Compact Multi-Protocol Modem

Legacy SDR (Software Defined Radio) has been somewhat hailed as the “be all, end all” solution to communications systems. Reality is that SDR platforms are challenged by the clock speed of the underlying processor, and the fact that waveform design is not a simple process. As missions keep pushing for higher throughput communications platforms, it is often the case that legacy SDR platforms cannot. It is also a common end result that the SDR power consumption is very high when compared to non SDR platforms. These factors pose quite a challenge for mobile platforms – spacecraft platforms in particular.Innoflight is introducing advance Hybrid-SDR platforms together with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) design flow. The combined technologies will provide a streamlined approach for the design of advanced multi-mode communications system that are applicable to NASA’s NEN (Near Earth Network), SN (Space Network), and DSN (Deep Space Network) infrastructure and are ready to support next generation optical (i.e. laser) communications.

NASA applications include: 1) CubeSat missions. 2) Missions requiring advanced communications modes. 3) Lunar and deep space missions. 4) Optical communications systems. 5) Balloons and UAVs.

Unmanned platforms are being deployed in many applications in the DoD and commercial sectors. Such platforms are used in terrestrial, aviation, and maritime applications. Such systems rely on numerous advanced network communication systems. Most of these applications are also sensitive to SWaP and will benefit from Hybrid-SDR performance.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.