SBIR-STTR Award

Agile, modular, radiation hardened SDR with integrated SSPA for SATCOM
Award last edited on: 9/18/2023

Sponsored Program
STTR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$899,964
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AFX20D-TCSO1
Principal Investigator
Elettra C Venosa

Company Information

Space Micro Inc

15378 Avenue Of Science Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92128
   (858) 332-0700
   info@spacemicro.com
   www.spacemicro.com

Research Institution

Arizona State University

Phase I

Contract Number: FA8649-21-P-0146
Start Date: 12/17/2020    Completed: 6/17/2021
Phase I year
2021
Phase I Amount
$150,000
Space Micro proposes a modular, cost-effective software defined radio that can be quickly customized according to the requirements and the use-cases. The NanoComm is the optimal solution to DoD applications where cost, reusability, time-to-field, and SWaP are an issue. It is a miniaturized, low power consumption, fully programmable radio composed by multiple slices. Each slice measures 10cmx10cmx2.5cm. With one RF section, the nanoComm fits in a 1U cage (10x10x10cm). Each slice is self-defined, includes EMI shielding features and it is designed to survive harsh and hostile space and tactical environments. The slices can be mounted on top of each other as the application requires. The NanoComm is the most flexible communication solution for a number of different applications. The digital modem slice features agile RF SoCs and the recent generations of Xilinx FPGAs that allow hosting complex/adaptive algorithms and classified waveforms. The customer can program the radio as desired. Space Micro can also program the radio if requested by the customer. The modem slice can be attached to a single or multiple RF transmitter/receiver and Power Amplifier slices. The PA slices can be mounted at the bottom of the radio or can be far away from the rest of the box for heat management. Multiple frequencies, bands and waveforms can coexist at the same time in the NanoComm. Being designed with space applications in mind, the NanoComm has very low power consumption (not more than 30W with one RF). The NanoComm had been first thought to be the most effective solution to an evolving satellite communication scenario where bandwidth, agility and SWaP-C are essential but it soon became the preferred solution for a number of terrestrial applications where the same features are important.

Phase II

Contract Number: FA8649-22-P-0831
Start Date: 3/11/2022    Completed: 6/11/2023
Phase II year
2022
Phase II Amount
$749,964
Space Micro and Arizona State University (ASU) propose to further develop "NanoComm", an agile, modular, radiation tolerant, software defined radio (SDR) SATCOM solution. This small form factor CubeSat SDR will be augmented by adding the Solid State Power