Rockwell Collins demos new communication link
Rockwell Collins has demonstrated a new directional communication link with longer range and anti-jamming capability for smaller applications such as UAS, radar systems and satellite communications.
The compact directional communication link can block out jamming and send signals ten times farther than omnidirectional systems.
Two scenarios were demonstrated to the US Department of Defense, showing how the technology solves current challenges in communications. In the first scenario, the operator attempted to receive full-motion video but an interfering signal turned on and the link was lost. The signal was then re-shaped by the receiver to block out the interferer and regain the link.
In the second scenario, two full-motion video links were received simultaneously from different directions. Receiving signals from multiple directions simultaneously improves spectrum utilisation and aids in network discovery for directional communications. Each scenario was performed in a different frequency band highlighting the product’s adaptability.
The company will target military and commercial UAS, smaller helicopters, radar systems and satellite communications with the new link.
John Borghese, vice president, Advanced Technology Center for Rockwell Collins, said: ‘This is a major step in communication technology that can be applied to a variety of industries. With increased range, adaptability and jamming resistance, this new technology will enable capabilities in communications and radar previously only available on platforms with significantly higher cost and power available.’
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