TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JPEO JTRS ACAT 1D

OBJECTIVE: Research and develop a RF channel simulation framework to test the next generation of mobile multi-protocol wideband tactical systems. The framework would allow for the generation of a model based scenario via a script based interface or via a GUI that allows the user to model the effects of mixed mobile and fixed multi-link radio network using this real-time channel simulator. The simulator should provide a visualization framework to view a subset of the time varying RF characteristics of interest (i.e. real-time coverage, link connectivity). The simulator should also support interface with live radios so that they can operate in-the-loop with the channel simulation.

DESCRIPTION: The Joint Tactical Radio System Program (JTRS) produces a family of multi-functional Software Defined Ratio (SDR) communications systems operating within the 2MHz to 2GHz range that provides the next generation of voice, video and data for Joint and Coalition Warfighter. A core design requirement of this family of radios is the capability to be integrated with existing military and civilian radios. By design, one JTRS radio can support multiple protocols such as UHF SATCOM, EPLRS, SINCGARS, LINK-16, HF SSB/ALE, V/U LOS, WNW, SRW, MUOS, etc. This scope presents a challenge to the development, test and deployment communities with respect to needing multiple channel emulation and channel simulation software solutions that covers (a broad spectrum and in some cases a large operational bandwidths (i.e 225-400 MHz) that emulate/simulate a multitude of environmental effects.

In order to measure the effectiveness of JTRS radio protocols, antennas or network layouts a real time channel simulator is necessary to characterize the effectiveness of these radios in the face of environmental impairments (i.e vegetation, terrain, seasonal conditions, atmospheric) in various environments (i.e urban, forest, open ocean, desserts). Factors that are of interest are, standard fading profiles, inter-symbol interference models characterized for the RF modulation techniques being used; the mobility impacts of hills, valleys, foliage, and vehicle speed; the altitude and speed of aircraft; antenna blockages due to host platform characteristics; and the presence of intentional and unintentional interference. When the final product is complete, the capability would allow lab users to specify propagation models, antenna/platform environmental effects, and have the simulator output a script-based scenario. The user could than use this script with a channel emulator to test dozens or hundreds of radios (this capability should be scalable to promote affordability) so that the effects of a mixed mobile, airborne, and fixed multi-link radio network could be emulated and measured in a lab environment. An added benefit is that this system could be used for network deployment analysis to rule out topologies based on environmental conditions.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of and develop a conceptual design for a modular RF simulation, prediction and visualization tool with the aforementioned environmental influences, which when connected to live radios can apply realistic channel effects to their communications.

PHASE II: Develop detailed designs for the Phase I modular RF channel simulator and develop a suitable proof of concept framework for use in a laboratory environment with live radios. Conduct preliminary testing demonstrating channel characterization capability for the 2 MHz to 2GHz range with the implemented channel modeling capabilities identified in Phase 1.

PHASE III: Transition the product into a supportable commercial product to be used in characterizing commercial cellular systems and government tactical systems.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The RF impairment simulator proposed within this SBIR is far reaching and can be used to test commercial cellular applications like GSM/GPR/EDGE, PCS, WCDMA, CDMA, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX.

REFERENCES:
[1] T. K. Sarkar, Z. Ji, K. Kim, A. Medour, and M. Salazar-Palma, "A Survey of Various Propagation Models for Mobile Communication", Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Vol. 45, No. 3, June 2003.

[2] J. R. Hampton, N. M. Merheb, W. L. Lain, D. E. Paunil, R. M. Shuford, and W. T. Kasch, "Urban propagation measurements for ground based communication in the military UHF band," IEEE Trans. Antennas and Propagat., vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 644�654, Feb. 2006.

[3] A. G. Longley and P. L. Rice, "Prediction of tropospheric radio transmission loss over irregular terrain," U.S. Department of Commerce, ESSD Res. Lab Rep. ERL-79-ITS-67, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1968, April. 1978.

KEYWORDS: Radio Frequency; Real-time; Programmable; Multipath; Doppler

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.