Efficient Channel Coding is Awarded Two Phase II SBIR Contracts for JTRS-based Communications Technologies

Cleveland, Ohio – December 17, 2004 - Efficient Channel Coding (ECC) announced today that it has been awarded two Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts. The first contract is with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to develop and test a prototype small form factor, bandwidth efficient modem intended for operation with next generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The second contract is with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to develop adaptive and near-Shannon limit Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Wideband Networking Waveforms (WNW)

The NAVAIR contract will develop modems that implement the MIL-STD “Bandwidth Efficient Advanced Modulation” (BEAM) waveform. BEAM is a one of the key waveforms defined by the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) specifications. As part of the Phase II effort, the modems will be integrated into an IP-based communication system enabling UAVs to download high-resolution video data as well as send and receive control and status information on a single shared link. The developed prototype will demonstrate vastly superior performance relative to currently available systems. This will result in increased operational range, increased data throughput, and reduced required bandwidth. The system also has the potential to enable future advanced applications such as networked UAVs, and ad-hoc communications networks.

The OSD contract will demonstrate strategic portions of a system called Flexible Adaptive Shannon Transmission for Wideband Networking Waveform (FAST-WNW). The FAST-WNW system provides near Shannon limit modulation & coding waveforms that automatically adapt to the link conditions while maintaining compatibility with JTRS-WNW channelizations. In this Phase II SBIR, Efficient Channel Coding (ECC), Xenotran (Glen Burnie, Maryland), and 0dB Coding (Athens, Ohio) additionally will demonstrate the flexible, near-Shannon limit Forward Error Correction (FEC) techniques developed by each company.

ECC provides real world digital communications solutions for some of the world’s most advanced networks. We design and deliver satellite communication systems, broadband communication ICs, and customized commercial and government solutions. Our technology innovations increase the efficiency of today’s most advanced satellite, wireless and wire-line communications systems. More information on ECC is available on the Internet at www.efficientchannelcoding.com.

NAVAIR provides cost-wise readiness and dominant maritime combat power to make a great Navy/Marine Corps team better. We pursue actual cost reductions, and return resources to recapitalize our Fleet for tomorrow. We continue to introduce best business practices and remove barriers to getting our job done with greater efficiencies. We provide our Naval Aviators with the right products to fight the Global War On Terrorism and other potential future conflicts.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the immediate offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Assistants to the Secretary of Defense, Director of Administration and Management, and such other staff offices as the Secretary establishes to assist in carrying out assigned responsibilities.