A transceiver has been designed for an Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) system which meets several key requirements that are shared by numerous sensor networks. The communication subsystem can be configured quickly through the use of secure, low-power RF links. An efficient media access layer provides low latencies during high traffic scenarios. A robust networking algorithm allows the network to adapt to changes in the RF environment, including remote jamming. A low power consumption hardware design allows each unit to achieve long mission durations while operating off of limited battery resources. A highly efficient RF front end allows for several kilometer link ranges to be achieved with ground level antennas. The transceiver hardware conforms to a small form factor designed for high volume production with low per-unit cost. While the transceiver was specifically designed for a particular system, the hardware platform can easily be configured to suit a variety of sensor applications. Because waveform modulation and demodulation are executed via digital signal processing, changes to modulation technique and data rate can be accommodated. The DSP and PLD based digital architecture provides a software definable radio platform that serves as a mature and tested alternative to the developmental JTRS Cluster 5 radio.

Date Published: 2 May 2006
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6231, Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications VIII, 62310Q (2 May 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.665810

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6231:
Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications VIII
Edward M. Carapezza, Editor(s)