BAE Systems awarded DARPA T-MUSIC contract
BAE Systems will develop new generation mixed-signal electronics capabilities under a contract from DARPA announced on 28 January.
The new capabilities could enable US Department of Defense (DoD) applications including high capacity, robust communications, radars and precision sensors, and lead to solutions that enhance situational awareness and survivability for US forces.
The contract will see BAE Systems' FAST Labs research and development team design and develop wafer-scale technology on a silicon foundry platform that can enable US-based production of next-generation DoD electronics.
DARPA’s Technologies for Mixed mode Ultra Scaled Integrated Circuits (T-MUSIC) programme aims to enable disruptive radio frequency (RF) mixed-mode technologies by developing high performance RF analogue electronics integrated with advanced digital electronics on the same wafer.
The next-generation capabilities that could be made possible with this programme include a combination of wide spectral coverage, high resolution, large dynamic range and high information processing bandwidth. These capabilities, which can cut through the electronic signal clutter, provide leap-forward performance that is mission critical as services rely on electronic sensors in highly congested environments. The new developments could be integrated into electronic warfare, communications, precision munitions and ISR platforms.
Chris Rappa, product line director for Radio Frequency, Electronic Warfare, and Advanced Electronics at BAE Systems' FAST Labs, said: ‘T-MUSIC will incorporate analogue and digital signals on a single chip for high-performance data converters and digital processing and intelligence.
‘The advanced electronics we are developing under the T-MUSIC programme could create the foundation for greatly enhanced DoD capabilities in advanced RF sensors and high capacity communications.’
More from Digital Battlespace
-
US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
-
US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
-
Thales selected for Syracuse satellite communications terminals for French vehicles
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
-
The New Battlefield: Space Defence, Emerging Threats, and Strategic Opportunities (Studio)
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
-
BAE Systems to provide radios for South Korean aircraft
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
-
Lockheed Martin to work with DARPA on AI effort
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.