Development of a Remote-Controlled Electrical Interference Vehicle with a Magnetron

Abstract

This paper describes the design and construction of a remotely controlled mobile interference device designed primarily for interference (jamming) and immunity testing of wireless sensors operating in the 2.4 GHz band (Wi-Fi). The main idea was to build a remotely controlled test device to test the immunity of wireless sensors operating in the 2.4 GHz band directly in field conditions. The remotely controlled mobile interference device is equipped with a special interference apparatus, using a special magnetron tube as a source of interference. Magnetron was selected due to its high performance, allowing interference with wireless sensors over long distances. As magnetron is powered by high voltage (3 kVDC) and is being used in a remotely controlled device, it was important to solve the issue of its power supply using an accumulator. The remotely controlled device was further equipped with the option of detecting and analysing signals in the frequency band of 1 GHz to 18 GHz, adding an extra operational mode that can be used in civil (commercial), industrial, and military applications. Detection and analysis of extraneous signals that may affect our various electronic devices, operating in the 1 GHz to 18 GHz frequency band, is very important. By detecting and analyzing the detected signal, it is possible to recognize what kind of foreign device is transmitting on the detected frequency and how much it can affect the proper functioning of our electronic devices. All the individual parts of the remotely controlled mobile interference device are described in this article in detail, including their optimization for maximum use of the accumulator capacity by which the remotely controlled mobile interference device is powered. A substantial part of this article is devoted to optimizing the interference apparatus power supply with a resonant converter and internal intelligence, where the accumulators’ capacity is measured to gain needed predictions for maximum use of Li-Po batteries and thus extending its time of use.