Technical information

5.0 SUMMARY

As discussed in this report, the required inputs to the WSP can be acquired from the ASR-9

through implementation of suitable microwave and digital signal interfaces, appropriately

controlled by logic devices within the WSP. Although detailed design of this interface will be

accomplished by the WSP implementation contractor, we expect that many features described

herein will be preserved at least functionally.

Many, but not all, of the interface components described herein have been implemented and

validated using the Lincoln Laboratory ASR-WSP testbed in Albuquerque, NM and Lexington,

MA. Items that have not yet been installed on these WSP exploratory units include:

1. The recommended downconversion IF filter with instantaneous Automatic Gain

Control calculated using data from the preceding PRI;

2. The interface hardware and software needed to feed WSP-generated six-level

weather back into the ASR-9 system for output onto existing controllers’ radar

scopes;

3. Use of the RF test signals from the ASR-9,

4. Built-in failure sensing of the WSP,

5. BIT/FIT,and

6. RMS functions.

Implementation and evaluation of an appropriate IF receiver (item 1) and six-level weather

feedback interface (item 2) are underway via a contract from Lincoln Laboratory to Northrop

Grumman Corporation. In addition, some elements of WSP BIT/FIT and RMS functions are

being developed for evaluation under this contract. These subsystems will be implemented on the

WSP exploratory units and evaluated during the 1997 convective storm season. The remaining

items listed above will be accomplished during WSP full-scale development.