The complex signal C/ATLAS structure: a signal description construct for the future

Abstract

Radio frequency (RF), millimeter wave, electrooptical (EO), and video testing have become very sophisticated in the last few years and the common abbreviated test language for all systems (C/ATLAS) does not provide the user with the required programming capabilities for these technologies. The complex signal C/ATLAS structure provides the mechanism for modeling complex signals and signal characteristics, thus providing the support of complex modulated RF signals as well as a variety of sophisticated signals currently not available. The structure will eliminate the need for new signal constructs and extensions, retain all present capabilities and introduce new capabilities. The six preamble statements and the noun complex signal make up the building blocks for a software erector set, which is not limited to the presently existing ATLAS nouns and modifiers. It can access a full range of RF, EO, and video testing requirements, and lends itself to expansion as testing requirements expand. It also makes ATLAS procedural sections shorter and more readable, as well as the fact that the definitions can more easily be placed in libraries for use by others.<>