SBIR-STTR Award

Symbol Waveform Hopping
Award last edited on: 9/9/2022

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$798,904
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF203-CSO1
Principal Investigator
Jerrold D Prothero

Company Information

Astrapi Corporation

100 Crescent Court Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75201
   (214) 718-0325
   info@astrapi-corp.com
   www.astrapi-corp.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 30
County: Dallas

Phase I

Contract Number: FA8649-21-P-0278
Start Date: 2/5/2021    Completed: 5/3/2021
Phase I year
2021
Phase I Amount
$49,492
Astrapi has introduced a new patent-pending form of physical-layer signal security called “Symbol Waveform Hopping” (SWH) that provides an advanced cyber communication capability. Based on new mathematics and new symbol waveform design capabilities, SWH forces an adversary to distinguish between many more possible symbol waveforms than the intended receiver. The signal-to-noise power ratio (SNR) makes it impossible for an adversary to determine the time-amplitude values transmitted, blocking any further attempt at decryption. SWH is similar to Frequency Hopping (FH) in that both change an aspect of the signal at the physical layer according to a pseudo-random sequence known only to the sender and intended receiver. But whereas FH operates in the frequency domain, SWH operates in the time domain. We have a finite amount of spectrum, but we also have increasing demand. These networks are bandwidth and signal power constrained, susceptible to increasing signal interference and operate in harsh, contested environments. Spiral Modulation was organized to address these challenges. We license our technology into the modems, radios, smart devices and sensors that serve communication networks. Our advanced capability enables Warfighters and consumers to get more data through the channel, using less signal power (>2X), reduce latency and mitigate interference. We have external validation of our initial Software Defined Radio prototype results, were awarded over $1.1 million from the NSF, won an inaugural AFWERX SBIR, executed a LP- CRADA with the Naval Information Warfare Center, and have eleven U.S. patents issued. Symbol Waveform Hopping is a derivative technology of Spiral Modulation.

Phase II

Contract Number: FA8649-21-P-1478
Start Date: 9/30/2021    Completed: 12/29/2022
Phase II year
2021
Phase II Amount
$749,412
Astrapi has introduced a new patent-pending form of physical-layer signal security called “Symbol Waveform Hopping” (SWH) that provides an advanced cyber communication capability. Based on new mathematics and new symbol waveform design capabilities, SWH forces an adversary to distinguish between many more possible symbol waveforms than the intended receiver. The signal-to-noise power ratio (SNR) makes it impossible for an adversary to determine the time-amplitude values transmitted, blocking any further attempt at decryption. SWH is similar to Frequency Hopping (FH) in that both change an aspect of the signal at the physical layer according to a pseudo-random sequence known only to the sender and intended receiver. But whereas FH operates in the frequency domain, SWH operates in the time domain. We have a finite amount of spectrum, but we also have increasing demand. These networks are bandwidth and signal power constrained, susceptible to increasing signal interference and operate in harsh, contested environments.  Spiral Modulation was organized to address these challenges. We license our technology into the modems, radios, smart devices and sensors that serve communication networks. Our advanced capability enables Warfighters and consumers to get more data through the channel, using less signal power (>2X), reduce latency and mitigate interference. We have external validation of our initial Software Defined Radio prototype results, were awarded over $1.1 million from the NSF, won an inaugural AFWERX SBIR, executed a LP- CRADA with the Naval Information Warfare Center, and have eleven U.S. patents issued.   Symbol Waveform Hopping is a derivative technology.