Description
The Lightweight Universal Codec (LUC) program aims to develop a universal, adaptive encoder-decoder (codec) capable of sending and receiving information using any known communication error correction code and any developed in the future. The program will evaluate the success of these codecs and integrated systems by measuring elements of code universality, link budget improvement, and communication systems' performance in heterogeneous network environments. Key aspects of the program include:
• Developing an encoder that can leverage multiple classes of codes to adaptively improve communications in real-time
• Integrating the encoder with a universal decoder to create a universal codec
• Integrating the codec into an existing communication system
• Demonstrating improved efficiency, security, throughput, and interoperability through record-setting low-power decoding and adaptive, dynamic forward error correction
The program is a two-phase, 39-month effort, with the first phase focusing on codec and system design, modeling, and simulation, and the second phase focusing on system development, integration, and field testing.