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BANC3 has been awarded an Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) to develop a “SWaP Efficient Multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) Front End for CubeSats” in support of Space Systems Command (SSC).

April 8, 2024 –  BANC3, Inc., today announced that it has been awarded an Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) to develop a “SWaP Efficient Multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) Front End for CubeSats” in support of Space Systems Command (SSC). The project will create a dual channel, full duplex software defined radio (SDR) using a tunable front end that covers 1-36 GHz. BANC3’s SDR will be built using Intel’s latest direct RF multi-chip package to create a size, weight, and power (SWaP) efficient, high-performance package.


The CubeSat payload developed in this project will dramatically increase both the frequency range (up to 36 GHz) and bandwidth (programmable from tens of MHz to more than 1 GHz) of current CubeSat SDR technology while maintaining a simplified RF front end to minimize size and power. The techniques used will include programmable bandwidth, fast tuning, and variable waveform generation. The proposed configuration offers low SWaP to enable installation within 1U (100 x 100 x 100 mm) section of the CubeSat.


This same technology is well suited for use by non-defense Government agencies and private sector industry. Our SDR payload will provide a highly reliable, redundant communications channel that covers L, S, C, X, Ku, K, and Ka bands in real-time in a single package. This fully programmable SDR architecture will allow the host CubeSat to support multiple waveforms, access more ground antennas, and improve resilience. Our product provides an affordable solution for wide bandwidth, real-time satellite communications over a wide frequency range using two fully duplex channels for greater operational flexibility than other CubeSat SDRs.


"We are excited to have the opportunity to support SSC on the ECT program and develop a revolutionary SDR for use on CubeSats. Our team will leverage our previous successes on implementing extremely wide software defined receiver solutions as we work to develop the CubeSat RF front end. We look forward to pursuing multiple commercial applications in support of transitioning the technology to the non-defense market," said Fred Ilsemann, Vice President of Research & Development at BANC3.


"This NSTXL SpEC award represents our company's dedication to the warfighter, developing innovative systems for critical next-generation satellite systems. This new program builds upon our successful development and deployment of digital real-time, high probability of intercept RF receiver and Direction Finding systems to satellite launch facilities at Vandenberg, California, Cape Canaveral, Florida, and other locations" said BANC3 CEO, Babu Cherukuri.


BANC3 is a developer and manufacturer of extremely wide instantaneous bandwidth software defined receivers for radio frequency spectrum monitoring. Our systems are currently supporting the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload launch missions to combat the rising threat to US satellites.


For more information about BANC3's SDR technology, please visit www.banc3.com/rf-systems .  


BANC3 Continues to Progress Air Force Contract for Helmet Augmented Display for Extended-Reality System (HADES)

BANC3, Inc., an augmented reality (AR) & mixed reality (MR) technology pioneer and leading provider of complete end-to-end digital ecosystems of AR/MR solutions, continues to work toward the final solution for a Direct to Phase II SBIR for the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). BANC3's solution for AFSOC includes an augmented and mixed reality headset leveraging demonstrated strengths of our existing & commercialized AR/MR headset technology, but with significant enhancements and customizations tailor-made to meet AFSOC training and mission rehearsal needs as part of an interconnected extended reality environment. BANC3's solution fills a critical hole in AR solutions that standalone AR headsets cannot fill by providing a large multi-room reconfigurable & interconnected multi-person extended reality training environment with trackable results and repeatable sessions.


BANC3 Awarded Sub-Consultant Contract for Secure Extended Reality (SXR)

BANC3, as a subconsultant to ThirdEye Inc, will develop a Secure Extended Reality (SXR) to enable the utilization of extended/augmented reality within a highly secure facility or area, such as a SCIF. Understanding this critical need, our team was awarded this Direct-to-Phase 2 SBIR award to create a novel solution to a unique security challenge while sharing critical data, voice, and video feed through extended reality glasses, due to our extensive experience in augmented and extended reality hardware and software.


Command and Control, specifically information dominance is crucial for the US Air Force (and Space Force) to collect, process, and use information effectively, which can be decisive in a conflict. The shift to Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) integrates operations across all domains of warfare, amplifying the importance of information dominance for situational awareness (SA), decision making, and operational effectiveness. Classified information is critical for full-spectrum SA in MDO, and decision makers must therefore operate inside sensitive compartmentalized information facilities (SCIFs) or similar secure facilities equipped to securely handle and store such information. There were Defense-related mission needs to establish an XR platform solution for integration into SCIFs, which recognized the benefits of applied XR to the USAF, Space Force, and all other DoD and Federal services / agencies that rely on classified data. This solution will meet the strict requirements for clearance into a SCIF, while maintaining the visualization and HCI capabilities that yield XR's potential benefits. This will significantly advance the visualization of complex information and battlespace common operating pictures (COPs) within SCIFs, allowing Commanders and their staff to achieve the already empirically proven benefits to SA, shared SA, and decision-making outcomes that effective XR can yield. The mission impact of a performant technology for our MOU stakeholder end users will be: (1) Enhanced situational awareness (SA) through immersive presentation of key information in support of C2 and other information heavy operations that inform decision making. (2) Accelerated timeline to provide access to a trustworthy immersive XR solution for secure facilities; and (3) An initial approach and methods to establish and manage supply chain trustworthiness for commercial hardware.


SBIR Phase III for Augmented Reality System for U.S. Army

BANC3, Inc., an Augmented Reality (AR) & Mixed Reality (MR) technology pioneer and leading small business provider of complete end-to-end digital ecosystems of AR/MR solutions, continues to successfully perform on the Phase III contract from Army Contracting Command, NJ (ACC-NJ) at Picatinny Arsenal that derives from and extends prior Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) work. Under this initial 2-year contract, BANC3 is developing AR capabilities for integrated fire control systems utilizing and building upon capabilities and experience developed through the successful completion of the SBIR Phase I and II contract work, "AR/MR for Live Fire Ranges," for the US. Army Program Executive Office – Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) in Orlando, FL. This work, completed in late 2019, included the development of a standalone optical see-through head-mounted display (HMD) that displays virtual targets and simulated environmental occlusions (such as smoke, fire, and explosions) for soldier marksmanship training. BANC3's Phase III contract work will include the development of a fire control system for the Mounted Machine Gun Optic (MMO) that integrates with the High Explosive Dual Purpose Airburst (HEDP-AB) ammunition programming unit (PU) using BANC3's AR capabilities developed in Phase I and II.


USARPAC Communications & Information Network Support (Fort Shafter, Hawaii)

BANC3 is continuing to successfully provide program and project management; engineering and technical support, systems integration, and mission planning subject matter expertise required by the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) G6 Communications and Information Network Support (C&IN) Section in support of the Theater Army Service Component Command (ASCC) mission command functions. BANC3's work on this contract covers on-site support services in Government facilities at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and support as required to USARPAC-assigned units in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Guam, and Alaska. The primary mission requirement is to provide mission support for USARPAC G6 C&IN mission command operations, programs, and activities including but not limited to: HQ IT Support, Plans and Exercise Support, Programs and Policies Joint and Coalition Integration Support, and Training Support.


BANC3 Secures New Award for Kinetic Realtime Observation Network Operation and Synchronization (KRONOS)

The Holloman High Speed Test Track conducts crucial subsonic and hypersonic sled testing over its extensive ten-mile course. Established in the 1980s, the track's original timing and control infrastructure, reliant on extensive 200-pair copper telephone wire networks, is now due for a comprehensive update to meet contemporary testing demands. The diversity of sensors along the track, from basic wire break detectors to sophisticated Doppler radar and real-time video systems, necessitates a unified time base for accurate data analysis. Moreover, the system's command-and-control capabilities are essential for initiating, halting, and managing tests, including critical emergency stop functions. An updated system must also facilitate efficient data retrieval, storage, and exportation in standard formats to ensure seamless interaction with measurement devices and secure transmission of test data back to the control center.


Within the KRONOS design, GPS provides a clock and UTC synchronization while an onboard Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) continues accurate timing even without a GPS signal. Timing nodes provide the 1ns accurate timestamp, the interface methods to various sensor and equipment, and the communications back to command over existing copper lines. An optional wireless or highspeed modem link provides faster data transmission and real time camera streaming, and the command-and-control center can be located on site or remote. In this Phase I contract for the US Air Force, our objective is to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive system that revolutionizes the functionality and efficiency of the Holloman High Speed Test Track. This system will not only meet the stringent requirement of 1ns accurate distributed timing but also leverage the existing copper network infrastructure for command, control, and data transfer capabilities.


BANC3 Continues Work on a Multi-year Contract for the Defense Digital Modernization Effort

BANC3, Inc. continues its groundbreaking work under the Stimulating Transition for Advanced Microelectronics Packaging [STAMP] program to provide its software-defined receiver (SDRX) products on Intel's latest Multichip Packages. As part of the Department of Defense's (DoD's) broader digital modernization efforts, to leverage the best commercial technologies for military applications, this program provides a new set of advanced capabilities to facilitate the accelerated transition of Intel's Multichip Packages into current DoD programs of record across the Defense Industrial Base. BANC3 uses Intel A-Tile Direct RF data converter tiles and Intel F-Tile advanced Serializer/Deserializer tiles connected to high-performance, low power Intel® Agilex™ FPGAs in the chipsets. BANC3 is a leading provider of next-generation radio frequency (RF) spectrum monitoring, currently supporting National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload launch missions to combat the rising threat to US satellites. BANC3 is a developer and manufacturer of extremely wide instantaneous bandwidth software-defined receivers for radio frequency spectrum monitoring.


Laser Warning Receiver Support SME and Technical Support

BANC3 continues to provide Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and technical support to Government LWR Engineering Leads for LWR Trade Study Analysis, source selection input, performance evaluation recommendations, and qualification testing recommendations of an Army Ground Vehicle LWR. Using input from I2WD, our SME supports Trade Studies and acquisition of the LWR through the government PMs' ECP modernization process to ensure the performance and commonality requirements are met. BANC3 support includes recommendations on the development and execution of a standalone LWR performance test plan and provides LWR SME support during LWR testing and integration. In support of Configuration Management, BANC3 maintains configuration control of the common Army Ground Vehicle Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) Performance Specification and will assist identified vehicle PMs to ensure all necessary performance, maintenance, environmental, quality assurance, and training requirements are accomplished.