Please click here to access Dr. Hoque's slides

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Army Vision for Coexisting EW and Comm Systems

in the Tactical Environment

Dr. Mahbub Hoque ─ Chief Scientist (S&TCD) &

Division Chief (Antennas & Spectrum Analysis Division

DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited Feb 2012, Slide 2

JFACC/EWCC

Compass Call

Airborne Laser

AWACS

JSF

COCOM

BLOS Defensive Ops

Stability Ops

Civil Support Ops

UAS

EA 6B

DDG ASCC

Manpad EP JFLCC

HPMV

AHPM

ES/R&SV

ES/R&SV

EA / UAS

AEA/EP

UAS

UAS

AEA/EP

Persistent Surveillance

Offensive Ops

UAS

Big Crow

EA 6B

Commercial Satellite

UHF SATCOM

BCT

Joint EM Operational Environment

UNCLASSIFIED

CREW

CREW

CREW

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EM Spectrum Challenges

http://www.af.mil/photos/images/art_fighters_f16_0002.jpg




EM Spectrum Challenges

• Electromagnetic spectrum is a limited resource – Used by DoD, civilians, government agencies, other nations

• Demands for spectrum for military systems are increasing rapidly – Electronic Warfare (EW) – Full Motion Video (FMV) – Voice/data communications

• Improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between communications and EW systems is a major technical objective

– Need to address co-site (on platform) and inter-site – Comprehensive flexible approach should include

• Co-site mitigation • Antenna placement • Directional, conformal, or embedded antennas • Spectrum planning and EW planning • Waveform enhancements • Interference cancelation

S&TCD is addressing all aspects of EW/Comms

compatibility improvements


Time Line

Cap

abili

ty

Quick-fix mitigation

Distributed Antenna Array (DAA)

Antenna placement optimization

Active Interference Canceller (iCAN)

Integrated Communications/EW

Other antenna approaches

Baseband/Passband Signal Processing


EW Subsystem (offensive)



PA, Filters, etc.

Multi-function antenna

Communications Subsystem(s)

Timing

Signals Management

CIrculatorCommon RF Components

PA, Filters, etc.

EW(FP) Antenna or

Antenna Array

EW Subsystem (FP)


Radio

iCAN Canceller

Other concepts under development by industry/academia

Enhancing Comm System

Interoperability with EW


• MRAP – Platform Radio Desensitization Engineering Analyses and Solutions

- Capability insertion • CROWS, Boomerang, etc. • Scene lighting (IBIS, LOM)

- MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle(s) • Testing multiple new variants

• MRAP integration assistance in EMI/EMC • HBCT, LTV – Desensitization Analysis

EMI/EMC Testing & Analysis

• EMI effort is supporting vehicular development and integration by developing engineering solutions to eliminate the harmful radiated emissions for ensuring vehicular communications. Systems include, but not limited to, core vehicular systems such as engine and power generating systems, air conditioners, wipers and lights;

• Engineering testing and analysis identify electromagnetic noise generated by sub-systems and the degree of interference and its impact on radio communications range. Various engineered solutions and quick-fixes are developed to mitigate this impact using both conventional and novel techniques


iCAN Canceller Radio

Comms antenna receives both interfering and comms signal

INPUT 1 (Desired + Interf. Signal)

INPUT 2 (Reference ) OUTPUT

Take low power sample from system 2 for

reference

Output signal to radio with interference

reduced

System 1 Antenna

Active Interference

Canceller (iCAN)

Purpose: • Remove the interfering signal received by

communications antenna

• Provide enduring solution for collocated systems

• Remove limitations of current mitigation techniques

Requires no change to current systems

System 2 Antenna


iCAN Approach

• Tunable RF front-end to address multiple waveforms/frequency bands/radios

• Multiple channels − Solution is scalable

− Solution/approach can be used for multiple frequency bands

• Multiple waveforms − Solution is agnostic to different waveforms

• No single method provides sufficient interference cancellation − iCAN is a combination of multiple approaches − Analog cancellation and digital cancellation

• Analog cancellation provides the first stage of interference cancellation, which, at the same time, protects the sensitive radio front-end

• Adaptive digital interference cancellation completes the remaining required interference cancellation


Integration of EW and

Communications

Purpose: • Integrate RF communications and EW

functions to mitigate EW-Communications interference issues

• Enhance current system interoperability and synchronization between EW and blue force communication systems to mitigate interference between these systems

Products: • Integrated EW/Communications Architecture • Hardware Requirements • Signals management software • EW and communications processing

software • System/Subsystem prototype implementation Payoff: • Improved communications capability while

performing EW function

Joint effort between CERDEC S&TCD and I2WD



EW Subsystem(s)



PA, Filters, etc.

Multi-function antenna

Communications Subsystem(s)

Timing

Signals Management

CIrculatorCommon RF Components

PA, Filters, etc.

EW Antenna or Antenna Array

EW Subsystem(s)


Architecture Considerations

• Use common or multi-function components where appropriate

– Need to address issues of linearity and duty cycle • Use separate apertures to direct signals in different

directions if required by missions – Provides isolation between communications and EW

signals to allow for effective demodulation


EPAS CIED Antenna

Development

• Currently pursuing two options to develop multi-band low profile CIED antenna under the Embedded Platform Antenna System (EPAS) program

– Retractable

– Stackable


Distributed Antenna Array

Two Primary Objectives:

Reduce co-site interference to improve

communications.

Maintain or improve threshold jamming

performance.

Integrated DAA System Design / Prototype CERDEC Designed and Prototyped

OTHER BENEFITS OF THE DAA • Lower visual profile • Reduce RF safety hazard • Jamming performance not affected by

topside obstructions!


LAAT POTATO

Distributed Ku-Band Array

for Shadow 200

Purpose: • Develop and Evaluate a Ku-Band TCDL

Beam-Steering Array with Full-Duplex Capability for the Shadow 200 UAV to Improve Link Connectivity

• Leverage Polystrata Diplexers from BAT ATO to Reduce Size and Weight and Improve Performance

Program Status: • Array aperture and control architecture have

been developed and prototype fabrication is underway

• Phase I Demo will show full-duplex array and beam-steering capability over 180°(half of full array system) using TCDL Radios. Demo will include proof-of-concept 90°array using Polystrata diplexers.

• Phase II, if funded, will construct full array with Polystrata diplexers and perform flight demo

Shadow 200

Ku-Band TCDL Array

Transition Opportunities:

• PM UAS • Air Force CDL Program Office • NAVAIR • Office of Naval Research


Challenge: •Counter - Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) jamming antennas collocated with communications antennas atop tactical platforms introduce electromagnetic compatibility issues

•Directional jamming antennas can be distributed around the perimeter of the platform to reduce the jamming effects, but are not realizable because of the larger sizes required to operate over the lower frequency bands

Objectives: •Use metaferrite based technology to reduce the size of directional jamming antennas for operation over lower frequency bands

•Conduct M&S of metaferrite technology to optimize jamming antenna performance

•Design, analyze and prototype metaferrite-based directional antennas •Conduct system level analysis to determine the effects upon jamming and communications

•Conduct Operational Evaluation

Deliverables: Year One:

• One prototype metaferrite-based CIED antenna operating over threshold frequency band

• Modeling & Simulation Analysis of metaferrite materials • Evaluation Test Report showing reduction in jamming of topside

communication antennas Year Two:

• One prototype metaferrite-based CIED antenna operating objective frequency band

• Operational Evaluation of metaferrite-based jamming antennas • Final Report

Capabilities Addressed: • Low profile broadband antennas for CIED applications that reduce

unwanted cosite interference.

Year One: Recent work with high permeability materials (metaferrites) has shown promising (measured) performance for low-profile antennas operating in the terrestrial communication and CIED bands. High potential exists for reducing cosite interference for Comms, CIED, and EW systems. The CWP funds would be used to procure the material, model and fabricate candidate antenna designs for testing. Year Two: The candidate antenna designs can be integrated to tactical platforms for validation of performance. With feedback from these measurements, the prototypes can be optimized and sent for subsequent platform test validation. Testing in a relevant CIED environment to show both CIED effectiveness and reduction in cosite interference will be accomplished to advance this technology.

Distant Xmtr Local Rcvr

Comms Blocked

▪ Jamming Energy Directed Toward Comms Antennas Can Affect Communications

▪ Large Antenna Visual Signature

▪ Fields Non-Uniformly Dispersed Due to Platform Obstructions

▪ Distributed Metaferrite-Based Antennas Direct Energy Away From Comms Antenna atop Platform -Reduced Cosite Interference

▪ Lower Visual Signature on Platform – Increased Platform Survivability

• Fields Uniformly Dispersed

Current Jamming Antenna on Top

of Platform Affects Communications

Metaferrite-Based Distributed

Jamming Antennas Eliminates Cosite

Comms

Restored

Distant Xmtr

Battlefield Antennas Coalition

Warfighter Program

Project Leads: CERDEC

Partner Nation(s): UK, MOD


Problem • Spectrum management in the tactical battlespace is

complex with thousands of variables to be simultaneously managed.

Multiple Customers (Partial List) • PMO GEMSIS • JIEDO • TCM-GNE/ASMO

RESULT: • EMBMS on track to transition to PMO

GEMSIS • In-house baseline initiated to serve

combined EW/COMMS mission

Approach • Work closely with TRADOC, ASMO, and DISA DSO

to develop and institute TTPs and automation that takes into account the EM environment for spectrum deconfliction and assignments

• Goal is to produce tools for comms, EW, and eventually MC to ensure spectrum is deconflicted as a part of mission planning

Electromagnetic Battle

Management System (EMBMS)


Joint EM Spectrum

Operations (JEMSO)

JEMSO – “…comprised of EW and JEMSMO (Joint EM Spectrum Management Operations) to exploit, attack, protect, and manage the EMOE to achieve the commander’s objectives. It enables EMS dependent systems to perform their function in the intended operational environment..” * As defined in Chapter 1 of Draft JP 6-01, JEMSO

EMOE-Electromagnetic Operational Environment

EW-Electromagnetic Warfare JEMSO- Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations


INTEGRATED EMSO Architecture

Comms/EW Planning

GUI GUI

Comms Simulation & Analysis

Planning

Spectrum Planning (25E)

EW Planning (29E)

EW Simulation & Analysis

Networking Messaging

SKR US &

Coalition Emitters DB

Red Force Emitters

DB

EW Planning Tool

CJSMPT

• Task Force Planning

• Spectrum Deconfliction

• Equipment Technical Characteristics

• Jammer Loadsets

• Cumulative Effects of all emmiters on rx

• Jammer Loadsets

• Red Targeting

• LOS Analysis

• Jammer and Comms platforms

• Compatible Analysis • Integrated • Reduced Planning Cycle time • Commonality of data • Common visualization

• (WorldWind)

EMBM


Spectrum Plan Advisor

(conflict resolution algorithms)

Comms Effects

Simulator (OTM Simulation with

terrain and propagation effects)

User

Interface (Create/Edit

Operational Plan)

Spectrum Visualizer

(Spectrum usage plan)

Spectrum Knowledge Repository

(SKR)

• Frequency Assignments • Force Structure • Emitter Characteristics • Terrain

• Data Requests • New Assignments

• Interference Metrics

• Scenario Data

Spectrum Manager

Verify Plan

Plan

Advise

Run Simulation

Run Spectrum Plan Advisor

Simulation Complete

SKR Import Complete

Visualize

Define AOR

Functional Process Flow

Architectural Component Data Flow

EMBM Functional Architecture


Proposed EMBM (E-CJSMPT)

Systems Architecture To Support

EMSO


EMBM Summary

• Only through synchronization of Electronic Warfare, Spectrum Management, and Signals Intelligence Operations can DoD truly achieve Electromagnetic Spectrum control

• EMBM Service Architecture provides foundations for integrating multiple functional areas into a cohesive Mission Planning operational environment


Almost Real Time Electromagnetic

Simulator (ARTEMS) Program

Purpose • Provide the platform integration community with a web-based tool easily

accessible to perform rapid antenna on platform placement for optimized performance.

• Utilize web tool to satisfy urgent requirements or capabilities specified within current and future theater Request for Information (RFIs).

2Hr Turn Around Time

Improve Antenna On Vehicle Integration Time Instant Antenna Data

Access

Improved Data Assessments Support SoS

Integration


• Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation • Optimization of antenna placement on vehicles • Cosite interference & HERP (RF safety) prediction

• Antenna Design, Analysis, and Trade-Studies • Antenna selection and evaluation • Antenna integration on aviation platforms • Mitigation of RF effects of antenna obstructions

• Co-site Interference Assessment • EMI/EMC testing & analysis • Mitigation of impact of EW on blue force comms.

• Spectrum & Frequency Management • Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment (SSRA) • DD1494 preparation/review

• RF Communications Technologies • Radio selection and evaluation

• Technology Development • Conformal, embedded and transparent antennas • Spectrum planning and deconfliction • Spectrum efficient technologies • Interference cancellation

Antennas • Electromagnetics • RF M&S • RF Propagation • Spectrum Certification • Cosite Interference SSRA • EME Replication • RF Saftey (SAR, HERP) • RF Materials • MIMO

• Anechoic Chamber and EMI/EMC Laboratory • Measure Calibrated Antenna Gain Patterns • VSWR, Impedance, Return Loss • EM Material Characterization • EMC/EMI Testing – EW Impact on Blue Force Comms. – Impact of EM Noise Generated by Sub-systems on

Comms Range

• M&S Lab & Computational Servers • 32 Custom Remote Workstations • Dedicated Custom-Built GPU Servers • Full Suite of EM Simulation Software

– xFDTD, HFSS, FEKO, WIPL-D, GNEC, xGTD

• Ancillary Software: Solidworks, PRO-E, Matlab

• Antenna Fabrication Lab

• Antenna prototyping with both metal and wood-working machinery

• Matching network design

• RF Safety Lab

• Automated phantom for both head & body Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing

• 1mg and 10mg SAR averaging • Broad Frequency Range from UHF to

C-band

• Radio Technology & Spectrum Labs

• Radio testing, development and

characterization • Characterization of spectrum

parameters

A&SA Support Capabilities


Division Laboratories &

Test Sites

Prototyping & Fabrication

Cosite Interference Coaxial

Testbed

Specific Absorption

Rate Testing

Lakehurst Flight Testing UAV Positioning

System

Anechoic Test Chamber

Modeling & Simulation Lab


Functional Areas

Antenna & Spectrum

Analysis (ASA)

Systems Engineering,

Arch., Modeling &

Simulation (SEAMS)

Cyber Security &

Information Assurance

(CSIA)

Communication

Networks and

Networking (CNN)

SATCOM

Systems

• RF Modeling and

Simulation

• Antenna Technology

& Analysis

• RF testing and

analysis, interference

Mitigation and EM

Material Research

• Spectrum Analysis &

Frequency

Management

• Physical layer radio

technologies

• System Engineering

Analysis

• Army Systems

Engineering

• Commercial

Technology

Integration and

Evaluation

• NSI Support

• Cryptographic

Modernization

• INFOSEC

• Tactical Network

Protection

• Cross Domain

Solutions

• Network

management

• Integrated

Network

operations

• WIN-T Support

• Network Design

and Cognitive

Networking

Sciences

• Networking

technology for

tactical radios

• JSEC Certification

• SATCOM System

Engineering Support

• JSEC Strategic

Systems

• JSEC Tactical

Systems

• SATCOM

Developmental

Systems

• JSEC Facility Support

Space & Terrestrial

Communications Directorate

(S&TCD)


Division Chief

RF Modeling & Simulation

• Computational Electromagnetic Modeling

• Antenna Integration & Optimization

• Antenna Measurement & Modeling Validation

• Radiation Hazard Simulation

• 30+ Computers with EM Software Licenses

• 75+ Army Vehicles Modeled

Interference Mitigation & EM

Material Research

• EMI & Cosite Interference Measurement & Analysis

• Lab Populated with all Army Radios and CIED systems.

• Filter and Hardware Design Solutions

• Embedded Platform Antenna Systems (EPAS) Program

Antenna Technology & Analysis

• Antenna Basic Research

• Antenna Design and Development

• Antenna Testing

• Specific Absorption Rate Testing

• Breakthrough Antenna Technologies (BAT) ATO

RF Digital Signal Processing

• Radio Technology Research

• MIMO

• Spectrum Efficient Technology

• RF Front-End DSP Algorithms

Antennas & Spectrum Analysis Division

Spectrum Analysis & Frequency Management

• Spectrum Management & Certification

• Propagation & Interference Modeling

• DD 1494

• Cognitive Radio (Dynamic Spectrum Access) & Policy

• CJSMPT

• SSRA Efforts

A&SA Division

Focus & Layout

Documents

Please click here to access Dr. Hoque's slides