ArrowSlate seeks to design a modular and scalable standalone RF-Anomaly detecting receiver. The outcome of this proposal is to showcase real-time anomaly detection and alert within the order of seconds, and a goal on the order of microseconds. ArrowSlates solution is at minimum capable to detect RF anomalies for flexible, non-standard bandwidths under 500MHz, but can range from sub-MHz instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) to 5+GHz IBW. Our intent is to depict a proof of concept for a global RF anomaly detection that will fit many intended platforms including options for either software-only or hardware accelerated designs. This aids the adoption of this platform into various Navy program of record (PoR) receivers, and allows for adoption into any legacy receivers currently fielded. ArrowSlate asserts that the platform as proposed will not only perform the minimum required benchmarks as stated in the solicitation, but provide an immensely scalable base for future developments and system integration. This anomaly detection system is intended to serve the functionality of characterizing Radio Frequency (RF) emitter behaviors and patterns of life for a geographic area with no to minimal operator intervention. These RF behaviors include unexpected transmissions in time, frequency, or space (for any beamforming-capable nodes) domains. Additionally, our proposed system is designed to have the ability to detect anomalous modulation changes, radar pattern/pulse rate changes, anomalous Doppler shifts, and other
Benefit: ArrowSlate plans to make this projects work into a program of record for delivery to the Navy in order to meet their goals. It is intended to improve the spectrum patterns of life modeling systems to be integrated to fielded RF sensors. The Navy has continually funded electronic warfare countermeasures in an effort for superiority on the electronic battlefield. The outcomes of this project can be incorporated into interferer detection, fully passive target monitoring, early warning systems, and even radar forensics for improved sensing. This platforms research serves as a foundation for cognitive radio, which is promising for true dynamic spectrum access. Emergency services, air traffic control and military must have access to communications bands that are free of induced noise and interference. This interference can come from illegal unlicensed broadcasts, jammers, and other interferers. In early 2021, the FCC has published a doctrine calling for automated frequency coordination (AFC) to be deployed within the 6GHz unlicensed band. Within, they state the purpose is to mitigate interference within the unlicensed 6GHz bandwidth. They call for daily reporting of transceiver location, and will provide frequency and maximum power levels to reduce interference. The vast amount of data required for transceiver monitoring is prohibitive to efficient detection. Our proposed platform is a prime interest for the FCC and Homeland Security for this reason. This market is justified as the global spending on information security and risk management services is forecasted to be a $150.4 billion industry in 2021, up 12.4% from last year. Lastly, private industry implementation of cognitive radios has been held back by the inability to schedule communications without a centralized scheduler, and to avoid interference of higher priority users . This proposed work helps solve these issues, and unlocks the commercially viable potential of cognitive radios. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Department of Commerce are responsible for dividing the wireless spectrum into licensed and unlicensed bands within the United States. This is to ensure adequate performance for the devices operating within those bands. While beneficial to those with large enough revenues to afford band licensing, limiting unlicensed bandwidth greatly inhibits the innovation and market entry of smaller companies and their technology in early stages. Similarly, the increased competition in unlicensed bands entails higher energy consumption to provide adequate quality of service. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) states that the unlicensed spectrum generates $62 billion per year for the United States economy. Increased allocation of unlicensed bands, or less competition within the band will spur growth, give American innovators a great advantage, and drastically reduce energy consumption.
Keywords: Electronic Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Xilinx Versal, Machine Learning, SIGINT, Emission Classification, Artificial Intelligence, Spectrum Monitoring: Patterns of Life, real-time
