Systems and methods for self-calibrating a radar altimeter

摘要

Systems and methods for performing self calibration of a radar altimeter 20. An example system includes a first component that generates a simulated return signal based on one or more range values. A transmitter 24 generates a transmission radar signal and a receiver processes the simulated return signal based on the transmission radar signal. A second component determines one or more calibration factors based on the processed simulated return signal and ideal return signal characteristics. The transmission radar signal is a fixed frequency signal and the first component includes a programmable frequency divider 62 that creates at least on sideband of a known signal. A third component determines if the radar system is in at least one of a calibration mode or normal mode of operation. If the radar system is determined to be in a normal mode of operation, a fourth component applies the determined calibration factors to actual radar return signals.