Mobile test systems for flightline and forward battle areas

Mobile testers are rapidly becoming a critical ingredient in present and future military automatic test equipment strategies and procurements. Lightweight, portable testers are required in flightline, at forward battle areas and in rapid deployment operations. These portable testers must have RF and microwave testing capabilities which until now have not been easily available in small, portable systems. This paper focuses on a systems approach in using digital signal processing (DSP) and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) in developing portable testers. Leading edge MMIC technology has enabled RF/microwave systems to be downsized for completely portable flightline and field use. Future defense programs such as Joint Services Electronic Combat System Tester (JSECST) will emphasize this capability