Phased-Array Radio Experiment (PARE) Laboratory
Abstract
In wireless systems, diversity reigns supreme; the ability to convey information at high rates over long distances in congested envi,ronments is improved when the communications method spreads its information over time, frequency, and also space. Digital phased arr,ays provide substantial benefits over their analog counterparts, including the ability to process simultaneous distinct beams and ap,ply any number of signal processing techniques for multi-spatial signal separation. This amazing potential has numerous benefits to,the DoD but has been traditionally mostly out of reach of educators due to their tremendous cost and complexity in an integrated sol,ution. Within the past several years, however, the number of integrated phased-array platforms has increased with a corresponding re,duction in size, weight, power, and cost. These platforms provide an integrated set of calibrated phase-aligned radios, often with b,oth transmit and receive capabilities, in a compact and power-efficient package.In recent years, the Virginia Tech Hume Center for N,ational Security and Technology (VT Hume) has established itself as a leading innovator in advancing wireless communications resea,rch in support of the DoD mission objectives and our national defense partners. These advances often leverage modern improvements in, processing as well as cutting-edge radio frequency hardware device technologies. Additionally, in support of VT Humes primary miss,ion to cultivate the next generation of national security leaders by developing and executing curricular, extracurricular, and rese,arch opportunities to engage students, we are currently providing resources and faculty mentorship for both graduate and undergradu,ate students in the area of phased-array signal processing. This research is primarily built upon hands-on experience with hardware,receivers and/or sample collects taken from phased array processors; however the capabilities of our existing platforms are a limiti,ng factor in our support of this mission and student engagement.This DURIP proposal is a request for funding to build up our wireles,s communications hardware to include a pair of 8-channel digital phased-array radio and processing workstations, each with transmit,and receive capabilities. The continuing enhancement of our capabilities is of critical importance with our ability to perform cutti,ng edge applied research and support our core mission areas. Additionally, it would allow for more student programs with hardware co,mponents than is within our current capabilities or available on existing programs. Specifically, we believe that the requested pair, of Pentek 7053-based workstations matches the stated intent of the DURIP program to educate students through research in disciplin,es important to DoD missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212272
Entities
People
- Joseph Gaeddert
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech