Signal Exploitation and Geolocation

• analysis, analytics, visualization, & reporting
• antennas & propagation
• array processing
• cloud computing
• signal processing
• communications solutions
• cross-domain solutions
• electromagnetic modeling
• electronic attack
• electronic warfare
• intelligence networking
• GPS engineering
• high-performance computing
• information exploitation
• geolocation
• information operations
• life-cycle support
• signals intelligence
• micro-SIGINT
• surveillance systems
• tagging, tracking, & locating solutions
• situational awareness
• intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance
• radio frequency (RF) design
• autonomous sensing platforms, devices, & systems
• tactical networking
• multi-INT processing, exploitation, & dissemination
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Signal Exploitation
and Geolocation
A
s the volume and nature of communication signals
pro­liferate and evolve, Southwest Research Institute is
focusing efforts on supporting the United States and
foreign governments with innovative communications signal
intercept, direction-finding, surveillance, geolocation, and
tracking technologies.
“Multi-intelligence,” the fusion of multiple types of data,
provides a big-picture snapshot of information for military and
surveillance operations. Applying our expertise in signals intelligence as well as artificial intelligence, we are developing automated systems to collect, process, and analyze enormous volumes of real-time data from multiple sources to report relevant
actionable information based on sensor, data, and user-contextual
needs. These systems provide tactical, operational, and strategic
information in real time and near real time (ad.swri.org).
Our staff has been actively involved in all aspects of angleof-arrival geolocation networks. We have delivered the initial
operational capability for a high-performance worldwide
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geolocation network. That system includes modern messaging technology, innovative mission management, highperformance data storage, retrieval, display, advanced
geolocation algorithms, and new network management and
monitoring capabilities. In conjunction with this effort, we
are establishing angle-of-arrival capability between dissimilar systems to provide geolocation network interoperability.
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We recently upgraded the antenna pattern
collection capabilities at our 200-acre field test
site (antenna shown atop tower) and rotary
test site, which measures far-field antenna
patterns for up to 16 antenna elements over
a 360-degree axis of rotation. The new data
collection system provides more accurate
measurements at speeds more than five times
faster than the previous system.
This work is being accomplished through the use of
the Theater Netcentric Geolocation (TNG) infrastructure. As a member of TNG working groups, SwRI is a
leader in the advancement of angle-of-arrival operations in tactical geolocation network operations.
Our researchers also are optimizing the process of searching for and analyzing new communication signals, which must
frequently be performed manually. We are investigating “locateto-collect” concepts to determine every signal’s geographic origin first and then highlight only those signals emanating from a
geographic region of interest for further scrutiny and analysis.
To address emerging maritime communications requirements, we are developing a new VHF/UHF architecture that integrates multiple-channel wideband digital receivers, enhanced
network data flow, enhanced VHF/UHF signal characterization,
and tactical operator displays.
The Naval Air Systems Command awarded SwRI a program
to develop VHF/UHF SIGINT direction finding technology. The
program includes developing field-programmable gate array
(FPGA) processing and airborne geolocation algorithms.
We are developing a prototype robot system to inspect
overhead power lines and demonstrated its ability to operate in
demanding environments, such as heavy rain and freezing cold.
Future efforts include
using the robot on an
operating power trans­
mission line.
We recently applied
our expertise in complex
radio frequency and image
and digital communication
signal processing to space
flight systems requiring
high reliability.
SwRI uses internal
research funds to help
develop new technologies
and pave the way for
client-sponsored programs. For one project,
we integrated a VHF/UHF frequency band operator-driven
signal survey capability that
covers up to 320 megahertz of
bandwidth instantaneously.
Signal processing functions
SwRI developed a system to speed up the analysis
of communication signals data. This color-coded image
shows the direction of arrival of multiple signals. Those
originating in geographic regions of interest can be isolated
for further analysis.
are software defined and hosted on commodity multicore servers (signalexploitation.swri.org).
We also funded the development of a VHF/UHF direction finding system in a compact pod that can be installed
in multiple helicopter platforms. In addition, we developed FPGA-based demodulators and decoders to reduce
size, weight, and power applications for unmanned aerial
systems. 
Visit sigint.swri.org for more information or contact
Vice President Nils Smith at (210) 522-3685 or
nils.smith@swri.org.
SwRI recently
designed, integrated,
and delivered an
HF/VHF/UHF compact
portable wideband
survey and collection
system called Scout™.
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