Software Defined Radio for Next-Generation Interceptor

To meet the needs of the Missile Defense Agency by reducing the size, mass, and acquisition cost of kill vehicles, Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop a Miniature, Robust, Radiation-hardened, Reconfigurable Radio (MR4) that integrates the elements of a communication subsystem in a single System-on-a Chip package. MR4 will process digital IF and baseband as well as control Radio Frequency (RF) front-end and Input/Output (I/O) subsystems through software to support multi-waveform communications. The proposed MR4 will consist of software reconfigurable modem, low power processor, COTS security module, and an optional Up/down converter. The software reconfigurable modem interfaces with existing MEMS RF front-end and commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) security module, processes multiple waveforms (signal patterns), and hosts control algorithms for reconfiguration of RF front-end and the modem. The low power processor interfaces with COTS security module and I/O and controls input/output subsystem. The COTS security module implements the security features required for the application. The Up/down converter interfaces with RF MEMS front-end and converts the frequencies to levels processed by the modem. The Phase I effort will be an open architecture design that will allow for easy adaptability into BMDS platforms, other defense or commercial applications.