RF Spectrum Utilization Monitoring System

This project will research and develop a system for radio frequency (RF) spectrum monitoring capable of detecting and locating RF emitters and interference sources operating in a military test range environment. The system will track authorized spectrumusage and report unauthorized utilization in near real time, using automated signal interception, interference analysis, and alerting methods. The system will likely consist of multiple transportable monitoring units emphasizing the use of modular,commercial subsystems, and utilize innovative and efficient spectrum monitoring, co-channel signal detection, high-resolution AOA and TDOA geolocation, and signal tracking algorithms. System units will be sited at multiple locations, to permit collectionof RF signal activity from a large test range as well as nearby areas from which interfering signals may originate. The modular nature of the system will permit it to be tailored for specific frequency ranges and deployed in a flexible architecture tomaximize utility and cost efficiency in a variety of military and commercial applications. Phase I of this SBIR project will research and refine requirements, develop an optimal system design, and plan for transition into Phase II development. Phase IIof this SBIR project will develop and demonstrate a prototype RF spectrum monitoring system.This system will significantly enhance the reliability and safety of RF spectrum utilization at military test ranges, and help minimize RF signal interference tocostly flight test operations at the USAF Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, CA. This system will allow the Government to identify, document, and mitigate interference with test range operations, avoiding loss of telemetry or test aircraft or spacecraftwith a potential savings to the Government of tens of millions of dollars.Potential commercial applications include monitoring RF spectrum utilization at U.S. and international government and civilian test or training ranges, during military exercises, for civilian communications system development and test activities incongested metropolitan areas, and for law enforcement and search and rescue operations. A modular system design will allow the system to be tailored to multiple uses. RF spectrum utilization monitoring systems will be in increasing demand, as spectrumreallocations result in interference issues arising from operation in adjacent bands and spectrum sharing between Government and civilian users of the RF spectrum.