Automated Terrestrial EMI Emitter Locator for AFSCN Ground Stations

ABSTRACT:Tau Technologies proposes to automate the current Air Force Satellite Control Network Link Protection System (ALPS) to facilitate the rapid dissemination of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) sources to the relevant commands centers. RFI emitter locations and related information will be automatically distributed via eXtensible Markup Language (XML) messages sent over any available computer network. This situational awareness is necessary to take corrective actions in severe RFI situations. In addition, we propose to design a Cognitive Radio-based Spectrum Sensing and classification system that will identify and precisely locate RFI sources, using direction finding (DF) and differential time-of-arrival techniques from multiple locations. This system will be compact and easily transportable. Tau will also develop a simulation model to accurately predict the effects of RFI on a satellite communication pass. The results of this model will permit more effective contact scheduling, maximizing the communication opportunities of the AFSCN ground stations.BENEFIT:This technology can be used at all AFSCN ground stations, and indeed at any satellite ground station be it military or commercial. The proliferation of RF communication devices, such as cell phones, WiFi, WiMax, amateur radio transmissions, improperly shielded electronic devices, and intentional jammers, to name but a few, has saturated the radio spectrum and made RFI detection a necessity. The situational awareness provided by this system can be used to map RFI emitters and undertake corrective actions. The uses of this system are limitless.