The DASH SoC: Enabling the Next Generation of Multi-Function RF Systems

Abstract

RF spectral convergence is a novel system design paradigm that prioritizes increased cooperation between RF systems and utilizing RF energy (or waveforms) for multiple applications. This paradigm increases spectral efficiency, reliability, and system capabilities when compared to current ‘stovepiped’ systems. Multi-function systems are critical to the realization of RF convergence systems. We have previously demonstrated single-platform systems that simultaneously enable communications, radar, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) and other RF capabilities. There are many roadblocks preventing the deployment of such systems, one of which is the lack of flexible, capable back-end processors; multi-function systems require hardware capable of performing extremely complex computations efficiently, while also being flexible enough to cover a wide range of functionality. In this paper, we discuss the DASH SoC in the context of RF spectral convergence. This revolutionary, heterogeneous SoC design framework enables the development of such flexible and powerful hardware. We demonstrate through simulations that using the DASH SoC increases performance of a joint-radar communications receiver, a miniature RF convergence system.