Adaptive Multi-Protocol SDR Payload for UAV Emitter Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAVs face challenges in efficiently collecting and analyzing Radio Frequency (RF) signals for intelligence gathering in dynamic and RF-contested environments, particularly in areas where traditional RF communication is jammed or obstructed, limiting their effectiveness in emitter localization and data collection.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) payload with adaptive Software Defined Radio (SDR) and antenna arrays on UAVs, enabling autonomous operation and flexible power/voltage regulation, allowing for real-time data analysis and control of flight paths to optimize signal collection and emitter localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RF communication is used for UAV control and data transmission, then communication simplicity is maintained, but effectiveness is limited in RF-contested and jammed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its communication mode based on environmental conditions. The UAV can switch between RF communication (when available and reliable) and visual communication (when RF is contested or jammed). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system versatile across different environmental conditions while maintaining communication reliability through appropriate mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of communication methodology from RF-based to visual-based when conditions deteriorate. By implementing multiple communication modes with different physical principles (RF waves vs. visual line-of-sight), the system can adapt to RF-contested environments, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing environmental adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If SIGINT payload is integrated for emitter localization, then data collection capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SIGINT payload is designed with multi-functionality to justify its integration. It not only performs emitter localization through RF signal analysis but also contributes to navigation by providing positional data and can support communication functions. This multi-functionality helps offset the increased device complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload serves as an intermediary between the UAV's flight control system and the external RF environment. It processes raw RF signals into meaningful emitter location data and communicates this information to the flight controller, which then uses it for navigation decisions. This intermediary role organizes the complexity into manageable functional blocks.
3Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented using SIGINT data, then productivity is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV implements self-service through autonomous operation where the flight controller automatically processes SIGINT data to determine emitter locations and autonomously navigates to collect additional data. This self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention, while the complexity is managed through automated decision-making algorithms that follow predefined protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous control system operates with continuous feedback loops. The flight controller receives ongoing SIGINT data, processes it to update emitter location estimates, and adjusts the UAV's flight path accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables productive autonomous operation while managing complexity through iterative refinement based on real-time data.
4Reliability
If visual communication mode is used in RF-denied environments, then communication reliability is improved, but line-of-sight requirement limits operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically selects between RF and visual modes based on environmental conditions. When RF communication becomes unreliable due to jamming or contestation, the system transitions to visual communication mode. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing reliability in RF-denied environments while maintaining operational flexibility through mode adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication capability is segmented into distinct modes (RF and visual) that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for reliability in specific conditions (visual mode for RF-denied environments) while preserving overall operational flexibility by maintaining the option to use RF mode when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) payload includes an adaptive Software Defined Radio (SDR) interface that is configurable to communicate with two or more SDRs using two or more protocols, a UAV interface that is configured to communicate with the UAV and a control circuit connected to the adaptive SDR interface and to the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to communicate with the adaptive SDR interface and with the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to receive SDR data from the adaptive SDR interface, receive UAV flight data from the UAV interface and use the SDR data and the UAV flight data to generate Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) data regarding the one or more emitter.