SBIR-STTR Award

The traditional modulation techniques employed on satellite links are based on the second-order spectrum of the modulation wave form. In this proposal, we explore the utility and performance of modulation schemes based on higher-order cumulant sequences and the associated frequency-domain representations called polyspectra. These generalizations of correlation sequences and power spectra possess many interesting properties which have been shown to be useful in a number of applications. To date, little effort has been made to determine the extent to which these properties can be exploited to facilitate communication over digital channels. In Phase I of this work, we will study the properties and advantages of several bispectrum modulation techniques, and we will demonstrate that this approach can provide protection from jamming on satellite channels. A question of considerable interest, which we will address, is whether this technique can support a higher data rate than traditional anti jamming techniques. Anticipated

Benefits:
The major anticipated benefit of this effort is the development of new modulation techniques that can support satellite communication links with a high data rate in a jamming environment. Additional expected benefits are improved communications over channels with linear distortion, and a new multiaccess modulation scheme for multiuser communication networks. Potential commercial applications include satellite communications and cellular mobile telephone systems.