DARPA launches MIDAS programme
DARPA has launched the Millimeter-Wave Digital Arrays (MIDAS) programme to improve secure military communications between platforms.
The programme aims to develop element-level digital phased-array technology that will enable next generation Department of Defense millimeter wave systems.
According to DARPA, in order to solve adaptive beamforming issues and ensure wide application of the solutions, MIDAS seeks to create a common digital array tile that will enable multi-beam directional communications. Efforts will focus on reducing the size and power of digital millimeter wave transceivers, enabling phased-array technology for mobile platforms and elevating mobile communications to the less crowded millimeter wave frequencies.
Advances in element-level digital beamforming in phased-array designs is enabling new multi-beam communications schemes - or the use of several beams receiving and transmitting in multiple directions
simultaneously - to help significantly reduce node discovery time and improve network throughput.
Timothy Hancock, program manager, DARPA, said: ‘While critical to the next generation of phased-arrays, today’s digital beamforming is limited to lower frequencies, making the resulting arrays too large for use on small mobile platforms.‘Through MIDAS, we are seeking proposals that combine advances in millimeter wave and digital beamforming technologies to create radios that will deliver secure communications for our military.’
To decrease the size of the arrays, advances in millimeter wave technology will help push the frequency of operation to higher bands, bringing the capabilities of directional antennas to small mobile platforms.
MIDAS will focuses on two key technical areas. The first is the development of the silicon chips to form the core transceiver for the array tile. The second is focused on the development of wide-band antennas; transmit/receive components, and the overall integration of the system that will enable the technology to be used across multiple applications, including line-of-sight communications between tactical platforms as well as current and emerging satellite communications.More from Digital Battlespace
-
BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
-
Just Released: Space Technology Report
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
-
Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
-
Northrop Grumman receives follow-on contract for CUAS and C-IED systems
The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
-
Adarga’s Vantage AI software selected for UK Strategic Command’s Defence Support
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
-
Thales digital twin system set for trials in UK next year
The digital twin system has been designed to evaluate the introduction of new systems onto platforms but could also be used to support procurement, training and battle planning in the future.