PWS SDR GNU Radio Course 15 May 2025.pdf

GNU Radio and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Training

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

15 May 2025

1.0 Background

The 453d EWS EA Waveform Development Team requires specialized training to enhance the skills and technical expertise of its personnel in operating, maintaining, and developing Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems. These systems are critical to mission success and operational readiness. The training will address the need for hands-on, practical knowledge in building and analyzing SDR applications and reverse engineering RF signals.

2.0 Scope

This PWS outlines the requirement for a 5-day, instructor-led SDR training program tailored to the unique needs of the 453d EWS. The training shall include customized content, standardized methodologies, hands-on projects, as well as the provision of all necessary training equipment.

3.0 Learning Objectives

Any course offered shall provide the following content, maximally reinforced using both instructor-led demonstrations and student-performed interactive, hands-on exercises. This preferred approach results in much deeper understanding than simple lecture methods. The course will cover all the necessary building blocks to enable students to become proficient SDR developers, including signal processing and communications theory, as well as Python concepts required for GNU Radio development. Generally, 453 EWS is interested in learning to use GNU Radio and SDRs to intercept & analyze signals of interest, both known and unknown to identify system functionality & signal structure and usage, identify vulnerabilities in the host systems, and develop advanced electronic attack techniques to counter those systems. Topics of interest to include:

• SDR Concepts & Ecosystems:

o SDR hardware and software overview (types, manufacturers, specs, performance comparisons, usage prevalence) o GNU Radio, alternatives and related tools & utilities (‘Redhawk SDR’, CFE, ‘Pothos’, MATLAB/Simulink): strengths, weaknesses, prevalence, cost, add-ins.

o GNU Radio and GNU Radio Companion (GRC) fundamentals: Flowgraphs, software libraries,

• USRP & Hardware:

o Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) theory and hands-on implementation.

o Ettus Research USRP hardware and USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) driver overview.

o ‘Radio Frequency Network on a Chip’ (RFNoC) architecture and Field

Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) interaction (existing blocks & custom Verilog).

o Hardware troubleshooting and optimal signal reception.

• Signal Processing & Communications Theory:

o Sampling theory, data-flow models, error-control codes.

o Modulation classes: Single carrier, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

(OFDM), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

o Aliasing, nonlinearities, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) applications o Common DSP blocks and custom DSP implementation with Embedded Python to include Audio, Boolean/Byte Ops, Channel Models, Channelizers, Coding/Decoding, ControlPort, Debug, Equalizers, Filters, Fourier, Instrumentation, Level Controllers, Math Ops, Measurement, Message Tools, Modulators/Demodulators, Networking, OFDM, Packet/Frame Ops, Peak Detectors, ‘QT’ Graphical User Interface (GUI) library & tools, Resamplers, Stream Ops, Stream Tags, Symbol Coding, Synchronizers, Data Converters, USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) Interface, Waveform Generators, Wavelet Transforms, tags, Protocol Data Units (PDUs).

• GNU Radio Development:

o Data injection/extraction in Transmitters (TX)/ Receivers (RX) using ‘ZeroMQ’, PMTs, PDUs.

o Application & Out-of-Tree (OOT) module development with Python to include integration with GNU Radio (C++ is optional and can be sacrificed for sake of time).

o Third-party module integration.

o Project resources and community.

o I/O (file, network streaming), Graphical User Interface (GUI) creation, hardware interfacing programming and performance tuning/optimization

• RF Engineering & Applications:

o Basic digital radio functionalities: Modulations, multiplexing, protocols.

o Digital baseband components: Symbol sync, preambles, error checking, equalization, medium access, Multiple Input/Multiple Output (MIMO), payload encoding.

o Analog and digital modulation/demodulation o RF spectrum logging, long-term analysis, and monitoring (automation, visualization, interference, occupancy, unauthorized transmissions).

o Real-time spectrum scanning, signal identification/classification, data interpretation/reporting.

o Iin Phase & Quadrature (I&Q or IQ) data recording.

• Reverse Engineering & Security:

o Reverse engineering RF signals and systems: Scanning, modulation identification, data sync, payload extraction, function inference, signal structure & protocol analysis.

o SDR security applications, RF vulnerabilities discovery and exploit development.

o Hardware hacking, embedded systems reversing/instrumentation.

o Application of GNU Radio & SDRs to commercial communications technologies.

o Physical RF device assessment.

4.0 Tasks to Be Performed

The contractor shall:

4.1 Develop and deliver a customized SDR training curriculum tailored to the operational needs of the 453d EWS. The course must fit within 5 business days. The course shall not be a “generic” GNU radio training course. The course must meet the objectives above and be tailored to the specific waveform applications and reverse engineering of waveforms need to accomplish our mission tasking. This training will enable the development of advanced electronic attack waveforms, processes and reprogramming efforts.

4.2 Provide instruction on the following topics:

SDR fundamentals and architectures.

GNU Radio software development.

Advanced RF signal analysis and signal reverse engineering.

Practical exercises pertaining to realistic mission scenarios.

4.3 Furnish all necessary training equipment, including but not limited to:

Pre-configured laptops with required software installed.

Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) devices.

Antennas and other SDR-related hardware.

4.4 Conduct the training on-site at Lackland AFB to accommodate personnel and minimize travel costs.

5.0 Deliverables

The contractor shall deliver the following:

5.1 A finalized training schedule and curriculum prior to the training start date.

5.2 Training materials and handouts for all participants.

5.3 Certificates of completion for attendees who successfully complete the training program.

6.0 Period of Performance

The training course shall be conducted over a consecutive period, not to exceed five (5) business days. The exact dates will be coordinated with the contractor and the 453d EWS.

7.0 Government-Furnished Property and Services

The Government will provide access to training facilities, including appropriate classroom space and internet connectivity.

8.0 Security Requirements

The contractor must comply with all applicable security protocols and procedures of Lackland AFB.

9.0 Unique Requirements

The training curriculum must incorporate standardized methodologies, creative approaches, materials, and hands-on exercises specifically designed to align with the 453d EWS mission objectives. The contractor must demonstrate expertise and experience in delivering similar SDR training programs.