The Aeroflex IFR RDX-7708 is a specialized RF test set for ARINC 708 Solid State Coherent Weather Radar Systems. It serves as both RF source and monitor, delivering accurate testing, calibration, alignment, and fault diagnosis of aircraft radar components including wind shear variants. The instrument supports multiple OEM configurations for Rockwell Collins and Honeywell (Allied Signal) X-band radar systems, with C-band variants available. A waveguide-mounted RF power module minimizes measurement errors in transmitter power assessment.
Technical Specifications
RF Output Performance
• Frequency range (RDX-7708): 9295 to 9425 MHz
• Frequency range (RDC-7708): 5350 to 5470 MHz
• Output levels: −50 to −127 dBm in 1 dB steps (20 dB coupler output)
• Output accuracy: ±2 dB over frequency and attenuation range
• Contour boost: 0 to 19.9 dB for RF outputs ≤ −70 dBm
• RF ON/OFF ratio: 70 dB or greater
Doppler and Timing
• Doppler offset: 0 to +29 kHz at 1 kHz resolution
• Internal PRF generator: 0 to 9999 pulses per second with 1 Hz resolution
• Output pulse width: 0 to 99 ms and 270 µs (fixed) at 0.1 µs resolution
• Return delay: 1 to 999 µs or nautical miles with 1 unit resolution
Measurement Capability
• Peak power indicator (RDX-7708): 40 to 250 W at −0.6 dB accuracy, 1 W resolution
• Frequency counter: ±3 kHz accuracy with 1 kHz resolution
System Integration
• IEEE 488-1978 GPIB versions available for remote control
• Monitor outputs: detector, spectrum analyzer, and sync
• Reference RF inputs: Rockwell Collins X-band at 152.777 MHz, C-band at 146.666 MHz; Allied Signal X-band at 78.6616 MHz
Power and Physical
• Input: 110/220 VAC, 50–400 Hz
• Power consumption: 100 W
• Dimensions: 427 × 178 × 467 mm (16.8 × 7 × 18.4 in.)
• Weight (RDX-7708): 15 kg (33 lbs.)
– Key Features
• Multi-configuration support: RDX-7708R (Rockwell Collins X-band), RDX-7708BRW (Allied Signal X-band), RDX-7708CRW (dual reference), RDC-7708R (Rockwell Collins C-band)
• Precision waveguide power measurement module
• Wide dynamic range with ±2 dB output accuracy
• 1 kHz Doppler resolution for wind shear testing
• Adjustable pulse width and return delay for target simulation
– Typical Applications
• Transmitter power calibration and measurement
• Receiver sensitivity alignment and verification
• Wind shear variant radar system validation
• Aircraft weather radar fault diagnosis
• RF performance trending and historical data collection
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports Rockwell Collins and Honeywell (Allied Signal) weather radar platforms. GPIB-equipped variants enable integration into automated test environments and remote monitoring systems.
