Signal Exploitation and Geolocation Systems

Signal
Exploitation Geolocation
Systems
Southwest Research Institute®
San Antonio, Texas
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Signal Exploitation
and Geolocation
Systems
©2006 Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Committed to
Diversity in the Workplace
Photos on cover courtesy of U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and the Canadian Navy.
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Photos courtesy of U.S. Navy
outhwest Research Institute (SwRI) is recognized
worldwide as a leader in radio-frequency (RF)
signal exploitation and geolocation system development. The Institute provides advanced acquisition,
recognition, direction finding (DF), surveillance, and
tracking systems to government agencies, militaries,
and commercial clients in the United States and
around the world.
SwRI provides a wide range of systems and
technical support in:
Signal acquisition, intercept, and recognition
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Tactical intelligence systems
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Naval communications intelligence systems
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Ground-based DF and single-site location
systems
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Battlespace instrumentation
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Portable DF systems
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Spectrum surveillance systems
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Worldwide tracking via satellite
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Combat identification and situational awareness
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Software engineering
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Antennas and propagation
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Analysis, simulation, and testing capabilities
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Logistics and life-cycle support
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Reusable software
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Advanced acoustic and imaging sensor systems
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SwRI has developed a wide range of shipboard signal acquisition and
DF equipment for the U.S., United Kingdom, and Canadian navies.
SwRI’s SABER
system has been
deployed with U.S.
troops to provide
battlefield situational awareness
in support of several operational
missions.
Institute scientists and engineers work directly
with clients to provide optimum hardware and software solutions to specific operational problems.
SwRI systems range from one-of-a-kind, commerciallevel designs to large-scale, fully documented,
deployment-ready production units.
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SwRI acquisition,
recognition, and
DF systems offer
state-of-the-art
operator-machine
interfaces, which
include displays for
signal identification, geolocation,
and DF.
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Signal Acquisition, Intercept, and Recognition
wRI provides narrowband and
wideband electronic support (ES)
systems using sophisticated highspeed general-purpose processor
arrays and distributed digital signal
processing algorithms.
Automated signal analysis is
tailored to meet the threat
environment, including:
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MF-UHF frequency of interest
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Communications modulations
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Short transmission duration
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Special signals, such as directsequence spread spectrum and
frequency hop
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IF panoramic display
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Spectrogram display (IF
spectrum vs. time)
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Azimuthalgram (azimuth angle
of arrival vs. time)
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Waterfall display (RF spectrum
vs. time)
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To help intercept operators
manually identify signals, SwRI systems incorporate state-of-the-art signal analysis displays, such as:
An operator uses this display to analyze an ALE control channel exchange, showing
signal activity and corresponding direction-of-arrival in real time.
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Using commercial off-the- shelf
(COTS) hardware, the Institute
develops signal processors that
provide wideband (up to 10 MHz/
channel) detection, signal recognition, and DF capabilities in the
medium, high-, very high-, and ultra
high-frequency (MF, HF, VHF, and
UHF) ranges.
SwRI specializes in custom rackmounted and portable systems.
SwRI developed this signal analysis display to accommodate modern signal modulations.
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Tactical Intelligence Systems
leader in communications intelligence
(COMINT) technologies, SwRI has produced
systems for navies around the world for more than
45 years.
SwRI naval systems meet a variety of design
requirements and tactical and strategic needs,
including:
MF, HF, VHF, and UHF acquisition and DF
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HF skywave DF
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Netted operations
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Wideband intercept and DF
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Automated spectrum surveillance and signal
recognition
SwRI-developed HF
wideband collection
systems feature software channelization
and pooled processing.
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AN/SRS-1
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AN/SRD-503 and 504
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AN/SSQ-120
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Privateer
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SwRI provides intercept and DF systems for
naval land-based sites, ships, and submarines. The
Institute designs and tests systems to the severe
shipboard environment, including shock, vibration,
temperature, and electromagnetic interference
(EMI).
SwRI develops and produces DF antennas and
below-decks equipment groups for major shipboard
DF programs that include:
Photo couresy of U.S. Navy
In addition, SwRI develops customized MF/HF/
VHF/UHF shipboard DF systems for special
applications.
Advanced DF algorithms and calibration data
acquisition and reduction software are integral to
the SwRI shipboard DF systems, providing high
bearing accuracy in the complex ship environment.
COTS technology is emphasized on all SwRI
communications intelligence systems to provide
state-of-the-art, world-class systems at reduced
costs. Engineers use innovative ruggedization techniques to adapt COTS technology to the severe
naval environment.
SwRI designs antennas for multiple shipboard DF
applications. Shown are mast-mounted AS-420
(top inset) and AS-145 antennas (bottom inset)
mounted on a lower deck.
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Ground-Based DF and SSL Systems
wRI designs, develops, installs, and tests
both fixed-site and vehicle-mounted
ground-based DF systems, DF networks,
and single-station location (SSL) systems
featuring:
HF through UHF operations
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Automatic signal recognition and DF
signal confirmation
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Real-time map displays of DF outstation activity at net control
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Geolocation “fix” processing
SwRI’s core processor-based HF interferometer DF systems offer propagationlimited DF performance against skywave
signals. Adding a vertical incidence sounder
to the system permits SSL operation on
targets between 50 and 1500 km from the DF
site. The SwRI HF DF and SSL interferometer systems offer unique performance
options including:
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N-channel MUSIC DF processing
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N-channel null steering co-channel
interference reduction
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Frequency-slice DF processing for
enhanced sensitivity and productivity
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Target signal confirmation in the DF
channel
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Automated check-target operations
SwRI-developed HF wideband systems provide automatic signal
processing at extremely high new energy alarm (NEA) rates.
SwRI scientists integrated
this HF-UHF aquisition
and DF COMINT suite
into a mobile shelter.
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The SwRI core processor provides goniometric and nongoniometric processing of
the circularly disposed antenna arrays
(CDAA), including the AN/FLR-9,
AN/FRD-10, AN/FRD-13, and PUSHER
systems.
SwRI maintains an advanced DF
operations center, including a real-time
operational fixed site, and rooftop to
support DF system development.
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Spectrum Surveillance Systems
ith the proliferation of electronic information systems, sensitive and proprietary information is
increasingly vulnerable to electronic eavesdropping.
Since 1973, SwRI has pioneered the design and development of computer-controlled RF spectrum surveillance
systems. SwRI systems provide:
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Automated RF spectrum monitor
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RF communications–Planning and Operations
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Frequency management
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Signal intelligence (SIGINT)
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Electronic support measures
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Building security–Counter-espionage
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Real-time signal analysis with dynamic filtering
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High-speed spectrum displays and histograms
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Wide 8-MHz bandwidth capture and demodulation
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User-defined frequency bands, resolutions, and
detection algorithms
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Interactive and unattended task scheduling
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Ultra broad-band operation–DC through microwave
using multiple antennas
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Full utilization of digital signal-processing tools
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Multichannel matrix-switched
processing
the AN/FRD-10 CDAA shown here.
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AM/FM/SSB/PM/FSK/PSK/QAM/TDMA/subcarrier recognition, demodulation, and digital recording
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Multiple digital drop receivers that provide multiple
receiver functions
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Voice modulation recognition (speech detection)
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Signal logging of new, active, and authorized signals
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Autocorrelation of signal by spectrum signature
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SwRI configures system solutions by tailoring existing
hardware and operational software to provide:
Specialized Institute-developed hardware and software are
integrated with Hewlett-Packard’s E3238S Blackbird to
produce a versatile RF signal surveillance system.
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SwRI provides core DF processors for
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Spectral occupancy analysis
Signal trace snapshots
䡵 Separate director workstation for control and analysis
Engineers use specialized RF signal algorithms and sophisticated hardware to create a histogram of target signals in a
signal search for communications monitoring.
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SwRI developed this
broadband antenna
and radome to be used
over the 100 kHz to 10
GHz frequency band.
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Combat Identification and Situational Awareness
wRI designs, develops, and prototypes
advanced combat identification and situational
awareness equipment for the digitized battlefield.
Institute engineers have developed a cost-effective
GPS-based system that permits combat personnel to
query target areas to determine the presence of
friendly forces.
Using both over-the-horizon (satellite) and LOS
communication, this technology quickly and positively identifies a friendly ship, tank, vehicle, or aircraft. Command and control terminals (GCCS-M
TAC-JW) act as network controllers to poll individual beacons on demand or to program beacons to
report automatically. SwRI-developed architecture
supports:
A global network of 60,000 beacons reporting
over UHF military satellite channels
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Theater networks reporting as many as 150
positions every two minutes on 5-kHz
satellite channels
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Multiple LOS networks reporting as many as
16 positions per second
The SwRI-developed SABER transceiver includes an integral
GPS receiver, microcomputer (capable of over-the-air reprogramming), and a 25-watt synthesized UHF transmitter for
geosynchronous satellite communication.
SwRI evaluates and develops battlespace instrumentation
systems deployed on training ranges.These ranges simulate
actual battlefield conditions in realistic training exercises that
hone a soldier’s combat skills.
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The SABER command and control terminal monitors positions of
all SABER platforms and directs operations using SATCOM or
LOS ommunications.
Battlespace Instrumentation and
World-Wide Tracking Via Satellite
attlespace instrumentation is used by the military to test
its equipment, to train combat personnel, and to fight
military actions.
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GPS
SATELLITES
LOW EARTH ORBIT
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Test
The Institute evaluates sophisticated systems and verifies
operation under simulated battlefield conditions.
Train
SwRI develops instrumentation to improve combat training
centers for future digitized battlefield forces. The Institute
supports comprehensive training concepts, including military operations on urban terrain (MOUT).
Store
&
Forward
Transmit
Stored
Tracking
Data
NORTH
AMERICA
SwRI
SwRI
Tracking
Device
EUROPE
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Internet
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AFRICA
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SOUTH
AMERICA
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Use of the LEO satellite system, rather than satellites in
geosynchronous orbit, reduces the transmitting power and
antenna requirements of the RS-8 worldwide tracking beacon. The SwRI-developed beacon accurately transmits its
location to a central site from anywhere in the world.
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SwRI provides a range of satellite-based tracking devices
that process, format, and transmit GPS information via various communication links.
Location information is forwarded to the user via a local
line-of-sight (LOS) radio link or, for remote-sensing operations, via low earth orbit (LEO) or geosynchronous satellites.
The SwRI “smart” beacons store data when no satellite is visible and then automatically report position data through
LEO satellites when a satellite link becomes available.
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Fight
Military personnel must train with weapon systems they
use in combat. SwRI provides seamless training that allows
the soldier to train and fight in the traditional field environment as well as in urban locations. SwRI engineers evaluate
emerging technologies that allow precise location of trainees
within a MOUT exercise.
UHF and S-band
antennas are used to
communicate with LEO
and geosynchronousorbit satellites to support
worldwide tracking, combat identification, and
situational awareness.
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SwRI’s ruggedized GPS-based RS-8 beacon can be
customized for use in a variety of environments. The integrated microcomputer allows field programming of mission
parameters prior to deployment and provides internal
storage of track data and the satellite visibility to allow
communications via LEO satellites.
In one of several military and law-enforcement agency MOUT
facilities, SwRI engineers test innovative instrumentation as it is
being developed for world-wide fielding.
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Man-Portable and Man-Pack DF Systems
sing SwRI-developed algorithms, portable DF
systems provide accurate bearings for almost
any platform, including:
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Ships
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Vehicles
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Fixed locations
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Wideband and narrowband intercept/DF
processing
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Reconfigurable processing platform-based DF
processors
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Miniature multichannel receivers and
computing components
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Compact antennas
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Automatic check-target operations
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Target signal DF confirmation
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Tasking/reporting in worldwide
DF networks
The Institute has
designed lightweight,
hand-held, and vehicularmounted DF and tracking
systems to meet specific
law enforcement
requirements.
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SwRI’s portable systems offer many processing
features and performance options found in larger
rack-mounted systems, including:
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Photo courtesy of U.S. Army
In addition, portable systems are designed for
rapid deployment and setup to provide worldwide
intercept capabilities that meet changing operational needs.
To obtain high DF accuracy from severely
cluttered installations, SwRI developed a
unique calibration scheme that reduces the
amount of calibration data required, thereby
reducing calibration time and cost.
SwRI’s beacon-tracking DF systems use correlation
processing for operations against low-signal strengths.
SwRI designed a DF system suitable
for integration into military clothing for
man-portable DF applications.
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Advanced Sensor Systems
dvanced sensor systems employ custom elements
of hardware, software, graphic user interfaces
(GUIs), and specialized packaging, which draw upon
extensive internal expertise and past designs,
including:
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Analog and digital filtering
Compression
Tamper indication and authentication
Data protection and encryption
Signal demodulation and translation
Pseudo-random code synchronization
Advanced technical positions and leading-edge
engineering are practiced in areas such as:
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Digital signal processing
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Miniaturization of circuits
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Low-power circuits
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Battery and power management
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Power harvesting (electromechanical, solar,
electromagnetic)
䡵 Robust packaging and technology insertion
(e.g., MEMS or multimode integrated circuits)
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Multisensor data include audio, video, imagery, and
location. Location data are based on GPS, TOA (Time
of Arrival), TDOA/AOA (Time Difference of
Arrival/Angle of Arrival) and combinations of these
techniques.
Metrics available both individually and in
combination include:
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Temperature and humidity
䡵 Pressure and altitude
䡵 Vibration and acceleration
䡵 Voltage and current
SkyWisp , an
autonomous or remotecontrolled glider platform
launched by a lifting balloon and released at a
predetermined altitude,
can carry advanced sensor payloads tailored to
provide collection of sensor information required to
support client-designated
scenarios.
Environments for data collection include:
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SwRI engineeers
developed an
advanced sensor
used in high-voltage
environment typically
found in the power
distribution industry.
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Operating machinery (e.g., electric motors, robots,
internal combustion engines, aircraft engines and
gearboxes)
䡵 Overhead transmission lines and electric power
switch gear
䡵 Animal (including man), both underground and
underwater
䡵 Harsh environments, including arctic, forest,
plain, desert, and high altitude
Sensor data is communicated using radio links,
including line-of-sight, over-the-horizon [via satellite
(LEO, GEO)] or near-space relay.
Nontraditional communications techniques are
employed to address underwater, underground, and
other environments.
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Antennas and Propagation
ntenna design is an integral part of the geolocation
systems development program at SwRI. Optimum
performance requires antenna designs tailored to the
operational platform and propagation conditions. Failure to
recognize these constraints can result in a system with good
instrumental accuracy, but poor operational performance.
SwRI antenna systems are tailored to meet operational
requirements. For example, SwRI has designed HF arrays for
interferometer and MUSIC processing to provide ionospherically limited DF performance in the multimode, multipolarization skywave signal environment.
Antennas for surface ships are designed to reduce DF errors
caused by reradiating structures, to withstand the harsh marine
environment, and to provide low radar cross section.
Propagation conditions influence DF and signal exploitation
system design in ways such as:
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Antenna sensitivity and polarization response
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DF and signal processing algorithm selection
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Array aperture and processing time trade-offs
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Antenna selection and installation choices
This highly accurate
submarine DF antenna,
shown with the radome
removed, is an
example of today’s
high-performance
antenna technology.
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To support HF skywave propagation studies, SwRI developed a
unique HF DF sounder that provides azimuth and elevation data.
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SwRI conducts research to define the impacts of HF skywave,
VHF/UHF LOS, and urban propagation conditions on DF algorithm and tracking system design. SwRI also conducts a vigorous program of electromagnetic modeling to support antenna
element and array designs. Codes such as Method of Moments,
Geometric Theory of Diffraction, and Finite Difference Time
Domain are used to model antenna responses in practical sites
for ship, aircraft, ground-mobile, and fixed locations.
SwRI engineers developed this low radar cross
section (RCS) DF antenna for shipboard applications.
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Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation Capabilities
wRI provides a wide range of capabilities in
analysis, simulation, and evaluation, including:
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Prediction and analysis of proto-type system
performance using specialized computer
tools
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Determination of capabilities and limitations
of existing systems
Numerical simulation
allows determination of
current distribution on
complex antennas
structures.
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EM modeling and simulation of antennas
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Determination of cluttered site effects on
system performance
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Prediction of HF propagation path
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Prediction of VHF/UHF communications
coverage
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Analysis of communications link/network
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Analysis of RF circuit and system performance
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Determination of DF system and geolocation
accuracy
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Electromagnetic expertise includes:
Antenna responses/sensitivities
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Radar cross section
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DF system accuracy
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Physical scale models
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Mast-mounted antenna performance
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Anechoic chamber antenna measurements
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Fixed and land-mobile systems
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Vehicle-mounted antenna systems
SwRI has successfully automated griding of large structures for
accurate simulation of electromagnetic characteristics.
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Sophisticated Institute facilities permit evaluation of SwRI-developed and client-furnished
antennas and systems operating in the kilohertz
to gigahertz ranges. Optimized for ES equipment,
with emphasis on DF and radiolocation, automated spectrum surveillance, and satellite-based
tracking systems, these facilities support testing
in the following disciplines:
To meet a variety of unique and specialized evaluation and analysis
needs, Institute facilities include outdoor test ranges covering more than
160 acres.
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Software Engineering
he core of today’s signal exploitation and geolocation structure is the software. Institute analyst and
engineers are innovative in working with clients to establish responsive, effective, and cost-efficient
solutions to complex software requirements. All software meets ISO 9001 standards, and CMM Level 3
procedures are in place and being practiced.
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Institute analysts are experienced in providing
tailored software supporting:
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Institute analysts are trained or certified in the latest
open systems architectural technology including:
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C/C++, Python, Perl, and Java languages
UNIX and Linux Operating Systems
Microsoft Operating Systems
VxWorks Operating System
OMG standard CORBA, UML, and IIOP open
architecture
XML and HTML
SQLServer and Oracle databases
32- and 64-bit processing
High-speed multiprocessor
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)
The re-use of software supports:
䡵 Open-systems architectural standards
䡵 Reduced programming costs and time
䡵 Efficient use of resources
䡵 Efficient code execution
䡵 Componentized systems integration
䡵 Reduced maintenance costs and time
䡵 Object-oriented analysis and design
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Signal identification and analysis
Communications and networks
Database applications
Data migration and reduction
Device and system controls
Modeling
Visualization and imaging
Responsive user interfaces
Encryption
Signal and data searching
Performance analysis and testing
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Graphical user interfaces are an essential element for visualizing
complex signals in large-scale distributed acquisition systems.
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Unified Modeling Language (UML) is used to design component
interfaces.
Production and Sustainment Engineering
he Institute provides production and sustainment engineering that maintains, upgrades, or modernizes critical systems. Product life cycles are effectively supported through the
application of complete ogistics, configuration management,
and direct technical support activities.
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Production
SwRI staff members provide efficient transition from design
engineering to one-of-a-kind prototypes and engineering development models, low-rate initial production, or full-rate production. SwRI maintains state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops,
test facilities, and high bay areas to support these activities the
following activities.
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Design-to-Production Transition
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Logistics
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Provisioning of spare parts
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Optimum repair level analysis
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Training for operators and maintainers
with documentation
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Reliability analysis, prediction, and
testing
Configuration Management
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Manufacturability
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Planning
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Material and supplier selections
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Identification
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Test Methods
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Change control
Build-to-Print
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Status accounting
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Complex electronic assemblies
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Audits and verification
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Printed circuit board assemblies
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RF cables, wire harnesses, and discrete wiring
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Painting and coating
Testing
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Thermal, EMI/RFI, vibration and shock
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Complex RF and digital testing
Management Resources
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State-of-the-art CAD modeling and drawing system
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Production control and planning
SwRI technical
support includes
onsite installation,
testing, and repair
as shown at this
pierside shipboard
system installation.
Overhauls and Upgrades
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Maintain current capabilities
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Upgrade to new technologies
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On-site repairs
SwRI maintains a
fully equipped
anechoic chamber to support
antenna and
model development and testing.
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Life-Cycle Management
SwRI staff members are providing comprehensive technical support to meet life-cycle
management needs including logistic engineering and configuration management.
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Southwest Research Institute is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical
sciences research and development organization using multidisciplinary approaches to problem
solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet
of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,000 employees who perform
contract work for industry and government clients.
We welcome your inquiries.
For additional information, please contact:
SwRI Business Development • San Antonio, Texas • (210) 522-2122 • Fax: (210) 522-3496 • E-mail: bd@swri.org
16-0360-04
JCN222471
Nils Smith, Vice President
Defense & Intelligence Solutions Division
Southwest Research Institute
6220 Culebra Road • P.O. Drawer 28510
San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510
(210) 522-3685 • Fax (210) 522-2709
E-mail: nsmith@swri.org
Web Site: www.swri.org