Systems and methods for self-test of a radar altimeter

Abstract

Systems and methods for testing a signal generated by a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) in a radar altimeter. In an embodiment of the method, a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal is generated. The generated voltage signal is integrated over a predefined range of clock signals. The integration is sampled at a previously defined clock tick. The sample is compared to a desired value and an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning is provided if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value. The radar altimeter system is deactivated if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning has been provided.

1. A radar altimeter system including a transmitter having a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) and a Digital Phase Lock Loop, the system comprising:
 a first component configured to generate a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal;  
 a second component configured to integrate the generated voltage signal over a predefined range of clock signals;  
 a third component configured to sample the integration at a previously defined clock tick;  
 a fourth component configured to compare the sample to a desired value; and  
 a fifth component configured to provide an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value.  
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a device configured to deactivate the radar altimeter system if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning has been provided. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second component includes a device configured to perform a reset function. 
     
     
       4. A method for testing a signal generated by a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) in a radar altimeter, the method comprising:
 generating a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal;  
 integrating the generated voltage signal over a predefined range of clock signals;  
 sampling the integration at a previously defined clock tick;  
 comparing the sample to a desired value; and  
 providing an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value.  
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising deactivating the radar altimeter system if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning has been provided. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising performing a reset function. 
     
     
       7. A method for testing a signal generated by a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) in a radar altimeter, the method comprising:
 activating the radar altimeter in a normal mode of operation;  
 integrating a generated voltage signal between a turnaround point and a clock tick;  
 comparing a detected integration value to a reference voltage value; and  
 deactivating the radar altimeter system if the comparison is outside a predefined threshold value.  
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein activating further comprises generating a voltage signal. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein generating further comprises generating the voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock based reference signal. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7 , wherein comparing further comprises sampling the integration at a previously defined clock tick. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising performing a reset function. 
     
     
       12. A radar altimeter system including a transmitter having a Direct Digital Synthesizer, (DDS) and a Digital Phase Lock Loop, the system comprising:
   a first component configured to generate a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency signal to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal;        a second component configured to integrate the generated voltage signal over a predefined range of clock ticks;        a third component configured to generate an output signal representing a comparison of the integration to a desired value;        a fourth component configured to sample the comparison at a previously defined clock tick; and        a fifth component configured to provide an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value.     
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a device configured to deactivate the radar altimeter system if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning has been provided. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the second component includes a device configured to perform a reset function. 
     
     
       15. A method for testing a signal generated by a Direct Digital Synthesizer, (DDS) in a radar altimeter, the method comprising:
   generating a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency signal to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal;        integrating the generated voltage signal over a predefined range of clock signals;        generating an output signal representing a comparison of the integration at a previously defined clock tick to a desired value; and        providing an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value.     
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising deactivating the altimeter if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning been provided. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising performing a reset function.