Follow The Bouncing Signal

Figure 1: Trend plotting is a handy tool
for discerning frequency-hopping
patterns

Signal jamming, noise generation/interference, signal interception, and other malicious RF-related activities have long been part and parcel of the electronic warfare arena. One countermeasure that is widely deployed is frequency hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmission, or rapid and pseudo-random jumps of the carrier frequency in an effort to confound would-be jammers. FHSS transmission poses test and measurement challenges that we'll outline below.

Analyzing RADAR Signals with Demodulation

Figure 1: An example of a radar
signal with 1-GHz RF carrier

In the electronic warfare milieu, one of the most common RF applications is that of radar systems. Radar, which uses RF energy to determine the range, angle, and/or velocity of objects, can be used for detection of aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain, among other things. An oscilloscope's demodulation math function is very helpful in analysis of radar signals, so let's look at a couple of examples of how to approach such measurements.

Video: The Many Varieties of Oscilloscope Probes

Got a minute (OK, a minute and a half)? Take a look at this quick tutorial video that takes you through the four basic types of probes and what they're used for:

If this little thumbnail sketch whetted your appetite for more info on oscilloscope probes, we've got you covered with a series of popular blog posts on the topic:

The Realities of Oscilloscope Probes

Back to Basics: Probes (Part I)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part II)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part III)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part IV)

Understanding Probe Calibration Methods

Understanding Probe Calibration Methods (Part II)

The Effects of Passive Probe Ground Leads