This proposal describes two potential methods to replace the Electronic Function Selector (EFS) currently used to program a sonobuoy. Quoin proposes to develop a Handheld Remote (HR) programmer unit through one of two proposed approaches. Either of these modifications to the sonobuoy will make it less expensive, require less volume, consume comparable or less power, and have more data/file transfer capacity than the button/LED device. The HR programmer will be an ergonomically designed interface device used to program the sonobuoy from a distance, usable in very low light conditions and cost less than $200. The HR will communicate directly with the sonobuoy.The software for the HR will be an interactive menu driven design. The parameters can be programmed by hand through the keypad and LCD display of the remote or uploaded to the remote via the USB. The interface device will comply with DOD requirements for electromagnetic frequency interference (EFI) as they apply to Navy aircraft. The user interface device will have ability to interface with a PC through a USB. The two alternative approaches in this proposal will make maximum use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. The system will operate while the sonobuoy is in the shipping launch container (SLC).
Benefits: The technology proposed in this document can have a wide reaching impact for many commercial applications as well as sonobuoys for the Navy, NOAA and other users. Any device which requires remote programming without wanting or needing the inherent disadvantages of RF propagation could use the technology explained in this document. Currently RFID is widely used everywhere from security badges to retail store security. Most of these commercial applications utilize RFID in a "uni-directional" communication methodology. Bi-directional data transfer is not as prevalent. By revealing and exploiting this methodology commercial applications will be found and will be developed
