MIMO Based Eigen-Space Spreading

The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) concept applied to wireless data communications has been touted as a wireless revolution. Indeed, since its introduction MIMO communications has taken the commercial world by storm. The application of MIMO to military communications, however, has been lagging. Moreover, the exploitation of the new spatial dimension, to the signalling space that has traditionally consisted of time, frequency, and power, has to date gone untapped. In this work we will investigate means of leveraging the MIMO concept to achieve the ultimate in anti-jamming and low probability of detection/interception (AJ/LPI/LPD) communications. The proposed work is a radical departure from the traditional spread spectrum techniques (DSSS, FHSS, THSS) in that it will randomize the signal in space, as well as time and frequency. Space randomization will be achieved by transmitting on the spatial eigenvectors of the MIMO channel. Combination of this powerful technique with OFDM based modulation and traditional time and frequency spreading techniques results in a revolutionary secure mode of communications. Pulsar Communication Systems is uniquely poised to leverage the extensive MIMO experience existing within its staff and ready access to an existing MIMO OFDM testbed to develop a next generation modem for high threat environments.