Improved High Frequency Communications

Kuma Signals LLC, in partnership with Rockwell Collins, propose to leverage our experience in HF multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, networking, and waveform design, to develop a new wideband HF (WBHF) waveform for high-rate Marine communications. The new waveform will allow trade-offs between a 4x data rate increase, 100x reliability increase, and 3x range increase over the current state-of-the-art in WBHF designs. Using 2-channel near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) MIMO provides a 2x data rate increase. We will also investigate the use of low-complexity equalizers that have proven successful in enabling wide bandwidths at UHF in commercial broadband standards. In particular, low-complexity equalizers enable a 2x bandwidth increase over the currently proposed 24kHz channels. To increase reliability and connectivity, two existing HF networking protocols will be compared for suitability for Marine operations. Further, by designing our waveform to have adaptable bandwidths, we will work with our partners and spectrum regulatory bodies to ensure a 48kHz waveform does not impede existing traffic. The result of our Phase I Option will be a TRL 4 prototype utilizing our Karma MIMO software defined radio platform.