Ensured Communication Link for Identification Friend or Foe (ECLIFF)
Abstract
The Ensured Communication Link for Identification Friend or Foe (ECLIFF) program aims to provide communication links for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities with a reduced radio frequency (RF) signature, improved performance against jamming and interference, and a compact form factor. ECLIFF will address the challenge of identifying friendly assets and personnel in congested electromagnetic environments and in environments where there is a strong penalty for stray radio emissions. The current IFF system operates with a limited instantaneous RF bandwidth (IBW), which makes hiding signals from adversaries difficult and leaves the system vulnerable to jamming and interference. ECLIFF will explore alternative technologies to enable ~25 times greater IBW. These technologies should also enable IFF systems to use alternate channels at higher frequency bands. The resulting ECLIFF system could employ DARPA-developed technologies such as high-speed data converters, heterogeneous integration, and envelope-tracking transmitter technology. The novel combination of these technologies in the final ECLIFF system will be critical for dramatic size, weight, power, and cost reduction and performance improvements. The miniaturization realized with the ECLIFF platform should make the capability useful for both large platforms and portable applications such as unmanned air vehicle, man-portable, and even hand-held devices. The ECLIFF program will culminate with a demonstration of the technology in a relevant environment, lowering the risk for transition to a fielded system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- a8883e6d57df569ce45c373b26671bcd
Related Documents
- Root: ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY