Software-Defined Noise Cancellation for Wireless Pulse Based Communications

In a previous NSF research effort, DSI addressed the feasibility of using modulated pulse-based RF communications over a software-defined-radio (SDR) platform for improving the reliability of RF communications. Although the pulse-based RF wireless communication has shown significant promise in reliable communications in hostile RF channels, the acoustic noise headset interference challenge has not been fully addressed yet. Audio communications near an aircraft while employing wireless handsets for DoD helicopter operations encounter significant audio interference due to background rotor-generated acoustic noise.  Rotor noise makes it difficult for communication devices in picking up human speech over this background noise. In addition, the vibration from the helicopter's rotors and other components can cause microphones to pick up extraneous noise, negatively impacting the ability to understand spoken words. The indirect background noise also transmitting through their wireless communications system makes the voice communications challenging and leads to misunderstandings and errors, impacting the safety of flight operations.  DSI proposes to implement advanced signal processing algorithms for developing built-in high performance active noise and echo cancellation capabilities integrated with the DSI pulse-based wireless communications systems. The use of environmental microphones inside the radio units to differentiate between the environment noise and the direct speech is important.