Real Time Wireless Network for Avionics Applications

The US Navy has identified the need to develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that leverage existing and emerging commercial real-time wireless circuitry by upconversion of frequency to 60 GHz for short range, high security applications. This topic proposes to gain the advantages of emerging microwave commercial off-the-shelf technology by upconverting to 60 GHz (V-band) where atmospheric absorption inhibits the ability of enemy forces to intercept or jam the communications network. Proposed is a wireless network for avionics applications operating at 60 GHz that is (1) light-weight, (2) low-cost, (3) highly reliable and capable of very wide bandwidth (4) operates in hazy or dusty environment, and (5) operates with low power drain. The network will have seamless interoperability with local nodes that can operate in a wireless network, but with extended connection and backward compatibility to existing wired networks. It will have high data capacity and high data rate transfer. It can be implemented in either a client-server network or an ad-hoc configuration to serve the needs of mobile and fixed nodes whether in direct line-of-sight or as an omni-directional local area network cell (non line-of-sight). Design considerations will include consideration of operation with adaptive power level to minimize detection.