Aeroflex ALT-8000 User manual

Maintenance Manual
Flight Line Test Set
Radio Altimeter
ALT-8000
EXPORT CONTROL WARNING: This document contains controlled
technology or technical data under the jurisdiction of the Export
Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR 730-774. It cannot be
transferred to any foreign third party without the specific prior
approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry
and Security BIS). Violations of these regulations are punishable by
fine, imprisonment, or both.
PRELIMINARY

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
ALT-8000
Radio Altimeter
Flight-line Test Set
PRELIMINARY
Maintenance Manual
PUBLISHED BY
Aeroflex
COPYRIGHT ©Aeroflex 2012
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise
without the prior permission of the publisher.
Original Release Nov 2012
10200 West York / Wichita, Kansas 67215 U.S.A. / [phone] / FAX [phone]

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.

PRELIMINARY
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
i
ALT-8000
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Double shielded and properly terminated external interface cables must be used with this equipment
when interfacing with the RS-232 and IEEE-488.
For continued EMC compliance, all external cables must be shielded and 3 meters or less in length.
NOMENCLATURE STATEMENT
In this manual, ALT-8000, Test Set or Unit refers to the Configurable Automated Test Set shipped with
any of the products in the ALT-8000 Series of Test Systems, as configured for standard bench-top
operation.
SCOPE
This manual applies to all products in the ALT-8000 Configurable Automated Test Set family.

PRELIMINARY
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PRELIMINARY
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iii
Declaration of Conformity
The Declaration of Conformity Certificate included with the Unit should remain with the
Unit.
Aeroflex recommends the operator reproduce a copy of the Declaration of Conformity
Certificate to be stored with the Operation Manual for future reference.

PRELIMINARY
Declaration of Conformity
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iv
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PRELIMINARY
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v
Precautions
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF USE
This product is designed and tested to comply with the requirements of IEC/EN61010-1 ‘Safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use’ for Class I portable
equipment and is for use in a pollution degree 2 environment. The equipment is designed to operate
from installation supply Category II.
Equipment should be protected from liquids such as spills, leaks, etc. and precipitation such as rain,
snow, etc. When moving the equipment from a cold to hot environment, allow the temperature of the
equipment to stabilize before it is connected to the supply to avoid condensation forming. The
equipment must only be operated within the environmental conditions specified in the performance data.
This product is not approved for use in hazardous atmospheres or medical applications. If the
equipment is to be used in a safety-related application, such as avionics or military applications, the
suitability of the product must be assessed and approved for use by a competent person.
CASE, COVER OR PANEL REMOVAL
Opening the Case Assembly exposes the operator to electrical hazards that may result in electrical
shock or equipment damage. Do not operate this Test Set with the Case Assembly open.
SAFETY IDENTIFICATION IN TECHNICAL MANUAL
This manual uses the following terms to draw attention to possible safety hazards that may exist when
operating or servicing this equipment:
SAFETY SYMBOLS IN MANUALS AND ON UNITS
IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT, IF IGNORED, CAN RESULT IN
EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, E.G., FIRE.
IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT, IF IGNORED, CAN RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
CAUTION: Refer to accompanying documents. (This symbol refers to specific CAUTIONS
represented on the unit and clarified in the text.)
Indicates a Toxic hazard.
Indicates item is static sensitive.
AC TERMINAL: Terminal that may supply or be supplied with AC or alternating voltage.
CAUTION
WARNING

PRELIMINARY
Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
vi
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL (cont)
EQUIPMENT GROUNDING PROTECTION
Improper grounding of equipment can result in electrical shock.
USE OF PROBES
Refer to Performance Specifications for the maximum voltage, current and power ratings of any
connector on the Test Set before connecting it with a probe from a terminal device. Be sure the terminal
device performs within these specifications before using it for measurement, to prevent electrical shock
or damage to the equipment.
POWER CORDS
Power cords must not be frayed or broken, nor expose bare wiring when operating this equipment.
USE RECOMMENDED FUSES ONLY
Use only fuses specifically recommended for the equipment at the specified current and voltage ratings.
Refer to Performance Specifications for fuse requirements and specifications.
INTERNAL BATTERY
This unit contains a Lithium Ion Battery, serviceable only by a qualified technician.
EMI (ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS (AC SUPPLY VOLTAGE)
SIGNAL GENERATORS CAN BE A SOURCE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
INTERFERENCE (EMI) TO COMMUNICATION RECEIVERS. SOME TRANSMITTED
SIGNALS CAN CAUSE DISRUPTION AND INTERFERENCE TO COMMUNICATION
SERVICE OUT TO A DISTANCE OF SEVERAL MILES. USER OF THIS EQUIPMENT
SHOULD SCRUTINIZE ANY OPERATION THAT RESULTS IN RADIATION OF A
SIGNAL (DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY) AND SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POTENTIAL COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
PROBLEMS.
THIS EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED WITH A PROTECTIVE GROUNDING LEAD THAT
CONFORMS WITH IEC SAFETY CLASS I. TO MAINTAIN THIS PROTECTION THE
SUPPLY LEAD MUST ALWAYS BE CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE OF SUPPLY
VIA A SOCKET WITH A GROUNDED CONTACT.
BE AWARE THAT THE SUPPLY FILTER CONTAINS CAPACITORS THAT MAY
REMAIN CHARGED AFTER THE EQUIPMENT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE
SUPPLY. ALTHOUGH THE STORED ENERGY IS WITHIN THE APPROVED
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, A SLIGHT SHOCK MAY BE FELT IF THE PLUG PINS
ARE TOUCHED IMMEDIATELY AFTER REMOVAL.
DO NOT REMOVE INSTRUMENT COVERS AS THIS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
CAUTION
WARNING

PRELIMINARY
Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
vii
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL (cont)
STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND SOLID STATE DEVICES SUCH AS MOS FETS,
ESPECIALLY CMOS TYPES, ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE BY
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGES RECEIVED FROM IMPROPER HANDLING, THE
USE OF UNGROUNDED TOOLS AND IMPROPER STORAGE AND PACKAGING.
ANY MAINTENANCE TO THIS UNIT MUST BE PERFORMED WITH THE
FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
• BEFORE USE IN A CIRCUIT, KEEP ALL LEADS SHORTED TOGETHER EITHER
BY THE USE OF VENDOR-SUPPLIED SHORTING SPRINGS OR BY INSERTING
LEADS INTO A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.
• WHEN REMOVING DEVICES FROM THEIR CONTAINERS, GROUND THE HAND
BEING USED WITH A CONDUCTIVE WRISTBAND.
• TIPS OF SOLDERING IRONS AND/OR ANY TOOLS USED MUST BE
GROUNDED.
• DEVICES MUST NEVER BE INSERTED INTO NOR REMOVED FROM CIRCUITS
WITH POWER ON.
• PC BOARDS, WHEN TAKEN OUT OF THE SET, MUST BE LAID ON A
GROUNDED CONDUCTIVE MAT OR STORED IN A CONDUCTIVE STORAGE
BAG. REMOVE ANY BUILT-IN POWER SOURCE, SUCH AS A BATTERY,
BEFORE LAYING PC BOARDS ON A CONDUCTIVE MAT OR STORING IN A
CONDUCTIVE BAG.
• PC BOARDS, IF BEING SHIPPED TO THE FACTORY FOR REPAIR, MUST BE
PACKAGED IN A CONDUCTIVE BAG AND PLACED IN A WELL-CUSHIONED
SHIPPING CONTAINER.
CAUTION
THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS PARTS
SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE
BY ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD).
CAUTION

PRELIMINARY
Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
viii
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL (cont)
TOXIC HAZARDS
BERYLLIA
Beryllia (beryllium oxide) is used in the construction of some of the components in this equipment.
This material, when in the form of fine dust or vapor and inhaled into the lungs, can cause a respiratory
disease. In its solid form, as used here, it can be handled safely, however, avoid handling conditions
which promote dust formation by surface abrasion.
Use care when removing and disposing of these components. Do not put them in the general industrial
or domestic waste or dispatch them by post. They should be separately and securely packed and clearly
identified to show the nature of the hazard and then disposed of in a safe manner by an authorized toxic
waste contractor.
BERYLLIUM COPPER
Some mechanical components within this instrument are manufactured from beryllium copper. This is an
alloy with a beryllium content of approximately 5%. It represents no risk in normal use.
The material should not be machined, welded or subjected to any process where heat is involved.
It must be disposed of as “special waste.”
It must NOT be disposed of by incineration.
LITHIUM
A Lithium battery is used in this equipment.
Lithium is a toxic substance so the battery should in no circumstances be crushed, incinerated or
disposed of in normal waste.
Do not attempt to recharge this type of battery. Do not short circuit or force discharge since this might
cause the battery to vent, overheat or explode.
INPUT OVERLOAD
SOME OF THE COMPONENTS USED IN THIS EQUIPMENT MAY INCLUDE RESINS
AND OTHER MATERIALS WHICH GIVE OFF TOXIC FUMES IF INCINERATED.
TAKE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS, THEREFORE, IN THE DISPOSAL OF THESE
ITEMS.
REFER TO PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS FOR MAXIMUM INPUT RATING OF ANT
AND T/R CONNECTORS TO AVOID INPUT OVERLOAD.
WARNING
CAUTION

PRELIMINARY
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ix
Preface
SCOPE
This Manual contains instructions for maintaining the ALT-8000.
ORGANIZATION
This manual is composed of the following chapters:
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
Chapter contains general Test Set information and theory of operation.
CHAPTER 2 - TROUBLESHOOTING
Chapter contains system and module level troubleshooting procedures.
CHAPTER 3 - VERIFICATION/CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
Chapter describes system and module level verification and calibration procedures.
CHAPTER 4 - REMOVE/INSTALL PROCEDURES
Chapter contains procedures for removing and installing maintainable parts and
assemblies.
CHAPTER 5 - SERVICEABLE PARTS LIST
Chapter identifies customer serviceable parts and assemblies.
CHAPTER 6 - ASSEMBLY AND INTERCONNECT DRAWINGS
Chapter contains system level interconnect and assembly drawings.
APPENDIX A - PIN-OUT TABLES
Contains diagrams and pin identification for external connectors.
APPENDIX B - ABBREVIATIONS
Lists acronyms and terms used throughout manual.
APPENDIX C - TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Lists equipment needed to perform verification and calibration procedures.
APPENDIX D - CONTROLS & CONNECTORS
Identifies front and rear panel controls and connectors.

PRELIMINARY
Preface
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
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Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xi
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
ALT-8000 Test Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
Interconnect Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Radio Altimeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
FM/CW Radio Altimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 4
Pulse Radio Altimeter Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 11
Systems Coupled With Radio Altimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 13
Chapter 2 - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
Preventive Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
Troubleshooting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Tool Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3
TBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4
EMC/Safety Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4
Chapter 3 - Verification/Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Testing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Test Set Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Calibration Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Preliminary Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Remote Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
TCXO Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
T1030 Receiver CW Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
T1040 Receiver PULSE Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 7

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xii
Transmitter Power Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
T1055 Analog Attenuators Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 11
Test Set Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Verification Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Remote Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 13
T1020 TX CW Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 14
T1025 TX CW Output Power @ 4200 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 15
T1030 TX CW Output Power @ 4300 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 16
T1035 TX CW Output Power @ 4400 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 17
T1040 TX CW Loop-Back Power @ 4200 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 18
T1045 TX CW Loop-Back Power @ 4300 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 20
T1050 TX CW Loop-Back Power @ 4400 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 22
T1055 TX FMCW Output Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 24
T1070 TX PULSE Output Pulse Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 25
T1075 TX PULSE Output PRF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 26
T1080 TX PULSE Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 27
T1090 RX FMCW Frequency Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 29
T1100 RX FMCW Sweep Rate and Deviation Measurement at 50 Hz . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 30
T1105 RX FMCW Sweep Rate and Deviation Measurement at 100 Hz . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 31
T1110 RX FMCW Sweep Rate and Deviation Measurement at 200 Hz . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 32
T1115 RX FMCW Sweep Rate and Deviation Measurement at 300 Hz . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 33
T1120 RX FMCW Sweep Rate and Deviation Measurement at 400 Hz . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 34
T1130 Time Delay Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 35
T1140 RX Port Pre-test Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 36
T1200 RX PULSE Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 37
T1220 RX PULSE Frequency Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 38
T1230 RX PULSE Width Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 39
T1240 RX PULSE PRF Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 40
T1250 RX CW Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 41
Generating a Pulse ARB file in IQ Creator for the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 42
Chapter 4 - Remove/Install Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Preliminary Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Tools Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
ESD and Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Specified Replacement Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Inverting Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
Connectors and Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
Preliminary Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2

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Chapter 5 - Serviceable Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 1
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2
Ship Unit, ALT-8000 (A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2
Mechanical Assembly (A1A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 3
Rad/Alt Base Mechnical Assembly (A1A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 4
Chapter 6 - Assembly and Interconnect Drawings . . . . . 6 - 1
Drawings List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 1
ALT-8000 Ship Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
ALT-8000 Interconnect Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 5
ALT-8000 mechanical Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 6
ALT-8000 driver board Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7
ALT-8000 panel Control Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 8
ALT-8000 168 Color, 12.1” SVGA TFT, 1000 NITS Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 9
ALT-8000 panel touchscreen Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 10
ALT-8000 touchscreen Control Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 11
ALT-8000 rad/alt base mech assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 12
ALT-8000 chasis rad/alt mech Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 14
ALT-8000 base card cage mech assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 15
ALT-8000 torpedo Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 17
ALT-8000 rf receiver pcb Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 18
ALT-8000 rf xmtr pcb Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 19
ALT-8000 digital rad/alt pcb assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 20
ALT-8000 auxiliary interface rad/alt pcb Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 21
Appendix A - Pin-Out Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 1
Appendix B - Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B - 1
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B - 1
Appendix C - Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C - 1
Calibration Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1
Verification Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 2
Appendix D - Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . .D - 1
Front Panel Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D - 1
Rear Panel Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D - 3

List of Figures
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
1
List of Figures
TITLE PAGE
Assembly Interconnect Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Typical FM/CWLRRA System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 4
Simplified FM/CW Radio Altimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Conventional FM/CW Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
Conventional FM/CW Radio Altimeter Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
CDF FM/CW Radio Altimeter Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
CDF FM/CW Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Triple LRRA Antenna Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
LRRA Antenna Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
Radio Altimeter Antenna Height at Touchdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
Typical EFIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 10
Analog Indicator Dial Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 11
Analog Indicator Moving Tape Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 11
AN/APN-209 Pulse Radio Altimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 12
Pulse Radio Altimeter Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 13
Approach Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 14
Terrain Awareness and Warning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 14
GPWS Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 15
ALT-8000 Radio Altimeter Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 1
ALT-8000 Ship Unit (A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
ALT-8000 Ship Unit (A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 4
ALT-8000 Interconnect and Block Diagram (A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 5
ALT-8000 Top Assembly (A1A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 6
ALT-8000 Driver Board Assembly (A1A1A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7
ALT-8000 Panel Control Assembly (A1A1A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 8
ALT-8000 168 Color, 12.1” SVGA TFT, 1000 NITS Assembly (A1A1A3) . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 9
ALT-8000 Touchscreen Assembly (A1A1A4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 10
ALT-8000 Touchscreen Control Assembly (A1A1A5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 11
ALT-8000 RAD/ALT Base Mech Assembly (A1A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 12
ALT-8000 RAD/ALT Base Mech Assembly (A1A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 13
ALT-8000 Chasis RAD/ALT Mech Assembly (A1A2A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 14
ALT-8000 RAD/ALT Base Card Cage Mech Assembly (A1A2A2A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 15
ALT-8000 RAD/ALT Base Card Cage Mech Assembly (A1A2A2A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 16
ALT-8000 Torpedo Assembly (A1A2A2A1A1A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 17
ALT-8000 RF Receiver PCB Assembly (A1A2A2A2A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 18

List of Figures
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
2
ALT-8000 RF XMTR PCB Assembly (A1A2A2A2A2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 19
ALT-8000 Digital RAD/A:T PCB Assembly (A1A2A2A3A1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 20
ALT-8000 Auxiliary Interface RAD/ALT PCB Assembly (A1A2A4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 21
Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D - 1
Test Set Rear Panel Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D - 3

PRELIMINARY
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
1 - 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
The ALT-8000 is a single channel tester, designed for testing FM/CW and Pulse Radio
Altimeters in the flight-line environment.
1.1.1 Scope
1.1.2 Nomenclature
Type of Manual: Maintenance Manual.
Equipment Name and
Model Number:
ALT-8000 Radio Altimeter Flight-line Test Set.
Purpose of Equipment: Testing installed FM/CW, CDF FM/CW and Pulse Radio
Altimeters.
Common Name: ALT-8000 , Test Set or Unit.
Official Nomenclature: Radio Altimeter Flight-line Test Set.

PRELIMINARY
Introduction
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
1 - 2
1.2 THEORY OF OPERATION
1.2.1 ALT-8000 Test Operation
FMCW Radio Altimeters
The ALT-8000 Test-Set analyzes the transmitted signal from a FMCW radio altimeter to
derive its waveform parameters. Test-set calculates the required adjustment on received
signal based on user inputs and digitally generates the echo signal to test the DUT
response in multiple aspects.
For conventional FMCW signal, the Test-Set dynamically adds an adjustable frequency
offset to the received signal and then generates the echo signal with a controlled power
level.
For constant frequency difference FMCW signal, the Test-Set uniformly adds an
adjustable frequency offset to the received signal and then generates the echo signal
with a controlled power level.
Pulse Radio Altimeters
The ALT-8000 Test-Set analyzes the transmitted signal from a FMCW radio altimeter to
derive its waveform parameters. Test-set calculates the required time delay based on
user inputs and digitally controls the time and power level of echo pulses to be
transmitted to the DUT.
1.2.2 Assemblies
Control Panel Assembly
The Control Panel Assembly provides On/Off, Home Buttons and Status LEDs.
Power Supply Assembly
The Power Supply Assembly provides power for module operation and +5 Volt bias for
applied power status.
RF RX-TX Assembly
The RF RX-TX Assembly measures the Test Set’s RF input signal to obtain DUT
waveform parameters, and generates RF output signal with required adjustment. The
Assembly connects to the Digital RadAlt Assembly using a 40-wire ribbon cable for power
supply and data input/output.
PXI Backplane Assembly
The PXI Backplane Assembly routes electrical signals between the various system
assemblies.
Rear Panel Assembly
The Rear Panel Assembly provides access to the Tests Set’s Input/Output connectors
and AC charger.