SBIR-STTR Award

Future battlefields employing directed energy technologies will require an electronic Battle Damage Indicator (eBDI) tool that can measure the radiated Radio Frequency (RF) emissions from a target before and after a High Power RF (HPRF) attack and determine if target electronics have been significantly disrupted. We propose an innovative eBDI using a system so compact, lightweight and inexpensive that its deployment is exceptionally straightforward and its utilization can be on a one time, even disposable, basis. Termed ADAM, for Autonomous Damage Assessment Module,' ADAM will measure and store RF emissions from a targeted facility, record critical parameters of an HPRF engagement source, measure target RF emissions after the HPRF engagement, determine if significant changes in the RF signature have occurred, and finally transmit all of these results to a command authority within seconds to minutes after engagement. ADAM is made possible by the rapid advances and reduced costs of Personal Computer (PC) controlled spectrum analyzers and Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceivers and will have a footprint on the order of a square foot or less. ADAMs small footprint and low cost will allow deployment of multiple units close to a target facility by overt or covert means.

Benefit:
It is our goal for the low cost ADAM system developed here to be utilized in a series of ever more advanced tech demonstrations, beginning with HIJENKS field tests and progressing to use as an eBDI. A myriad of potential commercial uses exist to include (1) monitoring compliance with EMI requirements/specifications; (2) detecting the usage of HPRF weapons in an urban environment; (3) monitoring compliance with FCC spectral regulations; and (4) identifying the existence of surreptitious, covert listening devices in high value locations.

Keywords:
Electromagnetic Emissions, Electromagnetic Emissions, Battle Damage Assessment, signal detection, Man-Portable, Spectrum Analyzer, directed energy, Software Defined Radio

Future battlefields employing directed energy technologies will require an electronic Battle Damage Indicator (eBDI) tool that can measure the radiated Radio Frequency (RF) emissions from a target before and after a High Power RF (HPRF) attack and determine if target electronics have been significantly disrupted. Based on the Phase I results, we propose to assemble, test, and demonstrate an Autonomous Damage Assessment Module (ADAM) eBDI system that will measure and store RF emissions from a targeted facility, record critical parameters of an HPRF engagement source, measure target RF emissions after the HPRF engagement, determine if significant changes in the RF signature have occurred, and finally, transmit all of these results to a Remote Control Unit within seconds-to-minutes after an engagement. The ADAM module will be sufficiently compact, lightweight and inexpensive that its deployment is exceptionally straightforward and its utilization can be on a one-time, even disposable, basis. ADAM is made possible by the rapid advances and reduced costs of laboratory quality spectrum analyzers, digitizers, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceivers. ADAMs small footprint and low cost will allow deployment of multiple units close to a target facility by overt or covert means.

Benefit:
It is our goal for the low cost ADAM system to be utilized in a series of ever more advanced demonstrations, beginning with realistic field tests and progressing to use as an eBDI. Myriad of potential commercial uses exist, to include (1) monitoring compliance with EMI requirements/specifications; (2) detecting the usage of HPRF weapons in an urban environment; (3) monitoring compliance with FCC spectral regulations; and (4) identifying the existence of surreptitious, covert listening devices in high value locations.

Keywords:
Software Defined Radio, Electromagnetic Emissions, directed energy, Man-Portable, signal detection, Battle Damage Assessment, Spectrum Analyzer