Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N172-104

Description

To address the U.S. Marine Corps need for low probability of detection on-the-move communications for artillery batteries, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a new detachable INtelligent Software Upgradable Radio Device (INSURD) operating in military allocated millimeter-wave frequency band in support of cognitive low probability of detection NLOS wireless communication of mobile networked Marine Corps artillery battery systems. The INSURD is a unique integration of baseband RF transceiver with software tunable up/down-converter module and application specific, proprietary adaptive beamforming (AB) algorithm, dynamically controlling an ultra-wide band Rotman Lens antenna array with MIMO architecture. The INSURDs suite of precision RF, environmental and navigational sensors, and built-in classification and adaptation functions detect the localized ambient RF noise floor and ensure undetectability of the networked radios at =10 km range. Operating on HiMARS-bound wireless network, INSURD enables duplex broadband communication of up to 8 transceivers with integrated Type 1 encryption headers. In Phase I, POC will develop the man-packable and vehicle-mounted INSURD concept. Simulation results and hardware testing of communication performance will lead to a Phase II development plan. We anticipate that at the end of Phase II, six INSURD prototypes will be ready for initial testing by the Marine Corps.