SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this program will be to develop a miniaturized RF transceiver for use in missile defense applications. Goals include operation at ranges of 50 km, power conversion efficiency of greater than 85%, mass less than 500 grams, data rate of 5 Mbps or greater, and a temperature range from -50 to +125 degrees C. Repackaging of existing technology will be used to the maximum extent possible. Emphasis will be placed on use of architectures and components that allow compact analog RF design. The transceiver design will be modular, allowing easy insertion of spiral technology developments. Integration of functions such as encryption/decryption, networking, and power efficiency will be considered. The design process will ensure that radiation hardness can be achieved in the final implementation

Nova proposes to develop a miniature K-band transceiver for use on the Kill Vehicle (KV) of the Multiple Kill Vehicles (MKV) program. Work to be performed on this contract consists of three main work items: (1) Requirements gathering and system design, (2) Prototype development, and (3) Demonstration of communication link between two prototype miniature transceivers. Nova will team with Harris Corp. in an effort to leverage the expertise provided by their Missile Defense Agency business area. A work plan is presented which details the development of a prototype transceiver that heavily leverages Harris’s miniature hardware components and Nova’s experience with developing a software reconfigurable modem. Phase II will result in a programmable modem capability demonstration using state-of-the-art RF and digital technologies and a plan for integrating critical elements on a radiation-hardened miniature transceiver platform.

Keywords:
Miniature Transceiver, Multiple Kill Vehicles (Mkv