Advanced Techniques for Digital Radio Frequency Memories (DRFM)

This proposal describes the approach to be undertaken in the investigation of innovative system architectures, algorithms, and design concepts for the development of Advanced Techniques for Digital Radio Frequency Memories (DRFMs). Various approaches will be investigated, with a focus on approaches that are consistent with real-world implementations utilizing state-of-the-art technology to provide independent EA/EP capabilities against multiple simultaneous threats. Current implementations are limited in their capabilities due to constraints imposed through the limited flexibility of the architecture. This manifests itself in the difficulties experienced in adding features and capabilities to the current generation of DRFMs employed for the T & E community. Another example of this is the current limitation in generating only one pulse output when the techniques employed may call for multiple overlapping returns. The evolution of developmental sensors to larger bandwidths and frequency agility when using compressed waveforms also drives the focus on real-time implementation and wide bandwidth capabilities. The cost and benefit of various approaches will be assessed and traded-off.BENEFITS: The development of a new, state-of-the-art techniques and false target generation capabilities will prove beneficial to the entire spectrum of EA/EP in both the developmental test and training arena, as well as in self protection of tactical assets. A prototype unit that contains advances in the flexibility, programmability, and feature set will lead to cost savings across a number of programs be permitting a common item to be used for a number of disparate applications. Through this wider use of a common item, the quantity of the specific model to be purchased will increase, which will contribute to a reduction in the per unit price. The increase in functionality proposed will also provide cost savings through the enhanced test capabilities the unit will capable of supplying to test programs.