Simulator Technologies for Rapid Prototyping of Advanced Receiver/Processor

Man/hardware-in-the-loop laboratory simulation is the most cost-effective methodology for maturing advanced receiver/processor technologies because the battlefield can be brought to the laboratory through multi-spectral synthetic battlespace simulation.Current laboratory RF emission simulators cannot generate the high fidelity, real-time signal environment required to evolve advanced receiver/processor technology development. DRA proposes to solve this challenging technology limitation by developing aModular Analog/Digital Simulator Technology (MAST) concept for rapid prototyping of advanced RF receiver processor capabilities that leverages the Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) analog/digital component technology base. MAST will utilize a distributedarchitecture that will support the employment of the DoD High Level Architecture (HLA) concept for conducting collaborative research. The MAST modular architecture concept will utilize digital/analog COTS components to provide a cost effective approachfor rapidly increasing simulator fidelity. MAST will provide simulator technology to develop advanced receiver/processors for new military concepts such as Advanced Tactical Targeting Technologies (AT3) and Advanced Threat Alert and Response (ATAR) forapplication to military aircraft such as F-15, F-16, F-117, B-1B, B-52, B-2, and C-130. During Phase II, DRA will demonstrate a prototype capability using the Sensors Directorate's Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL) anddemonstrate key performance characteristics. The Phase II effort will provide a building block capability for rapid evolution of advanced RF receiver/processor technology.