Textronix’s White says the biggest driver of trends in the RF/microwave space is “advancing spectrum dominance, including ensuring the security of electronic and communications systems.”
Beyond security, White explains that much of the progress in this area is driven by the proliferation and advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as their impact on battlefield operations.
“Increased agility provides an advantage in conflicts and allows systems to avoid the effects of conflicts. [electronic warfare] Means more robust behavior. “The effectiveness and efficiency of AI/ML algorithms, and advances in the platforms on which they can be developed, validated, and deployed, are further expanding the range of viable applications of AI/ML for RF systems,” White said. .
What’s next?
While the industry is still taking advantage of what forward-deployed 5G networks can do, the Department of Defense is focused on what comes after. Just like the hardware that performs the communications, the networks that perform the communications are also focused on open standards. In February, the Department of Defense launched three projects as part of the Innovate Beyond 5G initiative, a collaborative partnership with the department, industry, and academia.
Open6G aims to build 6G system research on the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN). According to the Ministry of Defense, Open6G is a new industry-academia collaboration initiative aimed at stimulating research into 6G systems in open radio access networks (Open RAN).
When the program was announced in August, the Department of Defense said, “This effort will focus on open RAN research and open source implementation of 5G protocol stack capabilities to support emerging and enhanced 5G applications.” I will,” he wrote. “Open6G will serve as the Department of Defense’s hub for trusted extension development, testing, and integration, supporting the industry and federal government’s NextG ecosystem in pursuit of 6G technology goals. $1.77 million from IB5G Led by the Anchor Award, the project is managed by Costas at Northeastern University.A research institute was established through a cooperative agreement with the Army Research Laboratory.Technical efforts are supported by Northeastern University’s Wireless Internet of It will be kept at the Things Research Institute.”
DOD is also considering enabling open systems standards within 5G networks. In February, the Department of Defense announced that it was working with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to launch a contest for a $7 million prize.
According to the Department of Defense, the competition is aimed at accelerating the adoption and development of an open, interoperable, and secure multivendor 5G ecosystem.
“Such an ecosystem would foster a more competitive and diverse communications supply chain, reduce costs for consumers and network operators, and strengthen U.S. leadership in wireless,” the Department of Defense said. writing.
“A competitive wireless ecosystem is critical to our nation’s domestic and economic security. “This will benefit many businesses,” said Alan Davidson, assistant secretary for communications and information at the Commerce Department. . “To ensure that the United States remains a global leader in wireless innovation, we are calling on a diverse group of companies and researchers from across the 5G industry to join us in this challenge competition.”
For more information about RF and microwave products and companies, visit the Military and Aerospace Electronics Buyer’s Guide online at https://www.militaryaerospace.com/directory/rf-and-microwave.
