National Data Links: Waveform Design and its role in Modern Electronic Warfare operations

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1 National Data Links: Waveform Design and its role in Modern Electronic Warfare operations Hatim M. Behairy, Ph.D. Associate Research Professor Coordinator: Information and Communication Sector Director: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

2 Introduction Contents Information superiority and Network Enabled Capability (NEC). Importance of data links in NEC operations Typical data link structure and Ideal SDR National Waveform design parameters Conclusion and questions

3 Introduction The battlefield has changed dramatically from the past Today s battles are characterized by their dynamics and ability to run remotely. Utilization of efficient, practical and modern electronic and communication systems is therefore necessary.

4 Introduction

5 Information superiority and Network Enabled Capability (NEC) {Network Centric Warfare} Network Enabled Capability Warfare Participants gain situational awareness. Electronically see the battle space. Enhanced EW reprogramming via NEC enables: dynamic distribution of electronic order of battle information to EW manned and unmanned systems

6 Information superiority and Network Enabled Capability (NEC) {Network Centric Warfare} Soldiers on the battlefield would have easy access to: wide-range of intelligence feeds EW systems on tactical platforms can be networked to aid intelligence collection.

7 Importance of data links in NEC operations Tactical Data Links (TDLs) involve transmissions of bitoriented digital information Tactical Data Links and network integration are expected to play a key role in modern electronic warfare. They can provide real-time, jam-resistant secure transfer of combat data, voice and relative navigation information between widely dispersed battle elements

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9 Importance of data links in NEC Evolution of data links Traditional analog data links (FM, AM, ) Digital Communication systems (PSK,FSK, ) Communication systems in a reconfigurable environment (FPGA, DSP, ) Ideal SDR Tactical Data Links Current Situation operations Current tactical communication capabilities have limited throughput and scalability, insufficient AJ (anti-jam) and LPE (low probability of exploitation) capability, and high latency and network join times. Link-16, the most widely used airborne tactical data link, provides C2, SA, weapons coordination, electronic warfare, and other capabilities, but does not meet emerging throughput, scalability, and latency requirements, especially in high electronic attack environments

10 Typical data link structure and Ideal SDR

11 Typical data link structure and Ideal SDR SDR platforms can run more than one waveform at once providing the radio platform has enough resources and the waveforms do not interfere with one another. To do this you do need compatible radio architectures and standardized application programming interfaces. The USA has offered the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) which is available through the SDR Forum a civilian industrial body. For waveforms to run across many forces then there is potential for software versions of the waveform software to be re-used.

12 Advantages of SDR based data links Thanks to the waveform/platform paradigm provided by SDR technology, the control of communications is no longer tied to the platform implementation. SDR technology allows several waveforms to be loaded into the same radio. The important aspect is that it is no longer needed for a nation to develop its own communications equipment in order to control its communications.

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14 National Waveform design parameters A waveform is defined as the collective analog / digital operations and components that are used to describe how two end points communicate. Examples of such components and operations include: Operating frequency Modulation technique Encryption algorithm Forward Error Correction (FEC) method Hopping frequency and code Etc. Customization of such components and operations that leads to an indigenous implementation and use of the resultant waveform across many agencies / forces in the country is what makes a waveform national

15 National Waveform design parameters Ideally the common waveform should be used throughout all forces, but we must recognize that forces also have their own communication systems providing internal communications. This means that some platform will need the national waveform, either realized on different radios or on the same radio e.g. an SDR. The intent is that this narrow band waveform will be common across the forces. It does not prevent them using their own waveform for internal communications, but interaction between the forces needs some form of common interface

16 Waveform design parameters Digital Voice sensitivity Voice Coder Frequency Range Bandwidth Better than analog MELP-e 2.4 kbps MHZ 25 KHz Frequency Hopping Rate Dwell Time Data Rate Data Applications Above x hops / second Random Higher than 32 kbps IP data over Ethernet Range Encryption Key ECCM Kilometers 256 bits FH or DSSS ARQ Scanning of multiple networks Location tracking using GPS service SMS Mobile and landline phone integration User groups 16

17 National Waveform design parameters National Waveforms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

18 National Waveform design parameters Advantages of developing a national waveform: - Developing an electronic counter countermeasures (ECCM) (spread spectrum, or frequency hopping techniques) by national hands - The ECCM will be known only to the development party and army. This will add a layer of secrecy to the Waveform - Our enemies will not know what techniques we are using and what the advantages and the disadvantage of our waveform - ECCM parameters and techniques can be changed by changing the waveform if the situation calls for that. - National Waveforms can be optimized for specific applications and terrain.

19 Conclusion and questions The implementation of these network capabilities into the battlefield environment is expected to enhance the decision cycle between sensor-to-shooter; providing informationsuperiority, shared environment that enhances combat power by increasing speed of command, higher tempo of operations, greater lethality, increased survivability, and self synchronization