Abstract: A method for detecting and compensating for nonlinearities in a microwave radar system, in which a transmitted signal frequency-modulated according to a defined function is generated with a transmitting oscillator, and from the mixing of the transmitted signal with a received signal reflected from an object, a distance of the microwave radar system from the object is ascertained. In defined time windows, instead of a trigger voltage effecting frequency modulation, a defined constant test trigger voltage is switched to the transmitting oscillator; a reference signal ascertained in the context of the respective constant test trigger voltage, which signal corresponds to a frequency value of the transmitting oscillator, is employed to correct the characteristic for the frequency modulation and thus to compensate for nonlinearities.

Abstract: An automotive radar test system includes circuitry for multiple down and up conversions of a signal from the automotive radar. Conditioning circuitry delays an intermediate frequency signal (IF2) obtained after a second down conversion to simulate the delay of a return signal from an object located a particular distance from the automotive radar, and to attenuate the IF2 signal to simulate variable target sizes, and to generate a Doppler shift in the IF2 signal to simulate target speed. The conditioned signal is up-converted and transmitted back to the automotive radar system to determine if the automotive radar provides accurate readings for distance, size and speed. The radar test system further couples the second IF signal to a spectrum analyzer to determine if the automotive radar is operating in the desired bandwidth and to a power meter to determine if the automotive radar is transmitting at a desired power level.

Abstract: A system incorporating an electromagnetic radiating tube uses a plurality of sensors to assess the status of the system and integrates the data produced by these sensors in a way that enhances the effectiveness of the data versus analyzing the data separately. This method has uses in detecting and predicting failures in electromagnetic radiating devices such as microwave tubes, and may also be used for life-cycle monitoring of such devices.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing the time that a ship must be maintained on station to collect calibration data by reducing the frequencies at which calibration data is to be collected. Since it is impractical to consider calibrating over elevation angle and polarization on the full-scale ship, an accurate scale model and test facility are utilized, with surface wave data being collected from the ship before model-based data can be utilized. In the subject system, the number of calibration frequencies used aboard ship is dramatically reduced by as much as 80%, thus reducing the time the ship must be on station when doing a calibration run. In one embodiment, the shipboard surface wave data for one elevation and one polarization is combined with surface wave and sky wave data from the scale model to generate an array manifold or database used in subsequent direction finding activities.

Abstract: An electronically phase-controlled group antenna is calibrated in radio communications systems, using a reference point shared by all the reference signals. In the downlink, reference signals which can be distinguished from one another are simultaneously transmitted by individual antenna elements of the group antenna and are suitably separated after reception at the shared reference point.

Abstract: A system for testing a vehicle antenna is provided including a testing transponder and a monitoring unit. The testing transponder is positioned such that it lies within the electromagnetic field of a vehicle antenna and, while in the electromagnetic field, the testing transponder intermittently transmits signals conveying data to the vehicle antenna. The monitoring unit is in an operative relationship with the antenna and is suitable to receive data indicative of the signals conveying data detected by the vehicle antenna. The monitoring unit detects an error condition associated with the vehicle antenna when the time since the last signal conveying data detected by the antenna exceeds a certain threshold time period.

Abstract: A time domain reflectometry measuring instrument uses a microprocessor that provides added functionality and capabilities. The circuit electronics and probe are tested and calibrated at the factory. Installation and commissioning by the user is simple. The user installs the probe. The transmitter is attached to the probe. The user connects a standard shielded twisted pair to the electronics. Power is applied and the device immediately displays levels. A few simple parameters may need to be entered such as output characteristics and the process material dielectric constant.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a phased array antenna and the calibrated phased array antenna are described herein. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for calibrating a phased array antenna containing a plurality of electronically tunable phase shifters each of which is coupled to a column of radiating elements includes the steps of: (a) characterizing, without having any prior phase shift versus tuning voltage data, each of the electronically tunable phase shifters; (b) calculating phase offsets for each column of radiating elements using a farfield antenna range and the characterized data for each of the electronically tunable phase shifters; and (c) using the calculated phase offsets in a calibration table to adjust the tuning voltage of each of the electronically tunable phase shifters to cause the columns of radiating elements to yield a uniform beam.

Abstract: A system for performing automated in-place measurement of reflectivity of a radome of an airplane. Includes a radar drive circuit that generates radar signals at a predetermined frequency. An antenna receives the generated radar signals from the radar drive circuit, and transmits radar waves at the predetermined frequency. The antenna receives radar return waves from the radome. The antenna is mountable on a scanning apparatus that scans a substantial area of the radome. A signal processor processes the radar return waves from the radome that are received by the antenna. The signal processor determines whether magnitude of the radar return waves from the radome exceeds a predetermined level for a given position on the radome. When the magnitude of the radar return waves exceeds the predetermined level, a degraded condition of the radome is indicated and an alert signal is generated and provided to an operator.

Abstract: A object detection system, such as a radar, and a method for improving the useful information provided thereby. The system is mounted on a vehicle for providing contact information to the vehicle operator. The method includes recording a baseline noise signal in a contact-free environment. When the system is later used in an operating environment, those returns which fall beyond the ranges of the baseline signal in any given direction, are excluded from the output of the object detection system.

Abstract: A radar test system for testing the performance of an automotive radar system includes circuitry for multiple down and up conversions of a signal from the automotive radar. Conditioning circuitry is further included to delay an intermediate frequency signal (IF2) obtained after the second down conversion to simulate the delay of a return signal from an object located a particular distance from the automotive radar system, and to attenuate the IF2 signal to simulate variable target sizes, and to generate a Doppler shift in the IF2 signal to simulate target speed. The conditioned signal is up-converted and transmitted back to the automotive radar system to determine if the automotive radar provides accurate readings for distance, size and speed.

Abstract: A continuous wave radar system includes a transmitter circuit for generating radar transmitting signals, a transmit/receive antenna, coupled to the transmitter circuit by way of a circulator, and a receiver circuit, which is coupled to the transmit/receive antenna by way of the circulator and which is intended to process radar echo signals of a target object. The radar echo signals are received at the transmit/receive antenna, wherein the circulator serves to pass the transmitting signals, generated by the transmitter circuit, to the transmit/receive antenna and to divert the target object's echo signals, which are received by the transmit/receive antenna, to the input of the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A microwave h lographic measuring method is disclosed. A first electrical signal S f microwave frequency is provided. A first part S1 of the first signal S is directed t a first antenna (101). Predetermined changes of phase and amplitude are applied to a second part S2 of the first signal S to produce a second electrical signal S4 which is coherent with the first part S1 of the first signal S. Microwave radiati n is detected a t plurality of locations by means of a second antenna (107) to generate a third electrical signal S5 at each location. The second S4 and third S5 electrical signals are combined t produce a fourth electrical signal.

Abstract: The invention is designed to employ one or a multitude of sensors designed to allow operational monitoring of any of a variety of electromagnetic radiating tubes. Monitoring is conducted to detect a degradation in performance which can be used as a factor in deciding whether tube replacement is justified. Contrary to some past approaches that focused on averaged tube outputs, the invention is designed to examine individual tube pulses.

Abstract: A method for testing radar system performance is disclosed which utilizes radar data test points in a radar data file. The method includes interpolating GPS data from a flight test to provide a GPS data point for every radar data test point, generating body coordinate values for every point in a corresponding digital elevation map (DEM) file using the interpolated GPS data, and applying a bounding function around at least a portion of the body coordinate values generated from the DEM file at a given time. The method also includes determining which body coordinate value generated from the DEM file is closest a current GPS data point for the given time and comparing the determined body coordinate value to the radar data test points at the given time.

Abstract: A method for testing a radar system utilizing flight test radar data is described. The method includes time synchronizing measured radar data with a GPS based time marker, storing at least a portion of the time synchronized radar data, storing the GPS data, processing the stored GPS data to correspond with a physical position of an antenna which received the radar data, providing a radar model, and comparing the processed radar model data to the stored radar data.

Abstract: A system for functional testing in a continuous-wave radar having a transmitter circuit for generating radar transmit signals, a transmit/receive antenna coupled by way of a circulator with the transmitter circuit, and a receiver circuit whose input is coupled with the transmit/receiver antenna by way of the circulator, for processing radar echo signals of a target object received at the transmit/receive antenna. The circulator relays the transmit signals generated by the transmitter circuit to the transmit/receive antenna, and splits off echo signals of the target object received from the transmit/receive antenna to the input of the receiver circuit. An RPC circuit coupled between the output and the input of the receiver circuit suppresses those portions of the transmit signals that are split off from the transmitter circuit and/or reflected from the transmit/receive antenna directly into the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A navigation device includes accelerometers for measuring movement. Given a beginning location and orientation, the device determines current location and orientation based on the information from the accelerometers. A user enters a list of items, such as a shopping list, into the device and the device determines a path to the items. The device then generates and presents directions for navigation. The path may be calculated to avoid hazards; such as shelves being stocked, congested checkout lines, and spilled items. The item list may be loaded into the device, using the bar code reader, optical character recognition, or through a store computer or the Internet. Planes of infrared beams are arranged within the environment such that a navigation device is likely to or must pass through a plane. A path may be computed to ensure that the navigation device passes through an IR plane. The navigation device has a plurality of IR sensors arranged in a tetrahedron.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting blockage of an automotive side object detection system (“SODS”). The system includes a blockage detection processor, which is operative to determine whether an RF leakage signal level sensed between transmit and receive antennas of the system substantially match one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves. If it is determined that the leakage signal level substantially matches one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves, a blocked condition of the SODS is declared, as may be caused by mud, salt, ice, etc. The blockage detection processor is further operative to determine whether the leakage signal exceeds a predetermined blockage threshold level. If the leakage exceeds the predetermined blockage threshold level, a blocked condition of the SODS is also declared.

Abstract: A system for testing a vehicle antenna is provided including a testing transponder and a monitoring unit. The testing transponder is positioned such that it lies within the electromagnetic field of a vehicle antenna and, while in the electromagnetic field, the testing transponder intermittently transmits signals conveying data to the vehicle antenna. The monitoring unit is in an operative relationship with the antenna and is suitable to receive data indicative of the signals conveying data detected by the vehicle antenna. The monitoring unit detects an error condition associated with the vehicle antenna when the time since the last signal conveying data detected by the antenna exceeds a certain threshold time period.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for alerting a flight crew of weather radar return data collected, yet not presently being displayed. The system includes a memory, a processor, and an output device. The memory stores radar return information in a three-dimensional buffer. The processor determines if any radar return information stored in a three-dimensional buffer is within a threshold distance from an aircraft's present position and generates an image based on target data stored in the three-dimensional buffer and selected display parameters. The processor also generates a target alert if any target data is determined to be within a threshold distance from the aircraft's present position and is not included in the generated image. The output device presents the generated target alert.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outboard test facility that is operable for testing a ship's direction finding antenna system in all directions as the ship circles while receiving test signals from the outboard test facility. The test facility provides a computer control operable for monitoring and storing signal power produced by any selected patch interconnections between a plurality of antennas, a plurality of radio frequency amplifiers and a plurality of signal generators at the outboard test facility. The computer control permits a single operator to monitor a signal analyzer to determine the optimum signal power for each of a list of signal frequencies to be broadcast to the ship based on the selected patch interconnection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that determine a frequency dependent calibration vector for a set of transmit or receive chains of a radio communications system using only differential phase and amplitude between the transmit chains and the receive chains, respectively. In one embodiment, the invention includes an antenna array adapted to transmit and receive radio communications signals with a plurality of other terminals, a transmit chain to transmit a calibration signal through the antenna array to a transponder on at least two different frequency bands, and a receive chain to receive through the antenna array a transponder signal from the transponder, the transponder signal being received on at least two different frequency bands and being based on the calibration signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of detecting relative vibration between an AUT and a probe during any type of near-field testing. The method also provides the means to measure and compensate for any data inaccuracies/errors created by relative vibration while requiring no additional hardware other than that normally utilized in conducting a near-field test. In contrast to the standard process of collecting data only at a series of discrete points, data is collected regularly as the probe moves with a constant velocity across its measurement plane or virtual surface. Due to the constant collection of data, each principle data point is accompanied by a series of leading and trailing secondary data points. While the principle data points are, as in a standard near-field test, transformed by a computer to determine the AUT's far-field pattern (or to identify malfunctioning antenna elements), analysis of the secondary data points reveals any relative vibration between the AUT and the probe.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aligning the elevation of an automotive radar unit.

Abstract: A method for testing a pulse Doppler radar sensor circuit comprising at least one antenna, and a switch circuit, comprising the steps of 1) configuring said switch circuit such that a first path between an input terminal and a first output terminal and a second path between an input terminal and a second output terminal introduce different phase delays to an input signal, 2) providing an input signal to the switch circuit at said input terminal, and 3) comparing a signal at the first output terminal and a signal at the second output terminal to determine if the sensor circuit is functioning.

Abstract: A dual port memory waveform generator system uses a clock-based system whose pulse durations and separations were set by counters that use the same fundamental clock frequency of the radar to be simulated. This pulse generator is loaded from a laptop computer. The output pulses are used to control pin switches to switch various frequencies, amplitudes, or phases as required for the particular radar being simulated. The result is a system with very good fidelity that will fit in a suitcase, and is very portable.

Abstract: A method of measuring elevational misalignment of an automotive radar sensor in a factory or service setting utilizes two or more targets that can be discriminated by the radar system. The targets are positioned at different elevational angles with respect to the desired elevation axis, and the degree of elevational misalignment is determined according to the ratio or difference in return signal amplitude for the two targets. Discrimination of the targets may be ensured by differences in range, azimuth angle or Doppler. Since the amplitude difference is a measure of misalignment, the measurement may be used to verify proper alignment or to indicate the amount of adjustment required to achieve proper alignment.

Abstract: A system for performing automated in-place measurement of reflectivity of a radome of an airplane. Includes a radar drive circuit that generates radar signals at a predetermined frequency. An antenna receives the generated radar signals from the radar drive circuit, and transmits radar waves at the predetermined frequency. The antenna receives radar return waves from the radome. The antenna is mountable on a scanning apparatus that scans a substantial area of the radome. A signal processor processes the radar return waves from the radome that are received by the antenna. The signal processor determines whether magnitude of the radar return waves from the radome exceeds a predetermined level for a given position on the radome. When the magnitude of the radar return waves exceeds the predetermined level, a degraded condition of the radome is indicated and an alert signal is generated and provided to an operator.

Abstract: A method of interference cancellation in antenna test measurements is achieved by acquiring an acquisition at a test port of an antenna test instrument in response to an internal signal source, stamping the data acquisition time, and measuring a signal vector that has both a reflection signal component and an interference signal component. Another acquisition at the test port without the internal signal source is obtained with limited data points to detect whether there are interference signals. If there is significant interference power, a complete acquisition is obtained without the internal signal source, the data acquisition time is stamped, and an interference vector that has only the interference signal is measured.

Abstract: On an element-by-element basis, measure phases between signals at Port A to Port B of the antenna feed network to get a phase measurement angle that corresponds to an angular difference between outgoing radar signals and target echo return signals; apply a least squares fit equation to the angular distance to get a correction phase slope across the array, &dgr;0, and applying a phase slope correction of &dgr; to the phases of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the operation of a CW radar is disclosed. A test antenna is placed within the field of radiation of the radar's transmit and receive antenna. The sample of millimeter wave energy collected by the test antenna is coupled to a switch that routes the sample to either a dissipative load or to a reflective short. When the sample is coupled to the load the energy is absorbed. When the test antenna is coupled to the short, the sample is reflected back to the test antenna and re-radiated. A control signal produced by a square wave generator is coupled to the switch and determines whether the sample is absorbed or reflected. The result is the re-radiation of an amplitude modulated sample of the energy transmitted by the radar to form a test signal. Means are provided to adjust the frequency of operation of the square wave generator.

Abstract: A system and method for changing the phase relationship of input signals so as to generate a composite signal having the strongest possible signal. One related input vector signal is phase rotated and a phase is selected which yields the smallest value of the output composite signal. The selected phase is rotated 180 degrees. This procedure for that input signal is repeated for each input vector signal. When all inputs have thus been adjusted, the procedure can be repeated until the output composite signal is essentially free of errors.

Abstract: A continuous wave radar system includes a transmitter circuit for generating radar transmitting signals, a transmit/receive antenna, coupled to the transmitter circuit by way of a circulator, and a receiver circuit, which is coupled to the transmit/receive antenna by way of the circulator and which is intended to condition radar echo signals of a target object. The radar echo signals are received at the transmit/receive antenna, wherein the circulator serves to pass the transmitting signals, generated by the transmitter circuit, to the transmit/receive antenna and to divert the target object's echo signals, which are received by the transmit/receive antenna, to the input of the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A system for functional testing in a continuous-wave radar having a transmitter circuit for generating radar transmit signals, a transmit/receive antenna coupled by way of a circulator with the transmitter circuit, and a receiver circuit whose input is coupled with the transmit/receiver antenna by way of the circulator, for processing radar echo signals of a target object received at the transmit/receive antenna. The circulator relays the transmit signals generated by the transmitter circuit to the transmit/receive antenna, and splits off echo signals of the target object received from the transmit/receive antenna to the input of the receiver circuit. An RPC circuit coupled between the output and the input of the receiver circuit suppresses those portions of the transmit signals that are split off from the transmitter circuit and/or reflected from the transmit/receive antenna directly into the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A passive MMIC monopulse comparator includes a plurality of lumped element hybrids having pi and T filter structures. In one embodiment, a first hybrid receives first and second downcoverted signals and provides a first output signal to a third hybrid and second output signal to a fourth hybrid. A second hybrid receives third and fourth downconverted signals and provides respective third and fourth output signals to the third and fourth hybrids. The third hybrid provides sum and elevation channel signals and the fourth hybrid provides azimuth and G channel signals.

Abstract: A method for simulating echo signals for Doppler radar systems having a radar signal transmitted by a first Doppler radar system and received by a second Doppler radar system wherein the signal is subjected to the action of a Doppler frequency shift based upon switching of either an antennae changeover switch or a transmitting and receiving changeover switch at a frequency equivalent to the Doppler frequency shift to be generated and sent back as a simulated echo signal.

Abstract: Radar tubes are assessed based upon an observation that faulty radar pulses have a significantly increased content of undesired high frequency components in their cathode current sensed at the cathode lead of an operating radar transmitting tube. The invention exploits this observation in a simple, relatively low-cost device that can be built into a radar system to be put under test. The current at the transmitting tube's cathode is high-pass filtered to pass only those frequency components known to be indicative of faulty transmitting tubes. The filter output is converted into an analog output having an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the high frequency voltage components passing through the filter. The high-pass output is smoothed and is fed to an analog-input, digital-output threshold amplifier. The threshold amplifier provides a TTL output that indicates whether its smoothed input amplitude represents a good radar pulse or a faulty pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting radar system blockage includes a radar system having an antenna unit configured to transmit radar signals and receive reflected radar signals. In one embodiment, fixed frequency continuous wave radar signals are transmitted, and corresponding reflected signals are sampled and processed to determine a mainbeam clutter signal peak in frequency bins near those corresponding to vehicle speed. If this peak is less than a power threshold, the antenna unit is at least partially blocked. In another embodiment, a number of most recent reflected tracking signal amplitudes are sampled, normalized to a predefined range value and filtered to produce a smoothed tracking amplitude. If the smoothed tracking amplitude drops below an amplitude threshold, the antenna unit is at least partially blocked. The two embodiments may be combined to determine a radar antenna blockage status as a function of both techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for providing highly accurate measurements of the altitude above ground level (AGL) of an aircraft flying over local terrain. A current AGL altitude of the aircraft over local terrain is obtained by activating a radar altimeter on the aircraft for a single short duration or pulse. A mean sea level (MSL) elevation of the local terrain is determined by identifying the terrain from the then-current aircraft geographical position coordinates and utilizing known terrain topography data. The actual MSL altitude of the aircraft can then be determined. An uncorrected MSL altitude of the aircraft is then determined from conventional static air pressure measurements and the difference between the actual MSL altitude and the uncorrected MSL altitude of the aircraft yields a local barometric correction factor for use in determining MSL altitude measurements of the aircraft as the aircraft flies over and continues its flight away from the local terrain.

Abstract: A radio altimeter using a linear oscillator to send out a continuous wave that is frequency modulated linearly between two boundary values sends the antenna installation an incident signal, collects the signal reflected by the installation and examines it. This incident signal may be that of the linear oscillator. For the reception antenna installation, this means providing for a rerouting in order to direct a small part of the signal of the oscillator to this installation. In the case of the transmission antenna installation it is enough to provide for a rerouting that injects the signal reflected by this installation into the reception channel. Application to all the FM/CW radio altimeters.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and devices for adjusting and setting the alignment of the radio axis of a radar installed on a vehicle with respect to a determined direction. The method, in making use of an adjustment and setting stand comprising a goniometer-responder, consists: in acquiring the angles &agr; and &bgr;, &agr; a being the azimuthal angle at which the radar perceives the goniometer-responder and &bgr; being the angle between the determined direction and the axis of the stand; determining the azimuth &ggr; of the radar by means of the goniometer-responder when the radar, configured in test mode, sends out a continuous frequency; equalizing the azimuth &ggr; with the angle &bgr; by translating the goniometer-responder along its axis of motion; nullifying the angle of azimuth &agr; by actuating the means to adjust the radar in azimuth.

Abstract: A radar mount direction alignment device to be used for aligning the transmit/receive direction of a radar device 2D mounted on a member on which a radar device is to be mounted, such as a vehicle 1. The radar mount direction alignment device has receiving sections b9, b10 for receiving a signal emitted from the radar device 2D, and transmission sections a9, a10 for transmitting a signal to the radar device 2D. The radar mount direction alignment device has the function of emitting, toward the radar device 2D, a signal which, upon receipt of a signal output from the radar device 2D, behaves as if having been received at and reflected from a position farther from the radar device 2D than a distance between the radar device 2D and the radar mount direction alignment device.

Abstract: An antenna test range uses direct spread-spectrum based test signals to test the performance of an antenna. Since a spread spectrum waveform has high autocorrelation properties with itself and high cross-correlation properties with signals other than itself, in the receiver coupled to the antenna it is possible to effectively electronically reject all unwanted signals that may be present in the test range, and thereby allow both main beam and off-axis performance of the antenna to be completely and accurately measured.

Abstract: A method of detecting and compensating for non-linearities in a microwave radar system in which a transmitted signal, frequency modulated according to a predefined function, is generated using a transmit oscillator, and by mixing the transmitted signal with a received signal reflected by an object, a distance of the microwave radar system from the object is determined. In predefined time windows a predefined constant test control voltage is applied to the transmit oscillator instead of a control voltage effecting frequency modulation, preferably using a test ramp, the voltage/frequency characteristic of a module being updated during the time window in order to generate the function characteristic for frequency modulation taking into consideration the reference signal.

Abstract: A radar apparatus mounted on a vehicle includes a detecting section and a fault determining section. The detecting section includes a radar unit and detects a detection object using radar wave radiated from a radar unit toward the detection object and reflected radar wave from the detection target to the radar unit. The fault determining section determines whether any fault has occurred in the radar unit, based on the detecting result of the detection object and a movement distance of the vehicle, and generates a fault detection signal, when it is determined that any fault has occurred in the radar unit.

Abstract: A test system is provided operating in the 76-77 GHz range for testing components of a collision avoidance radar system. The system uses a Scorpion vector network analyzer (VNA) having an internal stimulus source synthesizer operating over a narrow 3-6 GHz range. The source signal from the Scorpion VNA is up-converted in a test module to a 75-78 GHz signal, without using a non-linear multiplier between the Scorpion VNA source and a device under test (DUT). A 72 GHz. local oscillator (LO) signal is provided for up-conversion as well as down-conversion using a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) phase-locked to a crystal oscillator of the Scorpion VNA. The DRO is included internal,to the test module. Fundamental up-conversion and down-conversion is provided in the test system so that significant conversion losses do not occur, as when higher order harmonics are used.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the sensitivity of certain radar sensors that works by placing target objects within a sensor's field of coverage at strategic locations and adjusting the sensor's radar parameters as a function of the sensor target location and performance characteristics of the sensor, including bin resolution and spatial constraints. The proposed methods are ideally suited for a wide variety of uses, including for use on production lines. The methods are equally appropriate for use in other areas, including sensor maintenance and recalibration and in the development and validation of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for self-determining a radar signature of a target in which the target has a radar transceiver. The target is positioned at a predetermined distance from a reflective surface, such a flat metal surface, and the transceiver is used to transmit an energy signal toward the reflective surface. The reflective surface is positioned to reflect the energy signal back toward the target. Energy reaching the target reflects from component parts of the target back toward the reflective surface which reflects the energy back toward the target again where the transceiver receives the returned energy and calculates a radar signature indicative of the returned energy signal.

Abstract: The inventive radar rangefinder has a transmitting/receiving antenna (22) for surveying a danger area. Said antenna is located in a radome housing (12), on a rotatable platform (18). A reflector is placed at a known distance in order to calibrate the device. This reflector is formed by an auxiliary antenna (24) with a connected delay line (26) inside the randome housing (12). The length of the virtual distance of the reflector produced then corresponds to the velocity factor of the delay line used.