Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron: 972159

Proposal Number: 26.02-4822

Project Title: Bandwidth- and Power-Efficient, High Rate Burst Modem

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

Over the past six years, SiCOM has researched two related areas of communications systems. The first area was devoted to Gaussian Minimum Shift Keyed (GMSK) modulation, the rapidly emerging global standard modulation format. The second area was related to developing efficient burst demodulation. These efforts have yielded innovative concepts that provide significant advantages in both areas. An M-ary form of GMSK, Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI)-free modulation, referred to as MGMSK, which has constant envelope and can be used with trellis coding was developed on SiCOM internal R&D, and characterized under a prior Phase I SBIR contract. Additionally, a new method of coherent demodulation of burst signals was developed on a separate Phase I SBIR.

Objectives of this proposed Phase I effort will be to determine the feasibility of combining MGMSK with the improved coherent burst demodulation method. This contract would determine the system sensitivities to implementation egradations, define a system architecture, and generate a plan for the Phase II effort. During Phase II, a demonstration unit will be developed and built to demonstrate the exceptional performances of a coherent MGMSK burst demodulator---spectral efficiency, power efficiency, multiple bits per symbol, and constant envelope operation.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

The MGMSK family of burst modems to be developed under the proposed project will be applicable to a number of very large markets including: Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS),Broadband Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), Terrestrial Microwave (LAN/WAN wireless interconnect, private video distribution, wireless cable, wireless fiber, coax), Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), military communications, space-airborne communications and mobile communications. These modems will serve niches in these markets where spectral efficiency and large savings in cost and power dissipation of output amplifiers enabled by MGMSK provide substantial market leverage.

MGMSK modem products will be of particular value to communications terminals using active planar array antennas (which require saturated-amplifier operation to keep power dissipation low), and to mobile terminals (where battery life is crucial).

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Dr. Bruce Cochran

SiCOM, Inc.

7585 E. Redfield

Scottsdale , AZ 85260

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robert Putnam

SiCOM, Inc.

7585 E. Redfield

Scottsdale , AZ 85260