Embedded Processing Laboratory

The Embedded Processing Laboratory (EPL) researches and develops a variety of embedded technologies and complex systems. These efforts are applied to secure, reliable network issues; improved wireless communications through digital radios and dynamic allocation of spectrum; and advanced modeling and simulation in a variety of areas.

Solving Technology Challenges

Network-centric warfare and operations tie together people, platforms, weapons, decision aids, and sensors to provide an overwhelming and coordinated capability. A portion of this network must support netted embedded systems where physical constraints of the environment dictate design approaches and operation decisions. Achieving success within these constraints requires solutions to several technological challenges:

• Increasing available bandwidth for wireless communications.
• Reducing energy required for unattended sensor network.
• Designing autonomous and cognitive sensors, networks, and processors.
• Improving sensor collaboration and joint signal processing.

We combine years of expertise in embedded processing and complex systems, as well as partnerships with other Lockheed Martin businesses, commercial and defense companies, and universities to advance and transition technologies into various military platforms. Our laboratory focuses on four business areas:

• Advanced Networking
• Advanced Signal Processing and Embedded Processing
• Complex Systems
• Wireless Communications

Advanced Networking

We create technology to enable mobile, cognitive networks that provide actionable knowledge to decision-makers. Our cognitive networks analyze communication environments and determine the best route for retrieving the timeliest information. Using intelligent agent-based technology and network-aware systems, we create software with capabilities approaching that of human decision-makers. Rerouting transmissions around downed links, understanding mission goals, prioritizing information, and responding to changing network environments are a small part of what our systems can achieve.

Mature technologies in this business area include:

• Agent-based resource allocation
• Network modeling and simulation, network planning tools, and network visualization
• Virtual network simulator for training network managers
• Policy languages and constructs
• Routing algorithms

Technologies under development include:

• Agile directional networking
• Cross-layer control/optimization
• Architectures for cognitive networks

We are developing new sensor-processing concepts and algorithms and the required processing architectures. Sensor-processing approaches include novel techniques to emulate sensor motion through special, wave-form-modulation techniques, which can be applied to target detection and tracking or enhanced communication. Our expertise in modeling and simulation of hardware and software allows us to determine information bottlenecks or other failures and correct them before actual application.

Mature technologies in this business area include:

• Radar and speech algorithms
• Embedded processor modeling and simulation (CSIM)
• Embedded processing architectures
• Reconfigurable computing

Technologies under development include:

• New approaches for multi-level simulation
• Signal intelligence with pervasive sensors
• Revolutionary improvements in radar
• Communications waveforms

Complexity science is a relatively new interdisciplinary approach to studying complex adaptive systems. These systems contain numerous, varied, simultaneously interacting parts, or agents—from molecules or bacteria in a biological process to individuals, machines, or businesses in an economic setting. Applications include the design of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, network-centric systems, and program management of complex programs. In complex, adaptive systems, patterns of behavior emerge that are often unpredictable and have unexpected outcomes not understood by examining their parts. The goal of complexity science is to understand these systems. Complexity science can identify small changes in logistics, policies, dramatic improvements in overall efficiency.

Mature technologies in this business area include:

• Agent-based modeling frameworks and specific models
• Evolutionary computing algorithms
• System dynamics models
• Design structure matrices
• Smart product models
• Advanced collaboration environment

Technologies under development include:

• New approaches for integrating dissimilar models
• Massive multi-player games
• Predictive simulation
• Behavior-capture algorithms
• Predictive program management

As technology advances and wireless capabilities become more prevalent, we have experienced a shift toward wireless products in the commercial and defense sectors. The resulting influx of wireless signals significantly diminishes the space available on the finite radio spectrum. Limited space means poor connectivity, poor transmission, poor message quality, and time delays. For military communication systems, these consequences could mean the difference between success and failure.

Mature technologies in this business area include:

• Agent-based resource allocation
• Radio frequency and link modeling and simulation
• Mobile, ad hoc network protocols
• Learning approaches

Technologies under development include:

• Learning algorithms
• Covert communication waveforms and protocols
• Underwater acoustic communication
• New waveforms with more efficient use of time-bandwidth product

We are developing and using the tools to get the job done. From modeling and simulation to technology development, we do what is best for the success of the program. By bridging the gap between concept and application through prototype development, we are creating more efficient systems and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, understanding, and technology.