A practical approach to the implementation of multiple radioconfigurations utilizing reconfigurable hardware and software buildingblocks

摘要

One of the continuing effects of diminishing defense procurementresources is a focus on developing COTS solutions for tactical militaryradio users that utilize reconfigurable hardware and software“building blocks”. A product development activity has beenunderway for several years to create a fieldable near term solution.This activity has led to the development of three radios operating indifferent frequency bands (HF, VHF and multiband) built up from a commonset of hardware and software elements. These radios are the firstmembers of a diverse product family that are based on these elements.The practical difficulties and tradeoffs as well as lessons learned arediscussed in this paper. Particular focus is given to the issues ofconflicting performance/cost requirements, commonality of modularelements and system partitioning, life cycle cost savings, as well asthe saving in development realized through this approach as applied tothe development of tactical radios. The desire to provide a radiosolution with greater than 70% commonality while still meeting the sizeand battery power requirements for a world class tactical product areaddressed. Some of the specific issues that are discussed include thedevelopment of a suitable architecture, considerations for maximizingradio performance, the selection of data busses, support for multiplecryptographic requirements, and interoperability with legacy systems. Inaddition, the applicability of the approach to hosting currentlyundefined waveforms and the suitability of open architectures fortactical military products is covered