Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N191-038

Description

To address the Navy need for a through-hull wireless communication system that does not require additional hull penetrations, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a first-of-its-kind Communication Over Material Penetrating UltraSound (COMPUS) system. The innovation in the design of this system is based on a combination of commercially available ultrasonic transducers with state-of-the-art embedded processing derived from our avionics products. COMPUS will provide bi-directional communication for voice and data through the hull of a submarine without the use of a hull penetration, providing a constant communication link between the exterior and interior of the vessel. As a result, this device offers a greater than 1,000-bits/sec data rate in each direction, fully submersible housing, and a low power consumption, which directly address the Navy requirements for a low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) non-penetrating data link that can operate across the wide range of submarine conditions. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of COMPUS by performing feasibility testing on 3-in.-thick hull material, reaching technology readiness level (TRL)-4. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully functional prototype for delivery to the Navy for testing aboard a submarine, reaching TRL-6.