Geolocations with Distributed Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors

The proposed research will address issues of locating an emitter with unknown waveform, and will assess the potential for improved performance through channel multipath estimation and through the synchronized diversity effect of multiple sensors. Theproposed approach embodies a new algorithm that determines the location of an emitter with enhanced accuracy by combining the data from multiple SIGINT sensors in a synchronized network. The approach generalizes AOA and TDOA, normally used intriangulation methods, and combines them into an algorithm estimating location directly. The resulting location can be distributed for digital map display over a wireless virtual private network. Sensor platforms of different capabilities and sizes areautomatically combined. Sensors may include random arrays and space-time processing of varying complexity. The approach is based on a new distributed signal-combining method developed by the proposing firm for geolocation of tags. Experiments with thissystem for known waveforms have successfully demonstrated improved location accuracy. In Phase I the performance with unknown waveforms will be studied through analysis and simulation. Performance improvements will be investigated and compared with othertechniques of comparable complexity. A prototype design will be developed for a Phase II implementation planned to be demonstrated in a JTRS-type radio.The primary application is the location and tracking of potential emitters in military operations. Theproposed geolocation technique also has many law enforcement and emergency applications for locating target radios. It can be used for the location of callers using cellular handsets or wireless PDAs. In addition, the technology can be used for otheremitter location and tracking problems such as locating special tags to find lost children, patients, and pets, as well as tracking parolees, cargo and vehicles.