• These capabilities could cut through the electronic signal clutter. (BAE)
    These capabilities could cut through the electronic signal clutter. (BAE)
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BAE Systems has been awarded a contract from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop the next generation of mixed-signal electronics.

The technology could enable new military applications including high capacity, robust communications, radars, and precision sensors, and lead to solutions that enhance situational awareness and survivability for soldiers.

DARPA created the Technologies for Mixed Mode Ultra Scaled Integrated Circuits (T-MUSIC) program to enable disruptive radio frequency (RF) mixed-mode technologies by developing high performance RF analog electronics integrated with advanced digital electronics on the same wafer.

The next-generation capabilities that could be made possible with this program include a combination of wide spectral coverage, high resolution, large dynamic range, and high information processing bandwidth.

These capabilities, which can cut through the electronic signal clutter, will become increasingly mission critical as services rely on electronic sensors in highly congested environments. The new developments could be integrated into electronic warfare, communications, precision munitions, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms.

As part of the US$8 million contract, BAE Systems FAST Labs research and development team – working closely with program foundries - will design and develop wafer-scale technology on a silicon foundry platform that can enable US-based production of next-generation electronics.

"T-MUSIC will incorporate analog and digital signals on a single chip for high-performance data converters and digital processing and intelligence," Chris Rappa, product line director for Radio Frequency, Electronic Warfare, and Advanced Electronics at BAE Systems' FAST Labs, said. "The advanced electronics we are developing under the T-MUSIC program could create the foundation for greatly enhanced Department of Defense capabilities in advanced RF sensors and high capacity communications."

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