Aerospace & Defense Technology - June 2023 - 29

RF & Microwave Technology
much to do with mindset than any other
factor.
There are two distinct thought processes
between RF and digital design
teams. Digital engineers are concerned
with specifications, such as clock rates,
speed of internal devices, storage, memory,
and most importantly, software.
Conversely, RF designers focus on other
functions, including impedance traces,
VSWR matching, and noise created by
system components based on the board
layout. RF engineers also are concerned
with voltage, high slew rates, noise, and
other factors associated with digital circuitry
that can degrade RF performance.
Compounding the differing mindsets
is that each design team wears virtual
blinders. Both engineering groups
are so focused on their responsibilities
and concerns that they have a blind
spot towards each other. Their eyes only
become open when the RF and digital
elements need to be integrated into the
component or module. The result is a
design nightmare.
Often, engineering teams must design
a " back-door " late in the process to overcome
calibration and overall compatibility
issues. This added step leads to multimonth
delays in development schedules
and days to every single device that is tested.
Subsequently, design costs increase.
The Solution - Integrated Systems
Engineering
As outlined above, addressing the
DoD initiatives is about more than technology.
A new engineering approach
and mindset are required. Every aspect
of the system design must be considered
initially, prior to beginning the RF
design. Digital engineering teams must
work side-by-side with RF engineers, so
digital controls with RF functions can be
developed synergistically.
The result is implementing advanced
technologies to create a digital gateway
into the RF domain. It will streamline
the process, while creating an efficient
design path for Sensor Open Systems
Architecture (SOSA)-aligned products
because they create flexibility, testability,
and extendibility.
This digital gateway into RF can be created
with a common software interface similar
to a digital card, creating a clear comAerospace
& Defense Technology, June 2023
RF Systems Getting Smaller, More Capable
Multi-Box
Ew System
Custom
RF & Logic
Multi-Board
Radar System
Multi-Function
System-ofSystems
COTS
FPGAs, DSPs,
Specialized HW & SW
COTS HW & SW
Specialized
Architecture Open, Interoperable
Performance
Figure 1: RF systems are becoming more compact while adding more capability to meet emerging defense
system designs.
Sw-Defined
Systems
Figure 2: Emerging RF SiP solutions combine RF, power, and digital circuitry in a small package.
munications path. The result is compatible
functionality, including circuitry and voltage.
With the gateway, RF engineers have a
clear vision of the digital aspects, such as
calibration controls and temperature compensation.
Digital and RF designs are then
right sized for the specific project.
A digital gateway facilitates a new
level of software control delivering a
mobilityengineeringtech.com
greater level of RF flexibility, interoperability,
and mission agility. RF controls
and software can be integrated seamlessly
and efficiently. Many issues and
problems associated with the more traditional
approach are eliminated, creating
a time savings.
The development of this digital gateway
that serves as a common interface
29
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Aerospace & Defense Technology - June 2023

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