HP 8530A, Operating And Programming Manual, Page: 226 / 439

13
Introduction to Time Domain RCS and
Antenna Measurements
Chapter Contents
Introduction
Using Front P anel Controls in Time Domain Mode
Time Domain General Theory
Time Domain Radar Cross Section Measurements
Range Gating
Time Domain Antenna Impedance Measurements
Time Domain Transmission Measurements
Introduction
This chapter explains how to make reection and transmission measurements in the Time
Domain. Measurements made in the Frequency Domain are transformed mathematically into
the Time Domain using the internal high-speed computer in the HP 8530A. The Time Domain
response provides very useful insight into the RCS or antenna measurement. This chapter
explains basic Time Domain concepts and describes how to use this feature in:
Radar Cross Section Measurements
Antenna Impedance Measurements
Antenna Transmission Response Measurements
All HP 8530As have Time Domain menu keys . However , Time Domain operation only functions
if the receiver has option 010. If your HP 8530A is not equipped with this option, the message
FUNCTION NOT IMPLEMENTED will appear if you select a Time Domain function.
Using Front P anel Controls in Time Domain Mode
In the Time Domain, the STIMULUS keys (4 ST ART 5 , 4 STOP 5 , 4 CENTER 5 , and 4 SP AN 5 ) refer to time ,
and they aect the horizontal (time) axis of the display . Time domain settings are independent
of the selected frequency range . Y ou can enter time values using the knob , step keys , or the
keypad. The keypad terminators refer to time in seconds:
4
G/n
5 represents nanoseconds
4
M/
5 represents microseconds
4
k/m
5 represents milliseconds
4 x1 5 represents seconds
Enter picoseconds as a decimal nanosecond value . F or example , to enter 10 picoseconds ,
press .01 4 G/n 5 .
Introduction to Time Domain RCS and
Antenna Measurements
13-1