Spectrum Efficient Technology
Abstract
The SET project performed risk reduction on a ruggedized Ethernet switch for airborne systems in support of the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) networked telemetry projects. The ruggedized Ethernet switch addresses CTEIP requirements to fully instrument test aircraft with network enable instrumentation packages to support bi-directional telemetry. The ruggedized switch provides the Ethernet backbone on the aircraft which supports the transport of packetized telemetry data from the onboard instrumentation systems to the telemetry transceiver which transmits the data to the control room. The SET project performed risk reduction on a networked data recorder and data transmission scheme in support of CTEIP networked telemetry projects. The networked data recorder addresses CTEIP requirements for data recording and parametric extraction during flight testing. The networked data recorder was used as the primary data recorder during CTEIP flight tests. The data transmission scheme is designed to minimize the amount and type of data transmitted over the telemetry network, reducing the amount of bandwidth consumed during a test event. This technology enables more efficient use of the RF spectrum by reducing the amount of data transmitted by only transmitting data parameters when changes occur. A scheme enabling more efficient handling of multiple priority test data and communications between the network router and telemetry receiver was demonstrated showing the capability to assign transmission priority to specific test parameters ensuring critical test data is transmitted using the limited spectral resources available for testing. This technology is required to support CTEIP data transmission requirements and the implementation of a networked telemetry capability. A multi-band transceiver operating in the L/S/C-Band spectrum employing multiple advanced modulation schemes was demonstrated showing the ability to change both the frequency and modulation scheme of the telemetry system in near real time based on telemetry link performance and environmental conditions. This technology determines the performance of the telemetry link and selects the optimal modulation scheme based on current link conditions, accounting for issues such as multipath. The SET project developed technologies to address over-the-horizon telemetry requirements to support the testing of large footprint, long range missiles and hypersonic weapons. An S-Band phased array antenna suitable for mounting on a Global Hawk platform was developed and its antenna gain performance characterized in a high fidelity laboratory environment. A modular digital beam-forming solution to control a phased array antenna and track multiple targets simultaneously was matured. These technologies will significantly reduce the system complexity for an airborne phased array antenna, providing savings in terms of size, weight, and power consumption. Development of a software-based technology solution to accurately characterize RF spectrum utilization on DoD test ranges continued. This technology will develop the interfaces to existing range RF spectrum scheduling and resource management tools and also implement a standard set of spectrum usage metrics to quantify RF spectrum usage based on times of day and test programs. This tool will transition initially to the Air Force Test Center at Edwards AFB to support RF spectrum management activities, aid in the identification of future spectrum requirements, and quantify the impact of inadequate access to spectrum, in terms of program cost and schedule.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 4e0e3338cf983aee78a1f9813cb90cd2