HWIL Channel Simulator for Communication System Testing

Welkin Sciences (WS) proposes to develop the Configurable Link Test Set II (CoLTS II), an affordable hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) channel simulator designed specifically for MDA test programs. Like DTRA’s test sets, CoLTS II can distort real RF signals using the same disturbed propagation channel models found in COMLNK. The missile communication link for all MDA interceptors, must accommodate the rapid path length variability arising from the high acceleration of the missile-borne transceivers. CoLTS II can also offset RF signals in delay and frequency to accurately emulate the interceptor-specific platform dynamics. The proposed CoLTS II design is “future-proof”, in that new test functions can readily be integrated into the CoLTS II system architecture to support custom test requirements. (Many unanticipated test requirements typically arise over the course of any modem development program).