Navigation Doppler Lidar System on Module

Under this CCRPP, we leverage from pastphotonic integrated circuits (PIC)component designs in Siliconto develop a complete NDL system on module (SoM). The reduced cost and complexity of photonic integrated circuits and the increase in reliabilitymakes silicon PICsan ideal platform for a precision measurement instrument such as the NDL.The proposed development includesphotonics integration and testing, packaging, support electronics, and by using reliability standards defined by Telecordia GR-468, accelerating the manufacturability of these SoMs to MRL-6and TRL-6. Psionic is commercializing the Navigation Doppler Lidar (NDL) developed originally at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC), gaining market momentum in applications for space, defense, and for public or private companies. An NDL System on Module (SoM) is a small robust and reliable package which will expand the markets in aviation, industrial automation, commercial autonomous vehicles, as well as precision landing and spacecraft proximity operations. The reduced cost and complexity of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) places Psionic in a position to engage these markets on a large scale. Leveraging from our past SBIR projects in PIC components development, the CCRPP accelerates the commercialization of the PIC based NDL by advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of the NDL System on Module, and the manufacturing readiness level (MRL) for direct infusion into these market segments. Technical Objectives Advance the state of the art of the Psionic NDL by miniaturizing into a fully integrated PIC system on module (SoM). Meeting this objective will provide obvious benefits to the NDL by miniaturizing the form factor and significantly reducing the power consumption and fabrication and manufacturing cost. Advance the manufacturing readiness level to MRL-6 “Capability to produce a system or subsystem in a production relevant environment” by ensuring that the PIC chip designs are based on the mature CMOS silicon fabrication processes, and the packaging is compatible with the scalable industry standard processes that guarantee scalable manufacturing.   Work Plan Summary To meet these objectives, parallel paths will advance photonics integration and testing, packaging, support electronics development, and by using reliability standards defined by Telcordia GR-468, accelerating the manufacturability of these SoMs to MRL-6.   Proposed Deliverables:  Low power PSNDL optoelectronic system on module (LP-SoM) test and characterization report.   High power PSNDL optoelectronic system on module (HP-SoM) test and characterization report.   High volume production plans (e.g., Procurement Plans, Manufacturing Plans).  Miniaturization plan for carrier card electronics and interface and processor board electronics.  

NASA applications for an NDL in a small robust package include navigation and landing on the Moon, Mars, asteroids, or other planetary bodies. Rendezvous and proximity operations, and space situational awareness also benefit from the compact NDL SoMs, as do navigation of lunar rovers. The NDL SoM supports several potential high-volume applications including aircraft-based lidar altimeters used for precise landing in an RF-constrained environment, UAV/ Air Taxi navigation systems, and autonomous vehicle navigation systems. The SoM provides DoD with velocity-aided inertial navigation system that permits the warfighter to accurately navigate in a GPS-denied environments.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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