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Fiber-optic delay lines enable radar testing in the lab

Test & Measurement World Staff - August 22, 2012

Eastern OptX has introduced two fiber-optic delay lines—the E-501 fixed delay line and the E-3001 variable delay line—for testing a radar system’s accuracy and receiver sensitivity. The instruments allow engineers to create repeatable range accuracy by replicating target distance and propagation loss with a bench system in the lab.

The microwave delay lines employ fiber optics to overcome the shortcomings of conventional transmission-delay schemes, such as acoustic, digital, and coaxial. Using actual system signals with no A/D or D/A conversions, the units allow real-world testing of the entire radar system. The delay lines serve as universal target simulators that can be put to use right out of the box, and they reduce or eliminate costly outdoor target range testing.

Both the E-501 fixed delay line and E-3001 variable delay line offer time delays of up to 100 µs and a frequency range of 0.1 GHz to 6 GHz. Higher frequencies (18 GHz) and longer delays (250 µs) are available on other Eastern OptX models. In addition to radar testing, delay lines can be used for WiMAX, wireless communications, and altimeter applications.

Prices for the E-501 and E-3001 delay lines start at $15,000 and $30,000, respectively.

Eastern OptX, www.eastern-optx.com