초록 ▼

A radar transponder and transponder system is provided for providing transponder communications signals embedded within radar interrogation and reply signals. The radar interrogation signals include transponder interrogation signals embedded within the bandwidth thereof. The transponders include a r

A radar transponder and transponder system is provided for providing transponder communications signals embedded within radar interrogation and reply signals. The radar interrogation signals include transponder interrogation signals embedded within the bandwidth thereof. The transponders include a receiver for extracting the transponder interrogation signal and an offset frequency generator for up-converting or down-converting the transponder interrogation signal while remaining within the bandwidth of the radar signal. The transponders may be selectively enabled in response to interrogation signals having particular frequencies and/or in accordance with preset date or time schedules. The transponder outputs may be phase coherent with the interrogation signals and generated less than 10 nsec after receipt of the transponder interrogation signal. As such, the transponder reply signals are difficult to distinguish from the radar interrogation/reply signals.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A radar transponder system comprising:a) a transmitter for transmitting wideband radar signals, said radar signals including transponder interrogation signals programmably embedded within the bandwidth of the radar signals, said interrogation signals being transmitted dur

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A radar transponder system comprising:a) a transmitter for transmitting wideband radar signals, said radar signals including transponder interrogation signals programmably embedded within the bandwidth of the radar signals, said interrogation signals being transmitted during transmission of said radar signals;b) multiple remotely located transponders, each mountable on a movable object, said transponders including:i) a receiver for receiving said radar signals and selectively extracting the transponder interrogation signals therefrom;ii) an offset frequency generator for generating a variable frequency offset signal, said offset signal being adjustable within the bandwidth of said radar signals;iii) a combiner for generating a combiner output in response to said extracted transponder interrogation signals and said variable frequency offset signal;iv) a transponder transmitter circuit in electrical communication with said combiner for transmitting a transponder reply signal, responsive to the combiner output signal, within the bandwidth of said radar signals, both said interrogation and said reply signals being within the bandwidth of said radar signals, and being transmitted during said transmission of said radar signals, to facilitate low detection of said interrogation and said reply signals.