Aircraft that cross the line between transmitter and receiver reflect radio waves orders of magnitudes stronger than usual. Use this effect to detect threats seemingly impossibly far away.
Your role
Background
Passive Coherent Location (PCL) is a method of detecting and localizing targets similar to radar, but without transmitting. The technology exploits the microwave signals transmitted by commercial broadcasters such as radio and TV and listens for reflections of these signals. This has advantages over traditional radar – without transmitting the system is virtually undetectable, harder to jam, requires less power, and it doesn't require cooperation with the government and other transmitters for use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
A big limitation of PCL is that we can’t control where transmitters are located. This thesis aims to turn this limitation into an opportunity – what if we can use transmitters already in enemy territory? This may be possible thanks to the Forward Scatter effect. The strength of a radio wave reflection is strongest in forward direction, where the object is on or near the line between transmitter and receiver. This gives a unique edge to PCL systems that can rely on having transmitters behind the enemy.
Previous thesis workers have proved foundational techniques, such as reconstructing the original broadcast signal and removing ground reflections from the signal, and we count on you to build on this to demonstrate the feasibility of Forward Scatter PCL.
Description of the master thesis
This thesis combines theory to learn and find theoretical limits, simulation to predict performance in different scenarios, and practical measurements with a Software Defined Radio (SDR) to evaluate performance, but which aspect to focus on can be adjusted to suit your profile.
The main question of the thesis is:
- What sets the performance limits in a forward scatter PCL system based on commercial TV-transmitters and an SDR receiver?
But it can optionally be tweaked or added to based on interest. A few examples:
- How can you implement an efficient forward scatter PCL simulation?
- Which antenna geometry is most effective in this application?
- How relevant is this technology in a contemporary conflict situation?
- How does geographic and atmospheric effects limit performance?
Your profile
This Master Thesis is suitable for one motivated engineering students with experience in MATLAB or Python, and an interest in systems engineering, signal processing, and radar.
This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.
What you will be a part of
You are joining a small team focusing on forward looking technology for radio frequency sensing. The team includes both industry veterans and recent graduates and will give you insight into work at Saab.
Behind our innovations stand the people who make them possible. Brave pioneers and curious minds. Everyday heroes and inventive troubleshooters. Those who share deep knowledge and those who explore sky-high. And everyone in between.
Joining us means making an impact together, contributing in our own unique ways. From crafting complex code and building impressive defence and security solutions to simply sharing a coffee with a colleague, every action counts. We encourage you to take on challenges, to create smart inventions and grow in our friendly and tech-savvy workspace. We have a solid mission to keep people and society safe.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 23,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here
Last application day
30-11-2024
ADVERTISING PERIOD
10-10-2024 - 30-11-2024
Contact information
Neda Tooloutalaie, Head of Future Technologies
neda.tooloutalaie@saabgroup.com
+46 73-446 0055
David Mårsäter, Master Thesis Supervisor
david.marsater@saabgroup.com
+46 73-437-9417
Karl-Johan Hällgren, Master Thesis Supervisor
karl-johan.hallgren@saabgroup.com
+46 73-437 4607