A Robust Wireless Communication System for Harsh Environments Including Nuclear Facilities

There is strong need to develop new robust RF communication systems to support wireless communications for sensor data and instrumentation control in harsh environments. The nuclear industry has many examples of such environments, including geological repositories and facilities such as nuclear power plants. High-quality reliable wireless communications between operators and automated control systems are critical in these facilities, as wireless sensors become more and more prevalent in these operations. However, conventional wireless communications systems based on narrowband and spread spectrum signaling face significant challenges in such environments. This project develops novel ultra-wideband (UWB) based systems to overcome these problems, with security features embedded in the sensor/communications systems. How this project addresses the problem – Dirac Solutions Inc., in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has developed highly reliable UWB communications systems that have proven to have excellent performance in several harsh environments including ships and tunnels. These systems use novel modulation techniques for short pulse UWB communications. The communication units can be integrated with sensors and produced inexpensively in large quantities. In this SBIR project, the utility of this new technology for applications in the nuclear power and related industries will be assessed, optimized, tested, and widely deployed. In Phase I, we will focus on adding security features to the UWB communications, including encryption and authentication, and investigate UWB powering methods for the sensors. The Phase II SBIR will focus on prototype development, testing and deployment of hardware communications and sensor systems that use these new methods. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits – These UWB communications systems can be adapted for numerous applications such as in tunnels and nuclear power facilities for voice, data, and nstrumentation control. Government applications beyond those mentioned above include military and defense, exfiltration of data in difficult environments, first responder emergency communications systems, and many others. Key Words – Ultra-wideband communications, signal modulation, harsh RF environments