SBIR-STTR Award

AiRANACULUS, Northeastern University and NWRA supported by DRAPER propose an innovative Cross-layer Wide-Band Cognitive Communications Architecture Enabled by Intelligent Direct Digital Transceiver (CLAIRE) to meet the NASA's Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) needs to increase mission science data return, improve resource efficiencies for NASA missions and communication (Comms) networks and ensure resilience in the unpredictable space environment. The CLAIRE cognitive system is envisioned to sense, detect, adapt, and learn from its experiences and environment to optimize the Comms capabilities for the user mission of the network infrastructure. Our Comms Node will reduce both the mission and network operations burden. This will entail research and development of Cross-layer Sensing (CLS) and the CLAIRE Decision Engine (CDE) which uses machine learning over short term and long term along with game theoretic decision to define the strategy and technique to mitigate the interference and restore the network performance. The CLS consists of RF sensing and Cyclostationary-Signal Processing analysis, Cross-layer Feature Extraction and Environment Characterization and Pattern Classification Modules. The CDE consists of the Long-term Response Engine which is driven by the Game-theoretic approaches, and the Rapid Response Engine, which is driven by Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) techniques. We propose to use of Supervised DRL Model Selection and Bootstrap for rapid bootstrapping. Finally, we also propose to conduct research into new state-of-the-art Direct Digital Transceiver (DDTRX) Technologies for potential application for NASA’ s mission. Latest advances in the DDTRX Technology provide sampling rates of 64 Gsps, instantaneous bandwidths of 20 GHz with four coherent channels and 8-bits per sample of quantization. This allows us to use any spectrum from VHF/UHF to Ku/ Ka Band on a single radio which will reduce the SWAP and could be of great interest to NASA. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) CLAIRE allows NASA to combine the advanced Cognitive Cross-layer Optimization with the latest breakthroughs in the Direct Digital Transceiver (DDTRX) technology. We anticipate CLAIRE to benefit the following applications: (1) Cross-layer approaches for optimum communication (Comms) (2) Efficient use of lunar Comms spectrum and interference mitigation (3) Integrated wide-band sensing and narrow-band Comms on the same radio. (4) Implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques on SWaP-constrained platforms (5) Lower SWAP. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Potential Non-NASA Applications include: (1) Commercial 5G and Next G communications, (2) Military cognitive communications (3) wide-band sensing and signals intelligence (4) Radar and LIDAR Applications for motion and proximity detection (5) Cross-layer optimization (6) Machine learning on large data sets etc.

AiRANACULUS, along with its partners, propose an innovative Cross Layer Spectrum Aware Cognitive Control Plane and Intelligent Routing Engine (CLAIRE) to increase mission science data return, improve resource efficiencies for NASA missions and communication networks and ensure resilience in the unpredictable space environment. CLAIRE provides spectrum and network situational awareness to enable link-layer selection and optimization to maximize the data flow based on the desired Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for NASA’ s Scientific (SCI), Networking (NET), Detection (DET) and Position Navigation Timing (PNT) services. CLAIRE APP rides on the NASA’ s CCSDS Bundle Protocol and creates a Cognitive Control Plane to enable spectrum situational awareness, cross-layer sensing and differential buffer backlog information exchange mechanism. CLAIRE APP, based on Node and Network situational awareness, enables spectrum aware routing, service-oriented packet forwarding and Dynamic Spectrum Access during cases of severe man-made or environmental interference. The Packet Forwarding maps each service packet to an appropriate band and Channel (e. g. UHF, X-Band, Ka-Band etc.). CLAIRE Cognitive Control Plane is enabled by multi-band RF Sensing that is driven by advances in Direct Digital Transceiver (DDTRX) technology. The RF Sensing algorithms consists of cyclostationary signal processing techniques combined with machine learning to detect and characterize various interference types. CLAIRE adds autonomy, optimization and self-configuration to a deep space network that may suffer from large delays, interference and service disruptions. CLAIRE ensures that important packets are delivered to the destination, hence avoiding congestion due to un-necessary traffic. CLAIRE also enables future network function virtualization and network slicing which will take NASA from link optimization to network optimization and create compartmentalization of requests and services. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): 1. CLAIRE creates Cognitive Control Plane while making no changes to NASA' s communications protocol stack. 2. CLAIRE enables spectrum situational awareness, cross-layer sensing and differential buffer backlog information exchange mechanism. 3. CLAIRE APP enables spectrum aware routing, service-oriented packet forwarding and Dynamic Spectrum Access during cases of interference. 4. CLAIRE adds autonomy, optimization and self-configuration to a deep space network. 5. APP-based architecture allows future upgrades as technology evolves. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): 1. CLAIRE Architecture and capabilities are applicable to ALL commercial Terrestrial (3G/ 4G/ 5G / Wi-Fi), Space (LEO/ MEO / GEO/ Relays / Gateways), Backhaul (Optical Fiber / Coax) Networks where a cognitive control plane is required. 2. Combination of DDTRX with NVIDIA Chipset can create a powerful UHF to Ka Band 5G virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) Solution which may be used commercially. Duration: 18