High-Speed Digital Radio with Frequency Modulation Capability Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-034 Topic Title: High-Speed Digital Radio with Frequency Modulation Capability Proposal No.: N121-034-0048 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Applied Technologies Division 1845 W. 205th Street Torrance, California 90501-1510 Contact: Allen Hollister Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a high-speed, high-fidelity, reprogrammable kernel for use in digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) systems, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new High-Speed Digital Radio with Frequency Modulation Capability (DIGIRAD). DIGIRAD provides the ability to mislead an enemy's radar systems by changing the apparent Doppler shift of a target, which suggests false target motion. DIGIRAD is based on a new design that specifically avoids the use of complex digital signal processing (DSP) techniques such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) techniques which invariably create long latencies. The innovation in DIGIRAD will enable the system to sample an input RF signal at 2.4 GHz, and shift its frequency with better than 0.1 Hz resolution. Latency is <50 ns with a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) <-60 dBc. DIGIRAD uses only commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, resulting in a low-cost and manufacturable system that meets the Navy's requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of DIGIRAD through a combination of theory, simulation, and a laboratory prototype technology readiness level (TRL)-3. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully integrated prototype (TRL-4/-5) that meets all of the requirements. Benefits: The ability to mislead an enemy's radar systems by changing the apparent Doppler shift of a target is a highly desirable attribute in modern radar jamming equipment. The process of "spoofing" a radio frequency (RF) signal - intercepting the signal, increasing or decreasing the frequencies of its spectral components, and retransmitting the altered signal - is achievable with present day electronics. Low latency and high spurious free dynamic range of the design prevents the enemy from detecting the spoofing. The versatile design uses a powerful digitizer with memory that can be used in any weapon system requiring high-speed analog data capture, processing, and transmission. Commercial applications include testing and validation of Doppler radar systems used in weather monitoring, and traffic control by civilian law enforcement. Return