RADAR OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE AND APPLICATIONS*

Stephen B. Rejto

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA, USA

This work is sponsored by the U.S. Army Strategic and Missile Defense Command, KMR Support Directorate,
under Air Force Contract F19628-95-C-0002. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are
those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the United States Air Force.”
 RADAR OPEN SYSTEMS systems. This modular OS architecture can lead to
improvements in time-to-market, reduced cost, and
ARCHITECTURE AND increased commonality.
APPLICATIONS*
Open Systems
Stephen Rejto, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Lexington, MA, USA An open system is a collection of interacting
components designed to satisfy stated needs. All
components conform to formal interface specifications.
Introduction Interactions among the components depend on the interface
specifications; in particular, the interface specification of
Radar systems are traditionally developed from the all components in an open system is
ground up, using proprietary hardware and software
architectures. This traditional development model is • Fully defined,
expensive and requires long design times. Further, because • Available to the public, and
each radar system employs unique architectures and • Maintained according to group consensus.
technology, it is difficult and expensive to maintain and
upgrade the vast assortment of fielded systems. An open system approach
Acquisition reform and the proliferation of open • Is an integrated technical and business strategy.
systems (OS) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) • Uses modular hardware and software design.
technologies have paved the way for major changes and
• Buys, rather than builds, individual components.
cost reductions in the development process of defense-
acquisition programs. But OS and COTS are about more
A key aspect of OS is a focus on decomposition and
than saving money: they speed up the development process
interfaces, which provides maximum flexibility in
and provide access to the latest technology advances.
developing and maintaining a system. By decomposing a
Further, OS facilitates the use of common architectures,
system into functional units that are connected using open
alternate vendors, and a more competitive acquisition
interfaces, developers can select components from a
model. A standard open architecture applied to radar
competitive marketplace based on performance, quality,
systems could streamline the development process and
and price. Replacing older parts with new components that
improve future technology-insertion opportunities.
adhere to the standard interface provides a maintenance
and upgrade solution. A common example of an open
This paper presents the radar open-systems
system is the personal computer, which provides standard
architecture (ROSA) that has been used successfully in
interfaces for disk drives, graphic cards, and other
building the prototype Cobra Gemini radar and is currently
peripherals. By focusing on the interfaces, personal
being used to modernize four unique signature radars at the
computers can be built using the best new low-cost
Kwajalein Missile Range (KMR) and three unique radars
technology. Customers also benefit by being able to
at the Millstone Hill radar facility. ROSA embraces the
replace or upgrade components independent of a specific
OS model by decomposing a radar into functional building
vendor.
blocks constructed using COTS hardware. This
decomposition provides loosely coupled operational
Another important issue in an OS approach is COTS
subsystem components that, when tied together using well-
technology. Maximizing the use of COTS allows
defined interfaces, form a complete radar-processing and -
developers to benefit from a competitive market and to
control system. Building blocks can be easily added or
change quickly to newer, better, and lower-cost
modified to allow new technology insertion, with minimal
components. Developing custom components that adhere
impact on the other elements of the radar system. More
to standard open interfaces is perfectly acceptable within
importantly, existing radar building blocks can be shared
an open system where custom components are required;
and used to create new radars or to modernize existing
conversely, COTS components that adopt proprietary
closed interfaces cannot be part of an open system.
“This work is sponsored by the U.S. Army Strategic and
Missile Defense Command, KMR Support Directorate, How is the OS approach relevant to large defense
under Air Force contract F19628-95-C-0002. Opinions, systems? For years the Department of Defense (DoD) was
interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are the major driver of electronic components used in weapon
those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the systems, allowing the DoD to synchronize the modification
United States Air Force.”
or fabrication of new systems with new components.
Today’s electronic world is market-driven, and the DoD
has little control over the fast evolution of commercial
components. With electronic components evolving every
18 months, it is increasingly difficult to build and maintain
DoD systems, which have 8- to 15–year cycle times.
In order to benefit from new technology and
reductions in cost, new DoD systems must be designed to
accommodate the fast evolution of the commercial market.
An OS approach is the solution. By using open, standard
interfaces, defense contractors can harness the best, lowest-
cost technology for the DoD. If standard interfaces are
used, new technology can be easily integrated or used to
replace failed components that may no longer exist.
The use of OS is the solution to bridging the
commercial market with the DoD and building cost-
effective systems that can evolve over a lifetime and adapt
to new threats.
Radar Open-Systems Architecture
The ROSA model decomposes a radar-processing and
-control architecture into individual loosely coupled
subsystems. Each subsystem performs specific radar
functions and can run completely autonomously. When
combined, these building-block subsystems form the entire
processing and control architecture for a complete radar.
Figure 1 compares the traditional radar architecture with a
ROSA. Figure 2 shows a ROSA system.
Radar systems have historically employed tightly
integrated designs, custom hardware, and proprietary
interfaces. ROSA replaces the tightly integrated design
with subsystems for each major radar component. These
intelligent subsystems (also called radar peripherals)
perform all interface functions between the high-level main
computer and low-level radar electronics. This
configuration provides an important level of abstraction
that dramatically increases the level of hardware-
independent software within the main radar computer. As
the main computer software is not dependent on the
underlying hardware, it is very portable from radar to
radar.
Communication between the subsystem components
and the main computer is key to the success of a ROSA
architecture. Subsystems act as a software object that
performs specific functions based on control messages;
specifically, a high-level control message is passed from
the main computer to the subsystems using a single
commercial network interface. With every major control
cycle (20 Hz), the main computer broadcasts a control
message to all the subsystems. Each subsystem reads the
message and performs the requested function: in essence,
each subsystem becomes an intelligent peripheral that
provides a unique function driven by the control message.
In addition to simplifying design, ROSA systems show
benefits in the test and evaluation stages. First, the radar
interfaces of each subsystem can often be built using
widely-available commercial boards that have already been
tested by the manufacturer and are supplied along with
diagnostic software. As a result, testing can start at the
subsystem level instead of the component level, drastically
improving the development cycle of the subsystem.
Second, the distributed architecture in a ROSA system
provides a clean mechanism for testing individual
subsystem components prior to integration. By providing
intelligence within the individual subsystems, test and
evaluation can be completed using a modular approach.
Modular testing is accomplished by allowing each
subsystem to generate its own control messages. (Figure 3
describes this concept.) During development and testing,
subsystems generate and drive their own control message.
This modular testing provides a very efficient use of
resources and allows all subsystems to be developed and
tested in parallel. The capability also provides control over
specific sections of the radar without requiring the
complete system. For example, the antenna control
subsystem (ACS) can move the antenna while the
transmitter control subsystem can transmit pulses
independently while running in “local” mode. The
autonomous nature of the subsystems also provides
distributed fault isolation: subsystems are responsible for
isolating faults within their section of the radar.
One example of a ROSA subsystem is the ACS. The
ACS is 90% COTS and consists of a VME-based control
computer and VME boards that perform all the interface
functions required for a radar antenna pedestal, including
the electronic interfaces to the servos, encoders, and status
lines, as well as the required servo-control software. The
ACS receives high-level position (azimuth and elevation)
commands from the main radar computer and then does
everything else. The main computer does not need to be
cognizant of the underlying antenna electronics or the
details of the servo loops. All required information is
passed back and forth between the ACS and the main
computer using high-level messages.
ROSA Applications
The Air Force Electronic Systems Center, MIT
Lincoln Laboratory, and MITRE have recently developed
and fielded a dual-band instrumentation radar using the
ROSA approach. The OS approach was key in meeting the
low cost and short development schedule (two-year
ground-based operations, three-year ship-based
operations).
KMR, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Raytheon Range
Engineering are currently modernizing the four signature
radars (ALCOR, MMW, ALTAIR, and TRADEX) located
on Roi-Namur on the Kwajalein Atoll. The existing radars
are world-class systems supporting seven frequencies from
VHF to W-band and an instantaneous bandwidth up to 2
GHz. These radars are used for metric and signature data
collection on theater and national missile defense
experiments, as well as for space surveillance. The radars
also play an important role as surrogates for testing new
radar technology that may be appropriate for new weapon-
system radars. Examples of such technology include wide-
bandwidth waveforms (512 MHz and 1 and 2 GHZ) and
frequency jump burst waveforms.
Although extremely capable, each KMR radar is a
unique, one-of-a-kind system, making all four radars costly
to maintain and operate. The goal of the KMR
modernization effort is to expand the current world-class
data-collection capabilities, reduce operation and
maintenance costs, and increase the flexibility of the
systems to adapt easily to customers’ needs and to
incorporate new radar technology.
An OS architecture is essential in meeting these goals.
By decomposing the radar system into ROSA building
blocks, a high degree of commonality (greater than 75%)
can be achieved among the four radars. Each ROSA
component is designed to work as a generic radar
subsystem, which allows a subsystem to be moved from
one radar to another with minimal impact. As subsystems
are used to abstract unique hardware components, the main
computer real-time program can also be shared among the
individual radars.
ROSA Subsystems
Figure 2 shows the ROSA decomposition for the
modernized Kwajalein radars. Each subsystem is built
using VME or VXI standard components. A very large
percentage (approximately 85%) of the radar subsystems is
built using COTS components. Only seven custom boards
exist for all the radars! As most of the KMR radars are
dual-frequency, two copies (shaded boxes) of some
subsystems are required. Using two copies of a subsystem
for a dual-frequency radar demonstrates the benefit of
decomposition: a single-frequency radar could not use a
subsystem designed to handle two frequencies. The finer
decomposition increases commonality by allowing a
single-frequency radar to use a single copy of a subsystem
and a dual-frequency radar to use two copies.
Figure 4 shows an example of several ROSA
subsystems. The exciter is responsible for generating the
timing gates and signals used by the radar. The exciter
subsystem is driven by high-level target position
information (state vectors) from the main computer. The
exciter subsystem performs master timing for the radar.
For every pulse repetition interval (PRI) up to 2000 Hz, the
subsystem extrapolates the state-vector information and
computes the appropriate transmit and receive timing. The
subsystem then commands the appropriate gates and
generates the requested waveform signals using digital
waveform generators. The signal is passed through the
upconvertor section of the exciter, which outputs the radar
signal. With the exception of the upconverter board
(which uses different radar frequencies), the exciter system
is completely common from radar to radar. It exciter is a
generic system capable of generating over 100 waveforms
(easily expanded), from continuous wave to 2-GHz
bandwidth, at pulse-repetition frequencies up to 2000 Hz.
The exciter is PRI-agile, which allows unique control for
each pulse over the placement of waveform and range
window. In addition, the system provides a flexible test-
target capability. The system is built using open VME and
VXI standard technology and is 80% COTS, including all
the digital and analog components.
Figure 4 also shows the intermediate frequency (IF)
receiver and digital pulse-compression subsystems
(DPCS). The IF receiver is 85% COTS and is designed
around two VXI chassis. The first chassis contains the IF
receiver card and other COTS boards to perform PRI-rate
automatic gain control, AMP/PHS alignment, bandpass
filtering, and downconversion. The second chassis
contains COTS VXI test equipment: signal generators,
arbitrary waveform generator, noise source, oscilloscope,
spectrum analyzer, and power meter. The test equipment
can be used to inject and measure signals within the radar,
providing automatic fault isolation. Remote operations of
the receiver functions are also provided.
The DPCS provides analog-to-digital sampling, digital
filtering, inphase-to-quadrature conversion, and pulse
compression. Critical to the design is the use of digital
receiver technology. Combined with the digital waveform
generators in the exciter, the digital receivers provide
extreme flexibility in modifying or adding to the 100+
waveform repertoire. The system is scaleable in fast
Fourier transform processors. Fully populated, the system
provides four-channel, all-range pulse compression for
time-bandwidth waveforms as high as 3000. Data rates
within the DPCS can reach 480 Mbytes/second sustained.
The DPCS is designed around the open VME standard and
is 90% COTS.
Main Radar Computer
The main radar computer is responsible for
coordinating all aspects of the radar. The main computer’s
real-time program (RTP) is developed to be common
across all the KMR radars, which is accomplished by
writing software that is parameter-driven and hardware-
independent. As described earlier, hardware-independence
is achieved using subsystems to abstract the underlying
radar hardware. Parameter files are used to configure the
RTP for a specific radar; these parameters include radar
frequencies, available waveforms, and beamwidths.
The RTP performs the following major functions:
• Coherent pulse integration and detection,
• Signature and catalog data recording,
• Multiple-target tracking,
• Target classification,
• Display generation and button processing,
• Subsystem communication,
• Track file maintenance.
All radar functions are under the control of the
autotasker and/or console buttons. The autotasker is a real-
time interpreter that processes mission-profile scripts: these
mission profiles are developed for individual missions and
contain detailed operating instructions for the radar,
including contingencies. Manual operations and
diagnostics are available from a local console at the radar
facility and by a remote console located at the Kwajalein
Mission Control Center on the island of Kwajalein,
60 miles away from the radars. Remote access is also
provided by a satellite link to a console within the
continental United States. Automation, remote operations,
and diagnostics all help lower the cost of operations and
maintenance of these systems.
Figure 5 shows the complete ALCOR radar system.
Each rack represents an individual radar subsystem. The
ALCOR system was received at KMR in December 1999;
within only two weeks, and on its very first attempt, the
system successfully performed a satellite track. Follow-on
systems for the MMW, ALTAIR, and TRADEX radars are
scheduled for delivery within the next few years.
Millstone Hill Radars
The Haystack, HAX, and Millstone radars are located
in Westford, Massachusetts, and perform space-
surveillance functions for the U.S. Air Force. Within the
last year these radars began a modernization effort similar
to the KMR program. After evaluating the KMR radar
modernization effort, the Millstone Hill engineers realized
that they could leverage many of the existing ROSA
building blocks. The OS architecture, available
subsystems, and generic radar software have drastically
reduced the cost for the modernization effort at
Millstone Hill.
Future
Electronic technology is rapidly advancing, and digital
hardware is quickly replacing analog components.
Decomposing radar systems into loosely coupled
subsystems provides an evolutionary path for migrating to
new technology. By using industry-standard VME and
VXI boards, subsystems can be maintained or upgraded.
In a similar manner, building radars using subsystems with
well-defined open interfaces allows whole sections of the
radar to be upgraded or replaced without affecting the
other pieces of the system. Because hardware abstraction
is provided, whole subsystems can be replaced without
modifying the main radar software. It is possible that some
day radar subsystems could be built by commercial
companies to a common industry specification, which
would provide all the benefits that open systems have to
offer.
Conclusion
Acquisition reform, OS, and the use of COTS
technology have paved the way for major changes and cost
reductions in the development process of DoD acquisition
programs. Using an OS approach can
• Provide cost reductions,
• Simplify new technology insertion,
• Promote the use of alternate vendors,
• Streamline the development process.
Radar systems are traditionally developed using
proprietary architectures, hardware, and software, which
creates radar systems that are very expensive to build and
maintain. By embracing the OS approach, the ROSA
decomposes a radar into functional subsystems, each built
using standard commercial components.
ROSA has been used successfully in building the
prototype Cobra Gemini radar and is currently being used
to modernize four unique signature radars at KMR and
three unique radars at the Millstone Hill radar facility.
This modular OS architecture leads to improvements in
time-to-market, cost, technology refresh, and commonality
across radar systems.
 Bibliography
1. Gillis, Matt (1999), “Open Systems Joint Task Force
Gets the Word Out”, PM, July-August, pp. 44-47
2. Rejto, Stephen (1997), ”COBRA GEMINI Radar
COTS Based Architecture”, International Test and
Evaluation Association (ITEA) workshop on T&E,
August, Bedford, MA
3. Secretary of Defense Memorandum, Subject:
Specifications & Standards – A New Way of Doing
Business, 19 June 1994
4. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Technology Memorandum, Subject: Acquisition of
Weapons Systems Electronics Using Open Systems
Specifications and Standards, 29 November 1999

Custom Origin 2000 COTS

Origin 2000

Recording

Transmitter
Exciter ...
Origin 2000
Origin 2000
Exciter Antenna Receiver
Antenna

Main Computer And

Main Computer Recording
Historical Architecture Radar Open Systems Architecture

Figure 1 Historical and ROSA

ROSA
Radiation
Safety

Transmitter Transmitter
Control
MICROWAVE

Console(s)
Master Timing Main
Upconverter Computer
WFG

Digital Pulse
Receiver Compression

Antenna Recording
Control
(Navigation)

Figure 2 ROSA Block Diagram

Full radar operation Development, local and diagnostic

Origin 2000
operations

Control Message

LOCAL
Origin 2000

Control Message

SYSTEM

Main Computer Subsystem

Figure 3 Communication (local and System mode)

Exciter - Timing, WFGs 6 channel Receiver 6 channel Digital
and Upconverterr and Diagnostics Pulse Compression

Figure 4 Example ROSA Subsystems

Figure 5 KMR Radar System Electronics