Rohde & Schwarz software-defined radio

Following a commission by the German armed forces, Rohde & Schwarz has developed a software-defined radio operating in the UHF and VHF bands (30 to 512 MHz).

The demonstration unit is capable of ad hoc networking (MANET) and implementing an HDR waveform capable of 2 Mbps.

The radios allow self-organising networks with highly secure, wideband voice and data communications and can be deployed as network nodes as well as radio terminals with loadable, adaptive, narrow and wideband waveforms. The radios are expected to be generally available in 2012.

The radio employs the standardised software common architecture (SCA) which ultimately should allow the implementation of waveforms from any manufacturer. The radio will also remain compatible/interoperable with legacy radios already in operational service ensuring that existing systems and transmission methods can still be used.

Each terminal will provide frequency coverage from 1.5 MHz to 3 GHz.

The system is also capable of multiline operation with a single base unit able to support up to three radio lines, which means it can be deployed as a radio network node across multiple frequency bands.

The radios will have a common operating platform by different form/fit factors depending on their intended application. For example, the airborne variant will come in standard airborne housings while the radios for use in ground combat nets will be suitable for personal carriage by soldiers. Those radios for installation on ships or stationary ground sites will be in standard 19″ rack configuration.

The company will provide a software development environment to enable end users to develop and implement their own waveforms for use on the SDR. Waveforms up to 10 Mbps are being initially supported.