Multi-Algorithm Unique Emitter Identification Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-061 Topic Title: Multi-Algorithm Unique Emitter Identification Proposal No.: N101-061-0715 Firm: Research Associates of Syracuse 111 Dart Circle Rome, New York 13441 Contact: Paul Rivkin Phone: (315) 339-4800 Web Site: www.ras.com Abstract: This SBIR develops innovative SEF algorithms, overall methodology and techniques to fuse multiple algorithms to provide unique emitter identification in an open architecture real-time context for a submarine EW/ISR system. New as well as existing techniques for normal, very narrow and long pulses and intentionally modulated emitters (including FMCW) are investigated and characterized for selected customer emitters. This effort will leverage RAS' Multi-Technique SEI Test-bed (FPGAs, and C/C++ code) to demonstrate multiple simultaneous algorithms providing increased identification performance and high confidence accurate reports. The effort builds on existing RAS multi-technique algorithms for emitters employing solid state, phased array, and advanced modulations. Techniques include intra-pulse features on instantaneous frequency, phase and intentional modulations, and multiple pulse temporal and spectral features. Hardware and software approaches are assessed and three or more algorithms in a well defined computational architecture are selected for subsequent PHASE II COTS NDI hardware implementation and demonstration with a 1 GHz IF. Interface control software allowing intuitive operation of the system and automatic techniques will minimize operator interaction and provide high confidence emitter reports. After Phase II, RAS will work with platform primes and the government to install and provide a technology demonstration on a submarine platform. Benefits: The key benefits this SBIR provides to the government is more accurate situational awareness with ability to uniquely discriminate between emitters of the same type, improved automatic timely reporting and information dissemination of surface activity to support ensuring safe passage, maintaining tactical superiority and asserting control in underwater operations. Automatic processing will reduce operator workload, essential in today's reduced manpower military forces and will provide the capability for real-time use in today fast paced changing battle space supporting modern con-ops by providing SEI /SET reports with confidence levels and geo-location information. The multi-algorithm concepts developed during this effort have numerous military and commercial applications. They can be employed in a wide variety of ES, ELINT or SIGINT applications and missions where multiple same type signals must be intercepted, detected and characterized rapidly. 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. The primary military application to be initially addressed is the AN/BLQ-10 (V) EW Modernization. RAS conducted initial discussions with one potential prime as a Phase II transition partner based on their current AN/BLQ-10 experience. We will continue these discussions and initiate dialogue with other potential prime contractors and keep aware of the pending modernization effort planned over the next several years. Several other NAVY candidate applications have been identified. One example is the NAVSEA Surface EW Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block II with COTS NDI hardware and FPGA based digital receiver and precision measurement requirements. Although there may be unique emitter functions on board, algorithms from this SBIR would have application in future upgrades. Other possibilities include the NAVY digital receiver upgrade to ALR-67(v3), the PMW-180 Ship's Signals Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F and G. One potential AF application of high interest is the AF B-2 Defense Management System (DMS) Upgrade; as of Dec 2009, this program is in the RFP stage. 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. Key benefits of the proposed RAS approach are: 1) Leverages approach proven with existing MATLAB, C/C++ and FPGA prototypes 2) Re-uses FPGA cores and models from previous government investments a. IMOP cores from the NAVSEA ES-PFEP Phase II SBIR b. Polyphase channelizer and digital set-on receiver in SPAWAR Spectrometer Phase II SBIR (teamed with HYPRES providing A/Ds) c. Phase II Interference Mitigation NAVSEA SBIR pending- -extends IMOP / SEFcapability d. ARMY CESAD-Real time SET proof of concept hardware and algorithms as well as an ARMY SBIR for LPI FMCW characterization 3) Adaptable, modular and reconfigurable FPGA cores and software a. Sample rate, bandwidth, feature windows, timing, filters and demodulation processes can be tailored for new techniques needed on emerging emitters. b. Enables new feature extraction, matching, fusion and/or tracking algorithms to easily be inserted in modular formats 4) Key Performance Parameters suitable for assessing technology readiness levels will developed, reviewed with the COTR and used in performance characterization 5) Utilizes COTS NDI hardware with state-of-the-art FPGAs and is compatible with a. NAVY open architecture concepts b. 1 GHz IF and nominal intercept bandwidths c. Hardware similar to SEWIP Block 1B (HGHS), proposed for SEWIP Block II ES system and strawman baselined for the AN/BLQ-10(V) upgrade. 6) Leverages RAS hardware capital investment of AMS WILDSTAR 5 VME board 7) Leverages significant research and development for the AFRL on Multi-Technique SEI program processing, complex IMOP characterization, wideband FMCW and very narrow pulse processing waveform detection and characterization 8) Incorporates National Standard SEI algorithm(s) selection under operator control when required by theater con-ops Return