Multi-channel pulse analysis

The new R&S FSWX-KM700 pulse analysis option extends the multi-channel signal and spectrum analyser, for example, into a workstation for testing how Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jammers capture, reproduce and manipulate radar pulses. It measures key pulse parameters, evaluates pulse trains and extracts capture vs. time, pulse result/statistics tables, magnitude/phase/frequency vs. time, and parameter trends including channel parameter delta information.

DRFM jammers support deception, spoofing and jamming by capturing radar emissions, digitising them and reproducing them with controlled delay, phase and frequency. As radars become more agile and use more complex waveforms, test systems must measure pulse shape, timing, modulation and repeatability. The FSWX signal and spectrum analyser addresses this test environment with its innovative dual-channel, phase-coherent architecture. With the R&S FSWX-KM700 pulse analysis option, Rohde & Schwarz adds a software extension for dedicated pulsed signal work and DRFM analysis.

The option measures pulse width, amplitude, rise time, fall time, pulse repetition interval, duty cycle, shape and overshoot. These measurements allow engineers to check whether a jammer reproduces the envelope of the original radar burst with the required accuracy, since small changes in timing or amplitude behaviour can affect the credibility of a deception signal.

The analysis also covers complete pulse trains. The option extracts pulse repetition frequency spectra and pulse-to-pulse variation data, allowing engineers to verify complex pulse sequence behaviour and timing patterns. R&S FSWX-KM700 supports chirped pulses, pulse width modulation, pulse position modulation and phase-modulated waveforms. Engineers can use these measurements to check whether a device handles modulation schemes used by modern radar systems, including both the pulse envelope and modulation content.

The system can trigger on amplitude, pulse width, pulse repetition interval or user-defined patterns. This helps engineers isolate selected events inside a pulse train and focus the measurement on the relevant parts of the signal. For longer measurements, R&S FSWX-KM700 aggregates results from many captured pulses. This provides information about repeatability and consistency over time and helps engineers assess whether timing or modulation errors occur only under certain conditions.

The option comes with the following displays: parameter trend for DRFM electronic attack technique analysis, capture vs. time to measure jammer response time and latency between stimulus and response, individual pulse parameter display such as pulse amplitude, frequency, and phase to make sure there are no distortions introduced by the jammer. These measurements connect pulse analysis with the behaviour of the jammer under test.

With the new R&S FSWX-KM700 option, the FSWX signal and spectrum analyser gains a more specialised role in DRFM test workflows. It combines phase coherent multi-channel analysis with pulse, pulse train, modulation and segmented capture functions in one instrument, supporting verification of signal fidelity, timing behaviour and consistency in agile electronic warfare scenarios.