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Cosite Interference Prediction and Mitigation Tool
Navy SBIR 2012.1 - Topic N121-037 NAVAIR - Ms. Donna Moore - [email protected] Opens: December 12, 2011 - Closes: January 11, 2012 N121-037 TITLE: Cosite Interference Prediction and Mitigation Tool TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Sensors, Electronics ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 263 OBJECTIVE: Develop an automated simulation tool that will predict and mitigate intrasystem (cosite) interference while integrating with existing databases of radio frequency (RF) component and equipment characteristics. DESCRIPTION: Successful missions require compatibility between the numerous RF systems operating on a platform. The ability to predict and mitigate intrasystem, or cosite, interference before it becomes a problem is currently limited by the lack of suitable performance data for all of the systems on the platform (which is necessary to predict interference accurately). An integrated solution to model creation and simulation is needed in order to streamline the process of cosite interference prediction and mitigation. This in turn will improve the probability of successful fielding and deployment of new and upgraded aircraft. Simulation tools exist today that predict cosite interference in complex RF environments such as those encountered on aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and fixed installations. Sophisticated analysis engines have been implemented in these tools to enable them to predict many types of important electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects, including nonlinear phenomenon such as intermodulation products that can lead to interference when multiple RF systems operate simultaneously, even at different frequencies. The use of these simulation tools during initial system design and integration, as well as during upgrades and modifications to a platform, allows the electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) engineer to predict potential interference issues prior to installation and to put appropriate mitigation strategies in place. Further, the simulation models created for the analysis form a valuable baseline for evaluating future modifications and tracking changes over the course of the platform's life cycle. The ability of these simulation tools to predict important interference effects is well established, but their successful application relies on the availability of appropriate models and databases for all of the RF equipment used on the platform. This includes all transmitters and receivers as well as other components such as cables, filters, amplifiers, diplexers, isolators, and so on. These models are based on the broadband performance characteristics of each subsystem, and the data needed to create the models can be difficult to obtain and assimilate into the simulation tool, often requiring a high level of expertise and investment of time on the part of the analyst. This creates a roadblock to realizing the significant benefit of these tools in identifying and mitigating interference problems early in the system design and integration phase, where their impact on ensuring interference-free deployment and mission success is at a maximum. In order to leverage these simulation tools to their full potential, they must be capable of working with existing databases of equipment characteristics by extracting the necessary data and creating the required simulation models in an automated fashion. The models created should then be saved in a model library that is accessible within the simulation tool for re-use across multiple projects. The Joint Spectrum Center (JSC) maintains and continually updates a comprehensive database of equipment characteristics that contains "detailed technical information about communications, radar, and electronic warfare equipment." The information contained in the JSC Equipment, Tactical and Space (JETS) database contains, among other things, the data needed to create the simulation models necessary for cosite interference prediction. However, manual extraction of the parameters required for cosite models is time consuming and error prone due to the voluminous nature of the data available for each subsystem and the particular nomenclature employed in JETS. The integration of simulation tools with the JETS database requires the automated extraction and filtering of the necessary subsystem performance parameters at both the equipment and platform levels. The data so obtained should be used within the tool to create a library of models for use in cosite predictions. The simulation tool itself should incorporate the model library and allow the sharing of libraries between users and organizations. It is also desirable to develop new RF component models as needed and improve existing ones for which data are available in JETS but no models exist, or for which existing data are incompatible with current models. The model library should be updatable as new information is added to the JETS database by the JSC. This will lead to comprehensive, reusable, and extensible libraries that can be used for maintaining a cosite compatibiity model of a platform over its entire life cycle. Science and technology advances are needed in the area of automated data mining. Automating methods to accurately extract information from multiple different large data sets is required. A tool is needed that combines advanced computer science, artificial intelligence, and database management approaches. PHASE I: Demonstrate the compatibility of a suitable simulation tool with the JETS database for extracting relevant data to create accurate simulation models for cosite analysis. Develop detailed requirements for interfacing with the JETS database, including the filtering and extraction of the necessary RF subsystem data, and demonstrate the validity of the approach. Develop a Phase II implementation plan that includes database integration as well as any additional subsystem and component models that will be developed as part of the work. PHASE II: Execute the plan developed in Phase I using the selected simulation tool, including the automated extraction of RF subsystem data from the JETS database, the creation of portable and maintainable model libraries within the simulation tool, and the development of any new subsystem and component models as identified. Explore the potential for integration with other RF equipment databases such as those available from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Deliver the analysis tool with JETS integration and thorough documentation to the Navy and provide on-site training on its use. PHASE III: Refine the methodology and tool developed in Phase II, including extending integration to other commercial databases (e.g., FCC), either alone or in partnership with another company. Make the necessary arrangements to commercialize the tool either alone or in partnership with another company and seek potential sponsors. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The technology developed under this topic has direct utility in a wide variety of commercial and military applications, such as radar, wireless communication, and navigation systems. REFERENCES: 2. German, F., Young, M., & Miller, M. (2009, August). A multi-fidelity modelling approach for cosite interference. IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 195-200. Digital Object Identifier: 10.1109/ISEMC.2009.5284586 3. Drozd, A., Pesta, A., Weiner, D., Varshney, P., & Demirkiran, I. (1998 ). Application and demonstration of a knowledge-based approach to interference rejection for EMC. IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 1, 537-542. 4. Defense Information Systems Agency (n.d.). Information systems (J5). Available at http://www.disa.mil/jsc/info_systems_j6.html 5. https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm KEYWORDS: Cosite Interference; Electromagnetic Vulnerability; Electronic Survivability; Electromagnetic Interference; RF System Performance; Modeling
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