Countering enemy EW to improve comms: Creomagic Cognitive SDR latest developments
Creomagic, an Israeli pioneering communications developer and manufacturer, unveils its latest CreoNet EW capabilities, based on Cognitive SDR and dual-waveform radios available for land, naval and air applications
The networked battlefield requires the capacity to transfer critical data and video in the field necessitates network scaling, security and data rates, all this in an often EW contrasted scenario. Creomagic developed an AI-based technology adding machine learning capabilities to its products, which continuously analyse the electromagnetic spectrum and environment in real time, detecting and identifying potential threats and interference. Based on those data the CreoNet automatically parameters by switching to alternative frequencies, modulation techniques or waveforms. This mitigates the effects of those factors on communication performance, ensuring connectivity continuity and reliability across the network adjusting parameters and choosing the best frequency. CreoNet EW technology operates across two waveforms simultaneously, creating two tactical bubbles: the first one is used for broadband information transmission while the second, immune and invisible, ensures tactical awareness. According to Creomagic this dual-waveform approach ensures a smooth transition between the different waveforms and maximizes performance during EW blockages.
All the systems are designed to be employable both on manned and unmanned platforms.
CreoLand is capable to generate a resilient, decentralized and networked architecture leveraging advanced MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network) technology. Two types of hardware are available, with different power, both capable to be installable in command posts, tactical vehicles, artillery systems as well as on naval platforms. The CreoLand Light adaptive output power can reach 1 W, throughput reaching up to 20 Mbps. It operates in UHF, L-Band, S-band and C-band with Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), QAM16 and QAM64 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, bandwidth being 2, 4 or 8 MHz. It is available with single-input multiple-output (SIMO) antenna configuration. The CreoLand Light has a 730 grams mass, its dimensions being 130x110x40 mm, input power being up to 15 W, with a 12-36 VDC power supply. For higher performances and longer ranges the CreoLand Pro is available, with an output power up to 10 W and a throughput up to 80 Mbps, a 16 MHz bandwidth being added. It operates in the same bands and with the same modulation as its smaller sister and has a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration. It has a 1,700 grams mass its dimensions being 170x200x50 mm, power input going up to 120 W. Both radios are IP65 protected.
For air applications three different radios are available, mass being here a major concern especially for those systems to be installed on small, unmanned air vehicles. CreoAir M2, CreoAir M3 and CreoAir HP have respective mass of 100, 220 and 600 grams, and are aimed at Mini UAS and multirotors, UAS, VTOl and large drones, and to Tactical UAS and ISR helicopters. The CreoAir M2 is based on a low-power transceiver operating in the same bands of the CreoLand, its throughput going up to 20 Mbps with a 1 W output power, 2, 4 or 8 MHz bandwidth, modulation lacking the QAM64. It adopts Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) duplex technology, it features SIMO antenna technique, immunity being based on interference avoidance. The two bigger solutions for air platforms are the flying equivalent of the CreoLand Pro in terms of power, throughput, modulations and bandwidth. While the smaller one features Ethernet and RS232 interfaces, the two bigger ones have Ethernet, RS232/TTL and Video (SD and HD) interfaces. Three different ground stations are available, a short-range one with omni-directional antennas, a medium-range one with a one-axis tracking system, and a long range with dual-axis tracking.
The family is completed by the two CreoHub personal MANET radios, named respectively CreoHub Light and CreoHub Pro. Their performances are similar to those of CreoLand radios, but feature a lower power input, respectively up to 10 or 50 W with 9-18 VDC input voltage. Power is provided by a 7 Ah/8 Ah twisted lock battery ensuring 12 hours autonomy, a dual-battery option being also available. The two radios have a mass of respectively 430 and 620 grams.
Creomagic systems are at TRL 9.
Photos courtesy Creomagic