BAE Systems to develop filter technology to improve radar, communications, and electronic warfare capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

BAE Systems has been awarded a $6.5 million contract by DARPA for the COFFEE program, focusing on advanced filter technology for DoD Radio Frequency systems. This initiative aims to enhance the performance and robustness of RF systems against interference, especially in congested environments. The project is part of DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative, a significant investment in the U.S. semiconductor industry, totaling over $1.5 billion. BAE's FAST Labs will ensure the filters are manufacturable while maintaining high performance across a broad microwave frequency range.

Positive

• Awarded a $6.5 million contract from DARPA for the COFFEE program.
• Enhances performance of critical DoD RF systems, addressing interference issues.
• Part of DARPA's Electronics Resurgence Initiative, investing over $1.5 billion in U.S. semiconductor advancements.

Negative

• None.

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ FAST Labs^TM research and development organization a $6.5 million contract for the COmpact Front-end Filters at the ElEment-level (COFFEE) program. COFFEE aims to provide filter technology to improve performance of critical Department of Defense (DoD) Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave systems with stringent power and size constraints such as digital Active Electronically Scanned Arrays.

BAE Systems to develop filter technology for DARPA’s COFFEE (COmpact Front-end Filters at the ElEment-level) program. (Credit: BAE Systems)

Highly integrated and high channel-count RF systems are pervasive for DoD applications. The COFFEE program aims to provide elemental-level protection for these systems against interferers that could adversely impact the operation in congested environments.

“Wideband, highly integrated RF systems are essential to enable mission critical operations; however, high-bandwidth receivers often have limited dynamic range that can leave them vulnerable to electronic jamming,” said Chris Rappa, chief technologist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “COFFEE will provide filtering technology to protect systems and make them more robust and resistant to interference.”

BAE Systems will develop filter technology that can address a broad microwave frequency range that DoD radio systems generally operate in, with element-level integration and without sacrificing performance. The company will ensure the filters are manufacturable with reproducible performance.

BAE Systems’ work on the COFFEE program is a part of DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative, a five-year, upwards of $1.5 billion investment in the advancement of the U.S. semiconductor industry. The work is part of the company’s advanced electronics portfolio, which includes collaboration with Purdue University.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220922005050/en/

For more information, please contact:

Paul Roberts, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-521-2381

paul.a.roberts@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What is the COFFEE program that BAE Systems is involved in?

The COFFEE program, awarded by DARPA, focuses on developing advanced filter technology for DoD Radio Frequency systems to improve performance and protect against electronic interference.

How much is BAE Systems' contract for the COFFEE program?

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth $6.5 million for the COFFEE program.

What initiative is the COFFEE program part of?

The COFFEE program is part of DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative, a major investment aimed at advancing the U.S. semiconductor industry.

What does BAE Systems' FAST Labs focus on?

BAE Systems' FAST Labs focuses on research and development for advanced technologies, including the filter technology for the COFFEE program.

Why is the COFFEE program important for the DoD?

The COFFEE program is crucial for improving the robustness of RF systems used by the DoD, helping to protect mission-critical operations from potential electronic jamming.