Methods for interfacing broad bandwidth data links to airborne ISR systems

ABSTRACT: Military sensor systems making use of the Common Data Link (CDL) are generating more information, thus taxing the capabilities of available spectrum for the relay of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data and information. We will define new sensor-to-link and link-to-ground interface models using behavioral VHDL. These interface models will provide the capability to perform"what-if"analysis in a graphical environment on parametric models impacting latency and bandwidth. These models will support multiple data rates for Bandwidth Efficient (BE) rates, multiple streaming channels, and segregated control and data channels. We will use state-of-the-art tools for performing modeling, simulation, analysis, and documentation on the developed models. With the control and data channel models developed, a comprehensive tool set will be created that provides the simulation, analysis, and documentation. The development tool for creating, managing, and executing the test benches will also be developed and refined thus providing the capability to completely simulate the BE-CDL specification. The resulting capabilities will result in more efficient and effective methods for contractors to develop and validate hardware implementations of the BE-CDL specification and allow the Air Force to continue to expand and improve its global sensor network with confidence. Prior success and new research in our Phase I SBIR has already shown that ECI"s innovative tool suite will be clearly applicable to Air Force systems, technologies, and programs. BENEFIT: The need for delivering a comprehensive and accurate simulation model of the data handling and control of the CDL is critical to the success of the Air Force. Any solutions that can aid in this goal will offer tremendous benefit to the Air Force"s objectives. Models will enable rapid simulations and analysis of the trade-offs among multiple parameters of CDL component interfaces and different protocol configuration options by providing controllability and observe-ability of the key parameters and status of the interfaces. Using the BOBBIN product, the Air Force can continue to improve their ability to accurately simulate and predict the bandwidth, data rates, and latencies when increasing the complexity and size of their sensor constellations and utilizing different vendor"s hardware. The results of our successful technology transition will also be usable for designers and integrators of CDL assets. The developed models will allow for a greater degree of confidence in specification and design of CDL-based interfaces. By combining an intuitive visual modeling framework with reusable and customizable models, our solution will improve the Air Force"s ability to capture information about its CDL specifications, sensors, and platforms and transform this information into useful knowledge. The BOBBIN product will be of value wherever there is a need to test and validate BE-CDL hardware, sensors, or other interfacing resources for compliance with the BE-CDL specification. We intend to focus our Phase II commercialization efforts on Air Force ISR applications. Our first targets after the Air Force will be to introduce the BOBBIN product to the rest of the DoD community, as well as to contractors that manufacture BE-CDL compliant equipment. BOBBIN will have significant industry applicability in the test, simulation, and validation of BD-CDL compliant hardware and software, and we will pursue licensing opportunities in these markets upon product maturity.