Programmable channelized digital radio/modem

The authors describe ongoing work by GEC-Marconi-Electronic Systems Division in the development of a multifunction, common module, programmable digital radio/modem. The radio system handles both conventional narrowband and spread spectrum waveforms. The architecture developed is a programmable channelized approach. In the channelized approach the modules of one channel are identical to those of the next, and as such are ideally suited to channel reusability during different parts of a mission or during failure modes of higher-priority functional systems. The hardware implementation exploits latest RF, digital/RF, and digital signal processing component technologies. A PC-based brassboard was developed and used to demonstrate real-time programmable AM, FM and IFF (identification friend or foe) data reception