Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - 16

SOSA
The direct digital sampling revolution
Digital Gateway Controller
SPI
I2C
Serial Control
Interface
UART
USB
Ethernet
Register
Block
RF Amplifier
Controller
RF Path
Selection
Controller
Parallel
Control
Interface
Temperature
Sensor
Fast
Lookup
Tables
RF
Attenuation
Controller
RF BIT
Detection
Controller
Power
Compensation/
Calibration
Algorithm
Integrated
Flash Memory
Core
Sequencer
& Monitor
RF Circuit
Control/Status
at the analog edge is bringing the promise
of digital transformation ever closer
to the tactical edge. It will not eliminate
the need for all analog functions. It can,
however, replace the need for numerous
analog conversion and mitigation functions
with digital, auto tuning, conversion
functions and capabilities. SOSA is a
forcing function for this transition and
important tool to make the analog edge
more adaptable and flexible. The result
leads to automated test and tuning functions,
enabling real-time adaptability on
the battlefield.
This analog transformation can be
Digital gateway creates an efficient path for SOSA-based designs. (Image: Spectrum Control)
bilities can be efficiently added into
numerous systems, including:
* Electronic Warfare (EW) - Small platforms,
such as Unmanned Aerial Systems
(UAS), previously somewhat limited
due to size, weight, power, and cost
(SWaP-C) constraints, will become
increasingly prominent.
* Command, Control, Communications,
Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) - Joint
C2 platforms, secure communication
networks, and real-time analysis systems
can reach their full potential.
* Radar - Multi-Function Radar (MFR),
Phased Array Radar, and other radar
systems can be better designed to
meet the demands of the modern
battlefield.
Modularity and Standardization
A cornerstone of the DoD's strategy is
the Sensor Open Systems Architecture
(SOSA™). It uses modular hardware plug-in
card profiles (PICPs), such as 3U and 6U
VPX, to allow various sensor components,
including RF, signal processing, and computing
modules, to be integrated into a
single, standardized chassis. By enabling
components to be easily swapped or
upgraded without redesigning the entire
16
system, SOSA eliminates the need for multiple
mission footprints and associated
custom engineering and platforms to
facilitate mission-specific outcomes.
Simultaneously, systems utilizing
open architectures can be easily scaled
up by adding more modules, as necessary.
Such flexibility allows defense
contractors to design systems that
meet current needs without over-investing
in unnecessary capacity.
SOSA is made possible by the on-going
digital transformation of everything,
which is an accelerating opportunity to
bring a new level of mass affordability
and adaptability to DoD missions. A
remaining frontier to exploiting this
trend is analog transformation.
Other Defense System Design
Drivers
While a SOSA-based open architecture
is a key driver of smaller, modular,
and cost-efficient defense systems, it is
not the only one. To fully achieve the
DoD stated goals, a fundamental re-envisioning
of analog components and
systems is necessary. Digital functions
need to be integrated into analog
devices to optimize and streamline system
development.
mobilityengineeringtech.com
referred to as a digital gateway (figure 1).
It creates a more efficient design path for
SOSA-aligned products. An open-standard,
building block approach with
ultra-miniature, wideband RF capability
and an integral digital gateway establishes
numerous benefits. They can be used
to realize more agile defense subsystems,
systems, and systems-of-systems. The
building block design with standard
interfaces can dramatically shorten lead
times, as well.
SOSA-compliant Building Block
Solutions
SOSA-compliant digital gateway
building blocks are the cornerstones of
next-generation RF solutions that
address the SWaP-C and open architecture
requirements of emerging military
and aerospace system designs. Key
innovations using Field Programmable
Gate Array (FPGA) technology and
2.5D manufacturing are enabling a
no-compromise improvement in digital
enablement without affecting size,
weight, power, or performance.
Currently, high density, high fidelity,
wideband RF solutions can be developed
at three levels - SOSA-aligned VPX modules,
as well as system in package chips
(RF SiPs) and integrated mezzanine
boards that slide into a standard chassis/
backplane. Each offers a dramatic SWaP
reduction and an open-standard digital
interface for tuning, monitoring, and
control. System integration is also dramatically
simplified.
RF VPX modules, such as the one
shown in figure 2, align with SOSA.
The modularity embedded in the archiAerospace
& Defense Technology, December 2024

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Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024

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