Dual Function Transponder: A Data Link for the Next Generation

Abstract

Future U.S. Navy at-sea and littoral battle group training range instrumentation requires a new, secure, high data rate link This link must be capable of providing the ranges with the capacity to increase the number of players, increase the amount of threat simulation, and allow an improved Global Positioning System (GPS) based position tracking system to be implemented This paper describes a Dual Function Transponder (DFT) capable of operating on any R-CUBED (Relay, Reporter, Responder) based range as well as any TACTS/ACMI range without modification of either range type. In addition, the DFT provides a new increased data rate capability for use by planned future ranges, enabling a dramatic increase in the number of participants as well as significantly increasing the quantity of data that can be communicated by each player. Miniaturization and programmability are the keys to this development and many of the methods used are described.