SBIR-STTR Award

To address the Air Force need for algorithm development that will enable remote chaotic communications with Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and ad hoc networking between spacecrafts, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Chaotic-Pulse-Frequency Coding and Communication (CPCOM) system. This proposed system is based on a new method of chaotic bi-frequency generation. The implementation of chaotic bi-function to generate different chaotic frequencies will enable the CPCOM to provide LPI communication in spacecraft ad hoc networks. This system offers a novel secure chaotic communication approach and ultra-wideband (3-10 GHz), low-power (~30 mW) communication to support spacecraft navigation and position determination even when fully GPS-denied, which directly addresses the Air Force requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of CPCOM by analysis of CPCOM signal processing algorithms and chaotic modulation scheme, selection, and development algorithms that can be implemented with low computational complexity to provide LPI and meet low-SWAP requirements of the intended application to clusters of networked nano- or picosatellites (e.g., CubeSats). In Phase II, POC plans to implement the developed algorithms in low-battery power, programmable capability (e.g., FPGA) to demonstrate the performance of the CPCOM algorithms.

Benefit:
Military applications of the CPCOM will include specialized communications (including troops and distributed sensor networks) in noisy environments, such as combat zones, where electro-magnetic (EM) interference is one of the major limiting factors for communication. The CPCOM can be incorporated by law enforcement agencies to improve communication equipment. Commercial applications of CPCOM include first responder communication equipment, which will enable communication in environments with EM interference.

Keywords:
Chaotic Modulation, Algorithms, Lpi Communications

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes, in Phase II, to mature and implement the first-of-its-kind Chaotic-Pulse-Frequency Coding and Communication (CPCOM) system developed and proven feasible in Phase I. CPCOM addresses the Air Force need for algorithm development that will enable remote chaotic low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) communication in ad hoc networking of multiple spacecraft. In Phase I, POC demonstrated CPCOM’s feasibility through design, assembly, and testing of a TRL-3+ prototype. The overall system architecture, algorithms, and system prototype design for Phase II have been developed and evaluated. The Phase I proof-of-concept CubeSat-compatible (SWAP 9.4 x 9.6 x 1.5 cm^3) prototype conclusively demonstrated the capability of CPCOM to provide secure LPI communication (<10^-10) with extremely high data rate (up to several Gbps) intended for application in ad hoc networks of clusters of small satellites. In Phase II, POC will finalize development of a fully functional, CubeSat-compatible prototype system (TRL-5) capable of providing high data rate (up to 200 Mbps) and LPI communications in ad hoc networking of multiple spacecraft. Upon completion of Phase II, the prototype will be suitable for transition, in Phase III, to manufacturing of communications equipment capable of operating in space environments or in areas with electromagnetic interference.

Benefit:
Military applications of the CPCOM will include specialized communications (including troops and distributed sensor networks) in noisy environments, such as combat zones, where electromagnetic (EM) interference is a major limiting factor for communication or where secure covert communication is required. The CPCOM can be incorporated by border security and law enforcement agencies to improve communication equipment. Commercial applications of CPCOM include first-responder communication equipment, which will enable communication in environments with EM interference. The system provides extremely low probability of intercept communication with extremely high security and high Gbps data rate-unique features that are beyond the capabilities of current LPI communication systems.

Keywords:
Chaotic Modulation, Chaotic Sequence, Lpi, Lpd, Undetectable Communications