SBIR-STTR Award

3 Phoenix, Inc. proposes to develop and evaluate technology that provides a substantial improvement in processing capability for autonomous sonar processing. Improved signal processing, automated classification and propagation models place additional loads on battery power. 3Pi proposes to demonstrate feasibility of a relevant software application running in hardware using 7.5-10 watts. We propose to compute hardware benchmarks in order to evaluate processing/power trade-offs. The proposed approach leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) processor hardware. We have significant experience developing low power implementations of signal processing and automated classification software and firmware, and the proposed approach for the Phase I research is to leverage previous work. We anticipate that experience at 3Pi in this field will allow successful development of solutions appropriate for multiple Navy problems.

Benefit:
The proposed Phase I investigation is demonstrate the feasibility of implementing advanced signal processing and automation software in a small form factor and power budget (7.5-10 watts). The software application chosen is appropriate for the Shallow Water Surveillance System (SWSS), so feasibility for the selected application will translate into feasibility for other relevant applications. We proposed to computing hardware benchmarks in order to evaluate processing/power trade-offs and we anticipate completing these benchmark evaluations during the Phase I demonstration. 3 Phoenix has extensive experience in the development of sensor processing systems including complex signal processing applications running in low power processors. We have been successful in transitioning leading edge technology to defense applications. We anticipate that the results of this effort will demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and the path to implementation in the final form factor. The Phase I effort, as a demonstration of feasibility, will provide a basis for assessing the feasibility of exploiting modern COTS technology for an underwater sonar application. The key Navy objectives are small form factor and low power. The performance analysis and lab demonstration conducted in Phase I will establish benchmarks. Metrics developed under Phase I will be verified during the Phase II period. During Phase II we will develop a prototype acoustic processing system based running in COTS hardware selected during Phase I. The prototype will include mechanical design, electrical design, software design and reliability analysis. We anticipate continued customer feedback on size, weight, power and interfaces which we will take as inputs to the design. We will conduct lab testing with Navy furnished data as available.

Keywords:
Automation, Automation, Sonar, software technology, low power processors, Signal processing