Engineering design steps for fast, simple and economical waveform development

Software defined radio (SDR) has the potential to reduce drastically the types of radios in the inventory since a single hardware package can be programmed to replicate the coding, modulation and other signaling features now used in legacy networks, plus adapt to next generation developments. Future Department of Defense (DoD) radios can benefit from this software programmability and thus simplify interoperability, maintenance and life cycle cost concerns. Methods for the rapid development and distribution of waveform software must be created in order to realize the full potential of a communications system that can change parameters such as waveform, operating frequency, protocols and error correction. There needs to be a standard SDR waveform development process addressing all of the engineering design steps for faster, simpler and more economical waveform development. This paper discusses, and provides clear answers to, the following questions. Why do we want (or need) a waveform development environment (WDE)? Can HW/SW decisions be pushed down to the lowest appropriate decomposition level? Should the language be standardized so that it has the widest potential applicability? Could the environment build upon the latest multimedia developments, so that they could be both more affordable and supportable? Should there be a definitive migration path towards future upgrades (e.g. Internet and Web-based technologies)?.