TACAN Unit Test Bench / TACAN 2010 “I-Level” FAT / MIL-STD · DGAQA · IEC 61010-1 / Noida · India 2026 · Product Page

TB TACAN · AUTOMATED FAT

TACAN Unit Test Bench, rated to 18 GHz RF test paths.

A fully integrated, turnkey Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) system engineered by Neometrix for Moog Fernau’s TACAN 2010 “I-Level” navigation equipment. It validates all 25 functional modules — 12 intelligent microcontroller-based units and 13 passive RF assemblies — over a CAN 2.0B network at 1 Mbps, against MIL-STD and IEC performance thresholds.

Request proposal System architecture

TACAN unit test bench - tactical air navigation system signal generation and airborne TACAN receiver functional verification equipment by Neometrix

Fig · 01 TB TACAN bench — rack-mounted ATE controller with fixture bays and HMI touchscreen

Engineered to test against:

MIL-STD-1760 DO-160 DGAQA IEC 61010-1

Modules Tested

25total

CAN-Bus

1Mbps

RF Path

18GHz max

RF Stimulus

962±80 MHz

Insertion Loss

≤0.5dB

Overview

Manual TACAN FAT, replaced.

The TB TACAN Unit Test Bench replaces manual, error-prone acceptance procedures with automated, repeatable workflows for Moog Fernau’s TACAN 2010 “I-Level” navigation equipment.

TACAN unit test bench product view - airforce TACAN navigation system channel frequency and signal strength calibration bench by Neometrix

Fig · 02 Quick-connect RF/power loom fixtures under test

The bench validates both intelligent microcontroller-based and passive RF modules through a modular architecture featuring distributed node controllers, high-speed CAN-bus communication, and quick-connect RF/power looms for rapid fixture swaps. Pre-programmed test scripts apply precise RF stimuli and capture real-time measurements — power levels, VSWR, detector outputs, and keyer timings — with pass/fail logic and digital reporting.

Every module signed off on the bench, not discovered as a fault after installation.

An intuitive touchscreen interface supports drag-and-drop sequencing, live data visualization, and secure report generation. Automated calibration routines ensure traceable accuracy, while hot-swappable components and robust ESD controls simplify maintenance. This ensures rapid on-site commissioning, minimizes costly field rework, and provides complete traceability of test records for defense and aerospace customers.

Architecture

One controller, 25 modules.

A central ATE controller (rugged industrial PC) orchestrates every test through four subsystems working together from a single rack.

Sub · 01

Node Microcontrollers

ARM-class μCs embedded in each intelligent module for localized voltage, current and RF power measurement, plus health monitoring.

Sub · 02

CAN-Bus Network

Bi-directional CAN 2.0B communication at 1 Mbps reduces centralized wiring and supports real-time, deterministic control.

Sub · 03

Quick-Connect Looms (J1–J7)

Parallel RF/DC routing to passive modules rated to 18 GHz with ≤0.5 dB insertion loss, enabling tool-free hot-swap without rewiring.

Sub · 04

HMI Panel

21″ touchscreen for drag-and-drop fixture configuration, sequence editing, and live multi-channel dashboards.

TACAN unit test bench defence aviation tactical air navigation bearing and distance measurement ground test equipment by Neometrix

Fig · 03 Distributed node controllers and quick-connect RF/power looms

25 modules, two families

12 intelligent modules: transponder, LPA/HPA, keyer, monitor, receiver, and antenna control — each carrying its own node microcontroller for local data acquisition.

13 passive components: power supplies, modem, fan, couplers, filters, detectors, splitters, combiners, breakers, backplanes, and status panel — verified through the quick-connect RF/power looms.

Data interfaces span CAN 2.0B, USB 2.0, RS-232/485, and Gigabit Ethernet, with remote firmware updates over secure Ethernet to minimize bench downtime.

Principle of Operation

Five steps, every module.

Every module under test runs the same five-stage sequence, from boot self-test through pass/fail analysis.

Boot & self-testnode firmware & RF continuity

Fixture configurationrelays & RF/power paths

Stimulus application962±80 MHz, −30 to +30 dBm

Data acquisition1 μs timestamp resolution

Pass/fail analysis±0.5 dB power, ±1% VSWR

T · 01

Detector Module Test

Connect J1/J2 looms, apply 970 MHz @ −10 dBm, verify DC detector output of 1.2–1.4 V.

970 MHz · -10 dBm

T · 02

Amplifier Chain Validation

Sequentially power LPA then HPA; measure gain flatness (±0.5 dB) and harmonic suppression (≥60 dBc).

Gain & Harmonic Check

T · 03

Interface & Keyer Checks

Emulate 270 Hz keying pulses; verify timing accuracy to ±5 μs.

270 Hz Keying

T · 04

End-to-End Functional Test

Loopback transponder interrogation and response; confirm decoded bearing/range data.

Loopback Test

T · 05

EMI/EMC Pre-Compliance

Integrated checks catch potential electromagnetic issues early, ahead of formal EMC screening.

EMI/EMC Screen

T · 06

Final Reporting

Auto-generate the FAT report with operator and QA manager signature fields, ready for archival.

Digital FAT Report

Media Gallery

The bench, on the floor.

Fixture bays, control cabinet, and RF loom detail from the Neometrix factory floor.

TACAN unit test bench fixture bay and control cabinet detail by Neometrix

TACAN unit test bench RF loom and rack wiring detail by Neometrix

TACAN unit test bench HMI touchscreen and fixture configuration panel by Neometrix

Downloads

Catalog & general drawing.

General catalog and reference drawing for the TACAN Unit Test Bench, available as PDF.

Specifications

Full technical parameters.

Key system parameters for the standard TB TACAN Unit Test Bench configuration.

Document Reference	T-PED-ATP-A2046-REV01
System Model	TB_TACAN
Modules Covered	12 intelligent (transponder, LPA/HPA, keyer, monitor, receiver, antenna control) + 13 passive (power supplies, modem, fan, couplers, filters, detectors, splitters, combiners, breakers, backplanes, status panel)
Data Interfaces	CAN 2.0B · USB 2.0 · RS-232/485 · Gigabit Ethernet
RF Path	Quick-connect looms rated to 18 GHz with ≤0.5 dB insertion loss
RF Stimulus	962 ±80 MHz at −30 dBm to +30 dBm
Power Input	208–240 VAC input; regulated ±5 V, ±12 V, +28 V output rails
Enclosure	19″ rack, 12 U height, 600 mm depth; forced-air, filtered cooling; EMI shielding
Environmental	Operating 0–45°C, 10–90% RH; storage −20°C to +70°C
Measurement Tolerance	±0.5 dB power · ±1% VSWR · ±5 μs keyer timing
Calibration	Internal 10 MHz OCXO & 0 dB RF coupler; ISO 17025-style PDF certificate
Compliance	DGAQA Aeronautical Quality Assurance · IEC 61010-1 · ANSI CAT II electrical safety
Reference Procedures	MIL-STD-1760 & DO-160 (context-sensitive software help)
Warranty	Standard 12-month warranty · Extended support available

Applications

Where it runs.

Factory acceptance, pre-delivery verification, and in-service TACAN qualification.

A · 01Factory acceptance testing of each TACAN module prior to shipment

A · 02Pre-delivery verification to prevent installation delays

A · 03Operator training & certification for maintenance personnel

A · 04Defense navigation QA — bearing accuracy & signal stability

A · 05OEM build verification and batch certification

A · 06Regression testing after firmware or software updates

A · 07EMI/EMC pre-compliance screening

A · 08Refurbishment quality control in service centers

In Depth

The complete technical read.

Engineering narrative for defence procurement teams and QA managers evaluating a TACAN FAT programme.

Introduction

The TB TACAN Unit Test Bench is a fully integrated, turnkey Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) solution engineered by Neometrix Engineering for Moog Fernau’s TACAN 2010 “I-Level” navigation equipment. Replacing manual, error-prone procedures with automated, repeatable workflows, it validates all 25 functional modules — both intelligent μC-based units and passive RF components — against rigorous MIL-STD and IEC performance thresholds. This ensures rapid on-site commissioning, minimizes costly field rework, and provides complete traceability of test records for defense and aerospace customers.

Software interface

Drag-and-drop sequencer: build or edit test flows without coding.
Real-time dashboards: multi-channel plots of RF parameters and error vector magnitude.
Context-sensitive help: integrated reference to MIL-STD-1760 and DO-160 procedures.
Secure data management: role-based access, SHA-256 report hashing, and optional encrypted backups.

Calibration

Automated routines: internal 10 MHz OCXO and 0 dB RF coupler recalibrate ADCs, DACs, and temperature sensors.
Traceability: logs include date, technician ID, and reference standard serial numbers.
Certificate generation: ISO 17025-style PDF certificate appended to the FAT package.

Maintenance

Preventive schedule

Monthly — airflow filter checks, loom retention tests, self-test run.
Quarterly — software patches, relay contact resistance verification (<50 mΩ), calibration drift checks (<±0.1%).

ESD controls

Wrist-strap continuity, ionizer audits, antistatic flooring to protect μC modules.

Field-replaceable units

Snap-in power supplies, fan assemblies, and RF couplers enable <30 min swap-out.

Optional spare kits include pre-terminated looms, adapters, and quick-reference guides for rapid on-site repair.

Workflow & test procedure

1	Setup verification — confirm calibration status, run continuity check on looms
2	Detector module test — J1/J2 looms, 970 MHz @ −10 dBm, verify 1.2–1.4 V output
3	Amplifier chain validation — LPA then HPA gain flatness & harmonic suppression
4	Interface & keyer checks — 270 Hz keying pulses, ±5 μs timing accuracy
5	End-to-end functional test — loopback transponder interrogation & response
6	Final reporting — auto-generated FAT report with signature fields

Conclusion

The TB TACAN Unit Test Bench merges modular hardware, distributed intelligence, and sophisticated automation to deliver a best-in-class FAT solution for TACAN “I-Level” systems. Its comprehensive reporting, industry-compliant procedures, and scalable design empower OEMs and defense operators to certify navigation equipment with confidence — minimizing deployment risk, reducing time-to-mission, and ensuring long-term operational reliability.

FAQ

Common questions.

Plain-language answers from the engineering team.

Q · 01 What is the TACAN Unit Test Bench?

The TB TACAN Unit Test Bench is a fully integrated, automated Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) system engineered by Neometrix Engineering for Moog Fernau's TACAN 2010 "I-Level" navigation equipment. It validates all 25 functional modules of the system against MIL-STD and IEC performance thresholds.

Q · 02 Who manufactures the TACAN Unit Test Bench?

The TACAN Unit Test Bench is designed and manufactured by Neometrix Engineering Pvt Ltd, a leading defence and aerospace test equipment manufacturer based in India.

Q · 03 Which TACAN modules does the bench test?

It tests 12 intelligent microcontroller-based modules — transponder, LPA/HPA, keyer, monitor, receiver, and antenna control — along with 13 passive RF components including power supplies, modem, fan, couplers, filters, detectors, splitters, combiners, breakers, backplanes, and status panel.

Q · 04 Is the TACAN Unit Test Bench customizable?

Yes, Neometrix offers customized versions of the TACAN Unit Test Bench tailored to specific navigation equipment variants, fixture requirements, and customer test-sequence specifications.

Q · 05 Does the TACAN Unit Test Bench comply with relevant standards?

Yes, the bench is designed to comply with DGAQA Aeronautical Quality Assurance requirements, IEC 61010-1 electrical safety, ANSI CAT II ratings, and references MIL-STD-1760 and DO-160 procedures in its software help documentation.

Q · 06 What are the key features of the TACAN Unit Test Bench?

Key features include distributed microcontroller nodes, CAN 2.0B communication at 1 Mbps, quick-connect RF/power looms (J1–J7) rated to 18 GHz, automated sequenced test scripts with pass/fail logic, hot-swappable fixtures, and automated OCXO-based calibration.

Q · 07 Can the TACAN Unit Test Bench be integrated with data acquisition systems?

Yes, the bench's ATE controller logs amplitude, phase, VSWR and timing data via its own DAQ chain, and reports can be exported for integration with plant QA and traceability systems.

Q · 08 What after-sales support does Neometrix provide?

Neometrix provides comprehensive after-sales support including installation, commissioning, operator training and certification, preventive maintenance, calibration services, and on-site service for the TACAN Unit Test Bench.

Q · 09 How can I get a quotation for the TACAN Unit Test Bench?

You can request a quotation for the TACAN Unit Test Bench by contacting Neometrix Engineering Pvt Ltd through the website at https://neometrixgroup.com/products/Tacan-Test-Bench or by reaching out via email or phone.

Q · 10 Does Neometrix export the TACAN Unit Test Bench internationally?

Yes, Neometrix Engineering Pvt Ltd exports the TACAN Unit Test Bench to global customers in defence, aerospace, and navigation-equipment OEM sectors across multiple countries.

Get a proposal

Tell us your TACAN variant
and fixture requirements.

We configure the module fixtures, RF stimulus envelope, and test sequence with your engineering team before you commit.

Request proposal +91 7777 876 876

TACAN Unit Test Bench, rated to 18 GHz RF test paths.

Manual TACAN FAT, replaced.