JTRS SINCGARS Waveform Development Overview

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JTRS SINCGARS Waveform Development Overview

ATC is nearing completion of developing the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Software Communications Architecture (SCA) 2.2 compliant Single Channel Ground-Air Radio System (SINCGARS) ESIP Waveform for the JTRS Joint Project Office (JTRS/JPO) as part of the JTRS Step 3 acquisition. This high profile waveform is baselined for the various JTRS radio system clusters, beginning with Cluster 1. The waveform, which provides full SINCGARS ESIP and INC functionality, is derived from the previous highly successful JTRS Step2B SINCGARS waveform developed by ATC, and its INC subcontractor, ICI, for the JTRS/JPO. This ATC developed JTRS SINCGARS waveform is one of the most complex of the legacy waveforms, has the most applications of any link in the military, and is the first JTRS SCA 2.2 compliant waveform ready for fielding.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the SINCGARS waveform is a modular, portable waveform with most of the processing being performed in general purpose processors.

Figure 1: ATC JTRS SINCGARS Waveform Overview

Complementing this waveform, ATC has developed a JTRS Development and Test Environment, including an SCA 2.2 compliant JTRS Core Framework, and extensive test and debug software tools; and a Waveform Development System (WDS) that includes RF subsystems, modems and JTRS compliant security. These systems and tools are illustrated in Figure 2.

JTRS SINCGARS Waveform States and Modes

The JTRS SINCGARS Waveform provides a variety of modes of operation that emulate the ASIP radio and Internet Controller (INC) functions. The waveform implements modulation and demodulation of both FM voice and continuous phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK). One operating mode of the radio, Single Channel Plain Text (SCPT), uses FM. All other modes use CPFSK. The average over the air data rate for all CPFSK operation is 16kbps. This data rate is maintained within the processing of the waveform. The waveform can operate in either the single channel (SC) or frequency-hopping (FH) mode. The frequency hopping mode can be use any programmed hopset encompassing 2,320 possible frequencies within the 30 to 87.975MHz frequency range.

Figure 2: ATC JTRS Waveform Development Environment and SINCGARS Test Capability

The waveform supports the local, remote, and Retransmit modes of operation. Each of these modes has unique characteristics that must be accommodated. Several methods to control the waveform are also supported. Table 1 identifies the various modes of operation implemented in the JTRS SINCGARS Waveform.

Retransmit operation is supported between two JTRS SINCGARS Waveforms, and between a legacy radio and a JTRS SINCGARS Waveform. Retransmit operation is possible in the same JTRS radio assembly or between physically separated radio assemblies.

Table 3: SINCGARS Modes Implemented In JTRS Waveform

The legacy Internet Controller (INC) function is also provided by the ATC JTRS SINCGARS Waveform, enabling the distribution of SINCGARS digital information. The INC implementation is a 4 port IP router supporting Ethernet, Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), SINCGARS and EPLRS interfaces. This functionality provides for the routing of Situational Awareness (SA) and Command and Control (C2) messages to/from SINCGARS networks, EPLRS networks, IP networks using commercial routers, and SATCOM range extension systems (i.e., the ADC/IP and PSC-5).

The INC also provides MIL-STD-188-220 functionality commonly used in other communication applications. This functionality includes supporting Fire Control Nets (Army), HAVEQUICK/IDM radio interoperability, and C2PC (Marines).

JTRS Project Synopsis

The objective of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Program is to define and acquire a family of multi-mode, multi-band, software programmable radios and a common set of communications waveforms to increase operational flexibility, enhance joint interoperability, and reduce life cycle cost. These radios and waveforms will be based on a common open standard architecture, referred to as the Software Communications Architecture (SCA). These systems will provide network-centric capabilities and enable mission flexibility for the Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Vision 2020.

To facilitate the development of these JTRS radios and waveforms, the JTRS JPO worked closely with industry to develop the SCA. The resultant JTRS architecture supports implementation of software based radio waveform applications and hardware that can be used in multiple operational environments. Each JTR Set consists of a combination of hardware elements, supporting software infrastructure, and waveform applications required for the specific operational platform installation.

The JTRS acquisition strategy consists of a three Step process. Step 1 resulted in a baseline SCA definition. In Step 2A and 2B, the SCA was further defined and validated. Step 3 activities are underway, and will result in procurement and integration of communications systems and waveforms that are compliant with the SCA, and satisfy individual DoD user requirements. During Step 3, The JTRS Radios and Waveforms for each cluster are being developed, and the architecture is continuing to evolve in response to new or changing warfighter requirements and technology advancements. The SINCGARS waveform being developed by ATC for the JTRS/JPO is one of the most complex of the legacy waveforms, has the most applications of any link in the military, and is the first JTRS SCA 2.2 compliant waveform ready for fielding.

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