Compact dual transceiver module for a software defined tactical radio

Abstract

A Dual Integrated Core Engine Transceiver “DICE-T” combines two transceivers into a single module. The transceivers are based on mobile processors typically used in handheld devices which have TDPs of less than 2 Watts, thereby allowing two transceivers to fit without overheating into a space typically occupied by a single transceiver. Due to high production volumes and widespread use, the mobile processors are well proven and low in cost. In embodiments, the mobile processors are OMAP processors. In some embodiments, the DICE-T can replace a UT module in a GMR. In some of these embodiments, the OMAP processors include TM320C64xx DSP cores. In certain embodiments, the OMAP processors are DM3730 processors. In various embodiments, each DICE-T module includes a five Watt power amplifier. In embodiments, SINCGAR, SRW, and / or WNW waveforms are supported by software configuration. In some embodiments, transceivers can be transitioned by software between waveforms.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 61 / 484,049, filed May 9, 2011 and No. 61 / 518,722, filed May 10, 2011, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to software defined tactical radio systems, and more particularly, to highly compact software defined tactical radio systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Tactical radio systems are critical to the communications and control functions of any military operation. As communication requirements have become more demanding and the technology has become more sophisticated, it has become necessary in many cases for a mobile military vehicle during an operation to simultaneously support a plurality of communication channels using a plurality of communication protocols or “waveforms.” At the same time, it is important that a tactical radio system meet strict “Size, Power, and Weight” (SWaP)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A Dual Integrated Core Engine Transceiver (DICE-T) universal transceiver module combines two universal transceivers into a single module, thereby meeting three related goals. First, the components necessary for two transceivers fit into a space previously occupied by a single transceiver. Second, the power consumption of the components is low enough to avoid overheating of the module. Third, the cost is minimized. All three of these goals are met in the present invention by utilizing a core element for each transceiver based on a mobile processor which is primarily designed for and used almost exclusively in cellular telephones and other handheld devices. In embodiments, the processor is an OMAP processor, since OMAP's performance vs. size, power & cost are significantly better than competing devices.

[0011]By realizing that a processor intended for use in handheld devices could satisfy the requirements of a tactical mobile radio, and by using a handheld device processor to perform a task that was not foreseen by its designers, the present invention benefits from the compactness, low power consumption, and low heat dissipation that are intrinsic to handheld device processors. The invention also benefits from the low cost and reliability that handheld device processors provide, since they are manufactured in large quantities and are widely used.

[0012]In embodiments, the DICE-T module can be used to replace a UT module in a GMR radio, thereby providing two transceivers within the SWAP previously required for a single transceiver. In some of these embodiments, each transceiver in the DICE-T module incorporates an OMAP processor model, such as the DM3730 processor, that includes a DSP core of the TM320C64xx family. Since a DSP core of this same family is included in the GMR UT modules, the cost and risk of porting the GMR software for use with the new DICE-T dual modules is significantly reduced. In various embodiments, a dual 5 W power amplifier is also incorporated into each DICE-T unit.

Problems solved by technology

Second, the power consumption of the components is low enough to avoid overheating of the module.

Conventional wisdom at the time of the invention held that mobile processors designed to be used in handheld devices would not be suitable for tactical radio solutions, because they would lack the computational power to perform tasks that are required by tactical radios but do not apply to handheld devices, such as security, cosite interference mitigation, and filtering capabilities that allow the tactical radios to operate in a hostile environment and in close proximity to each other, as well as frequency separation that allows tactical radios to use different filter paths in transmit and receive modes.

In addition, handheld device processors typically include functionality such as graphical interface support that would not be used by a tactical radio, and would represent a waste of computing power.

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