laser is coupled to the first mixer for generating a light output signal that corresponds to the simulated target signal. A plurality of selectable delay paths that each have a different predetermined delay length are coupled to the laser. A photodetector is coupled to the plurality of delay paths for convening the light output signal derived from a selected one of the delay paths into a radio frequency (RF) simulated target signal.

Abstract: A programmable fiber optic delay system employs multiple programmable fiber optic delay lines, and switches among the delay lines for inclusion in an overall delay path. Switching among the delay lines is coordinated with the programming of those lines so that only a delay line with a settled delay program is included in the overall delay path. Each delay line consists of a plurality of fiber optic segments of varying length. The line's delay is programmed by switching in particular segments whose aggregate lengths correspond to a desired delay period. The multiple delay lines are used to simulate target speed and distance for use in testing a radar system. The programming of each individual delay line and the switching between lines is preferably controlled by a computer resident in the target simulator.