The Need for Direct RF in an Evolving Defense Environment

Overview

The white paper titled "The Need for Direct RF in an Evolving Defense Environment" discusses the critical role of Direct RF (Radio Frequency) technology in modern defense and aerospace applications. It emphasizes the Department of Defense's (DoD) vision of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), which relies on advanced microelectronics to connect and digitize the battlefield. Direct RF technology is highlighted as a key enabler for enhanced performance and the development of new applications, addressing the challenges posed by traditional legacy communications hardware.

The paper outlines the significant design hurdles faced by electronics in defense platforms, including stringent size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements, as well as the need for resilience against extreme environmental conditions. The evolving threat landscape necessitates the deployment of advanced processing capabilities at the tactical edge, making the direct digitization and processing of analog RF signals increasingly important.

Recent breakthroughs in System on Chip (SoC) designs and advanced algorithms have led to a new generation of Direct RF technology. Industry leaders, such as Mercury Systems, are producing low-latency, modular Direct RF boards based on open architecture. These innovations not only enhance performance for existing applications but also facilitate the rapid development of new capabilities at lower costs.

The white paper underscores the importance of Direct RF in bridging the analog and digital worlds, allowing for improved situational awareness and actionable intelligence in defense operations. By leveraging these advancements, military forces can better penetrate complex adversarial systems and respond effectively to emerging threats. Overall, the document presents Direct RF technology as a transformative solution that meets the evolving demands of modern warfare and enhances the operational effectiveness of defense systems.