Automated Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Management for Wideband Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
Navy SBIR FY2011.3

Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.3
Topic No.: N113-179
Topic Title: Automated Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Management for Wideband Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
Proposal No.: N113-179-0270
Firm: Research Associates of Syracuse
111 Dart Circle
Rome, New York 13441
Contact: Stan Driggs
Phone: (315) 339-4800
Web Site: www.ras.com
Abstract: An adaptive, multi-faceted approach is developed for wideband spectrum recognition and management for dynamically (automatically) adapting the EW receiver architecture to tolerate and operate in the presence of large narrow- and wide-band interference. At RF, interference suppression (integrated with RF filtering and attenuation), reduces strong interference below the AD (and other components) saturation limits. High level RF signal detection predicts intermods and spurs enabling efficient cueing of measurement resources to reduce TOI impacted by false tuning. Adaptive bandwidth channelization and precision analysis are employed to maximize SNR and measurement quality. Knowledge of known interferers (i.e. own-ship radar and SATCOM) is employed.. Proven designs for Interference Detection and Characterization measure and report BOTH the signal and interference, maintaining high POI in the presence of interference for cases when time and frequency overlaps occur. The approach does not rely on an A/D technology, but rather on reconfigurable processing to enhance system performance and is also synergistic with adaptive beam forming methods. An architecture simulation (MATLABTM) is used to obtain performance estimates illustrating the efficacy of obtaining 100% signal POI, with the high dynamic range and spectral coverage required. Cost versus performance is characterized versus bandwidth, SNR, SIR, S(N+I)R or other key parameters.
Benefits: The multiple technique architecture developed on this SBIR provides a robust capability to tolerate and adapt to large levels of interference without blinding the receiver due to blanking in time and /or frequency. This integrated approach using multiple techniques enables a solution unachievable with a single technique. Other key benefits include extremely high probability of intercept (POI) and reduced time of intercept (TOI), which are achieved via the ability to: 1) suppress RF interference to tolerable (non-compressed) levels for downstream processing, and 2) obtain good quality measurements even in the presence of large (non saturating) interference. This mitigates the need for longer collection dwells or revisits to the same spectral region, required in many current systems attempting to repeat data collection when the interference is not present, thus improving the efficiency of limited quantity precision measurement assets, thereby mitigating the need for multiple costly assets. Another key benefit is the improved ability to maximize SNR via adaptive, reconfigurable digital IF bandwidths and tuning to avoid certain interference when possible. In addition, the digital architecture provides the ability to process a signal in parallel detection paths using different low pass bandwidths filters to achieve detection on lower power, longer pulse-width signals while simultaneously supporting narrow pulse detection. These benefits all serve to improve spectrum situational awareness over wider instantaneous frequency regions and dynamic ranges, provide time timely signal detection and efficient resource utilization, and ultimately improves platform survivability at the operational level. In terms of commercial applications, the prototype is planned to use open architecture compatible COTS hardware consistent with emerging NAVY procurement programs. Such potential applications include the AN/BLQ-10 (V5), the AN/SLQ-32 (V6) aka Surface EW Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block II, or the SPAWAR PMW-180 Ship's Signals Exploitation Equipment Increment G. RAS will, with the SBIR COTR, explore applications to these and other Navy programs and assist in developing a suitable transition approach for technology insertion based in existing plans such as those for NEXGEN EW System. RAS will leverage its strategic agreements with COTS VME and FPGA board developers to bring the emerging proven technology to the program. This commonality coupled with the open architecture concept and developing an architecture consistent with future plans will enable rapid transition to the fleet. The RAS corporate commercialization strategy, to develop key algorithms and processes instantiated in FPGA cores and/or software modules, enables rapid transition to operational use. The proposed program builds on proven FPGA development, algorithm development, and testing expertise and designs. The use of common non-proprietary design tools and COTS or non-developmental hardware to host the FPGA cores and software modules eliminates the need for custom hardware. Our plan to work with a prime contractor early in the program as a partner will provide access to their electronic warfare tools, prototype system, and large test facilities and resources, as well as support during Phase II for development, integration, and transition planning. RAS expects the techniques will have numerous military and commercial applications and can be employed in a variety of Electronic Warfare (EW), RADAR, COMINT, or MASINT programs. RAS will primarily work with NAVSEA but will also contact AFRL, NAVAIR; I2WD; the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), and other agencies for applications to transition the technology to Phase III programs. One potential AF application is AFRL AWDEP (Automatic Wideband Detection Processor) for ISR applications. A recent demo to the AFRL COTR resulted in significant interest in using one of the RAS techniques for WB processing in the presence of narrowband interference. Another potential program that could utilize an interference mitigation capability is the AMRDEC Common ESM for Air Defense (CESAD) Program. We have had discussions with several prime contractors and will continue such discussions for this technology if awarded a Phase I. The interference reduction, detection and mitigation techniques proposed also have applications to both commercial and military communications. The techniques could be transitioned to software defined radios, such as the JTRS radio family. This will enable systems (smart radios) to more quickly and more accurately sense and adapt to the ever increasingly crowded electromagnetic environment so spectrum control can be maintained. Applications for homeland defense and emergency responder networks during high volume user needs could also benefit from this effort.

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