Precise and Accurate Dynamic Positioning Device

The Armed Forces of the United States have become increasingly dependent upon the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for a myriad of functions including precision targeting, navigation, and time synchronization. The GPS infrastructure permitsseamless integration of GPS functionality to a wide range of devices and weapons systems, providing them with an extremely accurate source of targeting, location and time information. However, this heavy reliance on GPS as an exclusive source ofinformation carries with it an associated degree of risk. GPS is no loger a guaranteed navigation or time synchronization source for our deployed forces and weapons systems. An open market for GPS jamming systems has emerged and as these jamming systemsbecome more developed it stands to reason that they will become an increasing threat to the way in which the US military utilizes GPS and the way the military fights, in general.MSSI, a leader in the field of ultra wideband (UWB) RF technology, proposes to develop a UWB based, RF pseudolite ranging system under this Phase II SBIR. The short pulse nature of UWB transmissions results in extremely accurate time of flightmeasurements and, accordingly, extremely accurate ranging. This system will demonstrate the feasibility of UWB pseudolite serving to provide geolocation for ground troops, weapons targeting and other functions in GPS denied environments.An important andunique aspect of MSSI's UWB design approach is the demonstrated ability to simultaneously address radar, communications, and precision positioning applications, all with the same core electronics. In this fashion, a broad range of unique devices can bedeveloped at low cost leading to many new wireless applications.For example, a multifunction UWB architecture to provide simultaneous communications and ranging could result in products for warehouse tracking and inventory control, for personal communications devices for the elderly, for tactical IFF (identificationfriend or foe) systems for the military, and many others. Simultaneous UWB communications and radar products would have immediate application to Intelligent Transportation Systems - vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communications and collisionavoidance; as well as applications for the disabled.It is these dual and triple function architectures which we believe will have a significant impact on the future commercial growth of UWB technology. Today, there is no other technological solution that can provide a multiple function architecture in asingle, low cost package.MSSI is building upon its proven success in UWB development for the military and Government, by transitioning existing prototype hardware and systems into form factors which can achieve multifunctional performance in a manufacturable and cost effectivemanner. The steps to be taken include consolidation of existing FPGA and DSP firmware into a custom digital ASIC design, and consolidation of UWB RF electronics into a low cost RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit) or hybrid.MSSI has also recently assessed the relative importance of Silicon technology to its commercialization plans. While Silicon technology appears to be well suited to future implementations of its UWB technology, it is not necessary for many commercialproducts.As discussed above, a microminiature form factor is needed for certain applications where size, weight and volume requirements demand it. The high nonrecurring cost of Silicon is justified if the product is well defined and the quantities are largeenough. However, its value in terms of size, weight, power, speed and production cost may not be suitable for all anticipated MSSI commercial applications. Perhaps more importantly, MSSI does not need Silicon technology for initial product development asits UWB architectures are comprised of readily available components.MSSI thus plans to utilize the most appropriate chipset architecture for emerging commercial UWB and military systems.As previously stated, MSSI's UWB technology may be used in dual and triple function architectures involving combinations of communications, radar and precision positioning. It is this unique multifunction capability that will enable many new wirelessproducts and services. Specific market opportunities, including draft license agreements with strategic partners, have already been identified. Additional opportunities are expected to increase significantly as MSSI becomes active in marketing thetechnology for commercial applications.The wireless marketplace is enormous as consumer demand increases at an unprecedented rate. This is a huge marketplace in which MSSI's unique, multifunction, high data rate communication/precise positioning capability has obvious potential for high growthand profitability as manufactures seek additional performance capabilities to gain market advantages.For example, MSSI envisions the introduction of a high quality wireless headsets and speakers for home theater, and CD audio use. Existing wireless RF technologies lack the bandwidth and robustness to deliver full CD quality audio which has become thestandard for the music industry. Consumers will welcome the ability to retain high quality audio without a tethered wire connection.Another unique UWB device will enable distance sensing from a handheld phone and/or PDA to assist in keeping track of children in crowded environments such as shopping malls, amusement parks, concerts and sporting events. This device would alert a parentif a child has moved some preset distance from the electronic device. The device on the child would be small and unobtrusive and could be worn on the wrist or pinned to clothing.In the communications area, there is a demand for high data rate as Internet access increases. MSSI has identified communications in mobile multipath environments as an application area where UWB has distinct advantages over competing systems. Theseapplications include a broad range of communications for motor vehicles, aircraft and people.MSSI has demonstrated that a UWB system has clear advantages over spread spectrum for geolocation in multipath environments. These advantages include greater reliability and significantly better accuracy (e.g. 1 foot vs. 10 feet). MSSI's system is alsoless complex resulting in lower system and installation cost. An additional advantage of MSSI''''''''s UWB approach is the capability to communicate voice and data over the same wireless system.In summary, real time asset management is an emerging application area that is ripe for UWB introduction. MSSI has already received considerable interest from large companies for related positioning and communication system developments. These potentialstrategic partners and the current need for precise location and tracking offer a high volume and high margin product base.