The Kratos Channel Simulator is a powerful, yet economical communications link simulator that addresses a broad range of IF and RF hardware-in-the-loop test, operational, and training applications. The Channel Simulator creates RF and/or IF signals that precisely match those that occur when transmitters and receivers are in motion with respect to one another. By accurately duplicating the motion effects and RF channel physics effects on an RF link, the Channel Simulator allows bench testing of what once required actual motion and distance between a transmitter and receiver. Channel Simulator channel effects include physics-compliant, phase-continuous, real-time carrier and signal Doppler shift, range delay, range attenuation, fading, and noise. In addition, multiple test and/or interference signals can be generated with the optional multi-channel Signal Generator.

A comprehensive selection of upconverters and downconverters are also available, allowing signals to be generated or received in a wide range of frequency bands (UHF, L, S, C, X, and Ku). The Channel Simulator enables comprehensive test and training activities without actual flights of satellites, missiles, UAVs, targets, and aircraft carrying transmitters or receivers under test. Because the Channel Simulator enables real-time, hardware- in-the-loop emulation of propagation effects rather than computer-based, off- line simulation, the Channel Simulator is the cost-effective alternative between computer-based simulation and leasing flight time or satellite bandwidth.

Advantages
The Channel Simulator is a general purpose RF/IF test and measurement instrument for communications system- and component-level testing and verification, both in the laboratory and in the field. Key applications include:

Flight/Ground System Testing
• Satellite (LEO, GEO, MEO, Micro, Nano Pico)
• UAV
• Missile and target applications
• Modem, transmitter, and receiver testing
• Telemetry tracking system and range verification
• Reference signal and interference signal generation on-air or in the laboratory
• Training and education

Communication System Testing
• Compliance
• Performance
• Loopback
• System acceptance
• RF channel modes
• ATE
• Automatic self test

Highlights
• Applicable to communication systems based on any signal type, from CW to WLAN, FM to OFDM
• Flexibility in channel counts allows forsimultaneous testing of one to tens of channels