radar pulse generation

[Jordan O.]

I would like to generate a series of cycles of a Sinewave at about 1 GHz (creating a Pulse of about 1.6 uSec).  I'd also like to monitor this in the time domain with the 5661.

More specifically, I want to trigger the 5661 from the 5671 (the RF Pulse generator).  Been going through the examples and haven't quite been able to put together what I'm looking for.  This is to emulate a RADAR signal.  Thanks.

[Robert_F]

Hello Jordan,

I would start by modifying a generation example.  The easiest way to implement this application is to use the simple script.vi. (Help >> Find Examples >> Hardware Input and Output >> Modular Instruments >> RFSG >>Script)  There are two waveforms that are being generated in this example so delete one of them.  This example also generates a Continuous Waveform (CW) forever, so the repeat in the script also needs to be modified. 

This is an example of the script that needs to be used.  MyWaveform would be one cycle of sine waveform that is continuous.  If the waveform is not continuous, then there might be a frequency spike in the generation.  Then modify the repeat value to get your pulse time of 1.6us.

Script Simple

                Repeat 4
                                Generate MyWaveform
                End Repeat
End Script

Once you have the 5671 working so that it generates your radar signal, then implement the 5661.  If you would like to have the 5661 to trigger off the 5671, then you might use a marker in your waveform.  A marker is a digital pulse that can be sent from the 5671 to the 5661 without interfering with your generation.  The output terminal could be PFI0 on the 5671 and PFI0 on the 5661, then you just need to physically wire those two PFI lines.

Script Simple

                Repeat 4
                                Generate MyWaveform marker0 (0)
                End Repeat
End Script

(Help >> Find Examples >> Hardware Input and Output >> Modular Instruments >> RFSG >> Script >> Marker Events.vi)

[JerryAL]

Hi Jordan

Robert is right on the money in terms of generating the waveform with a script.

I’m adding an example that generates pulses with a controller rise/fall time.  There is also an example that acquires the pulse based upon a trigger from the pulse generation examples.  You may or may not need a controlled rise time, but they may come in handy either way.

Jerry