Browse Topic: Radio frequency
ABSTRACT Modern vehicular systems are comprised of numerous electronics control units (ECUs) that consist of thousands of microelectronics components. Individual ECU systems are reliant upon “trust” in the supply chain for defense. This paper describes an approach utilizing historically offensive-based cybersecurity technology, side-channels, to quantify and qualify malicious ECU states in a bus-agnostic, logically-decoupled method of assurance and verification. Providing a measure of supply chain assurance to end-users. Citation: Yale Empie, Matthew Bayer, “Assurance and Verification of Vehicular Microelectronic Systems (AV2MS): Supply Chain Assurance through Utilization of Side Channel Radio Frequency Emissions for Improved Ground Vehicle Cybersecurity,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 16-18, 2022
ABSTRACT Radio frequency products spanning multiple functions have become increasingly critical to the warfighter. Military use of the electromagnetic spectrum now includes communications, electronic warfare (EW), intelligence, and mission command systems. Due to the urgent needs of counterinsurgency operations, various quick reaction capabilities (QRCs) have been fielded to enhance warfighter capability. Although these QRCs were highly successfully in their respective missions, they were designed independently resulting in significant challenges when integrated on a common platform. This paper discusses how the Modular Open RF Architecture (MORA) addresses these challenges by defining an open architecture for multifunction missions that decomposes monolithic radio systems into high-level components with well-defined functions and interfaces. The functional decomposition maximizes hardware sharing while minimizing added complexity and cost due to modularization. MORA achieves
ABSTRACT The Modular Open RF Architecture’s (MORA) core objective is to logically decompose radio frequency (RF) systems for efficiency, flexibility, reusability, and scalability while enabling management, health monitoring, and sharing of raw and/or processed data. MORA extends the Army’s Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) architecture. MORA was introduced to the GVSETS community in 2015 at version 1.0 of the specification, and has matured with the help of community, industry, and academia partners to its current version 2.3. This paper discusses the current state of the MORA specification and how it has evolved beyond its initial topology to encompass the entirety of the RF chain in an open and modular fashion. In addition, this paper will describe the purpose of MORA, the objectives of its development, its foundation, and the basic concepts and core features. Citation: J. Broczkowski, D. Bailey, T. Ryder, J. Dirner, “Modular Open RF Architecture (MORA
ABSTRACT This work presents the development of a high fidelity Simulation In the Loop/Hardware In the Loop simulation environment using add-ons to Autonomous Navigation Virtual Environment Laboratory (ANVEL) and a navigation unit developed by Auburn University’s GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab (GAVLAB) in support of the United States Army’s Autonomous Ground Resupply Science Technology Objective. The developed add-ons include a real time interface for ANVEL, Inertial Measurement Unit module, Wheel Speed Sensor module, and a GPS module that allows simulated signals or generated Radio Frequency signals. The developed add-ons allow for faster development of navigation algorithms and controllers due to a readily available, highly accurate truth from ANVEL and can be configured to introduce realistic errors from sensors, hardware, and GPS signals such that algorithm and controller robustness can be easily examined
Delivered by Team Hersa, a joint Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Defense, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) enterprise, the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea. The system uses radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside enemy platforms, such as drones, causing them to stop in their tracks or fall out of the sky. As such, it offers a solution for the protection and defense of critical assets and bases. Capable of downing dangerous drone swarms with instant effect, at only 10p per shot, the RFDEW is a highly capable and cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based air defense systems. It will be able to effect targets up to 1 km away, with further development in extending the range ongoing. Its high level of automation also means the system can be operated by a single person
Delivered by Team Hersa, a joint Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Defense, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) enterprise, the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea. The system uses radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside enemy platforms, such as drones, causing them to stop in their tracks or fall out of the sky. As such, it offers a solution for the protection and defense of critical assets and bases
Modern cars and autonomous vehicles (AVs) use millimeter wave (mmWave) radio frequencies to enable self-driving or assisted driving features that ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. This connectivity, however, can also expose them to potential cyberattacks
Riding aboard NASA's Psyche spacecraft, the agency's Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration continues to break records. While the asteroid-bound spacecraft doesn't rely on optical communications to send data, the new technology has proven that it's up to the task. After interfacing with the Psyche's radio frequency transmitter, the laser communications demo sent a copy of engineering data from over 140 million miles (226 million kilometers) away, 1. times the distance between Earth and the Sun. This achievement provides a glimpse into how spacecraft could use optical communications in the future, enabling higher-data-rate communications of complex scientific information as well as high-definition imagery and video in support of humanity's next giant leap: sending humans to Mars
Riding aboard NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, the agency’s Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration continues to break records. While the asteroid-bound spacecraft doesn’t rely on optical communications to send data, the new technology has proven that it’s up to the task. After interfacing with the Psyche’s radio frequency transmitter, the laser communications demo sent a copy of engineering data from over 140 million miles (226 million kilometers) away, 1½ times the distance between Earth and the Sun
The development of hypersonic missiles represents the most significant advancement of defense weaponry since the 1960s. However, they also pose unique challenges for both design and technology. The term “hypersonic” refers to any speed faster than five times the speed of sound, or above Mach 5. Modern hypersonic missile systems require extensive communications interconnects within a highly confined space. This space requirement creates a demand for solutions combining small form factor with reduced weight and rugged construction to withstand high vibration and impact conditions from deployment to target. Currently there are two types of hypersonic weapons. Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), also known as boost-glide vehicles, typically launch from ballistic missiles and are released at a specific altitude, speed, and with the flight path tailored to a target without being powered. Hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs) are powered all the way to their targets, flying at lower altitudes than
Traditionally, heterodyne architectures have been the preferred choice for radio frequency (RF) and millimeter-wave (mmWave) receiver architectures, excelling in noise performance, dynamic range, frequency coverage, selectivity, and reduction of EMI. However, recent advancements in high sample rate analog to digital converters (ADCs) and embedded signal processing have prompted a reassessment of both architectures. A thorough examination of the components in the channel design is essential to minimize distortion into the differential ports of the ADC, guaranteeing optimal signal integrity and dynamic bandwidth for the system. This article will overview the design approach as well as when to use a particular component type depending on performance and signal requirements
Light fidelity (LiFi) technology holds immense potential to revolutionize wireless communication networks by utilizing light bulbs for reliable and cost-effective interconnections. Integration of LiFi technology with advanced solutions is proposed to significantly enhance the passenger experience in autonomous buses. The reliability and performance limitations inherent in traditional radio frequency (RF) technologies are addressed, resulting in a consistent and reliable wireless connection for self-driving cars. The proposed solution incorporates key features such as a LiFi-powered real-time tracking and notification system, on-board assistance for seat location, and precise bus seat occupancy information gathering. Additionally, the paper aims to improve punctuality through a LiFi-powered passenger boarding system, facilitating the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles as a trusted and efficient mode of transportation. A thorough technical examination and a successful
A team of University of Otago researchers and physicists have demonstrated a new form of antenna, developed with a small glass bulb containing an atomic vapor. The bulb was wired with laser beams and could therefore be placed far from any receiver electronics. Dr. Susi Otto, from the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, led the field testing of the portable atomic radio frequency sensor. Such sensors, that are enabled by atoms in a so-called Rydberg state, can provide superior performance over current antenna technologies as they are highly sensitive, have broad tunability, and small physical size, making them attractive for use in defense and communications
More airports are starting to adopt and test the use of radio frequency (RF) mitigation techniques to counter the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in violation of civilian airspace rules. While civilian aviation regulatory agencies are welcoming the integration of more commercially operated UAS into civilian airspace, airports are responding to the growing number of incidents in recent years with counter measures to ensure drones do not interfere with regular operations
More airports are starting to adopt and test the use of radio frequency (RF) mitigation techniques to counter the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in violation of civilian airspace rules. While civilian aviation regulatory agencies are welcoming the integration of more commercially operated UAS into civilian airspace, airports are responding to the growing number of incidents in recent years with counter measures to ensure drones do not interfere with regular operations. In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) now receives more than 100 reports per month from pilots that have observed UAS operating near airports or within a restricted area of civilian airspace. The problem is a unique one for the FAA and other civilian aviation regulatory agencies who want to unleash as much commercial UAS innovation as possible within civilian airspace, but simultaneously recognize rogue operators are a problem. The FAA's method for addressing the operation of drones near
It is hard to imagine an industry more reliant on seamless, resilient, and secure communication than aerospace and defense (A&D). Communication and electromagnetic signal processing are at the core of advanced systems, which is why the trend towards higher frequencies (and millimeter waves) makes optoelectronic signal transmission a critical topic in this sector as technology advances at a rapid pace and demands better performance. A&D communication networks use a mix of digital and analog transmission, with emphasis on the former, but given the industry's proclivity towards lower latency and higher bandwidth applications, analog transmission will play an even larger role in the future. Passive and active electromagnetic sensing (e.g., radar, radio telescopes, and other listening devices) requires high fidelity signal transport for “remote” processing. It brings transport of radio frequency signals over fiber (RFoF) to the forefront, which is an analog technique of converting radio
The rapid advancement of military avionics technologies is revolutionizing the capabilities of next-generation aircraft. One of the common features of modern military avionics systems is the adoption of high-frequency and millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications to achieve higher data rates and enhanced resistance to interference
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace selected a radar test setup from Rohde & Schwarz based on the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator for multi-channel phase-coherent radar signal generation. Kongsberg is Norway's premier supplier of defense and aerospace-related technologies. The joint strike missile (JSM) is a fifth generation long range precision strike missile. Using advanced sensors, the JSM can locate targets based on their electronic signature. Qualification of the JSM is under way with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). Kongsberg's JSM must operate autonomously in highly contested environments. To increase mission success, the missile has a passive RF sensor that can locate and identify radio frequency emitters. To test and verify this RF direction finding capability in a laboratory, Kongsberg required a multi-channel phase coherent vector signal generator that could be linked to existing test environments
Designing the next generation of RF systems, such as high performance active electronically scanned arrays (AESA), requires contributions from a multidisciplinary team of engineers. Customers within the Department of Defense (DoD) require performance beyond the current state of the art in order to stay ahead of adversaries' capabilities. As engineering teams work to meet these requirements, invariably, limitations in the available design, fabrication, and verification technologies consume the teams' budget for design flexibility, performance, and novel solutions. Ultimately, this leads to concessions in the design and puts the overall project at risk for cost and schedule overruns. Teams must consider the sources of error that drive down design margins and seek newer technologies to ensure projects meet performance and cost objectives on schedule. The process of going from ideation to simulated design to fabricated and measured prototype accrues errors at each step. Identifying
ARINC 858 Part 3 defines a Common IPS Radio Interface (CIRI) protocol for conveying radio status information and transferring digital data between the Airborne IPS System and Airborne Radios. This standard includes the functional description of the protocol, including applicable use cases, protocol message formats, and protocol operation for both control plane and data plane exchanges. The protocol is intended to operate over a variety of on-aircraft communication means, including, but not limited to, ethernet-based and ARINC 664-based aircraft networks. The reader should also reference ARINC 858 Part 1 and Part 2. This product was developed in coordination with ICAO WG-I, RTCA SC-223, and EUROCAE WG-108
This standard covers Airspeed Instruments which display airspeed of an aircraft, as follows
This AS covers subsonic and supersonic Mach meter instruments which, when connected to sources of static (Ps), and total (Pt), or impact (Pt-Ps), pressure provide indication of Mach number. These instruments are known as Type A. This AS also covers servo-operated repeater or digital display instruments which indicate Mach number when connected to the appropriate electrical output of a Mach transducer of Air Data Computer. These instruments are known as Type B
This AS covers Vertical Velocity Instruments which display the rate of change of pressure altitude of an aircraft, as follows: Type A - Direct reading, self-contained, pressure actuated Type B - Electrically or electronically operated, self-contained, pressure actuated Type C - Electrically or electronically operated, input from a remote pressure sensor
As commercial drone technology continues to expand, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are making it increasingly difficult to secure battlefields and military installations. In response to these challenges, Trust Automation has developed an innovative counter sUAS system to disrupt and defeat hostile unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats at the field level. Called the Ghoul-Tool Attachable Transmitter (GAT), this compact, weapons-mountable system is the easiest way to field a jammer for UAS, providing command and control (C2), radio frequency (RF) and global positioning system (GPS) denial capabilities. Measuring just 6 inches long and 3.2 inches across and weighing less than a pound, it also supports mounting configurations on the side and bottom of small arms via a standard NATO accessory rail. A handheld grip also allows for standalone use
Printed radio frequency (RF) surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor devices are a promising technology for providing highly reconfigurable, cost-effective, and multi-parameter sensing. A new method was developed to print high-fidelity, passive sensors for energy applications that can reduce the cost of monitoring critical power grid assets
As radio frequency (RF) and digital hardware have advanced over the years, radar capabilities have progressed to provide higher resolution, greater tracking ranges and higher frequency agility as well as data processing and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) for protection. Technology advancements in RF, digital hardware, active electronically scanned arrays (AESA), synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and cognitive electronic warfare (cogEW) have necessitated advances in test and training systems
Software Defined Radios or SDRs are used in a wide variety of design requirements. This includes spectrum monitoring and analysis, control and management of a network of radios, and designing and deploying next-generation wireless communications systems. These capabilities can lend themselves to applications such as drone detection/control and deterrence, controlling the wideband spectrum for electronic warfare, secure communications and networking, massive MIMO testbeds, passive RADAR, signals intelligence, and much more. There are various solutions for these applications, but one of the most ubiquitous approaches is utilizing NI's Ettus Research brand of SDRs. We'll use these enclosures for many of our examples, but a similar approach could apply to all types of SDR or radio frequency (RF) communications devices. All types of engineers and specialists in the RF communications and control arena have done prototyping and analysis using these kinds of lab and controlled-environment
As radio frequency (RF) and digital hardware have advanced over the years, radar capabilities have progressed to provide higher resolution, greater tracking ranges and higher frequency agility as well as data processing and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) for protection. Technology advancements in RF, digital hardware, active electronically scanned arrays (AESA), synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and cognitive electronic warfare (cogEW) have necessitated advances in test and training systems
This method is used to define the immunity of electric and electronic apparatus and equipment (products) to radiated electromagnetic (EM) energy. This method is based on injecting the calibrated radio frequency currents (voltages) into external conductors and/or internal circuits of the product under test, measuring the strength of the EM field generated by this product and evaluating its immunity to the external EM field on the basis of the data obtained. The method can be utilized only when it is physically possible to connect the injector to the conductors and/or circuits mentioned before. The method allows: Evaluating immunity of the product under test to external EM fields of the strength equal to a normalized one; Calculating the level of external EM field strength at which the given (including maximum permissible) induced currents or voltages are generated in the equipment under test, or solving the “opposite” task; Finding potentially “weak” points of the product design
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) considers the issue of proper design guidance for high voltage electrical systems used in aerospace applications. This document is focused on electrical discharge mechanisms including partial discharge and does not address personnel safety. Key areas of concern when using high voltage in aerospace applications are power conversion devices, electrical machines, connectors and cabling/wiring. The interaction between components and subsystems will be discussed. The AIR is intended for application to high voltage systems used in aerospace vehicles operating to a maximum altitude of 30000 m (approximately 100000 feet), and maximum operating voltages of below 1500 VRMS (AC)/1500 V peak (DC). These upper voltage limits have been incorporated because this report focuses on extending the operating voltage of non-propulsive electrical systems beyond that of existing aerospace systems. It is noted that electrical systems for electrical propulsion may
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) covers the requirements for a Stationary Runway Weather Information System (referred to as the system) to monitor the surface conditions of airfield operational areas to ensure safer ground operations of aircraft. The system provides (1) temperature and condition information of runway, taxiway, and ramp pavements and (2) atmospheric weather conditions that assist airport personnel to maintain safer and more efficient airport operations. The system can be either a wired system or a wireless system
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) covers the requirements for a combined Mobile Digital Infrared Pavement Surface, Ambient Air, and Dew Point Temperature Sensing System (referred to as the system). The system monitors real-time surface, air and dew point temperatures of airfield pavement areas to ensure safe winter ground operations of aircraft and other vehicles. The vehicle mounted electronic system provides the operator with real-time readings of surface, air and dew point temperatures of airfield pavement areas including runways, taxiways, ramps, bridges, vehicular roadways, parking garages and parking lots. The electronic system shall be available with or without the dew point sensing option. This electronic system can be utilized as a stand alone system at small airports, or may be used to augment airport operations that currently have a Stationary Runway Weather Information System (reference ARP5533). Because the electronic system is mobile, it can be utilized to
Retrieving objects from a pile is a daunting task for a robot as it involves complex reasoning about the pile and objects in it, which presents a steep challenge. MIT researchers previously demonstrated a robotic arm that combines visual information and radio frequency (RF) signals to find hidden objects that were tagged with RFID tags (which reflect signals sent by an antenna). Building off that work, they have now developed a new system that can efficiently retrieve any object buried in a pile. As long as some items in the pile have RFID tags, the target item does not need to be tagged for the system to recover it
Inside every cellphone lies a tiny mechanical heart, beating several billion times a second. These micromechanical resonators play an essential role in cellphone communication. Buffeted by the cacophony of radio frequencies in the airwaves, these resonators select just the right frequencies for transmitting and receiving signals between mobile devices
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) identifies the minimum requirements for the testing of insulated electrical wiring for on-aircraft, aeronautical and aerospace applications. The testing requirements defined herein, ensure that a wire fault can be found safely when using a high potential voltage tester (hipot). This test is intended to aid in finding a breach in the wire insulation, and not for the identification of the resistance of the insulation. The test method defined herein is limited to equipment which ia able to control and limit the DC output to 1500 VDC maximum. This type of wire dielectric tester is typically designed to trip on current leakage and not necessarily on arc detection. This test method is solely designed to identify gross/large wire insulation damage or degradation. For additional related information on this topic and related test methods, refer to the documents cited in Section 2. They are intended to aid the reader in the direction of this ARP and
RF filters are critical components in aerospace and defense electronic systems. In high-frequency transmissions, they channel desired signals and reject unwanted signals, enabling reliable signal processing across the RF, microwave, and millimeter wave (mmWave) electromagnetic spectrum. In operating environments with many such signals, including from jammers trying to disrupt the operation of some systems, RF filters are employed in progressively higher frequencies. At the same time, systems engineers are requesting smaller filters that fit within drop-in surface mount technology (SMT) packages mounted within compact printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies
RF filters are critical components in aerospace and defense electronic systems. In high-frequency transmissions, they channel desired signals and reject unwanted signals, enabling reliable signal processing across the RF, microwave, and millimeter wave (mmWave) electromagnetic spectrum. In operating environments with many such signals, including from jammers trying to disrupt the operation of some systems, RF filters are employed in progressively higher frequencies. At the same time, systems engineers are requesting smaller filters that fit within drop-in surface mount technology (SMT) packages mounted within compact printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. Selecting a filter for an A&D application requires an understanding of available RF filter responses, physical formats, and technologies, with a good idea of necessary functional goals, such as separating channels or rejecting interference. The optimum filter for an aerospace and defense (A&D) system need not take up much space but
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) covers the following basic types: Type I - Pitot pressure, straight and L-shaped, electrically heated. Type II - Pitot and static pressures, straight and L-shaped, electrically heated
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