PhD in Intelligent Multi-function RF Sensor Solutions

该研究博士将研究分布式多功能RF传感器新兴领域的新算法和硬件实现。该项目希望利用颠覆性的COTS硬件解决方案，在尺寸、重量和功率（SWAP）的限制下在防御平台上执行多个角色。Xilinx RFSoC是一款完整的RF片上系统，能够在8个通道上发送和接收，具有彻底改变电子战（EW）领域的巨大潜力。该项目的关键步骤是建立作为1）主动雷达2）被动雷达3）电子监视（ES）和潜在的4）电子对抗（ECM）的操作模板。这些模式通常由单独的系统完成，几乎没有集成。研究机会是开发算法和硬件原型，展示具有认知实时控制的紧密集成多功能系统的价值，该系统还可以扩展到多个传感器节点，为未来的空间提供分布式智能RF传感解决方案。在博士学位期间，将有机会使用实验系统进行实验性户外试验，以证明在现实世界中，这种传感架构如何为未来平台的能力提供一个台阶式的变化。应用的研究将利用过去的项目开发和硬件，包括DASA RFSoC第1阶段和第2阶段的工作（https：//www.ucl.ac.uk/iccs/researchprojects/2021/jun/dasa-rfsoc-phase-1-phase-2）。RFSoC器件代表了开发尖端传感器的绝佳机会，该传感器可以提供通常由不同系统提供的多种感测模式。通过将这些任务融合到单个设备中，单个解决方案可以实现较低的SWAP-C解决方案。先前的DASA工作已经为自适应RF传感器开发了物理硬件和FPGA编码框架。这个博士可以利用这个背景工作来开发以分布式和智能方式利用传感器的算法。作为ICASE博士的一部分，学生可以在4年的时间里与工业赞助商列奥纳多密切合作。列奥纳多是世界领先的航空航天公司之一，是射频传感和FPGA设计领域的领导者。作为该ICASE奖的一部分，博士生将能够在卢顿（EW）和/或爱丁堡（雷达）的列奥纳多办公室和实验室设施借调，并与该研究主题领域的专家工程师密切合作。

This research PhD would look to investigate new algorithms and hardware implementations in the emerging areas of distributed multi-function RF sensors. This project looks to leverage the disruptive COTS hardware solution to perform multiple roles on a defence platform within constraints on size, weight, and power (SWAP). The Xilinx RFSoC is a full RF system on a chip that is able to both transmit and receive on 8 channels and has significant potential to revolutionise the Electronic Warfare (EW) domain. The key steps of the project are the establishment of templates for operation as 1) Active Radar 2) Passive Radar 3) Electronic Surveillance (ES) and potentially 4) Electronic Countermeasures (ECM). These modes are typically completed by separate systems with little integration. The research opportunity is to develop algorithms and hardware prototypes that demonstrate the value of having a tightly integrated multi-function system with cognitive real-time control, which could also be expanded to multiple sensor nodes providing a distributed intelligent RF sensing solution for the future battlespace. During the PhD opportunities will be given to run experimental outdoor trials using the experimental system to prove in real-world scenarios how this sensing architecture can provide a step change in capabilities for future platforms. The research applied will leverage past project developments and hardware including the DASA RFSoC Phase 1 and 2 work (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/iccs/researchprojects/2021/jun/dasa-rfsoc-phase-1-phase-2). The RFSoC device represents an excellent opportunity to develop a cutting-edge sensor that can provide multiple sensing modes which would normally be provided by different systems. By fusing these tasks into a single device, a singular solution can enable a lower SWAP-C solution. The prior DASA work has developed both the physical hardware and FPGA coding framework for an adaptive RF sensor. This PhD can leverage this background work to develop algorithms that utilise the sensor in a distributed and intelligent manner. As part of the ICASE PhD the student can engage closely with industrial sponsor Leonardo over the 4-year period. Leonardo is one of the world's leading aerospace companies and is a leader in the area of RF sensing and FPGA design. As part of this ICASE award the PhD student will be able to take secondments at the Leonardo offices and lab facilities in Luton (EW) and/or Edinburgh (radar), and work closely with expert engineers within this research topic area.