Computationally Efficient Wideband RF Sensing Algorithm for Threat Detection

BANC3, Inc. in Princeton, NJ has developed a wide instantaneous bandwidth software defined receiver (SDRX) architecture that processes the input RF signal in both the frequency and time domains simultaneously and continuously in real time.Ā The spectra and pulse descriptor words generated by the SDRX are processed with an intelligent data reduction technique that significantly reduces the data throughput while preserving the accuracy of the signal parameters.Ā A computationally efficient wideband RF sensing algorithm will be developed that operates on the reduced data sets to reliably detect and classify threat signals in complex RF environments. This algorithm will be integrated on to an embedded ARM processor in the FPGA eliminating the need for external GPUs.Ā This configuration is well suited for SWaP constrained applications deployed in austere environments (drones, combat vehicle, dismounted soldier).Ā The algorithm employs threat signal templates that can be generated through modeling and/or in real-world collections.Ā Preliminary testing of the algorithm confirms the capability to discern different signals operating atĀthe same frequency with a confidence of greater then 85%.Ā Based on the latest developments withĀintegrated direct RF sampling devices, we anticipate developing a configuration which will deliver over 6 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth over an RF range of 100 MHz to 40 GHz that can reliably detect RF enabled threat signals to ground platforms.Ā By using data derived from the spectra and pulse descriptor words in combination, our algorithm will have a low probability of false alarms.