Data Sheets

RRP-1307 Signal Recognizer

Argon ST Radix’s Signal Recognizer automates and accelerates the signal identification function in RF monitoring systems while at the same time delivering unprecedented signal recognition accuracy even in degraded signal environments. The Signal Recognizer automatically recognizes over 25 modulation types and variants, and extracts precise waveform parameter measurements. These outputs can be used to gain a detailed characterization of the RF environment as well as to monitor specific signals and provide all the information needed to automatically task demodulators and downstream processing. The Signal Recognizer also supports manual operation and comes with an intuitive operator GUI and a user’s manual. Hardware and software versions are available, with software currently supporting Windows NT/2K/XP, Solaris, Linux, and VxWorks/G4.

Argon ST Radix’s Signal Recognizer includes a programming GUI to program the system to recognize your specific signals-of-interest. Each signal is defined by making modulation type and parameter entries into the programming fields of a Radio Emitter Definition Card (RED Card). The RED Card specifies decision criteria, tolerances, and automated actions including making database entries and issuing alarms and reports. RED Cards also support recognition of signals with modulation cycling and fallback modes. The reusable RED Cards are assembled into separate “decks” tailored to each intended project or mission. The RED Card decks instantly customize and extend RSR functioning by a simple file loading operation.

The algorithm core within the Signal Recognizer, termed NRC, has won critical endorsement from independent Government laboratories for its very high speed, superior performance and modest signal snapshot requirements. Independent laboratory tests including real-world airborne and ground-based operation have demonstrated that NRC accurately recognizes modulation formats and extracts critical parameters even when received several dB below the demodulation threshold signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in real-world conditions. This robust operation encompasses common HF signals such as RTTY and ALE at one end, and modern digital QAM signals at the other. NRC is resistant to common signal degradations including rapid fading, carrier leakage, and QPSK/QAM I-Q rail imbalance.

To prevent false-alarms, the Signal Recognizer includes an Unknown decision category that recognizes particularly poor conditions containing high levels of interference, multipath, or noise. This design feature maintains robust functioning by responding to such inputs with a stable and consistent decision of Unknown, Unknown Digital (indicating carrier lock and symbol lock but unidentified constellation), or Noise, as appropriate.

Features and Benefits

• Rapid classification with high accuracy
• Very high probability of intercept
• Allows much faster search scenarios for nonúspeech signals
• Much greater sensitivity than current products
• Robust performance in presence of interference
• Low false alarm rate
• Use with any radio
• Unsurpassed ranking in Government tests

Software Product for Window, Solaris, Linux, and G4