Software Overview

The RTG software includes two entry points to interface with the system:

• Soft Front Panel
• API

The basic installation provides core RTG functionality which includes the RTG personalities for VSTs, a server to listen for remote commands, a soft front panel, and an API for user interaction. The software is installed as an executable application on the RTG PXI controller. This setup requires the NI License Manager and the NI Volume License Manager. Licenses to run the RTG software must be obtained from NI.

In addition to the interface provided by the soft front panel, the RTG system can be controlled programmatically through the API included in the software installation. There are two API options providing different ways to interface to the RTG:

LabVIEW—LabVIEW allows access to local and remote RTG systems.

• Local LabVIEW—This provides a set of LabVIEW classes that you can use to integrate into LabVIEW/TestStand applications running on the RTG PXI controller.
• Remote LabVIEW—This provides a set of LabVIEW classes—using gRPC and communicating with the RTG server—that you can use to integrate into LabVIEW/TestStand applications running on a remote computer.

gRPC—The provided gRPC protocol buffer file exposes a programming interface that you can use to communicate with the RTG server running as part of the Radar Target Generation software. You can use any gRPC-supported programming language to write the application.

There is also support for optional RTG features:

Agile Attenuator—The Radar Target Generation driver and API support controlling an Agile Attenuator module. Adding the Agile Attenuator allows the RTG system to maximize use of analog attenuation to optimize dynamic range.

Coprocessor Harness—The RTG software includes an example that shows how to add a Coprocessor to the RTG system. Adding a Coprocessor to the system allows for integration of custom functionality with existing RTG processing. Coprocessor functionality is only supported using the LabVIEW API running locally.