Once the selection of the optimal test environment type is made, there is still the need to implement/customize the environment for the particular application. While it is possible for the end-user to purchase or develop various modules and software, and then attempt to build a synthetic system, there are ready-made solutions that greatly simplify this process. One such solution is Aeroflex's SMART^E (Synthetic Multifunction Adaptable Reconfigurable Test Environment). In this particular example, the SMART^E 5100 T-R module test environment (with operating frequency up to 40 GHz) was selected as the base environment for this test application (Figure 1).

The criteria that led to this customer selection were based not only on performance and cost of ownership/operation, but also on greatly reduced start-up costs. These included activities associated with the integration (not simple interfacing) of the DUT in the test environment and the conversion of the test plan into a series of executable test programs/sequences.

Some of the tests conducted on the T-R modules are:

• Pout vs. Pin;
• total absorbed power;
• harmonics;
• noise figure;
• pulse measurement;
• recovery time;
• s-parameters;
• spurious; and
• third-order intercept (TOI).

Figure 2 depicts a screen capture of Pout vs. Pin as well as the associated tabulated data.

Figure 3 depicts a pulse-measurement screen capture and some of the associated tabulated data, while Figure 4 shows a spectral/spurious measurement and some of the associated tabulated data.

Cumulatively, all the tests listed previously were automatically performed in a matter of minutes. Besides test reporting, SMART^E has also extensive test log and debug capabilities. Figure 5 depicts a screen capture of log/debug activities.

For production test, batch sequences can also be used to speed up test activities, while still providing pass/fail criteria and results. Figure 6 illustrates such capabilities.

The SMART^E 5100 T-R module test environment's first large-scale adopters are two major mil-aero companies in Europe. This new test environment, launched at Autotestcon in September 2007, is being used by these companies for T-R module testing associated with synthetic aperture radars both for air defense and satellite systems. The performance, consistent results, and reliability of the equipment have been instrumental in supporting these companies' integration and test schedule. The main features of interest for these users have been speed, performance, flexibility, reconfigurability and ease of start-up activities.

Francesco Lupinetti is the CTO for Aeroflex Test Solutions and since 2006, the VP & GM of Aeroflex's Synthetic Test Systems Division. In addition to Aeroflex, which he joined in 2000, Lupinetti's background includes more than 25 years of applied research, product and business development, and engineering and general management with companies such as Ericsson, Selex Communications, The MITRE Corporation, and Sandia National Laboratories. He received his Ph.D.E.E, M.S.E.E., and B.S.E.E. while at Mississippi State University.

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