Concurrent Multi-net Link-16 Digital-RF Receiver

HYPRES proposes an innovative solution to Navy"s need for concurrent multi-netting (CMN) in a single receiver. Our approach involves direct digitization of the entire wideband Link-16 RF band followed by distribution of digital copies among multiple independent, parallel processing chains. This digital-RF approach ensures scalability to multiple nets with no loss of signal power and fidelity, while eliminating expensive analog components such as fast hopping synthesizers. In collaboration with ViaSat, a prime contractor for Link-16 terminals, HYPRES demonstrated the power of digital-RF technology with a two-net dehopping receiver prototype with ONR Discovery and Invention funding. During that program, we discovered a signal processing technique, which is ideally suited for direct demodulation of the Link-16 waveform, and presents a unique opportunity to significantly condense back-end processing hardware. In Phase I, this new technique was developed through extensive functional modeling and simulation. The design was then optimized for implementation on commercial FPGAs. Building on this strong foundation, in Phase II, we propose to develop, demonstrate, and deliver hardware that is capable of operating on digitized RF data to demodulate and dehop multiple Link-16 nets concurrently. HYPRES will again partner with ViaSat to ensure compatibility with Link-16 terminal back-end and enhance its throughput.