Electromagnetic environmental simulation for EW systems

White paper series: Electromagnetic environmental simulation for EW systems

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From PDW to AoA: Achieving high-fidelity environmental truth in electromagnetic warfare simulation

Explore Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) environmental simulation fundamentals in this three-part whitepaper series. Part 1 introduces EMSO fundamentals and the criticality of simulation for testing systems against complex, real-world threats, replacing expensive field methods. Part 2 focuses on high-fidelity generation using Pulse Descriptor Word (PDW), I/Q streaming and pulse-on-pulse techniques, stressing multi-channel alignment. Part 3 addresses Angle of Arrival (AoA) calibration for testing Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), recommending Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs).

Part 1: An introduction to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) environmental generation engineering

This white paper introduces the foundational concepts and engineering considerations for electromagnetic environmental simulation (EME) within the context of electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) and electronic warfare (EW) systems. The document carefully defines EMSO and EW, underscoring the critical need for high-fidelity simulation to test and validate complex EW platforms, especially as an alternative to expensive and insecure open-air range (OAR) testing. Key themes explored include the necessary levels of testing, the concept of "truth" in simulation (distinguishing between simulation, chamber, and device truth), and the practical mechanics of building a scenario, including threat modeling using Pulse Descriptor Words (PDW) and I/Q data. Finally, the paper contrasts the physical test setups of direct injection (DI) versus over the air (OTA) methods and explains how to address the challenge of simulating multiple emitters in parallel for comprehensive, real-time testing.

You can download part 1 here.

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Part 2: Electromagnetic environmental simulation architectural overview

This white paper provides a detailed architectural overview for simulating complex electromagnetic environments (EME) specifically for testing electronic warfare (EW) receivers. It thoroughly explores the methods for generating these scenarios, focusing on the use of Pulse Descriptor Words (PDW) to define pulse-modulated signals and the challenges posed by multi-emitter signals that overlap in time and frequency. A central theme is the critical need for calibration and synchronization across all simulation channels—including alignment in time, amplitude, and phase—to ensure the generated test signals accurately mimic real-world threats for receivers that utilize techniques like Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA). The document also contrasts the trade-offs between creating pulse-on-pulse scenarios using analog versus digital signal combination methods, and addresses essential hardware distribution aspects like local oscillator (LO) and digital clock synchronization.

You can download part 2 here.

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Part 3: Electromagnetic environmental generation – Angle of arrival (AoA) calibration

This white paper, which is Part 3 of a series on electromagnetic environmental generation for Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, focuses specifically on the Angle of Arrival (AoA) calibration for radar warning receivers (RWRs). The document introduces the two primary direction finding (DF) methods—amplitude comparison and phase comparison—exploring their respective advantages and disadvantages, with phase comparison offering higher accuracy despite greater complexity. A significant portion of the paper details various accuracy considerations and the necessity of precise channel alignment, addressing factors such as signal-to-noise ratio, phase errors due to noise, and temperature drift. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the vector network analyzer (VNA) as the optimal instrument for performing high-accuracy multichannel AoA test setup calibration, detailing how to measure phase and scale the calibration for systems with multiple RF ports.

You can download part 3 here.

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