BANC3 has successfully been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a sophisticated wideband, non-blocking radio frequency (RF) switch matrix. This innovative technology aims to enhance the military’s capabilities in electronic warfare and signals intelligence, critical elements for national security.
The key component of the project is a 16×12 RF switch matrix capable of routing 16 inputs to 12 outputs simultaneously, maintaining a non-blocking configuration that prevents interference between signals. Operating across a frequency range of 6 gigahertz (GHz) to 18 GHz, the design allows for scalability up to 40 GHz and will be built in a 6U VPX form factor. This rugged, standardized architecture is essential for military and aerospace applications where minimizing space, weight, and power consumption is crucial.
Babu Cherukuri, CEO of BANC3, emphasized the significance of this award, stating that it demonstrates the company’s leadership in technologies related to spectrum surveillance and dominance. “By delivering a wideband, non-blocking RF switch with unmatched scalability, we are equipping U.S. forces with the agility and survivability required to counter near-peer threats,” he remarked. Cherukuri further noted that this technology aligns with the Pentagon’s increasing focus on missile defense and space-based spectrum monitoring.
The development of non-blocking RF switch matrices is vital for spectrum surveillance and electronic warfare as they enable multiple antennas to connect simultaneously to multiple receivers, eliminating conflicts in signal transmission. This capability is becoming increasingly critical, particularly as adversaries deploy frequency-agile systems in the X-band (8–12 GHz) and Ku-band (12–18 GHz).
Fred Ilsemann, BANC3’s vice president of research and development, highlighted that their engineering team is focused on creating scalable solutions that meet the broad RF bandwidth demands of modern electronic warfare missions. He stressed the importance of this RF front-end technology, which will serve as the basis for integration with future intelligence and surveillance platforms across various operational domains.
Operationally, this advanced technology could lead to enhancements in existing platforms such as the U.S. Navy’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial system, among others. It also supports Tactical Air Control Party missions within Air Force Special Warfare units and is aligned with the Pentagon’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative, which aims to unify data and communications across all military branches.
While the specific value of the contract and the timeline for development have not been disclosed, this initiative reflects the ongoing investment by the Department of Defense in technologies aimed at achieving spectrum dominance. This investment is part of a broader strategy to maintain information superiority in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.
Beyond military applications, such wideband RF switch technologies have the potential for use in regulatory spectrum monitoring and commercial RF testing sectors, indicating their broad relevance in both defense and civilian contexts.
