IRIS/TDWR Terminology

Below is a summary of US FAA TDWR terminology and how it corresponds to IRIS terminology:

Arena

In IRIS this is called a protected area. For example runway 33LA_1MF signifies a box (typically 1 miles square) that is centered 1 nautical mile from the approaching end (south end) of runway 33 (nominally approached on a heading of 330°).

Base Data

The basic dBZ, V, and W data. In IRIS, the compressed version is the RAW product. The un-compressed version is called Ingest Data.

Corridor

Each runway has two corridors, an approach corridor and a departure corridor.

Maintenance Display Terminal (MDT)

Used for control and monitoring of the TDWR system. Since IRIS is a networked client- server system, the concept of a dedicated "terminal" for this function does not really apply, since any workstation on the network can provide this function. For management purposes, it is sometimes useful to have an IRIS/Display workstation that is dedicated to the MDT task.

Microburst Alert (MBA)

Alert of a strong microburst. In IRIS, these are based on the WARN product run on a radial SHEAR product.

Low Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWAS)

Based on anemometers that are positioned around the air terminal. LLWAS is not available at all sites. Where it is available, it provides backup to the TDWR in cases where the radar coverage is obscured, or there are no scattering targets.

Radar Data Acquisition System (RDA)

The data collection system. In IRIS, this consists of the signal processor, radar control processor and a workstation running IRIS/Radar software.

Radar Products Generator (RPG)

In TDWR, this is a separate computer that takes in Base Data from the RDA and generates products.

In IRIS, this is a workstation running IRIS/ Analysis receiving data from another workstation running IRIS/ Radar. In IRIS, the RDA and RPG functions can be combined.

Ribbon Display (RBDT)

A text only display intended for controllers. It connects to an IRIS Workstation through a serial line.

Situation Display (SD)

A simplified weather display showing oval shapes to depict microbursts and current and forecast wind shear line positions. In IRIS, this is accomplished by the simultaneous display of WARN and SLINE products.

Wind Shear Alert (WSA)

Alert of a shear line or gust front based on the SLINE (shear line) product, or a weak microburst based on the WARN product run on radial shear.