Improved High Frequency Communications Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-097 Topic Title: Improved High Frequency Communications Proposal No.: N121-097-0823 Firm: Datron Advanced Technology Group, Inc. 3030 Enterprise Court Vista, California 92081-8362 Contact: Roger Kuroda Phone: (760) 804-5205 Abstract: Datron Advanced Technology Group intends to improve the reliability and predictability of time-of-day dependent high-frequency channels by providing high-throughput ionospheric skywave or Near-Vertical Incidence Skywave HF communications with a throughput of at least 100 kb/s. Recent military operations have demonstrated a shortfall in long-range tactical communications in complex terrain environments that HF communications are filling. Due to HF channel variations, poor signal-to-noise ratio, and interference attempts to improve the channel capacity, spectral efficiency, or link have been met with little success using traditional approaches. Goals and possible approaches to compensate for these issues include exceeding the performance of existing wide-channel HF radios by at least 25%, using NVIS as an MIMO option (two-channel, porting the HF networking and beamforming that currently exists on ships (3kHz band) to Marine operations, and designing HF networking to increase link coverage Performance gains that can be realized through tradeoffs of HF waveforms, polarizations, and antenna design. Phase I intends to develop a technical description and system design to show predicted performance gains and include a high-level methodology for attaining Federal Communications Commission and International Telecommunications Union approval. Phase II includes completing a breadboard implementation to validate the model in laboratory and provide over-the-air demonstrations. Benefits: Potential commerical use for infrastructure-free over-the-horizon communications capabilities that can transmit images and low-quality video include Ham radio operators supporting natural disasters and governmental and non-governmental agencies performing human assistance/disaster relief missions. We intend to direct our efforts with this potential commerical use in mind. Return