SBIR-STTR Award

In this proposal, we present a novel solution for RF link analysis that combines mature propagation models, innovative enhancements relevant to emerging technologies, and a custom graphical interface tailored to handle dynamic scenarios potentially including airborne platforms over land, sea, or littoral environments. The solution includes the ability to analyze communications systems, including noise and interference and their effect on the performance. A strong emphasis is placed on dynamic scenarios with moving vehicles, and analysis to determine link availability over large regions. The full modeling suite allows for tradeoffs between fidelity and run time, supporting all relevant parts of the problem, including support for built-in antennas or detailed 2D or 3D antenna gain patterns from external computation electromagnetic codes. The basic methodology is presented for the graphical user interface, with a task outlined to evaluate alternatives and determine specific tools and approaches for the final product. The resulting product will draw on years of experience and investment in commercial and government-off-the-shelf capabilities, while incorporating several key features needed to support military applications as well as multiple emerging technologies in wireless and automotive industries.

Benefit:
The outcome of this SBIR will be a new, modeling and simulation tool that provides the combined capabilities to (1) simulate RF signal propagation over terrain, sea, or other environments; (2) handle the full three-dimensional antenna radiation pattern for platform-mounted antennas; and (3) simulate dynamic scenarios with moving vehicle platforms. It will also include link analysis that predicts the quality of the received signal in terms signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and various performance metrics that allow the analysis of communications links between devices or general coverage over user-specified regions. This tool will provide a valuable assessment capability not just for military applications, but also for commercial applications in industries associated with wireless communications, and vehicles and transportation.

Keywords:
RF, RF, radiofrequency, link budget, interference, dynamic scenario, communication, Modeling and Simulation, SATCOM