TEST METHODS AND RESULTS FOR ADAPTIVE EQUALIZERS

Abstract

Multipath distortion has been a major source of data corruption in aeronautical telemetry signals for decades. In recent years, however, adaptive equalizers have begun to appear in telemetry receivers. These equalizers offer the promise of mitigating or even eliminating the damage done by the multipath channel, and many ranges are adopting their use. Unfortunately, there have not been any standardized tests by which to quantify the efficacy and limitations of adaptive equalizers. This paper presents a generalized test methodology for making a quantitative performance assessment of any adaptive equalizer, along with representative test results for one particular adaptive equalizer.