Tag: MerlinTPS

A new generation in real-time situational awareness
Real-time situational awareness (RSTA) is crucial in numerous fields, particularly in public safety, transportation and emergency management. It enables decision-makers and first responders to quickly assess situations, select appropriate actions and implement plans effectively, ensuring timely assistance and resource allocation.

RTSA is a process of continuously monitoring and analyzing information to understand what is happening in a given environment. Virtually every owner or operator has a need for this, although the data that may be relevant varies.

RTSA refers to the ability to understand your environment and act appropriately. This will enable response to events as they unfold, using integrated data from various sources to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. [1]

While real-time situational awareness is desired by various entities, it should be noted that it does not come from a single data point, as a single data point is not sufficient. There need to be locational, temporal and informational elements present to draw reasonable conclusions. One promising tool enabling this improved decision-making is the geographic information system.

Real-Time Geographic Information System

GIS is a technology that connects data to a map, integrating location and descriptive information. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships and locational context, and supports decision-making in various industries.

A real-time GIS can create situational awareness because of its ability to simultaneously ingest, integrate, analyze and display streaming data from most any sensor, device and social media. GIS and location-based analytics can automatically refine and focus real-time data to accomplish the mission with up-to-the-minute intelligence on what’s happening in the field and across agencies and governmental jurisdictions. That’s why police, fire and emergency management organizations at all levels of government use real-time GIS capabilities in their operations and dispatching centers.

Building Robust New Layers is Key

As the duration — or reach and impact — of an emergency event increases, so does the number of agencies involved in responding to and mitigating that event. This requires communication systems to scale accordingly, ensuring seamless information exchange and communication among those agencies.

A significant obstacle to this essential communication is the lack of interoperability, with data interoperability playing a critical role. Data interoperability is the ability of different systems, devices or organizations to share digital information so they can communicate and work together effectively. Without this interoperability, organizations face delays in decision-making, reduced response efficiencies and challenges in coordinating incident management.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency published the Information Sharing Framework as an approach to address the data interoperability challenge. It puts forward a three-layer framework that presumes:
- a data layer, which resides with an individual agency in its nonsharable silo;
- a presentation layer, which is the end user who needs to see the data in context for real-time situational awareness and decision-making;
- and sandwiched in between is an integration layer, which does the necessary translation between the data and presentation layers in which the data is discovered, accessed, exchanged, analyzed and transported to the end user. [2]
For RTSA, the system must be able to access the relevant information in the data layer, to transform and standardize that data such that it can be augmented with other data to create actionable information that can be pushed or pulled into the presentation layer to inform the end user. This information will answer myriad questions about the situation such as when, where, who and what.

Radio Frequency Real-Time Situational Awareness

In today’s world of autonomous vehicles and swarms of drones, the electromagnetic spectrum is becoming a critical part of situational awareness. Both in knowing what spectrum is available for use and what spectrum needs to be defended or excluded due to willful interference.

Even in the context of space, RF spectrum data can help monitor satellite communications and detect anomalies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the space environment and its potential threats.

The RF spectrum frequencies range from 3 kilohertz to 3 THz (which spans 3 KHz up to 3 billion KHz). Radio waves, part of the RF spectrum, are regulated by national laws and coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union to prevent interference between different users.

Radio frequency real-time situational awareness involves the use of radio frequency data and sensors to monitor, analyze and understand this environment. It is crucial for operational planning where the electromagnetic spectrum is a critical domain.

Its ability to provide real-time awareness of radio frequencies is critical to building an actionable picture of what are very dynamic environments. For example, recognizing the critical nature of an incident as it escalates from a local situation to a regional one.

Under the Hood

Effective spectrum monitoring devices rely upon modern developments in software-defined radio (SDR) technology that facilitate rapid reconfiguration and adaptation for various tasks. These include significant enhancements not only to computing capabilities but to the neural processing unit capacity as well. In part, to facilitate RF bandwidth pattern of life technical capability including time frame to gain specific insights.

Various capabilities are also expected to emerge in the coming years associated with situational awareness that may have a significant impact on the effectiveness, safety and health of especially the first responder community. The internet of things, cameras, data from other applications and networks, and sensors continue to produce increasing amounts of data. Artificial intelligence and data analytics are envisioned to be increasingly important mechanisms to assist in enabling timely and more informed decisions.

Multipurpose Remote Sensors

RF devices used for assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) most naturally are able to provide RF mapping for situational awareness. The same RF spectrum mapping that gives operators the tools to see real and potential frequency interference and usage. Just as GIS helps provide real-time situational awareness in the physical world, spectrum mapping provides RF real-time situational awareness in the virtual world. Different data, different tools, but the same need and general approach.

Such multipurpose devices could further contribute to helping build RF situational awareness to include information about emitter identification and locations core to RF mapping. Or RF-based sensors could be able to use signals such as those used by tactical radios, once their location is established.

This fulfills the vision that these RF devices, for example, could be positioned to support RF multiple aspects of situational awareness when not performing their primary mission.

This requires RF real-time situational awareness to be integrated into operational frameworks to allow for better decision-making, improved safety and enhanced capabilities in both military and civilian applications. By leveraging RF data in multiple ways, organizations can fill gaps in traditional monitoring techniques, leading to a more robust understanding of the operational landscape. RF real-time situational awareness is a critical capability that enhances operational effectiveness using advanced sensing technologies and data analysis, particularly in complex environments.

Poised for a New Generation

A key element for the aforementioned presentation layer is to provide the same data to many, although specific locations, referred to as narrowcasting (think narrow multicasting). A new company, EdgeBeam Wireless, is building a next generation broadcast system to provide these services largely referred to as datacasting. Powered by the broadcast industry’s latest ATSC 3.0 standard, this new service will make its datacasting compatible with standard IP networks, fiber networks and mobile 3GPP networks. It could be used for very efficient geolocation delivery of all real-time situational awareness data to many specific locations. [3]

A good example of an RF-based terrestrial platform is MerlinTPS. This terrestrial positioning system provides 100% terrestrial, RF-based assured positioning, navigation and timing. As part of its operation, the system naturally makes a spectrum map within the radius of each of its reference units. For example, coverage of the entire U.S. would take about 200 reference units, plus about 100 backup units. This RF spectral map is updated with one-second iterations, keeping the data up to date for any unfolding spectral and terrestrial events.

The MerlinTPS platform is based on modern-day SDR technology, ideal for flexibility of RF spectrum presence, as well as the growing use of AI. This feature then naturally could be used to create and maintain a total spectrum map and pattern of life.

The platform supports high-precision time transfer of plus or minus 10 ns, critical to A-PNT today, along with positioning and navigation services. The platform can also provide geolocation data for modern real-time GIS features needed for this new generation of real-time situational awareness.

The combination of MerlinTPS with use of the ATSC 3.0 pending EdgeBeam Wireless service could provide the highly full-featured capabilities to fuel the newest generation of real-time situational awareness networks.

References
1. “The Importance of Real-Time Situational Awareness in Public Safety and Transportation,” John Contestabile, Director, Public Safety Solutions,The Importance of Real-Time Situational Awareness in Public Safety and Transportation | Skyline Technology Solutions
2. “Approach for Developing an Interoperable Information Sharing Framework,” Version 1.7 Publication: August 2021, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Approach for Developing an Interoperable Information Sharing Framework, version 1.7, August 20212
3. EdgeBeam Wireless, ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgebeam/about/ )
October 23, 2025
RF terrestrial-based GPS packs a punch

Over time, GPS dependencies have become deeply embedded in much of the nation’s critical infrastructure, as shown in Figure 1 — from emergency services and transportation systems to critical manufacturing and logistics operations. For the past 20 years, however, efforts to protect these assets with a true backup system have stalled, despite the establishment of the U.S. Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Policy in December 2004.

With the recent Notice of Inquiry from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an updated list of technological options is now on the table. However, most would require building new infrastructure or rely on quantum-based technologies that are still years away from being practical or available.

U.S. GPS Efforts Separating

Since its inception in 1977, GPS has drawn from a single technology to serve civil and military sectors. Now, with space — particularly satellites — becoming physically contested in wartime scenarios, the military is embarking on its own approach. This includes pairing GPS with military- grade receivers to improve service and protection for the global GPS layer. And two new layers are being developed as part of a multi-layer approach, deemed the “regional” GPS layer (i.e., per country) and the “local” GPS layer (i.e., per metro).

Yet, with this new system — although supporting modular, open-systems integration — the Department of Defense (DOD) is now distancing itself from other future endeavors, including supporting civil critical infrastructure. The future DOD PNT system will not follow the same path to civil/military use as was taken by GPS. The PNT capabilities employed by the DOD as such will be increasingly classified. The civil effort has not only been left to fend for itself, but it also has been tragically fragmented across many federal departments and agencies. We can only hope the recent FCC focus will help to solidify the civil GPS efforts.

Doors Open for New Solutions

The new orientation of the civil approach opens the door to significant focus on local and regional GPS services. Specifically, a new approach is based on data from the Earth’s “RF geospatial layer,” where geospatial is “relating to or denoting data that is associated with a particular location.” This layer’s data is about available RF signals, which can be used to derive the location of a particular end device anywhere in the blanket of signals. Devices using this new approach will be unencumbered by the intricacies and costs of satellite technology or having to be joint solutions required to meet military standards.

This also opens the door to the power of solutions available through consortia, which can tap into an order of magnitude more benefits through hearty partnerships. All of which also leads to the much-needed speed-to-market.

The Biggest Advantage

In the U.S., more than 110,000 towers transmit a variety of RF signals available to derive PNT. These towers provide a wide range of three-tower geometries needed for PNT calculations and enable strong resiliency (as an adversary cannot disable them all).

Two systems, in particular, are worthy of close consideration. The broadcast industry’s proposed Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) uses ATSC 3.0 infrastructure along with the existing MerlinTPS adaptive RF signal system. Both these systems take advantage of existing RF infrastructure prevalent in most developed and developing countries.

Don’t Fall Into the eLoran Trap

eLoran has been suggested by some as a viable alternative used for deriving PNT. However, this technology has notable shortcomings. The portion of the RF band it uses has several limitations. For example, eLoran is based on a 100 kHz signal, a low-frequency band that is highly susceptible to atmospheric noise.

Although some propose the use of existing AM towers for the eLoran signal, most are ~300 ft, of which eLoran tends to operate with 1600 ft towers. Attempts to operate eLoran using these shorter towers will make for reduced efficiency. Another misconception is about the proposed use of existing AM tower guidewires for transmission. At these wavelengths, that would restrict the towers to be 900 miles apart, having an impact on maintenance.

eLoran would require building new infrastructure for U.S. deployment, including 12 new towers and transmitters. The number of installations requiring significant maintenance and this low number can be taken out in physical warfare.

The eLoran system requires tight synchronization of the signals between each of its towers and the national epoch, requiring additional infrastructure with its attendant maintenance. eLoran supporting position accuracy is rated at 10 m to 20 m CEP, which is not within the FCC requirement of less than 3 m CEP.

Timing accuracy is +/- 50 ns, which meets today’s precision needs, although it is quickly becoming inadequate as needs in the precision timing market continue to increase.

Finally, the eLoran service is transmitted on one known frequency and in a published format, making it more vulnerable to jamming.

GPS RF Systems Pack a Punch

Given the issues associated with eLoran, other technologies must be considered. One such technology is available today and provided by a commercial company, MerlinTPS, which can transfer market-available, precise timing down to +/- 10ns. Such as precise timing provided by another commercial entity, Hoptroff, for example. Both companies currently provide the necessary components of a viable terrestrial GPS.

As a consortium, MerlinTPS/Hoptroff could deliver precise timing wirelessly to broadcast TV towers for BPS, while eliminating the need for signal conditioning and additional synchronization equipment at each tower, or any other related infrastructure.

MerlinTPS combined with BPS could provide all GPS services for primary and backup (not just timing). MerlinTPS can also fill in services for BPS edge cases having poor geometries. These services include portable and mobile devices. MerlinTPS is also able to handle both the enterprise and civil approaches similarly.

New open doors create freedom to quickly address the urgent national security need for reliable, alternative PNT. The consortium approach, adding commercially available technology to the broadcast infrastructure, allows for collaborative development while preserving individual market opportunities, making it an attractive proposition for all participants.

October 9, 2025
MerlinTPS, Bluespec accelerate complementary PNT

Photo: MerlinTPS

MerlinTPS has partnered with Bluespec to address the need for GNSS augmentation and backup technology as satellites continue to face new challenges, including wartime contested space as well as increased costs to produce and maintain satellites.

Under the partnership, MerlinTPS will develop its platform to support the expansion of PNT security capabilities by using existing signals of opportunity on the ground designed to combat jamming and spoofing.

“With our verification and validation-centric RISC-V solutions, MerlinTPS can develop customized solutions in a matter of weeks, allowing it to deliver highly differentiated products with minimal project and schedule risk,” said Charlie Hauck, CEO of Bluespec.

By implementing Bluespec’s RISC-V processors in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), MerlinTPS can quickly modify, generate and load new code onto FPGAs. This allows for hardware reuse, avoiding the need to build custom hardware for each task.

However, MerlinTPS can easily make customizations to Bluespec’s RISC-V soft processor cores — adding custom instructions designed to accelerate specific workloads — when needed. MerlinTPS plans to add artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to the platform.

May 14, 2024
MerlinTPS advances GNSS-independent positioning

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division conduct a terrain walk using the Dismounted Assured Positioning System during the 2023 PNTAX. (Photo: U.S. Army)

MerlinTPS has tested its Terrestrial Positioning System (TPS) at the Department of Defense (DOD) PNT Assessment Exercises (PNTAX), demonstrating resilience against electromagnetic radio frequency interference. This test positions TPS as an alternative to GNSS-based systems in environments where GNSS is compromised or unavailable.

PNTAX is designed to evaluate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies under conditions where traditional GPS signals are degraded or denied. MerlinTPS’s system uses broadcast radio signals, which are less susceptible to jamming and spoofing than satellite signals, to provide positioning and timing data.

The company is also working to enhance the portability and integration of TPS, collaborating with a RISC-V core engineering firm to reduce the size of their neuromorphic design, facilitating easier integration into OEM devices.

Throughout the PNTAX, Persistent Systems’ MPU5 radios supported backhaul communications reliably, even under harsh environmental conditions.

The tests at PNTAX represent a step forward for MerlinTPS in moving towards commercial deployment, with the goal of providing an alternative and reliable PNT solution across various industries globally, according to the company.

April 23, 2024