Introduction To Radar Warning Receiver

2/23/2009
Introduction to Radar Warning Receivers

Robins AFB February 24, 2009
Presenter: Kim Cole
Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009
GTRI_B-1
What is a Radar Warning Receiver?

A Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) is a passive EW
system that does the following:

Detects RF signals transmitted by radar systems Identifies the signal by radar type Manages detected signals Generates visual and audio cues to pilot Manages interfaces to other systems
GTRI_B-2
What the Pilot Sees
GTRI_B-3
2/23/2009
ALR-69 System Block Diagram

CVR SUBSYSTEM
AM-423 45 CVR 135
J1
CVR 45
J1
E, G, I (135)
J2 J3
E, G, I (45)
J2 J3
CM-479 ALQ-213 CMSP IP1310

F1
AM-423 135
CVR 225
J1
CVR 315 E, G, I (225) E, G, I (315)

J1
2X 2Y J1
F2
J3 J2
J4
AM-423 225
Diamond Audio
J2 J3
J2 J3
AS-3305 (45) (135) (Omni) (315) (225) ANT7 J1 J2 J5 J4 J3
AM-423 315 AM-6971

J6 J5 J4 J2 N1 J7 J3 J1
E, G, I Band Video (45, 135, 225, 315) C/D Band Video (45, 135, 225, 315) Omni Video
HSDB
FSRS Subsystem
AM-423 135 (FSRS)
J2
C/D, E, G, I Band Static Video (TTL) Antenna Control (0-3) R-2094

J1 J3 J2 J3 J4 J4 F2 J5 J1 J2
C-10373
F1 F3
AM-423 45 (FSRS)
J1 J5 J6
SA-2263
AM-423 225 (FSRS)
AM-423 315 (FSRS)
J3
RI/D, Control (0-3), CW Strobe, PRF Window Rec. Int., Discrimn. Video, Bandpass Video
GTRI_B-4
ALR-69 System
GTRI_B-5
What the Pilot Sees
GTRI_B-6
2/23/2009
(Very) Brief History of RWR
RWRs have been around for about 40 years.

First-generation RWRs were used by the US Air Force
during the Vietnam War in response to Russian radarguided SAMs deployed in North Vietnam.
The Israelis suffered heavy losses to radar-directed
AAA and SAMs during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
GTRI_B-7
Example USAF RWR Installations
RWR Type ALR-56C ALR-56M ALR-69 ALR-94 APR-39
Aircraft F-15 F-16, C-130, B-1 B-52, A-10, C-130, F-16, C-130 F-22 C-130, V-22
GTRI_B-8
How Does an RWR Work?

Hardware handles detection
Hardware detects radar pulses and converts pulse parameters to
digital format
Major hardware components: antennas, RF cables, receiver,
signal processor, user I/O devices
Software handles identification and aircrew interface

Software processes digital data to determine what type of radar
system is illuminating the aircraft and then provides aircrew cues

Major software components: operational flight program and
mission data file
GTRI_B-9
2/23/2009
Why Do You Need an RWR?

The enemy is out there! The enemy has air defense systems that are very
dependent on radar and RF-guided weapons.

They have surface-to-air-missiles (SAMs), anti-aircraft
artillery (AAA), and air-to-air missiles that are cued/targeted/guided by RF signals.

When an enemy radar points at a USAF aircraft, we
can detect that signal and warn the aircrew of the presence of that weapon system.
GTRI_B-10
Typical Air Defense System Encounter
MISSILE LAUNCHER
MISSILE TRACKER COMPUTER VAN TARGET TRACKER
COMMAND STATION
GTRI_B-11
SA-2 Surface to Air Missile
GTRI_B-12
2/23/2009
RWR Operational Concept

0 7 8
8
Processor
GTRI_B-13
How Do We Measure RWR Performance?

Typical RWR measures of performance (MOPs) are:
Detection range Response time Correct ID DF accuracy Age out
Performance is usually measured by conducting a
flight test on an open-air range.

GTRI_B-14
Simplified RWR Processing Flow
RF
Input Buffer
Signal Detection
Hardware
Signal Processing
Software
Emitter Track File
Manage Interfaces
Software
GTRI_B-15
2/23/2009
Origin of RWR Input
GTRI_B-16
RWR Frequency Coverage

A typical RWR detects pulsed radar signals in the
0.5-18 GHz frequency range.

Frequency is measured in Hertz Hertz is a unit of frequency of one cycle per second.
6 Hertz 3 Hertz
One second
GTRI_B-17
GTRI_B-18
2/23/2009
GTRI_B-19
GTRI_B-20
Types of Radar Signals

Continuous Wave
Pulsed
GTRI_B-21
2/23/2009
Quick Word About Notation for Pulsed Signals
All meant to illustrate the same concept.
Time
GTRI_B-22
What Measurements Does an RWR Make?

For each CW signal the RWR will measure:
Frequency, angle of arrival, and power
For each pulse in a pulsed signal the RWR will
measure:
Frequency or frequency band, time of arrival (TOA),
angle of arrival (AOA or DF), pulse width, and power

For CW or pulsed signals outside the RF coverage
of the RWR, no measurement is made.

GTRI_B-23
First Step: Detect Signal with Antenna

E/J Band antenna Four per aircraft C/D Band antenna One per aircraft
GTRI_B-24
2/23/2009
First Step: Detect Signal with Antenna
315
45
Four E/J band antennas are installed at quadrant locations around aircraft.
225 135
GTRI_B-25
F-16 Forward Antenna Installation
GTRI_B-26
F-16 Aft Antenna Installation
GTRI_B-27
2/23/2009
Converting RF Pulse to Digital Data

Quadrant antennas
Receiver
Pulse Measurement Data

To software For Signal processing
GTRI_B-28
Basic Analog Receivers1 (1/2)

Receiver
Wideband Crystal Video Tuned RF Crystal Video
Advantage
Simple; Inexpensive Instantaneous High POI in frequency range Simple Frequency measurement Higher sensitivity than wideband Relatively simple Frequency resolution Instantaneous; High POI High sensitivity Good frequency resolution No simultaneous signals problem Better response time Better POI
Disadvantage
No frequency resolution Poor sensitivity Poor simultaneous signal Slow response time Poor POI Simultaneous signal problem Relatively poor sensitivity Slow Response Poor POI Poor against freq agility Spurious signals generated Poorer sensitivity
IFM
Narrow Band Scanning Superhet
Wideband Superhet
GTRI_B-29
Basic Analog Receivers1 (2/2)

Receiver
Channelized
Advantage
Wide bandwidth Near instantaneous Moderate frequency resolution Near instantaneous Good frequency resolution Good dynamic range Good simultaneous signal capability
Disadvantage High complexity, cost Lower reliability Limited sensitivity High complexity Limited bandwidth No pulse modulation information Critical alignment High complexity New technology
Microscan
Acousto-optic
Near instantaneous Good frequency resolution Good simultaneous signal capability Good POI
1 Electronic Warfare And
Radar Systems Engineering Handbook, NAWCWPNS TP 8347, April 1, 1999
GTRI_B-30
10
2/23/2009
Most Common RWR Receiver Architectures
Crystal Video Receiver

RF Amplifier Compressive Video Amplifier Band 1 Video Band 2 Video Band 3 Video
Tuned Narrowband Superhet

IF Amp RF Filter Tuning IF Filter Log Video Amp
Video
Multiplexer
Local Oscillator
Filename - 31
GTRI_B-31
Narrow-Band Superheterodyne Receiver

Narrow bandwidth -90 dBm sensitivity Low probability of intercept (POI) Good signal separation Measures frequency, PW, power, and AOA Excellent CW Capability Medium cost Medium volume
GTRI_B-32
Wideband Crystal Video Receiver

Wide instantaneous bandwidth - 45 dBm sensitivity High probability of intercept Poor signal separation Measures frequency band, PW, power, and AOA Poor CW Capability Low cost Small volume
GTRI_B-33
11
2/23/2009
Input Scheduling
Another important RWR term is input scheduling. Both superhet and CVR architectures require
sophisticated input schedulers.

The input schedule is usually defined in the mission
data file.
We have said that a typical RWR covers the 0.5-18
GHz frequency range, but they typically do not collect inputs from the entire range at one time.
GTRI_B-34
CVR Input Scheduling

A typical CVR RF signal is fed to an
amplifier/detector that splits the covered RF range into multiple frequency bands.
A typical CVR looks (collects input) from a single RF
band at a time.
Example band breaks are shown below.
Band 0
0.5 GHz 2 GHz
Band 1
8 GHz
Band 2
12 GHz
Band 3
18 GHz
GTRI_B-35
Example CVR Input Schedules

More realistic schedule Really simple schedule Band Look Time 0 1 2 3 25 ms 25 ms 25 ms 25 ms Band 0 1 2 3 0 2 3 1 3 Look Time 10 ms 12 ms 15 ms 15 ms 50 ms (conditional) 1 ms 1 ms 20 ms 25 ms
GTRI_B-36
12
2/23/2009
Simple Probability of Intercept Example

Scanning threat radar
RWR input scheduler

Band 0 Band 1 Band 2 Band 3 Band 0
Filename - 37
GTRI_B-37
Emitter Transmitted Frequency Range

Threat ID A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R 2 4 6 8 10 RF (GHz) 12 14 16 18
GTRI_B-38
Superhet Input Scheduler

The input schedule for a superhet receiver is much
more complex than the input schedule for a CVR.

This is because the superhet is a narrow-band
receiver, i.e. the total frequency range is broken into many smaller segments that must be covered.
Superhet input schedulers contain more numerous,
shorter looks.
0.5 GHz
2 GHz
8 GHz
12 GHz
18 GHz
GTRI_B-39
13
2/23/2009
Pulse Measurements
If the RWR detects a pulse, it collects a set of data
for that pulse.

The formats differ among various RWRs, but this
pulse data is generally called a pulse descriptor word (PDW).

The PDW contains all data collected for a single RF
pulse.
GTRI_B-40
Pulse Descriptor Word

A typical PDW contains time of arrival (TOA), angle,
pulse width, power, and frequency (superhet) or frequency band (CVR).

The ALR-69 PDW format is shown below:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME OF ARRIVAL (16 LSBs) PULSE WIDTH POWER IP PP FO1 FO2 PRI TIME OF ARRIVAL (8 MSBs) ANGLE DT RB1 RB2 DCB COR CDM B0 B1 B2 B3 B4
GTRI_B-41
Key Pulse Parameters

Frequency Pulsewidth
Power
PRI PRI is Pulse Repetition Interval. Time
GTRI_B-42
14
2/23/2009
Input Buffer
The final output of the Signal Detection component
of the RWR is an Input Buffer.

An Input Buffer is a series of PDWs that were
collected during a single look.

The Input Buffer is processed by the RWR software
to determine what type radar (or radars) transmitted the pulses.
GTRI_B-43
RF
Input Buffer
Signal Detection
Hardware
Signal Processing
Software
Emitter Track File
Manage Interfaces
Software
GTRI_B-44
OFP and MDF

Operational Flight Program (OFP) Mission Data File (MDF)
Executable code Input scheduler PRI deinterleaver Track file management Missile guidance
Data (no executable
code)
Input schedule Threat identification Threat information Ambiguity resolve tables Missile guidance data
algorithms
Interface management
Filename - 45
GTRI_B-45
15
2/23/2009
Major Signal Processing Components
Input Buffer PRI Deinterleave
Emitter Track File
Threat ID
Ambiguity Resolve
Track File Management
Filename - 46
GTRI_B-46
PRI Deinterleaving Algorithm

Many years of research have been done regarding
PRI deinterleaving algorithms.

The PRI deinterleaving algorithm is the most
complex algorithm, and uses the most processor time, of any function in an RWR OFP.
Input Buffer PRI Deinterleave Pulse train statistics: Frequency/band PRI Power Angle Pulse width PRI agility info Quality statistics
GTRI_B-47
PRI Agility Stable

For a stable PRI emitter the interpulse period is
the same for every pulse.

175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175
GTRI_B-48
16
2/23/2009
PRI Agility Stagger

For a staggered PRI emitter, a set of interpulse
periods are repeated continuously.

2-level stagger
150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175 150 175
3-level stagger
150 175 225 150 175 225 150 175 225 150 175 225 150 175 225 150 175 225 150 175 225 150
4-level stagger
150 175 125 200 150 175 125 200 150 175 125 200 150 175 125 200 150 175 125 200 150 175
GTRI_B-49
PRI Agility Cycler

For a cyclic PRI emitter a stable PRI is generated
for N pulses followed by another stable PRI for N pulses, etc.

For example, this cycler generates a PRI of 175 for
seven pulses and then a PRI of 150 for four pulses.

175 175 175 175 175 175 175 150 150 150 150 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 150 150 150 150
GTRI_B-50
PRI Agility Jitter

For a jitter PRI emitter, the interpulse period
varies between every pulse usually within a known percentage range.

For example, the pulse train below is a 200 +/- 10%
jitter pulse train, i.e. the interpulse periods vary randomly between 180 and 220.
200
183
182
201
199
185
217
216
209
188
181
199
207
207
187
183
184
218
203
204
200
181
GTRI_B-51
17
2/23/2009
PRI Deinterleaving
Radar Signal A
Radar Signal B
Radar Signal C
Interleaved Signal
Filename - 52
GTRI_B-52
PRI Deinterleaving - Sorting
Hardware Measurement Frequency or Frequency Band Time of Arrival Angle of Arrival Power Pulse Width
Useful for Sorting? Yes Yes Yes No Not so much
GTRI_B-53
Emitter Track File
Threat ID
Ambiguity Resolve
Filename - 54
GTRI_B-54
18
2/23/2009
Threat Identification
Initial threat identification is usually a very simple
process.
The MDF assigns an initial threat ID based on
frequency/band and PRI.

So, threat ID is simply finding the corresponding
entry in a table in the Mission Data File.

Most initial threat IDs are ambiguous and require
ambiguity resolution.
GTRI_B-55
Emitter PRI Range

Threat ID A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 PRI (microseconds) 3000 3500 4000
GTRI_B-56
Emitter Track File
Threat ID
Ambiguity Resolve
Filename - 57
GTRI_B-57
19
2/23/2009
Ambiguity Resolution
Initial threat ID is done based on frequency/band and
PRI.
This usually results in an ID that says this could be either Threat
A, Threat C, Threat D, or Threat H.
Additional measurements are used/required to resolve
ambiguities and determine which a unique ID.

PRI agility (jitter, stagger, cycler) Multiband Scan type/rate Missile guidance
GTRI_B-58
Emitter Track File
Threat ID
Ambiguity Resolve
Filename - 59
GTRI_B-59
All RWRs have some concept of a Track File. It may
be called different names in different RWRs, but the concept is the same.
The Track File is where the OFP stores all threat
information that is has measured/computed.
GTRI_B-60
20
2/23/2009
Track File Management (cont.)
The Track File management software is almost as
complex as the PRI Deinterleaving software.

The OFP updates the track file as new information
becomes available.
There are many sources of new information:
correlation, missile guidance, angle, power, PRI agility, etc.
GTRI_B-61
Track File Management (cont.)

The Emitter Track File is the most important data
maintained by the RWR OFP.

The ETF content affects operation of almost all
other OFP functions

Pilot cues (audio and display) Initiates additional measurements for ambiguity
resolution
Alters input scheduling
The ETF is output to other systems in an integrated
EW suite and may drive their operation as well.

GTRI_B-62
RF
Input Buffer
Signal Detection
Hardware
Signal Processing
Software
Emitter Track File
Manage Interfaces
Software
GTRI_B-63
21
2/23/2009
User Interface
Buttons/Lamps CRT Display Audio
Missile launch New guy Diamond
GTRI_B-64
Interface Management
Besides the user interface the OFP also manages
other intrasystem and intersystem input/output.

Intrasystem: Setting up pulse collection hardware,
messaging on intrasystem hardware interfaces, messaging between OFPs within the RWR, etc.
Intersystem: MIL-STD-1553B data bus (EW Bus and
Avionics Bus), blanking interface, etc.
GTRI_B-65
RWR Challenges
There are many challenges to accurately and
effectively operating an RWR in a real-world environment:

High pulse densities Interference from other onboard systems Aircraft maneuvers Urban noise Antenna patterns
GTRI_B-66
22
2/23/2009
ALR-69 System Block Diagram

CVR SUBSYSTEM
AM-423 45 CVR 135
J1
CVR 45
J1
E, G, I (135)
J2 J3
E, G, I (45)
J2 J3
CM-479 ALQ-213 CMSP IP1310

F1
AM-423 135
CVR 225
J1
CVR 315 E, G, I (225) E, G, I (315)

J1
2X 2Y J1
F2
J3 J2
J4
AM-423 225
Diamond Audio
J2 J3
J2 J3
AS-3305 (45) (135) (Omni) (315) (225) ANT7 J1 J2 J5 J4 J3
AM-423 315 AM-6971

J6 J5 J4 J2 N1 J7 J3 J1
E, G, I Band Video (45, 135, 225, 315) C/D Band Video (45, 135, 225, 315) Omni Video
HSDB
FSRS Subsystem
AM-423 135 (FSRS)
J2
C/D, E, G, I Band Static Video (TTL) Antenna Control (0-3) R-2094

J1 J3 J2 J3 J4 J4 F2 J5 J1 J2
C-10373
F1 F3
AM-423 45 (FSRS)
J1 J5 J6
SA-2263
AM-423 225 (FSRS)
AM-423 315 (FSRS)
J3
RI/D, Control (0-3), CW Strobe, PRF Window Rec. Int., Discrimn. Video, Bandpass Video
GTRI_B-67
The Travels of Joe Pulse

RF Antenna Air Input Buffer
Pre-Process (PRE_PROC) RF cable
RF Pre-amp
AM-6639 J1
Video pulse Video Processor (A5 CCA)
Pulse packet
Input Buffer
J2
Quadrant video signals
DMA FIFO A6 RAM
Process Buffer
PRI Deinterleave (PRIDE)
PRIDE Outputs A6OFP variables
A6 RAM
A6 RAM
Emitter ID (EIDR)
Threat ID A6OFP variables CRT Drive H/W I/O
ETF Mgt (ETE)
ETF Record ETF
ETF Record ETF
A6 OFP Display Update
Display File A4 RAM
A4 OFP Display Update
Refresh Buffer A4 RAM
IP-1310
Display Refresh
GTRI_B-68
23

Introduction To Radar Warning Receiver

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Исходное описание:

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Introduction To Radar Warning Receiver

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

2/23/2009

Introduction to Radar Warning Receivers

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

What is a Radar Warning Receiver?

system that does the following:

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

What the Pilot Sees

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

ALR-69 System Block Diagram

CM-479 ALQ-213 CMSP IP1310

CVR 315 E, G, I (225) E, G, I (315)

AS-3305 (45) (135) (Omni) (315) (225) ANT7 J1 J2 J5 J4 J3

AM-423 315 AM-6971

C/D, E, G, I Band Static Video (TTL) Antenna Control (0-3) R-2094

AM-423 225 (FSRS)

AM-423 315 (FSRS)

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

What the Pilot Sees

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

(Very) Brief History of RWR

RWRs have been around for about 40 years.

AAA and SAMs during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Example USAF RWR Installations

RWR Type ALR-56C ALR-56M ALR-69 ALR-94 APR-39

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

How Does an RWR Work?

signal processor, user I/O devices

Software handles identification and aircrew interface

system is illuminating the aircraft and then provides aircrew cues

mission data file

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Why Do You Need an RWR?

dependent on radar and RF-guided weapons.

artillery (AAA), and air-to-air missiles that are cued/targeted/guided by RF signals.

Typical Air Defense System Encounter

MISSILE TRACKER COMPUTER VAN TARGET TRACKER

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

SA-2 Surface to Air Missile

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

RWR Operational Concept

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

How Do We Measure RWR Performance?

Performance is usually measured by conducting a

flight test on an open-air range.

Simplified RWR Processing Flow

Emitter Track File

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Origin of RWR Input

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

RWR Frequency Coverage

0.5-18 GHz frequency range.

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Types of Radar Signals

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009

Quick Word About Notation for Pulsed Signals

All meant to illustrate the same concept.

Copyright by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2009