RICOM Final report

Authors:

  • Börje Asp
  • Kia Wiklundh
  • Sara Örn Tengstrand
  • Erik Axell
  • Patrik Eliardsson
  • Björn Johansson

Publish date: 2016-11-29

Report number: FOI-R--4317--SE

Pages: 35

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • System integration
  • co-location
  • electromagnetic interference
  • robust communication
  • functioning reliability

Abstract

On military platforms, there are typically a number of radio systems located in a limited area. This may lead to reduced radio system performance, as the radio is affected by electromagnetic interference from other radio systems or from electrical equipment on the platform. This degradation of communication system performance can ultimately affect the protection, action and mobility of the military unit. This report summarizes the activities in the project Robust Integration of Wireless Telecommunication Systems during 2014-2016. The aim of the project has been to study methods that improve the system integration on platforms, regarding colocalization of several receivers and transmitters. The project has consisted of three parts: (1) Methods and technology for system integration of wireless telecommunication systems on platforms (main task), (2) Methods to increase the robustness of satellite communication, (3) Frequency selection methods in High Frequency (HF) communication, based on the local interference environment. The report suggests measures to prevent and handle communication problems caused by inadequate system integration. A general conclusion is that the deficiencies in integration should be handled both by method and technology, and by a systematic approach where the entire platform and its systems are considered. The functioning reliability of communication systems should be handled in all phases of the systems' life time, and is especially important in early phases, as problems might be very costly to handle later. The project suggests an overall responsible (for electronic environment and communication) for each platform. This overall responsible will monitor and handle problems related to system integration. The project also suggests that new checkpoints and design rules are adopted, in order to facilitate the work of the person responsible for system integration on a platform. Finally, the project presents a method for handling interference from radio systems and the platform, in order to reach sufficient performance of the radio system on a platform. The method makes it possible to evaluate and choose the proper technical measures that are most efficient for handling electromagnetic interference problems during integration of communication systems on military platforms.