SDIA

Software Defined Intelligence Architecture SDIA

Practical benefit for users V 1.0 Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Kfm. Horst Jonuscheit

1 Overview
MEDAV has launched its system concept SDIA Software Defined Intelligence Architecture in 2008, after a development process which took about 5 years. Today SDIA is the basis for all MEDAV radio monitoring and intelligence systems, which are subject of product development and customization as well. The idea of SDIA is to provide any system architecture in such a concept, which is focusing on the intelligence customers needs: Flexibility in functionality Scalability Fast enrichment of capabilities Riskless system upgrades Independency from supplier use of COTS products Openness for third party software

MEDAV is an expert supplier to international intelligence customers for many years. This was an important issue why MEDAV was in the position to design the system concept according to the practical requirements. Performance aspects were subject of consideration, too. The capability of customization is supported by use of COTS products, which are selected on the world market according to the specific project requirements. Based on the SDIA concept, every project has its individuality. Hardware on stock philosophy is rejected due to missing flexibility if individual requirements are typical customer demands. After a successful market launch of SDIA, MEDAV continues the development following the customer requirements listed above. Today a wide range of software products and software oriented solutions regarding classification, demodulation and decoding, direction finding and localization etc. are available. And the development is going on. A valuable benefit is reached by MEDAVs co-operative development. Use of standard components in hardware and support of standard interfaces in software and hardware enhances the capabilities on customers side to perform own development tasks on the same system technology. The available interfaces support algorithm development tasks, e.g. by use of MATLAB and SIMULINK, or dedicated online processing modules as well: customers can integrate own software easily into the SDIA system. Additionally, MEDAV offers long-term oriented co-operation in development.

The following chapters comprise an introduction into the SDIA concept and outline the main benefits for the customer. The multi-usability of the hardware is described within the separate chapter Payload. A special chapter is designated to a project which has been started two years ago and which is subject of extensions on a step by step basis.

by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 2/12

2 SDIA the concept

The Software Defined Intelligence Architecture (SDIA) concept takes advantage on manifold aspects, which are profitable to the customers system: COTS products: Use of powerful but low budget hardware components makes end-users more independent from suppliers, and reduces delivery time and development risks Client server architecture: Separates data processing from operation and supports riskless system extensions through copy of hardware and software products (components) only Life cycle separation for hardware and software: Performance improvements caused by on-going technology development can be obtained if hardware (PC components) will be exchanged regularly. Licenses are granted unlimited in time. Upgrade through software maintenance: On-going developments in MEDAV provide additional functionalities. Customers keep their system on latest technological level by taking advantage through software maintenance. Ease of transfer to different platforms: The available software is independent of hardware environment requirements. It is subject of MEDAVs procurement process to select the hardware components according to the environmental requirements of a project: adequate COTS products will be selected. MEDAV has experience with naval and ground solutions, and is in the position to supply airworthy systems as well.

Our approach to obtain a smart technical solution is like this: There are many software modules available on product level. These modules and some hardware components like tuners will be configured according to the particular project specification. Figure 1 shows the concept of modularity, configurability and re-usability. Software modules for algorithms, e.g. demodulators/decoders, classifiers, direction finders (DF), are products and designed as Virtual Devices1; they are subject of additional business to OEM customers, too.

Figure 1: The pyramid. Building blocks in software and hardware are the basic modules which are configured to dedicated products (solutions) of MEDAVs COMINT catalogue (ComCat) or customized systems (Systems).

Configuration flexibility is illustrated with examples refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3. Customization is obtained by configuration and adaptation. This keeps development costs and development risks on a low level. Short time-to-market is a realistic approach for OEM2 customers. Since operation of different customized configurations is very similar, low training is required for a dedicated configuration.

1 2

Virtual Device: Refer to MEDAV brochure OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 3/12

Figure 2: The minimum system configuration consists of an antenna, a tuner and a notebook (PC). The tuner intercepts the analogue signal from the antenna, performs digitization, and provides pre-processed data streams over IP to particular software modules on the PC.

Figure 3: A more general view on the system configuration is illustrated. The tuner supports multicast operation. Therefore different data streams can be assigned to different clients in hardware and software (multi function console, PC and notebook) or servers (recording, data processing) via LAN. Increase of performance can basically be obtained by copy of hardware plus copy of software and connection to LAN.

This architecture described above for a monitoring solution using one tuner also applies for DF and multi tuner systems (e.g. hand-off receivers).

by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 4/12

3 Payload
An SDIA based system is characterized by its flexibility through various software payloads, and by using the hardware available. Minimum resources of hardware comprise antenna, tuner, and a PC. Different software payloads may operate this basic stock, and it is subject of a practical advantage that the system can be used according to the recent need: as a tactical or strategic system, or man operated or in a fully automated mode. Different software payloads available guarantee for a modern and smart solution. All components which are listed in Table 1 are COTS products and can be procured almost worldwide. Item Antenna Description Monitoring or DF antenna Remark Frequency range HF, VHF, UHV, SHF Frequency range HF, VHF,UHF, SHF Monitoring DF Scanning, fixed frequency mode

Tuner

Wideband or narrowband tuner

PC / Server IT switch PC RAID, external Synchronization unit GPS receiver

Processor and recording unit IT switch for Gbit network Workplace for operators High performance and reliable storage Synchronization of tuners Geo data of sensor position Desktop or notebook DF, recording DF, TDOA DF, TDOA

Table 1: List of basic COTS components to be integrated in SDIA systems. Products and customized systems are obtained by configuration of COTS components

Figure 2 illustrates a configuration which can be operated manifold: as analyzer, as automated production system (search head of ARS-8000 system), as TDOA sensor etc.

IT switch Tuner Server

Figure 4: The software payload defines the systems capability! Ruggedized case comprising a wideband system: illustration without antenna and workplaces.

by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 5/12

Table 2 gives an overview on a selection of configurations (MEDAV products). It is obviously that the available hardware infrastructure can be used for different tasks. Related to this flexibility, single purpose devices and systems occur as old fashioned, and do not take into account progress in technology and demands in flexibility: New or additional requirements can easily be obtained as software upgrade, or through additional COTS components within a PC network, e.g. additional operator workplaces or additional server for performance improvement.

Item

MIRA Technical signal analysis X X X X X X Not applicable

ARS-8000 Automated multi-channel production X X X X X X YES

ESM CE-4125 Role based C/ESM system X X X X X X YES

KCS-8000 (TDOA) Emitter localization3 X X X X X X X X YES

MDF-8000 DF system

Monitoring antenna Wideband tuner5 PC / Server IT switch Workplace PC RAID, external Synchronization unit GPS receiver DF antenna RAID, external Scalable

(X)4 X6 X X X X X X X Not applicable

Table 2: Modules required for particular solution which are available for HF, VUHF and for SHF on request Other functionalities, e.g. speech classification, can be incorporated by means of software configuration.

Special care was exercised to remote control capabilities, especially for communication systems with poor data rates. In general, there are different approaches possible: Message oriented, e.g. XML files comprising meta data of the emitters detected, or EOB information (electronic order of battle) Remote client Remote desktop (Team Viewer, VNC, NX, )

Both remote control oriented solutions support live audio capabilities. These approaches can be implemented on a high secure connection, e.g. by use of VPN technology, or on a lower secure connection, e.g. by use of a leased line or internet connection (IP based).

Figure 5 illustrates the most popular implementation whereby the remote station is connected to the sensor via TCP/IP interface.

TDOA system comprises three monitoring sensor stations at least, a control station, and communication between the control station and the sensors. A monitoring antenna is recommended but is not a must. Wideband tuner used for monitoring can also be provided with DF capabilities. DF system requires at least 2 tuners; depends on algorithm, interception requirements etc. by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 6/12

4 5 6

Remote Access (TCP/IP interfaces)

Figure 5: The software payload defines the capability! Ruggedized case comprising a wideband system: illustration without antenna and workplaces.

Security aspects are considered in the implementation of the TCP/IP access. According to the needs, additional routers and en/decryption devices can be incorporated; special MEDAV hardware or software is not required.

MEDAV has experience with various communication systems that are used for remote control, e.g.:

System V/UHF Radio GPRS EDGE HSDPA HSDPA+ INMARSAT BGAN

Data transfer rate 10 kbps 55 kbps 236 kbps 7.2 Mbps 11 Mbps (Uplink) 256 kbps

Table 3: Popular wireless communication systems provide different data transfer capacities.

Other communication systems will be supported on request.

by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 7/12

4 Practical application
4.1 Customers requirements
A military customer had a particular need in a flexible HF monitoring and DF system which can be used for tactical operation, and strategic operation as well. Due to the wideness of his country and limited human resources, remote control was a strong demand. It was in late 2009, when customer decided for MEDAVs SDIA concept. The flexibility of the system concept, which was demonstrated and subject of several workshops and presentations, was convincing and the customer started the partnership. Following some budget constraints, and to evaluate the new suppliers capabilities and reliability, the customer had defined an investment plan to introduce latest system technology for HF, comprising monitoring and direction finding / localization. A very important subject was the availability of a smart remote access concept. Since the sensors should be operated unmanned and in a far distance to an underdeveloped area, the system should be operated and controlled also if low (poor) data rate is available only for remote access. This demand could be solved by the smart system design available where all data processing is performed on the servers including tasking and operation planning as components of the sensor. Only results and graphs (pictures) are transferred to the remote PC what supports a comfortable system remote operation.

4.2

System approach

MIRA Technical Signal Analyzer The project started in late 2009 with ordering a MIRA7 system for HF signals. MIRA is a monitoring system that can be configured for HF, VUHF or HF/VUHF. MIRA is characterized by the following capabilities: Wideband online analysis Wideband recording Wideband offline analysis Technical signal parameter analysis More than 200 analogue and digital transmission schemes Automated or interactive classification and production of two narrowband channels Listen-in

While the software may be identical for different frequency bands, the used COMCAT tuners require special add-ons for the different frequency bands and appropriate antennas. ARS-8000 Automated Reconnaissance System While MIRA is a system in particular for offline analysis of unknown signals, ARS-80008 is the solution for automated production. Procurement of ARS-8000 was subject of the second step, which was conducted in 2010 after successful launch and validation of the MIRA system. ARS-8000 was delivered as a separate alternative software payload for the MIRA hardware configuration. ARS-8000 consists of role based and workflow oriented system software, a configurable number of search heads whereby each search head is identical to a MIRA hardware composition, and several additional interfaces, e.g. to DF systems. Each search head is capable to perform automated search, detection, classification, production and recording of up to some ten narrowband channels (implemented in software!). Systems can be designed for thousand channels and more, only by adding a copy of search heads. Main characteristic of ARS-8000 is:
7 8

Automated, reliable reconnaissance High efficiency one operator controls up to 200 channels Up to 50 channels per search head

Refer to MIRA brochure Refer to ARS-8000 brochure by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 8/12

Wideband online processing Wideband and narrowband offline processing Wideband recording Analysis of unidentified signals Interface to DF systems Role based and work flow oriented

Within the particular project, one search head was available. MDF 200-3 Direction Finding Since the project was related to HF frequency band, direction finding (DF) was performed by a Watson Watt algorithm using an Adcock DF antenna. This configuration is known as MDF 200-39 and is characterized by: Wideband DF 3 channel DF Polar display Different illustrations of spectrum, spectrogram, histogram, using azimuth, time, frequency and azimuth information Map representation (line of bearing LOB) Localization capabilities Listen-in

Remark: MIRA together with MDF 200-3 is almost identical to MEDAVs ASTRID-NG, however there are differences regarding availability of special operational modes.

4.3

Operational modes

Chapter 4.2 describes the three basic products MIRA, ARS-8000 and MDF 200-3, which have been supplied to the customer. Due to the benefits of the SDIA concept savings in hardware could be realized since MIRA and ARS-8000 use the same hardware platform. Another advantage of the SDIA concept is obviously: the big variation how to use the hardware available. Table 4 lists the operational modes defined through payload variations. The actual payload(s) can be selected via remote control or directly on the system. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Product MIRA ARS-8000 MDF 200 MIRA + MDF 200 MIRA + MDF 200 ARS-8000 + MDF 200 MDF 200 MDF 200 All Functionality Technical Signal Analysis (online, offline, recording) Automated production (alternatively to MIRA), one search head Direction Finding (scan mode, map representation); simultaneously but independent to MIRA or ARS-8000 Technical Analysis using DF information (ASTRID-NG) Classification and production of narrowband channels using DFinformation Automated production using DF information Query DF, e.g. in combination with other DF systems Command DF, e.g. in combination with other DF systems Remote controlled

Table 4: Different operational modes of the hardware available through different software payload are listed. All operational modes can be performed by remote control.

Refer to MDF-8000 brochure by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 9/12

4.4

Training System

Another major benefit of the SDIA system is the opportunity to provide a training system for all products designed under SDIA architecture. Since the training software is typically operated with a software emulation of the sensors, only a PC (network) is required for the training system. The system that is subject of training will be started as a flexible payload on the different workplaces and servers. A server for providing the wideband signal scenarios stored (ReProS) is recommended for a comfortable system operation. Figure 6 illustrates a possible system approach whereby the number of workplaces (WPx) is configurable, and wideband and / or narrowband tuners are optionally applicable for real online operation. DF systems can be connected directly, via remote control; other opportunities are granted on a case by case basis.

Figure 6: Architecture of an SDIA based training system requires a PC network only, and for online training capabilities some optional tuners or access to DF systems. A complete and customized training concept can be designed together with the customer. The objective is that the customer enriches his own standard training courses and conducts the courses by himself. MEDAV concentrates on t - train the trainer, and the customer gains effective training capabilities.

4.5

Extensions and comprehensive maintenance offers

The products and variations described above are not the full list of the realistic possibilities. Today a variety of additional software payloads is available, new additional payloads e.g. a TDOA based localization system for VUHF are in the final phase of development. Extensions are possible also for hardware. Additional hand-off receivers, search heads, DF extensions, antennas are possible without loss of the system components available. SDIA concept guarantees their long term oriented use. Comprehensive and tailored maintenance capabilities are defined and comprise: Automatic supply of updates Automatic supply of upgrades following the products development roadmap (additional functions) Access to an internet based signal portal, where customer can upload signal probes for short-term analysis by MEDAV experts; reports are results.

by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 10/12

5 Summary
SDIA is a smart and economic approach of MEDAV to let customers benefit from the latest products of modern IT technology. Use of COTS products for the processor (PC, IT components), tuners and antennas generates high flexibility in hardware configuration. SDIA reduces dependency caused by use of proprietary hardware. The described project references a successful implementation of latest software technology for measurement and intelligence systems. Availability of some particular hardware resources gives a platform for different applications which are characterized by their software payload. On-going and future developments will create additional and new payloads and thus enrich the capabilities of the hardware. While the project described has a focus on sensors, our SDIA considers also the needs of the intelligence back office. Figure 7 illustrates an overview on the modularity, scalability and configurability of IFS-800010.

Data ProjektAnalysis Management Relationship Management ESRI WissensGeo Info Sys Management Relationship RelationshipManagement Management

Intelligence ProjektRequirement Management Management KnowledgeWissensManagement Management

BIRT JobReporting Management Engine

Analysis SoMoS Tools Portal Loc-DB

Data Link
I2 KommunikationsAnalysts Management Notebook Request Work Flow JobManagement Management

SoMoS SoMoS IDB Portal EDB

Intercom KommunikationsManagement Management Termin- & Resource RessourcenManagement Management Gender WissensIdentification Management

Termin- & OC-6040 RessourcenSignal Analysis Management

Projektfrom Leadership Management RelationshipPlanning Management

Reporting Wissensand Dissemination Management

Data Link
Wissens Management HFProjekt/ VUHF Management RelationshipHUMINT Management WissensGSM Management

Intelligence SoMoS Cycle Portal

JobCollection Management KommunikationsAnalysis Management Termin- & Processing RessourcenManagement
Administration RelationshipAnalysis Management Models

Data Link
Speaker WissensIdentification Management

Language WissensIdentification Management Key Word WissensTopic Management Spotting Speech WissensRecognition Management Speech WissensContent Management Analysis

Server Farm Provides ProjektComputational Management Power

Gate Way
Open JobSources Management

Sensor SoMoS Gateway Portal UCDB

Entity WissensRecognition Management Language WissensRecognition Management

Data Link
KommunikationsThuraya Management Flow JobManagement Management

SIPAC SoMoS Portal TrDB

Text KommunikationsContent Management Analysis Image Termin- & Content RessourcenAnalysis Management Steganography WissensAnalysis Management

Translation WissensTerm Management Substitution Optical WissensCharacter Management Recognition

Termin- & Inmarsat RessourcenManagement

Figure 7: Modularity scalability flexibility. IFS-8000, the intelligence fusion system developed by MEDAV, supports the full intelligence cycle. A specific advantage of IFS-8000 is, that IFS provides especially the framework to support the different tasks, while the particular tools, sensors etc. are integrated according to the selection of the customer.

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Refer to IFS-8000 brochure by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 11/12

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MEDAV GmbH Grfenberger Str. 32-34, D-91080 Uttenreuth Homburger Platz 3, D-98693 Ilmenau Phone +49-9131-583-0 Fax: +49-9131-583-11 E-Mail: info@medav.de www.medav.de by MEDAV GmbH 2012 Specification subject to change Page 12/12 w712od.068