COLUMBIA, Md., 14 July 2005. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc. and General Dynamics C4 Systems announced today that the companies will introduce and market an upgraded wideband modem for the U.S. Navy's AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radio (DMR).
The upgrade will allow the DMR, a software-defined radio, to host new wideband Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) waveforms, in addition to the existing range of waveforms supported.
The upgraded modem, which was demonstrated to the Navy in late 2004, will enable advanced communications capabilities consistent with JTRS requirements using cost-effective, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology.
General Dynamics has shipped approximately 300 software-defined radios, each with four channels, to the Navy to be installed on ships, submarines, shore sites, and test facilities. The new modem capability will permit the hosting of high-speed networking waveforms to operate over multiple channels on the DMR platform.
The DMR system is a National Security Agency-certified software defined radio that currently features some JTRS capabilities such as expanded frequency range, multiple software-defined waveforms, multiple independent level security, and advanced software, and has completed UHF SATCOM waveform conformance testing at Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC). The system can be used to replace multiple existing radios with a single, easy-to-use system; on certain Navy platforms, it can reduce equipment space requirements by more than 50 percent.
"This wideband modem upgrade will now complete the picture by enabling true wideband networking capability," said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communication Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "In fielding the software-defined Digital Modular Radio to the Navy, General Dynamics has already delivered many of the challenging capabilities required for certification by JTRS."
Spectrum will supply advanced modem technology that General Dynamics will integrate on the DMR platform. Spectrum and General Dynamics have collaborated on a number of past projects for military communications and signals intelligence.
"By leveraging our combined expertise in software defined radios, the General Dynamics-Spectrum USA team will shorten the development cycle to quickly bring new and robust functionality to Navy communications," said Spectrum President James P. Atkins.
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. is a leading supplier of software defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while
mitigating program risk and cost parameters.
Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, MD, provides application engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies and its prime contractors. For more information, see www.spectrumsignal.com.
