A DIGITAL MAGNETIC TAPE SYSTEM FOR RECORDING RADAR DATA
Abstract
A versatile multichannel medium-speed data system for recording radar data on magnetic tape directly in digital-computer format was designed for use with the Randle Cliff Radar facility at the Naval Research Laboratory's Chesapeake Bay Division, and it is currently installed and operating there. Input data to the system can be analog voltages, which are internally digitized, or digital codes. Timing and reference data are internally generated. The system operates with three simultaneous data scanning rates: (a) basic (radar pulse repetition frequency), (b) submultiple, and (c) a multiple of the basic. Both the sequence and the amount of data sampled at each rate is patchboard- controlled. Any basic scan rate from 6 pulses per second to 3 kilo-pulses per second can be generated, depending on the volume of data. Data are recorded as sequential sevenbit characters at constant density, without intermediate storage, over the full range of trigger rates, through the choice of six tape speeds. Selected portions of the data can be monitored by an on-line printer and lamp display, during recording. Further checks can be made during playback of recorded tapes. The system has developed into an unusually successful preoperational monitoring device for itself and for nearly the complete radar system, in addition to being a versatile and dependable recording system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0658329
Entities
People
- A. M. Knopp
- J. M. Goodman
- P. L. Watkins
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory