The Dynamic Range Tester: a patented, dual-channel, precision signal-to-noise ratio generator

Abstract

The Dynamic Range Tester (DRT) is a patented, prototype system designed at the Army Research Laboratory. This useful tool emulates field conditions in the laboratory in order to characterize signal processing hardware with repeatability and reliability. It is a multi-purpose, test instrument that simultaneously generates two highly isolated, wideband, "real-world" signals. The DRT contains precision attenuators that allow the user to independently vary the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of each generated signal. This prototype system operates from 30 to 400 MHz, and the patented design is extendible to all frequency ranges to produce useful instrumentation for telecommunications, telemetry, biomedical instrumentation, or other applications. The DRT can be used to determine dynamic range of a radio frequency (RF) system, as well as processing gain and frequency resolution of an acousto-optic (AO) system. It can be used for testing and demonstration purposes, to evaluate a system's tolerance to noisy inputs. It can be used to conduct bandwidth and interference testing and to determine two-tone dynamic range on a dual-input device. In the DRT, the phase of the signals is not controlled. However, the basic DRT design could be amended to include controls for varying the phase of the generated signals, if such a system were needed.