Replicate the Target Environment. Test the Radar

Radar development and validation require test environments that accurately reproduce what the radar will encounter outside the laboratory. Eastern OptX radar target simulation systems work with the radar’s transmitted signal to introduce controlled target distance, propagation loss, Doppler, and other effects before returning the signal to the receiver. From broadband propagation-path replication to complex digital target scenarios, the Eastern OptX Series 1100, Model 1107, and Model 1250 provide scalable solutions for radar development, integration, production, and system-level test.

Eastern OptX Series 1100 Radar Target Simulator is a true propagation-path replicator designed for broadband applications extending to 40 GHz. The system receives the radar signal, introduces the round-trip propagation delay associated with target distance, applies the appropriate propagation loss and Doppler shift, and returns the resulting signal to the radar receiver. Target distances from 1 to 100,000 meters and Doppler frequencies from 0 to 50 kHz are supported, with greater than 100 dB dynamic range. Direct RF or antenna-coupled configurations can be used, including single-antenna and phased-array systems. Optional capabilities include multipath/clutter replication, radar cross-section inputs, multiple target outputs, interferer injection, and target movement scenario generation.

For applications requiring an integrated broadband target simulation platform, EasternOptX Model 1107 Radar Target Simulator combines propagation-path replication with high-speed target scenario generation, touchscreen operation, SCPI control, built-in self-test, and signal spectrum analysis. The Model 1107 supports target distances from 0 to 160 km in 100-meter increments and Doppler frequencies from 0 to 50 kHz, with broadband performance extending to 40 GHz. Scenario changes can be synchronized between radar pulses, allowing range, velocity, and target characteristics to change dynamically without disrupting operation of the radar under test.

For more advanced digital target environments, the Eastern OptX Model 1250 Radar Target Simulator is a digital propagation-path replicator capable of processing the radar’s actual pulse while applying programmable delay, path loss, Doppler, radar cross-section, and other target characteristics. Typical performance includes target distances from approximately 100 feet to 1,500 nautical miles, microsecond switching, operation from 0.1 to 18 GHz, and instantaneous bandwidth up to 2 GHz. The Model 1250 supports pulsed, frequency-hopping, and CW radars regardless of encryption or modulation scheme and can execute high-speed user-defined scenarios synchronized to detected radar pulses or an external trigger.

Advanced capabilities available across these platforms can extend testing beyond a single range-and-velocity target. Depending on configuration, Eastern OptX systems can incorporate multiple targets, radar cross-section control, propagation loss, multipath and clutter, interferer or jammer injection, antenna gain parameters, geographic target inputs, signal measurement, and automated scenario control. This flexibility allows a radar test system to be configured around the waveform, frequency range, antenna architecture, target environment, and validation objectives of the specific program.

Whether your requirement calls for the broadband flexibility of the Series 1100, the integrated high-speed simulation capabilities of the Model 1107, or the digital scenario generation of the Model 1250, Eastern OptX can tailor the system architecture to the application. Contact Raptor Scientific to discuss your radar test requirements and determine the Eastern OptX solution best suited for your program.

Eastern OptX Product Configurator