Aerospace and Defense Symposium

Speaker: Taner DEMIR, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Türkiye

Challenging RADAR, EW or wireless communication applications push RF components to the limits of physical possibility. To characterize them under similarly demanding conditions, the FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer has been developed. For the first time, it features cross-correlation for noise suppression and filter banks for pre-selection to get high accuracy and pre-filtered wideband signal analyses. In addition, it offers two input ports e.g. for component, phased-array antenna characterization to measure DRFM performance, where the analysis of both input and output signals simultaneously across wide bandwidths, with nanosecond-level timing accuracy, is necessary for modern agile RADAR applications.

Modern radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems operate in increasingly complex and contested domains, where effective testing requires more than isolated component evaluation. To truly understand system performance, engineers and operators need the ability to create, manipulate, and analyse complete EW environments in a controlled and repeatable way.

This presentation introduces the principles of radar and EW environment simulation, explaining what constitutes an “EW environment” and why accurate modelling is essential. We will explore the building blocks of simulation: from defining models and emitters to constructing full environments that replicate real-world electromagnetic conditions. Common system solutions for generating these environments will be reviewed, along with typical devices under test (DUTs) and systems under test (SUTs).

Attendees will gain an understanding of the different approaches to environment generation, practical examples of simulation frameworks, and the trade-offs involved in balancing fidelity, scalability, and cost. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer picture of how radar and EW environment simulation enables robust evaluation of next-generation defence technologies.

For detection of targets with small RCS like stealth aircrafts or small objects like drones very low phase noise of the RADAR system is required. Phase noise testers help RF engineers gain critical insights into the frequency stability and signal purity when developing their RADAR components. Rohde & Schwarz offers the industry reference for phase noise testing, the R&S FSWP. Thus far, the instrument now features a maximum frequency of 56 GHz without external frequency extenders and supports external signal sources for absolute phase noise measurements to increase the sensitivity to a level, which hasn’t been available before.

Explore the landscape of cognitive Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications in electronic warfare (EW) and RADAR systems. The primary focus is on the synthesis of innovative technologies and methodologies that enhance the capabilities and performance of these systems in dynamic environments.

We will look into the significance of feature-rich training datasets, which are critical for the successful implementation of AI/ML algorithms. The discussion covers sources of training data, including both real-world collections and modeling/simulation tools, emphasizing the essential role they play in shaping robust systems. Common development needs, such as access to simulation tools, resource management, and the importance of efficient debugging techniques, will also be addressed.

This presentation will address the evolving challenges of phased array antenna testing for the space industry, focusing on solutions from Rohde & Schwarz. As satellite constellations and high-throughput satellites (HTS) become more prevalent, the need for efficient and reliable over-the-air (OTA) testing is paramount. We will explore how Rohde & Schwarz's portfolio of test and measurement equipment—including vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, and dedicated antenna test systems—enables comprehensive characterization of these advanced antennas. The abstract will cover key test parameters such as effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and antenna patterns and discuss how these solutions can be used for both component-level and system-level testing to ensure mission success in the harsh environment of space.