The definition of insanity is trying the same thing again and expecting a different result. Solutions like aerodynamic shaping, magnetic windows, and liquid injection have all attempted to solve the problem of plasma sheath communications. They have all failed. What is needed is not a technical evolution, but rather a technical revolution. Conventional modulation techniques are poorly suited for the plasma sheath environment. The solution to the hypersonic communications problem requires rethinking and redesign of the entire link and system. GaN Corporation proposes Hypersonic Aerial Vehicle Optimized Communication (HAVOC) employing a novel modulation scheme: Narrow Band Impulse Radio or NBIR [U.S. Patent 10,554,253]. NBIR combines discrete harmonically related carriers to create an impulse radio waveform that concentrates energy over a short time, increasing Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) by the square of the number of harmonics used. Both time-gating and narrowband frequency filtering yield process gains far beyond any other modulation scheme often as much as 50-60dB. HAVOC will use a 49.75MHz carrier and twenty harmonics to create a ~1ns impulse signal with 26dB EIRP enhancement ideal for both low-data-rate communications and accurate location. The extensive experience of GaN and teaming partner CFDRC make HAVOC a low-risk solution.
