5Southwest Research Institute®

San Antonio, Texas

SignalExploitation Geolocation

Systems

Signal Exploitationand Geolocation

Systems

©2006 Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved.An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Committed toDiversity in the Workplace

Photos on cover courtesy of U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and the Canadian Navy.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is recognizedworldwide as a leader in radio-frequency (RF)

signal exploitation and geolocation system develop-ment. The Institute provides advanced acquisition,recognition, direction finding (DF), surveillance, andtracking systems to government agencies, militaries,and commercial clients in the United States andaround the world.

SwRI provides a wide range of systems andtechnical support in:

� Signal acquisition, intercept, and recognition� Tactical intelligence systems� Naval communications intelligence systems� Ground-based DF and single-site location

systems� Battlespace instrumentation� Portable DF systems� Spectrum surveillance systems� Worldwide tracking via satellite� Combat identification and situational awareness� Software engineering� Antennas and propagation� Analysis, simulation, and testing capabilities� Logistics and life-cycle support� Reusable software� Advanced acoustic and imaging sensor systems

Institute scientists and engineers work directlywith clients to provide optimum hardware and soft-ware solutions to specific operational problems.SwRI systems range from one-of-a-kind, commercial-level designs to large-scale, fully documented,deployment-ready production units.

SwRI has developed a wide range of shipboard signal acquisition andDF equipment for the U.S., United Kingdom, and Canadian navies.

SwRI acquisition,recognition, andDF systems offerstate-of-the-artoperator-machineinterfaces, whichinclude displays forsignal identifica-tion, geolocation,and DF.

SwRI’s SABERsystem has beendeployed with U.S.troops to providebattlefield situa-tional awarenessin support of sev-eral operationalmissions.

E11

1002

D01

5192

D004763

D015208

D015209

D015210

Pho

tos

cour

tesy

of U

.S. N

avy

SwRI provides narrowband andwideband electronic support (ES)

systems using sophisticated high-speed general-purpose processorarrays and distributed digital signalprocessing algorithms.

Automated signal analysis istailored to meet the threatenvironment, including:

� MF-UHF frequency of interest� Communications modulations� Short transmission duration� Special signals, such as direct-

sequence spread spectrum andfrequency hop

To help intercept operatorsmanually identify signals, SwRI sys-tems incorporate state-of-the-art sig-nal analysis displays, such as:

� IF panoramic display� Spectrogram display (IF

spectrum vs. time)� Azimuthalgram (azimuth angle

of arrival vs. time)� Waterfall display (RF spectrum

vs. time)

Using commercial off-the- shelf(COTS) hardware, the Institutedevelops signal processors thatprovide wideband (up to 10 MHz/channel) detection, signal recogni-tion, and DF capabilities in themedium, high-, very high-, and ultrahigh-frequency (MF, HF, VHF, andUHF) ranges.

SwRI specializes in custom rack-mounted and portable systems.

An operator uses this display to analyze an ALE control channel exchange, showingsignal activity and corresponding direction-of-arrival in real time.

SwRI developed this signal analysis display to accommodate modern signal modulations.

Signal Acquisition, Intercept, and Recognition

2

D00

4773

D01

5196

leader in communications intelligence(COMINT) technologies, SwRI has produced

systems for navies around the world for more than45 years.

SwRI naval systems meet a variety of designrequirements and tactical and strategic needs,including:

� MF, HF, VHF, and UHF acquisition and DF� HF skywave DF� Netted operations� Wideband intercept and DF� Automated spectrum surveillance and signal

recognition

SwRI provides intercept and DF systems fornaval land-based sites, ships, and submarines. TheInstitute designs and tests systems to the severeshipboard environment, including shock, vibration,temperature, and electromagnetic interference(EMI).

SwRI develops and produces DF antennas andbelow-decks equipment groups for major shipboardDF programs that include:

� AN/SRS-1� AN/SRD-503 and 504� AN/SSQ-120� Privateer� COBLU

In addition, SwRI develops customized MF/HF/VHF/UHF shipboard DF systems for specialapplications.

Advanced DF algorithms and calibration dataacquisition and reduction software are integral tothe SwRI shipboard DF systems, providing highbearing accuracy in the complex ship environment.

COTS technology is emphasized on all SwRIcommunications intelligence systems to providestate-of-the-art, world-class systems at reducedcosts. Engineers use innovative ruggedization tech-niques to adapt COTS technology to the severenaval environment.

SwRI designs antennas for multiple shipboard DFapplications. Shown are mast-mounted AS-420(top inset) and AS-145 antennas (bottom inset)

mounted on a lower deck.

Tactical Intelligence Systems

D01

5204

Pho

to c

oure

sy o

f U.S

. Nav

y

E109746

DE

1200

08

A

SwRI-developed HFwideband collectionsystems feature soft-ware channelizationand pooled processing.

3

D01

5207

SwRI designs, develops, installs, and testsboth fixed-site and vehicle-mounted

ground-based DF systems, DF networks,and single-station location (SSL) systemsfeaturing:

� HF through UHF operations� Automatic signal recognition and DF

signal confirmation� Real-time map displays of DF out-

station activity at net control� Geolocation “fix” processing

SwRI’s core processor-based HF interfer-ometer DF systems offer propagation-limited DF performance against skywavesignals. Adding a vertical incidence sounderto the system permits SSL operation ontargets between 50 and 1500 km from the DFsite. The SwRI HF DF and SSL interferome-ter systems offer unique performanceoptions including:

� N-channel MUSIC DF processing� N-channel null steering co-channel

interference reduction� Frequency-slice DF processing for

enhanced sensitivity and productivity� Target signal confirmation in the DF

channel� Automated check-target operations

The SwRI core processor provides gonio-metric and nongoniometric processing ofthe circularly disposed antenna arrays(CDAA), including the AN/FLR-9,AN/FRD-10, AN/FRD-13, and PUSHERsystems.

SwRI maintains an advanced DFoperations center, including a real-timeoperational fixed site, and rooftop tosupport DF system development.

Ground-Based DF and SSL Systems

SwRI scientists integratedthis HF-UHF aquisitionand DF COMINT suiteinto a mobile shelter.

SwRI-developed HF wideband systems provide automatic signalprocessing at extremely high new energy alarm (NEA) rates.

4

D01

5193

D01

5206

D01

5134

SwRI provides core DF processors for the AN/FRD-10 CDAA shown here.

Spectrum Surveillance Systems

ith the proliferation of electronic information sys-tems, sensitive and proprietary information is

increasingly vulnerable to electronic eavesdropping.Since 1973, SwRI has pioneered the design and devel-

opment of computer-controlled RF spectrum surveillancesystems. SwRI systems provide:

� Automated RF spectrum monitor� RF communications–Planning and Operations� Frequency management� Signal intelligence (SIGINT)� Electronic support measures� Building security–Counter-espionage

SwRI configures system solutions by tailoring existinghardware and operational software to provide:

� Real-time signal analysis with dynamic filtering� High-speed spectrum displays and histograms� Wide 8-MHz bandwidth capture and demodulation� User-defined frequency bands, resolutions, and

detection algorithms� Interactive and unattended task scheduling� Ultra broad-band operation–DC through microwave

using multiple antennas� Full utilization of digital signal-processing tools� Multichannel matrix-switched processing� AM/FM/SSB/PM/FSK/PSK/QAM/TDMA/sub-

carrier recognition, demodulation, and digital recording� Multiple digital drop receivers that provide multiple

receiver functions� Voice modulation recognition (speech detection)� Signal logging of new, active, and authorized signals� Autocorrelation of signal by spectrum signature� Spectral occupancy analysis� Signal trace snapshots� Separate director workstation for control and analysis

Engineers use specialized RF signal algorithms and sophisti-cated hardware to create a histogram of target signals in a signal search for communications monitoring.

Specialized Institute-developed hardware and software areintegrated with Hewlett-Packard’s E3238S Blackbird toproduce a versatile RF signal surveillance system.

E12

2436

CD

0047

61

W

SwRI developed thisbroadband antennaand radome to be usedover the 100 kHz to 10GHz frequency band.

E70

236

5

SwRI designs, develops, and prototypesadvanced combat identification and situational

awareness equipment for the digitized battlefield.Institute engineers have developed a cost-effectiveGPS-based system that permits combat personnel toquery target areas to determine the presence offriendly forces.

Using both over-the-horizon (satellite) and LOScommunication, this technology quickly and posi-tively identifies a friendly ship, tank, vehicle, or air-craft. Command and control terminals (GCCS-MTAC-JW) act as network controllers to poll individ-ual beacons on demand or to program beacons toreport automatically. SwRI-developed architecturesupports:

� A global network of 60,000 beacons reportingover UHF military satellite channels

� Theater networks reporting as many as 150positions every two minutes on 5-kHzsatellite channels

� Multiple LOS networks reporting as many as16 positions per second

Combat Identification and Situational Awareness

The SwRI-developed SABER transceiver includes an integralGPS receiver, microcomputer (capable of over-the-air repro-gramming), and a 25-watt synthesized UHF transmitter forgeosynchronous satellite communication.

The SABER command and control terminal monitors positions ofall SABER platforms and directs operations using SATCOM orLOS ommunications.

E10

9157

DE

1322

59

D00

0845

SwRI evaluates and develops battlespace instrumentationsystems deployed on training ranges.These ranges simulateactual battlefield conditions in realistic training exercises thathone a soldier’s combat skills.

6

In one of several military and law-enforcement agency MOUTfacilities, SwRI engineers test innovative instrumentation as it isbeing developed for world-wide fielding.

attlespace instrumentation is used by the military to testits equipment, to train combat personnel, and to fight

military actions.

TestThe Institute evaluates sophisticated systems and verifiesoperation under simulated battlefield conditions.

TrainSwRI develops instrumentation to improve combat trainingcenters for future digitized battlefield forces. The Institutesupports comprehensive training concepts, including mili-tary operations on urban terrain (MOUT).

FightMilitary personnel must train with weapon systems theyuse in combat. SwRI provides seamless training that allowsthe soldier to train and fight in the traditional field environ-ment as well as in urban locations. SwRI engineers evaluateemerging technologies that allow precise location of traineeswithin a MOUT exercise.

SwRI provides a range of satellite-based tracking devicesthat process, format, and transmit GPS information via vari-ous communication links.

Location information is forwarded to the user via a localline-of-sight (LOS) radio link or, for remote-sensing opera-tions, via low earth orbit (LEO) or geosynchronous satellites.The SwRI “smart” beacons store data when no satellite is vis-ible and then automatically report position data throughLEO satellites when a satellite link becomes available.

SwRI’s ruggedized GPS-based RS-8 beacon can be customized for use in a variety of environments. The inte-grated microcomputer allows field programming of missionparameters prior to deployment and provides internal storage of track data and the satellite visibility to allowcommunications via LEO satellites.

Battlespace Instrumentation andWorld-Wide Tracking Via Satellite

Use of the LEO satellite system, rather than satellites ingeosynchronous orbit, reduces the transmitting power andantenna requirements of the RS-8 worldwide tracking bea-con. The SwRI-developed beacon accurately transmits itslocation to a central site from anywhere in the world.

AFRICA

XX

XX

XX

X X X

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

X XX

X

LOW EARTH ORBIT�SATELLITES

GPS�SATELLITES

SwRI

Internet

SwRI�Tracking�Device

NORTH�AMERICANORTH�

AMERICA

SOUTH�AMERICASOUTH�

AMERICA

AFRICA

Internet

SwRI�Tracking�Device

SwRI X

EUROPEEUROPE

X

X

Store�&�

Forward

Transmit�Stored�

Tracking�Data

UHF and S-bandantennas are used tocommunicate with LEOand geosynchronous-orbit satellites to supportworldwide tracking, com-bat identification, andsituational awareness.

B

7

D01

5197

E13

7025

D00

4766

E115951

E124318

Man-Portable and Man-Pack DF Systems

Using SwRI-developed algorithms, portable DFsystems provide accurate bearings for almost

any platform, including:� Ships� Vehicles� Fixed locations

SwRI’s portable systems offer many processingfeatures and performance options found in largerrack-mounted systems, including:

� Wideband and narrowband intercept/DF processing

� Reconfigurable processing platform-based DFprocessors

� Miniature multichannel receivers andcomputing components

� Compact antennas� Automatic check-target operations� Target signal DF confirmation� Tasking/reporting in worldwide

DF networks

In addition, portable systems are designed forrapid deployment and setup to provide worldwideintercept capabilities that meet changing opera-tional needs.

To obtain high DF accuracy from severelycluttered installations, SwRI developed a unique calibration scheme that reduces the amount of calibration data required, thereby reducing calibration time and cost.

The Institute hasdesigned lightweight,hand-held, and vehicular-mounted DF and trackingsystems to meet specificlaw enforcementrequirements.

E42

269

SwRI’s beacon-tracking DF systems use correlationprocessing for operations against low-signal strengths.

E71

111P

hoto

cou

rtes

y of

U.S

. Arm

y

D015207

SwRI designed a DF system suitablefor integration into military clothing forman-portable DF applications.

8

Advanced technical positions and leading-edgeengineering are practiced in areas such as:

� Digital signal processing� Miniaturization of circuits� Low-power circuits� Battery and power management� Power harvesting (electromechanical, solar,

electromagnetic)� Robust packaging and technology insertion

(e.g., MEMS or multimode integrated circuits)

Advanced Sensor Systems

SkyWispTM

, anautonomous or remote-controlled glider platformlaunched by a lifting bal-loon and released at apredetermined altitude,can carry advanced sen-sor payloads tailored toprovide collection of sen-sor information required tosupport client-designatedscenarios.

SwRI engineeersdeveloped an

advanced sensorused in high-voltage

environment typicallyfound in the power

distribution industry.

Advanced sensor systems employ custom elementsof hardware, software, graphic user interfaces

(GUIs), and specialized packaging, which draw uponextensive internal expertise and past designs, including:

� Analog and digital filtering� Compression� Tamper indication and authentication� Data protection and encryption� Signal demodulation and translation� Pseudo-random code synchronization

Multisensor data include audio, video, imagery, andlocation. Location data are based on GPS, TOA (Timeof Arrival), TDOA/AOA (Time Difference ofArrival/Angle of Arrival) and combinations of thesetechniques.

Metrics available both individually and incombination include:

� Temperature and humidity� Pressure and altitude� Vibration and acceleration� Voltage and current

Environments for data collection include:� Operating machinery (e.g., electric motors, robots,

internal combustion engines, aircraft engines andgearboxes)

� Overhead transmission lines and electric powerswitch gear

� Animal (including man), both underground andunderwater

� Harsh environments, including arctic, forest,plain, desert, and high altitude

Sensor data is communicated using radio links,including line-of-sight, over-the-horizon [via satellite(LEO, GEO)] or near-space relay.

Nontraditional communications techniques areemployed to address underwater, underground, andother environments.

9

D01

5194

D01

5200

D01

5199

ntenna design is an integral part of the geolocationsystems development program at SwRI. Optimum

performance requires antenna designs tailored to theoperational platform and propagation conditions. Failure torecognize these constraints can result in a system with goodinstrumental accuracy, but poor operational performance.

SwRI antenna systems are tailored to meet operationalrequirements. For example, SwRI has designed HF arrays forinterferometer and MUSIC processing to provide ionospheri-cally limited DF performance in the multimode, multipolariza-tion skywave signal environment.

Antennas for surface ships are designed to reduce DF errorscaused by reradiating structures, to withstand the harsh marineenvironment, and to provide low radar cross section.

Propagation conditions influence DF and signal exploitationsystem design in ways such as:

� Antenna sensitivity and polarization response� DF and signal processing algorithm selection� Array aperture and processing time trade-offs� Antenna selection and installation choices

SwRI conducts research to define the impacts of HF skywave,VHF/UHF LOS, and urban propagation conditions on DF algo-rithm and tracking system design. SwRI also conducts a vigor-ous program of electromagnetic modeling to support antennaelement and array designs. Codes such as Method of Moments,Geometric Theory of Diffraction, and Finite Difference TimeDomain are used to model antenna responses in practical sitesfor ship, aircraft, ground-mobile, and fixed locations.

Antennas and Propagation

This highly accuratesubmarine DF antenna,shown with the radome

removed, is an example of today’shigh-performance

antenna technology.

E10

1187

D01

5201

D01

5195

A

SwRI engineers developed this low radar crosssection (RCS) DF antenna for shipboard applications.

To support HF skywave propagation studies, SwRI developed aunique HF DF sounder that provides azimuth and elevation data.

10

SwRI provides a wide range of capabilities inanalysis, simulation, and evaluation, including:

� Prediction and analysis of proto-type systemperformance using specialized computertools

� Determination of capabilities and limitationsof existing systems

Electromagnetic expertise includes:� EM modeling and simulation of antennas� Determination of cluttered site effects on

system performance� Prediction of HF propagation path� Prediction of VHF/UHF communications

coverage� Analysis of communications link/network� Analysis of RF circuit and system perfor-

mance� Determination of DF system and geolocation

accuracy

Sophisticated Institute facilities permit evalua-tion of SwRI-developed and client-furnishedantennas and systems operating in the kilohertzto gigahertz ranges. Optimized for ES equipment,with emphasis on DF and radiolocation, auto-mated spectrum surveillance, and satellite-basedtracking systems, these facilities support testingin the following disciplines:

� Antenna responses/sensitivities� Radar cross section� DF system accuracy� Physical scale models� Mast-mounted antenna performance� Anechoic chamber antenna measurements� Fixed and land-mobile systems� Vehicle-mounted antenna systems

Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation Capabilities

E10

5387

To meet a variety of unique and specialized evaluation and analysisneeds, Institute facilities include outdoor test ranges covering more than160 acres.

SwRI has successfully automated griding of large structures foraccurate simulation of electromagnetic characteristics.

Numerical simulationallows determination ofcurrent distribution oncomplex antennasstructures.

11

D01

5202

D01

5203

D01

5210

_003

6D

0152

14

he core of today’s signal exploitation and geolocation structure is the software. Institute analyst andengineers are innovative in working with clients to establish responsive, effective, and cost-efficient

solutions to complex software requirements. All software meets ISO 9001 standards, and CMM Level 3procedures are in place and being practiced.

Software Engineering

Institute analysts are experienced in providingtailored software supporting:

� Signal identification and analysis� Communications and networks� Database applications� Data migration and reduction� Device and system controls� Modeling� Visualization and imaging� Responsive user interfaces� Encryption� Signal and data searching� Performance analysis and testing� Geographic Information System (GIS)

Institute analysts are trained or certified in the latestopen systems architectural technology including:

� C/C++, Python, Perl, and Java languages� UNIX and Linux Operating Systems� Microsoft Operating Systems� VxWorks Operating System� OMG standard CORBA, UML, and IIOP open

architecture� XML and HTML� SQLServer and Oracle databases� 32- and 64-bit processing� High-speed multiprocessor� Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)

The re-use of software supports:� Open-systems architectural standards� Reduced programming costs and time� Efficient use of resources� Efficient code execution� Componentized systems integration� Reduced maintenance costs and time� Object-oriented analysis and design

T

Graphical user interfaces are an essential element for visualizingcomplex signals in large-scale distributed acquisition systems.

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is used to design componentinterfaces.

12

The Institute provides production and sustainment engineer-ing that maintains, upgrades, or modernizes critical sys-

tems. Product life cycles are effectively supported through theapplication of complete ogistics, configuration management,and direct technical support activities.

ProductionSwRI staff members provide efficient transition from design

engineering to one-of-a-kind prototypes and engineering devel-opment models, low-rate initial production, or full-rate produc-tion. SwRI maintains state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops,test facilities, and high bay areas to support these activities thefollowing activities.

� Design-to-Production Transition� Manufacturability� Material and supplier selections� Test Methods

� Build-to-Print� Complex electronic assemblies� Printed circuit board assemblies� RF cables, wire harnesses, and discrete wiring� Painting and coating

� Testing� Thermal, EMI/RFI, vibration and shock� Complex RF and digital testing

� Management Resources� State-of-the-art CAD modeling and drawing system� Production control and planning

� Overhauls and Upgrades� Maintain current capabilities� Upgrade to new technologies� On-site repairs

13

Production and Sustainment Engineering

SwRI technicalsupport includesonsite installation,testing, and repairas shown at thispierside shipboardsystem installation.

SwRI maintains afully equippedanechoic cham-ber to supportantenna andmodel develop-ment and testing.

Life-Cycle ManagementSwRI staff members are providing compre-

hensive technical support to meet life-cyclemanagement needs including logistic engi-neering and configuration management.

� Logistics� Provisioning of spare parts� Optimum repair level analysis� Training for operators and maintainers

with documentation� Reliability analysis, prediction, and

testing� Configuration Management

� Planning� Identification� Change control� Status accounting� Audits and verification

E101187

E11

6946

We welcome your inquiries.For additional information, please contact:

Dr. William G. Guion, Vice PresidentSignal Exploitation and Geolocation DivisionSouthwest Research Institute6220 Culebra Road • P.O. Drawer 28510San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510(210) 522-2902 • Fax (210) 522-2709E-mail: wguion@swri.orgWeb Site: www.swri.org

16-0

360-

04

JC

N22

2471

Southwest Research Institute is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,000 employees who performcontract work for industry and government clients.

SwRI Business Development • San Antonio, Texas • (210) 522-2122 • Fax: (210) 522-3496 • E-mail: bd@swri.org