Enhanced De-Interleavers for Submarine Electronic Warfare Support (ES) Systems

Enhanced De-Interleavers for Submarine Electronic Warfare Support (ES) Systems
Navy SBIR FY2012.2

Sol No.:	Navy SBIR FY2012.2
Topic No.:	N122-133
Topic Title:	Enhanced De-Interleavers for Submarine Electronic Warfare Support (ES) Systems
Proposal No.:	N122-133-0694
Firm:	Research Associates of Syracuse 111 Dart Circle Rome, New York 13441
Contact:	Gary Kapps
Phone:	(315) 339-4800
Web Site:	www.ras.com
Abstract:	This SBIR develops new innovative clustering and de-interleaving algorithms, leverages and refines existing algorithms and software, and integrates them within an open architecture framework to address a wide variety of radar signal classes for a submarine EW/ISR application. The proposed effort addresses several challenging emitter waveform classes for which current approaches are noted to have problems (per solicitation). This effort leverages RAS Multi-Algorithm Unique Emitter ID SBIR Phase I/II and end-to-end Directed ELINT Process (DEP) software modules (C/C++ and MATLAB) for clustering, RF Agile clustering, cluster correlation, track association, and emitter typing. It exploits previously developed Specific Emitter Features (SEF), not only for Specific Emitter ID (SEI), but also for cluster correlation, specific emitter tracking (SET) and RF agile processing. Approaches are assessed and selected for PHASE II software development and demonstration within the Processing Layer of the NAVSEA NexGen EW system architecture concept. Interface and control software, operating within an Ozone Widget Framework, enables automatic system operation to minimize operator interaction (with manual override and configuration control) provide high confidence emitter processing and reporting. After Phase II, RAS will work with platform primes and the government to install and demonstrate the technology on a suitable submarine platform testbed.
Benefits:	The key benefit this SBIR provides to the government is a greatly enhanced capability to cluster and deinterleave emitters employing multi-dimensional agility (i.e. RF and/or PRF, and/or PW), ever increasing complex intentional modulations, and those emitters operating over very wide RF bandwidths. The effort will enable more accurate emitter identification and improved situational awareness, particularly when combined with unique discrimination between emitters of the same type. These ES system benefits then provide the fleet with improved automatic timely reporting and information dissemination of surface activity to support ensuring safe passage, maintaining tactical superiority and asserting control in underwater operations. The primary military application to be initially addressed is the PMS-435 AN/BLQ-10 (V) EW Modernization for both Virginia and Ohio class submarines. Several other NAVY candidate applications have been identified. One example is the NAVSEA Surface EW Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block II FPGA based digital receiver. Although there are undoubtedly clustering and deinterleaving applications on board, algorithms from this SBIR would have application in future upgrades. RAS will explore, with the COTR, applications to these programs as well as others recommended by the government to transition Phase II technology into a Phase III The clustering / deinterleaving algorithm concepts developed also have numerous other military and commercial applications. They can be employed in a wide variety of ES, ELINT or SIGINT applications and missions where multiple, same-type, complex signals must be intercepted, detected, clustered, deinterleaved and rapidly characterized. Potential applications in the private sector include passive tracking of RF devices such as cell phones, wireless waveform characterization, fidelity assessment and classification and RF identification verification as well as personnel tracking. These will be explored in more detail in Phase I and Phase II. Key benefits of the proposed RAS approach are: 1) Multi-pronged approach addresses each of the identified challenging radar classes 2) Adaptable, modular and reconfigurable software a. New or refined clustering / deinterleaving algorithms can be readily inserted b. Extraction, matching, fusion and/or tracking algorithms can be readily tailored for new techniques needed on emerging emitters. 3) Developed to integrate into the NexGen EW System Processing Layer a. NAVY open architecture concept b. Modular software 4) Automatic processing reduces operator workload 5) Leverages RAS proven expertise and existing MATLAB and C/C++ code, algorithms and end-to-end EW processing test bed,; real-world stressing/challenging signal experience and data. complex IMOP characterization and typing algoriths; wideband FMCW and very narrow pulse processing waveform detection and characterization. 6) Key Performance Parameters, suitable for assessing cluster/deinterleaver performance are defined, reviewed with the COTR and used in performance characterization.

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