TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors, Space Platforms

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Network Enterprise ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: Design and development of a new SATCOM networking protocol and waveform that is compatible with the legacy Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) constellation and tactical terminals.

DESCRIPTION: The DoD UHF SATCOM constellation provides critical beyond line-of-sight communication for mobile platforms and dismounted soldiers. Because of world-wide frequency spectrum allocations, the capacity of this resource can only be increased through technology innovation at the physical, link, multiple-access, and network layers of the communication system. The innovation must be compatible with the existing and future UHF satellite constellations and be limited to software-only changes to the current generation of terminal implementations. Capacity increases should be a substantial multiplier to justify changes to the deployed communication devices throughout the DoD. Because the SATCOM system must support voice communication, the new waveform/implementation should not introduce substantial communications latency.

PHASE I: Generate a preliminary design of a new or modified UHF SATCOM waveform. Provide spectral analysis of the waveform, demonstrating compatibility with the spectral mask of the UHF system. Through either closed form analysis or simulation, provide preliminary estimates of system capacity. Provide a system analysis demonstrating how the architecture and design is compatible with the legacy/future satellite constellations and mobile terminals.

PHASE II: Complete the design of the physical, link, multiple-access, and network layers. Develop detailed performance estimates of the proposed waveform. Implement the waveform in a software defined radio environment and measure actual performance. Implementation may be demonstrated at Intermediate Frequency (IF) rather than UHF radio frequencies.

PHASE III: Implement the new SATCOM waveform as a Software Communications Architecture (SCA) compliant JTRS waveform for incorporation into one or more JTRS radios. Support prime radio vendors in the integration and testing of the waveform. Submit data to support the approval of the waveform by regulating agencies. Support vendors of legacy UHF SATCOM terminals in the development of an upgrade to the existing terminals.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial, international and Homeland Security mobile satellite communications is limited by availability of scarce frequency spectrum. Capacity multiplication through an innovative waveform can facilitate additional customers and services.

REFERENCES:
1. Gary R. Huckell, Edward W. Chandler, "Datagram-transfer protocol for UHF SATCOM", MILCOM 2000 - IEEE Military Communications Conference, no. 1, October 2000 pp. 640-644.

2. Gary R. Huckell, Edward W. Chandler, "The integrated waveform, a proposed improvement to the UHF SATCOM DAMA standards", MILCOM 2001 - IEEE Military Communications Conference, no. 1, October 2001 pp. 688-694.

3. Sidney J. Graser, "Techniques for improving power and bandwidth efficiency of UHF MILSATCOM waveforms", MILCOM 2001 - IEEE Military Communications Conference, no. 1, October 2001 pp. 647-651.

4. T. L. Tapp, R. L. Mickelson, R. A. Groshong, C. Behmlander, J. T. Graf, J. C. Whited, "Turbo-detected coded continuous-phase modulation for military UHF satellite communications", MILCOM 2002 - IEEE Military Communications Conference, no. 1, October 2002 pp. 147-150.

5. James A. Norris, "Data throughput on MILSATCOM channels using military standard 188-184 and 188-181B", MILCOM 2003 - IEEE Military Communications Conference, no. 1, Oct 2003 pp. 493-498

KEYWORDS: software defined radio; SATCOM; communications; waveform; UHF

TPOC: Phil Chen
Phone: (619)553-2858
Fax:
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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