NI CHESS software for RF channel emulation in aerospace testing

Emerson has unveiled a groundbreaking software-based approach to validating aerospace communication systems, with the aim of transitioning more RF testing from field environments to controlled lab settings. The NI Channel Emulator System Software (CHESS) platform made its debut at the 2026 Space Symposium in Colorado, marking a significant advancement in the realm of aerospace technology.

For professionals in the satellite and aerospace communications sector, this development signals a potential shift in the way RF validation is conducted, especially as system complexity continues to rise and field testing becomes increasingly limited.

Revolutionizing RF Channel Emulation for Aerospace Systems

Central to this innovation is NI CHESS, a cutting-edge platform tailored for RF channel emulation that works in conjunction with NI PXI Vector Signal Transceiver hardware. This system empowers engineers to replicate dynamic radio environments in real time, encompassing scenarios like ground-to-orbit and airborne communication links.

By merging model-based simulation with hardware-in-the-loop execution, engineers can introduce real-time RF impairments such as Doppler shift, multipath fading, path loss, and interference. These effects are managed through FPGA-based co-processing and seamlessly integrated with third-party scenario tools.

This approach has the potential to facilitate early detection of performance issues, potentially reducing the need for costly and logistically challenging field tests. Through enabling repeatable lab-based validation, engineers can fine-tune system behavior prior to deployment.

Meeting the Challenges of Complexity and Test Scalability

As aerospace communication systems progress, the demands of testing are escalating. Conventional validation methods often rely on simplistic channel models that may not accurately mirror real-world conditions. Emerson positions its RF channel emulation platform as a solution to bridge this disparity by offering more realistic and adaptable test scenarios.

The platform is equipped to support multi-channel, wideband configurations, which could facilitate the testing of advanced satellite and defense systems without necessitating extensive redesign of current test setups. Its software-based framework also allows seamless integration with existing PXI infrastructure, potentially streamlining deployment and prolonging the lifespan of current lab assets.

Chris Behnke, the director for aerospace and defense RF test and validation systems at Emerson, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, “Modern aerospace communication systems are growing in complexity, while field testing is becoming more costly and restricted. NI CHESS provides engineers with a practical means to validate critical RF performance early and consistently using realistic conditions in the lab, enabling teams to accelerate progress, mitigate risks, and manage costs without sacrificing authenticity.”