A Nonlinear Spread Spectrum Detector

Dynetics, teamed with Harris Corporation, proposes to apply our innovative spread spectrum receiver technology to produce a novel Spread Spectrum Detector for submarine electronic surveillance measure (ESM) operations. Our unique combination of hardware and algorithmic approach couples a nonlinear, wide dynamic range receiver with straightforward digital post processing, to achieve detection and characterization of spread spectrum signals. In operation, an existing radio frequency (RF) port is monitored by the receiver, which serves to: 1) provide processing gain and 2) provide robustness in dense signal environments. After processing, and estimate of the power spectral density of the incoming waveform is performed and used to determine the autocorrelation. Since the spread spectrum waveform autocorrelates with itself, regardless of waveform type, a large output singnal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is available even if the signal spectrum is significantly below the noise. During Phase I, the Dynetics team will finalize the design, demonstrate key system aspects with simulation and analysis, and conduct systematic investigation of Phase III markets.