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Application Notes
Introduction
After a brief review of radar systems and the role of transponders, this application note provides examples of how to effectively test transponders in order to validate their performance and function. Testing is performed using a transponder test set and a Keysight Technologies, Inc. peak performance analyzer (PPA). The measurement examples provided cover interrogation and reply transmit power and pulse profiling, double pulse spacing, and reply delay timing measurement.
Secondary Radar Background
Secondary radar originated from the identification friend or foe (IFF) radar signal system used during World War II and complements the limitations of primary radar systems.
Primary radar works by passively reflecting a radar signal off of the target’s reflection or surfaces (called echoes). A limitation of primary radar is that it has difficulty detecting non-metal or composite-based aircraft parts. Another weakness is weather-related. In heavy rain, reflected signals are prone to attenuation, decreasing detection accuracy.
Secondary radar works by transmitting and receiving high-frequency modulated pulses, also called interrogation and reply signals. Figure 1 illustrates the operating principle of secondary radar systems. It begins when the ground station sends interrogation signals to the airborne aircraft. The plane’s on board transponder responds to the interrogation signals by transmitting back reply signals.
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