Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A17-096

Description

To address the Army need for a high-bandwidth, compact, wireless, millimeter-wave soldier-borne datalink, in Phase II, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance a novel, low-cost Adaptive Millimeter WavE (AMWE) transceiver system capable of enabling data rates of over 1 Gbps in a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) channel proven feasible in Phase I. This new secure wireless personal area network (WPAN), built on a unique integration of commercial 60 GHz WiGig integrated circuits, POC’s adaptive beamforming network and a smart antenna array provides low-BER (bit error rate), low-latency NLOS communication network comprising weapon-mounted and helmet-mounted electro-optical sensors, medical and other soldier-borne sensors, and NETT Warrior EUD. The innovative low-power AMWE system with built-in electrical interface to sensors is a miniature device integrating electronic system-in-package (SiP) modules in a ruggedized ultra-light housing made of composite material. It will greatly enhanced intra-soldier communication. In Phase II, POC will finalize the AMWE architecture to ensure that the system aligns with the requirements of low power consumption (<400 mw), low latency (<5 ms), and bandwidth (>1 Gbps). The hardware prototypes will be delivered to the Army for soldier demonstrations and evaluations. Then we will work with the Army to transition the technology beyond Phase II.