Department of the navy (don) 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions introduction

In S-Band, a great deal of progress has been made in accomplishing these goals. However, due to fundamental limitations, the tunable filter technologies most promising at S-Band have largely failed to translate to X-Band and above. Tunable filter technology that is available at X-Band is expensive and limited in one or more key performance parameters. For example, filters incorporating conventional varactors have high loss and poor linearity while micro-electronic mechanical system (MEMS)-based filters typically tune slowly. Dramatic increases in tuning speed and elimination of losses have long been known possible by the use of superconducting filter designs. However, superconducting notch filters have not demonstrated the wide tuning ranges required. Furthermore, superconducting technologies add a great deal of system complexity and are unacceptable for shipboard application.

The Navy needs an affordable, fast-tuning, agile filter technology that is fundamentally suited to higher frequencies, specifically X-Band, and shipboard environments. Target goals include full-band tuning time an order of magnitude less than current standard and a per-unit cost of under $2000. However, the filter technology should have all of the key attributes described above with tuning speed being optimized as the most important performance parameter. The other parameters of notch depth, low-loss passband transmission, and notch sharpness follow in importance, in that order. It is assumed that, if these most critical requirements can be fully achieved, some acceptable degree of stop-band width can be obtained by cascading multiple filter sections together and stagger tuning each. Likewise, the desired per-section stop-band attenuation is >40 dB, again with the assumption that this can be increased by cascading low-loss sections together. The filter technology should permit tuning across the entire frequency band (minimum of X-Band). Pass-band attenuation, as an objective, should be less than 0.3 dB.

PHASE I: The company will define and develop a concept for affordable, fast tunable, notch filters at X-band and higher frequencies per the requirements outlined in the description. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of its concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concept can be feasibly and affordably produced. Feasibility will be established by some combination of initial concept design, analysis, and modeling. Affordability will be established by analysis of the proposed materials and manufacturing processes. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will produce and deliver prototype fast tuning, agile filters for evaluation. Evaluation will primarily be accomplished by electrical testing of prototype filters accompanied by appropriate data analysis and modeling which meet the parameters in the description. Affordability will be addressed by refining the affordability analysis performed in Phase I to reflect the knowledge gained in Phase II execution. The affordability analysis will propose best-practice manufacturing methods to prepare the filter technology for Phase III transition.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The company will further refine manufactured and packaged affordable, fast-tuning, agile, notch filter technology for evaluation to determine its effectiveness and reliability in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify initial production components for Navy use. Test and validation will be performed at a Navy facility or at a prime contractor facility according to Navy requirements. The final product will be produced for Navy electronic warfare systems by the company and transition to the Government through its prime contractors. Private Sector Commercial Potential: The need for agile filter technology is increasing due to the increasingly crowded electromagnetic spectrum. This is true for both military and civilian applications. Technology developed under this effort will first have additional military applications. However, commercial applications such as first responder dispatch systems and satellite communications (SATCOM) downlink stations will follow, employing the same technology but with less stringent performance requirements.

REFERENCES:

1. Guyette, Andrew "Controlled Agility.” IEEE Microwave Magazine, 15, July/August 2014: 32-42.

2. Ryan, Paul A. "High Temperature Superconducting Filter Technology for Improved Electronic Warfare System Performance.” Proc. IEEE 1997 National Aerospace and Electronics Conference (NAECON 1997), July 14-18, 1997: 392-395.

3. Wang, Jin, et al. "Varactor-Tuned Narrow-Band High Temperature Superconducting Notch Filter.” IEEE Trans. Applied Superconductivity, 24, Oct. 2014: article no. 1501104 (not paginated).

4. Attar, Sara S., et al. "Low temperature Semiconductive Tunable Bandstop Resonators and Filters.” 2010 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (MTT), May 23-28, 2010: 1376-1379.-

KEYWORDS: Agile filters; tunable notch filters; notch filters; band-stop filters; X-Band notch filters; interference suppression.

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS450 VIRGINIA Class Program Office (PMS 450)/OHIO Replacement Program Office (PMS 397)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a high power, short duration, power supply capability for submarine electrical systems enabling continuous operation through bus bar (BUS) transfers and reducing inrush current magnitude.

DESCRIPTION: To satisfy the continuous (input power) operation requirement of some critical electrical loads, submarine platforms provide two independent electrical sources. These sources are not correlated or synchronized. The existing system provides continuous power from the two independent electrical sources via power transfer switches. Transfer devices introduce approximately 70 millisecond interruptions. The Navy is in need of power hold up technology, which will provide 3-70 kW of power hold up for three-phase 115VAC, 60Hz loads during a 70-100 millisecond interruption, and limit inrush current in accordance with MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) once power is re-applied. Submarine AC power characteristics are identified and defined by MIL-STD-1399, Section 300B (ref 3). This military standard details the submarine electric system operational and interface environment. It identifies requirements for users (loads) and power control components such as holdup devices. Additionally, electromagnetic interference compatibility controls must be addressed in accordance with MIL-STD-461F (ref 4). The Phase I concept must not preclude addressing the requirements detailed in these specifications. If fielded, the 70-100 millisecond holdup device must be compatible with the requirements contained in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3), MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), and MIL-S-901D (ref 5).

Typical existing solutions for this issue use standard configuration Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) units with the ability to provide holdup power for many minutes. The mismatch between existing capability and Navy need is primarily size and weight. The Navy’s need is for much less holdup time and a smaller footprint. Existing UPS solutions are excessively large for the application. By implementing a right-sized solution for power interrupt resistance and inrush current reduction, this technology can replace fielded UPS systems. Allowing multiple systems to leverage the same larger scale power solution may reduce maintenance costs associated with spares, and allow valuable ship space to be freed up for capability improvements.

The deliverable of this project is a solution with a physical configuration that is 19-inch rack mountable, occupying no more than a 4 unit (7 inch) standard height profile for a mid-level power (40 kW) size unit. Use of materials that are non-toxic or have minimum toxicity is encouraged, as the final design must be capable of integration into a submarine atmosphere. Lithium ion batteries are not an acceptable material. The holdup device must be capable of accepting and outputting three-phase 115 VAC nominal power in accordance with the requirements of MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) normal voltage operating envelope identified in Table I, and graphically in figure 13. It is anticipated that this task will involve the implementation of the latest in passive energy storage and converter technology with interface circuitry required to support the holdup function. The primary objective of this research and development effort is to implement a trade-off with the currently available excessively large and heavy UPS power time supply for a smaller lighter unit. Current military/marine UPS technology like the ruggedized Eaton FERRUPS unit, for example, provide only 1/10th of the maximum required power, over only one phase, and take up over 2 feet of height in a 19” rack. Future concept Navy need for constant power, as detailed by Petersen, Hoffman, Borraccini, and Swindler (ref 1), may provide the groundwork for solving this problem. Another focus of this effort is on compressing the UPS discharge time, without creating an inrush current issue. Alternative approaches for architectural changes in the power distribution system as a whole show promise for future concepts as well. Khushalani and Schulz (ref 2) discuss the potential for distribution optimization and islanding of loads. When used as a whole ship approach, altered distribution system philosophy may help in the future. Changing whole ship distribution for in-service and in-design platforms would be prohibitively expensive.

PHASE I: The company will develop a conceptual configuration accommodated by a 19-inch rack mounting at four unit (7 inch) height for the 40kW level and can be installed/removed by two people. The concept must feasibly provide power for 70-100 milliseconds, and limit inrush current in accordance with MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) once power is re-applied. The design must output 3-phase 115VAC 60 Hz power and operate on 3-phase 115VAC power input in accordance with MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3). The design must not preclude compatibility with the requirements contained in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) and MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), preclude passing shock testing in accordance with MIL-S-901D (ref 5) for grade A lightweight testing, or contain toxic materials or lithium ion batteries that preclude use in submarine spaces. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results and options presented in the Phase I effort and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop and deliver a Phase II prototype which conforms to the following: fits in a 19-inch rack at 4 unit (7 inch) height, provides 40kW for 70-100 milliseconds operating with a representative resistive load, successfully passes tests identified in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) and MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), and can be installed and removed by two people. Testing will be performed by NUWC Newport Division. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Phase III will further refine a first article production unit to undergo a full set of performance and environmental testing, including power, shock, and vibration testing. Full environmental qualification testing (EQT) will also be conducted. Upon successful completion of EQT, the first article unit will be delivered as an early production sample suitable for a submarine temporary installation. Sector Commercial Potential: Energy storage and power distribution systems are widely used commercially for power grids in terrestrial power plants and utilities. Advanced cooling techniques will enable higher power densities and inherently safer operation of these systems.

REFERENCES:

1. Petersen, Hoffman, Borraccini, and Swindler, "Next-Generation Power and Energy: Maybe Not So Next Generation,” American Society of Naval Engineers, 2011. https://navalengineers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/hamilton_award_papers/122_4/paper4.pdf

2. Khushalani, Surika and Schulz, Noel N. “Restoration Optimization With Distributed Generation Considering Islanding.” July 2005. http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Noel_Schulz/publication/4155523_Restoration_optimization_with_distributed_generation_considering_islanding/links/53e96ec50cf28f342f41305c.pdf.

3. Department Of Defense Interface Standard (MIL)-STD-1399 section 300B, Electrical Power, Alternating Current, Dated 24 April 2008 http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1300-1399/MIL-STD-1399-300B_13192/

4. Department of Defense Interface Standard (MIL)-STD-461F, Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment, Dated 10 December 2007 http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0300-0499/MIL-STD-461F_19035/

5. Military Specification (MIL)-S-901D, Shock Tests, H.I. (High-Impact) Shipboard Machinery, Equipment, and Systems, Requirements for, Dated 17 March 1989 http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-S/MIL-S-901D_14581/-

KEYWORDS: Uninterruptable Power Supply; Submarine Power Distribution; BUS Transfer Switch; Capacitor Based UPS; Rack Mounted UPS; BUS Transfer Ride Through

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0 – AEGIS Combat System

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Light-field Processing Unit (LfPU) for AEGIS Display Systems that reduce the Size, Weight and Power and Cost (SWaP-C) of real-time synthetic light-field generation.

DESCRIPTION: The dynamic nature of streaming three dimension (3D) data and the need to interact and respond to threats in real-time require a graphics solution capable of creating the 3D visuals in real-time so that render latency and lag is reduced while maximizing the display update rate. Human binocular vision and acuity and the accompanying 3D retinal processing of the human eye and brain are specifically designed to promote situational awareness and understanding in the natural 3D world. The ability to resolve depth within a scene whether natural or artificial improves our spatial understanding of the scene and as a result reduces the cognitive load accompanying the analysis and collaboration on complex tasks. A light-field display projects 3D imagery that is visible to the unaided eye without glasses or head tracking and allows for perspective correct visualization within the display’s projection volume. The Navy seeks a capability for the AEGIS Display System to display graphical data using 3D visualization technologies to enable an improved weapons-targeting pairing and visualization of potential threats, especially in a large swarm-level attack. Additionally, because of the associated massive influx of data from a large-scale tactical situation, an improved method for displaying vast amounts of data to operators is needed. Hypersonic threats also add to the significant increases in information presented to operators, leading to potential information overload. Overloaded operators are prone to significant increases in error rate, slower response time, and lower situational awareness levels. This capability could mitigate operator cognitive loads and improve operator performance without adding manning or additional hardware expansions. Development of the Light-field Graphics Processor supports deployment and integration of the light-field display and allows the light-field display to be used for a variety of purposes such as real-time battlefield visualization, after-action review, and simulation and training.

Modern Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are extremely powerful processors that have evolved into parallel general-purpose processors. However, from a graphics perspective, the parallel GPU structure is geared to rendering a single viewpoint/viewport to a large frame buffer. Therefore, the burden of multi-view rendering is placed on the host application to manage the display list and reissue draw commands on a per viewpoint/viewport basis. As such, multi-view rendering devolves into a succession of the same draw commands issued per viewpoint/viewport that when rendered serially limits the update frame rate of the light-field display.

Consider the light-field display implemented as a plenoptic projector where a 50 x 25 array of micro-lens is placed over a 4K (3840 x 2160) spatial light modulator (SLM). If the light field was rendered outwards from the perspective of each micro-lens, the render engine would require 1,250 (50 x 25) serial render passes of the scene geometry, each with a unique ~76 x 86 pixel viewport to assemble one 4K radiance image for projection through the micro-lens array. Since the number of pixel shader operations has not increased, the generation of the 4k light-field radiance image is vertex transform bound, as only one view matrix/viewport is active at any one time. Depending on the complexity of the scene geometry, the cost of rendering this 4k radiance image could be 1,250x the cost of rendering a single 4k frame. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of streaming 3D data and the need to interact and respond to threats in real-time require a graphics solution capable of creating the 3D visuals in real-time so that render latency and lag is reduced while maximizing the display update rate.

An obvious solution would be to increase the number of GPUs rendering the radiance image. However, the complexity of managing a host of GPUs within a cluster of computers prohibits deployment of such a rendering system due to Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C) constraints. In addition, the burden of managing the radiance image across multiple GPUs is still placed upon the application and/or light-field display application interface (API), again limiting the portably of an Off-The-Shelf (OTS) GPU solution.

The Navy seeks a graphics processor solution to reduce the light-field rendering SWaP-C constraints for novel 3D displays that permits real-time parallel multi-view rendering without the overhead of a cluster of PCs. The reduction will be a minimum of 75% and include computation components and long-term maintenance and support. This will also reduce the size of the required computation cluster and the associated weight, power and cooling.

PHASE I: The company will develop a concept for an LfPU architecture that permits real-time parallel multi-view rendering while minimizing the SWaP-C constraints. The concept will describe the rendering benefits, paradigms and the associated SWaP-C reductions compared to OTS computation. It will define the acceptable display list, draw operations, and describe rendering restrictions or limitations. Feasibility will be established by modeling of the 3D real-time visualization refresh rates as compared with current 2D real-time visualization refresh rates. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I modeling and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will design, develop, and deliver a prototype of the LfPU architecture in platform agnostic C/C++/OpenGL. The prototype will clearly demonstrate the capability for parallel multi-view point rendering as described in the description. The multi-view rendering demonstration includes real-time rendering for stereo HMD, volumetric and extreme multi-view light-field displays at the advertised SWaP-C reduction. The demonstration will take place at a government or company provided facility. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to assist the government in transitioning the LfPU architecture for Navy use within a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to allow for further experimentation and refinement. The FPGA LfPU implementation should be a fully functional, highly parallelizable realization of the architecture that can be imbedded within novel display architectures to support display integration within the AEGIS Combat Display System. Private Sector Commercial Potential: A number of forward leaning, high-tech companies and universities are engaged in developing novel 3D displays and architectures. Many of these display architectures require multi-view or extreme multi-view rendering solutions that far exceed current general-purpose pixel computation capabilities for real-time, multi-view rendering with actual real-world models and for which Moore’s Law offers no cost-effective short-term solution. Development of the LfPU will enable multi-view processing for a variety of display architectures, for a variety of purposes so that 3D visualization will be an affordable and deployable reality.

REFERENCES:

1. Bjelkhagen, Hans and Brotherton-Ratcliffe, David. “Ultra-Realistic Imaging: Advanced Techniques in Analogue and Digital Colour Holography.” Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2013.

2. Klug, Michael and Burnett, Thomas. “A Scalable, Collaborative, Interactive Light-field Display System.” Austin: SID Symposium Digest of Technical Papers, 2013.

3. Halle, Michael W. and Kropp, A. B. “Fast Computer Graphics Rendering for Full Parallax Spatial Displays.” Boston: International Society for Optics and Photonics, 1997.

4. Jeong, Young Ju and Chang, H. S., et al. “Efficient Direct Light-Field Rendering for Autosteroscoptic 3D Displays.” SID Symposium Digest of Technical Papers, Issue 1, Volume 46, pp.155-159. San Jose, CA, May 21–June 5, 2015.-

KEYWORDS: Multi-view 3D Rendering; Holographic Display; Light-field Display; Micro-lens Array; Plenoptic; Graphics Processing Unit; Radiance Image; Real-time Rendering

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Food Service Management System (FSM)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) compliant integrated barcode and inventory management system with handheld capability that allows for the collection and interpretation of linear and non-linear barcode information affixed to material or inventory locations, conducting inventories, processing of material receipts/issues/returns, and updating inventory based on transactions. The integrated barcode and inventory management system shall interface with the Navy Food Service Management System (FSM) and be capable of operating in afloat and ashore galleys.