Expendable, tactically interconnected RF sensor network

Sensor nodes are an active area of research, but size, (development and integration) cost, versatility and especially energy consumption remains significant barriers to long-term deployment for many potential applications. One approach to address this issue is integration of the functionality of various subsystems in ways that improve these key metrics for the overall system. To adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions, sensor nodes must also be agile. In this proposal, IAI details the development of a highly agile, FPGA-based RF sensor node with the following key advantages: focus on (simultaneous) reuse of hardware and software components for GPS, (UWB) communication, radar, and ranging reduces footprint, power consumption and system integration cost. Its before- and at-mission time reconfigurability (software defined frequency and modulation up to 10GHz) allows the system to adapt to a dynamic environment, and find sufficient application to make the development of an ASIC economically feasible. The sensor node allows plug-and-play interfacing of other sensors.