Standardized, Modular and Scalable Wideband Multifunction Radio Frequency Payloads

Antara Teknik and its teaming partner, Epiq Solutions, propose to design, develop, and demonstrate wideband multifunction Radio Frequency (RF) payloads using an innovative Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that is scalable across UAS Groups 1 through 3 with Electronic Warfare (EW); Radar; Command, Control, Computing, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C5ISRT); and edge-based High-Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities. This highly-scalable MOSA methodology will drive interoperable building blocks, which can be integrated to provide Size, Weight, and Power and Cost (SWaP-C) optimized solutions that span across UAS Groups 1–3, without having to use completely different hardware/software solutions for each group.The Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA™) VNX+ standard is capable of most mission objectives, and maintains scalability, enabling integration into 5” diameter pods/fuselages and UAS Groups 1-2. Payload options for smaller overall payload sizes can be implemented through custom form factors, which, when standardized, may be reused in the larger 3U VPX form factor as mezzanine cards. For the Phase I effort, Antara will we define and design a core architecture with modular building blocks that will fit into a 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 10 cm custom rugged form factor. The building blocks will include high performance, heterogenous (CPU/GPU/FPGA) signal processing; scalable and efficient mixed-signal data conversion (acquisition/generation); and efficient RF front-end blocks. These building blocks will support operating in multiple frequency bands from 0.01 to 40 GHz; provide configurable instantaneous bandwidth of 2 to 4+ GHz; make possible a scalable number of full-duplex phase-coherent TX/RX channels (1 to 4 threshold, and 16 goal); support key Radar and Electronic Attack (EA), Digital RF Memory (DRFM) and RF front-end performance considerations such as coherency, latency, sensitivity, flatness, receive/transmit gain, RF/digital tuning, etc.; and deliver scalable output power of 1W to 100W depending on application and frequency band. Antara will also define and design SOSA Aligned VNX+ and 3U VPX form factor wideband multifunction RF payloads utilizing, enhancing and standardizing these modular building blocks.Antara will analyze and evaluate through modeling, simulation, and laboratory/benchtop testing of the anticipated digital/mixed-signal processing/conversion and RF performance characteristics of the three payload form factors detailing assumptions and considerations and develop detailed Phase 2 prototype plans for these payloads.The SOSA Aligned MOSA multifunction RF systems will drive significant benefits such as: 1) Reduced development cycle time; 2) Reduced systems integration cost and risk; 3) Reduced sustainment and modernization cost; 4) Increased commonality and reuse; 5) Rapid capability evolution and mitigated obsolescence; and 6) Faster technology transition and interoperability.