Independent Spreading Overlay for Legacy RF Waveform Obfuscation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, particularly 5G, are vulnerable to detection, jamming, and geolocation in contested environments, and redesigning new waveforms is costly and incompatible with legacy equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Bolt-On Spread Spectrum (BOSS) module that applies spreading techniques to legacy RF signals, creating a spread signal below the noise floor, which is then de-spread to maintain legacy waveform integrity and enhance Low Probability of Interception/Detection/Anti-Jam characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If spread spectrum processing is applied to legacy RF signals for obfuscation, then signal detection difficulty increases, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spread spectrum processing into distinct functional blocks: a spreading code generator that creates pseudorandom codes, a modulator that combines the code with the legacy signal, and a de-spreader that reverses the process at the receiver. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spread spectrum processing system between the legacy RF signal source and the receiver. This intermediary applies pseudorandom spreading codes to the signal, transforming it into a wideband signal that appears as noise to unintended receivers, thereby increasing detection difficulty without requiring complex modifications to the original legacy system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent spreading overlay is used to maintain compatibility with legacy systems, then legacy system compatibility is preserved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic spreading codes that can be independently generated and applied to legacy signals without requiring static modifications to the legacy system architecture. The spreading process is dynamically controlled through software or programmable hardware, allowing the system to adapt to different legacy signal types while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or hardware-based signal modification approaches with software-based spread spectrum processing. This substitution allows legacy systems to remain unchanged while the software layer applies independent spreading overlays, managing complexity through programmable rather than hardwired solutions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Communicating using spread spectrum. A legacy RF signal is intercepted from a legacy radio, spread spectrum processing is performed on the legacy RF signal to create a spread signal. The spread signal is transmitted to a receiver, whereafter the spread signal is de-spread to recover the legacy RF signal.