The Marconi IFR Aeroflex RD-301A is a solid-state weather radar test set engineered for precision simulation and calibration of airborne weather radar and narrow pulse marine radar systems. This fully integrated unit delivers automated transmitter frequency tracking, effective peak power measurement, and multi-mode signal generation—eliminating manual retuning and the need for external spectrum analyzers during routine verification and non-coherent radar testing.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Modulation
• Operating range: 9.295 to 9.500 GHz (continuously variable)
• RF pulse width: 0.05 to 500 µs
• Pulse repetition frequency (PRF): 50 Hz to 20 kHz in Track Mode; 50 to 5000 Hz in Internal Mode
• 1 kHz AM: 30% nominal (1 kHz ±100 Hz)
• RF ON/OFF ratio: 70 dB minimum
Power & Detection
• Output power: −50 to −127 dBm (1 and 10 dB steps); accuracy ±2 dB
• Peak power measurement: 0.1 to 12 kW standard; optional 1.0 to 120 kW or 10 to 1200 W ranges
• Peak power accuracy: ±0.6 dB (1 to 12 kW, calibrated at R/T)
• Load VSWR: 1.25:1 maximum
Range & Timing
• Range delay: 0.2 to 999.9 µs or nautical miles (referenced to 12.3589 µs/NM)
• Residual delay accuracy: ±0.01% of selected range
• Radar transmitter pulse width response: 50 ns to 30 µs
– Key Features
• Automatic frequency tracking with digital readout eliminates transmitter drift compensation
• Effective peak power display quantifies phase modulation and frequency pulling without external spectrum analyzer
• Contour Mode provides 0 to 20 dB amplitude boost for rapid threshold circuit and receiver sensitivity calibration
• HET Monitor displays magnetron pulse oscilloscope traces with frequency, duration, and phase pulling location/magnitude
• Internal and external amplitude modulation support for target scintillation simulation
• DET and spectrum analyzer outputs for comprehensive signal characterization
– Typical Applications
• Airborne weather radar system calibration and functional verification
• Marine radar transmitter and receiver testing
• Non-coherent radar simulator requirements
• Magnetron performance analysis and troubleshooting
– Compatibility & Integration
Waveguide coupler source VSWR: 1.25:1 maximum. Detector output into 50 Ω load.
