802C HF Wideband Direction Finding System

The TCI Model 802C provides field-proven DF and signal acquisition in an integrated solution for COMINT applications. The 802C is based on an open and flexible client/server architecture that combines fast wideband signal search and direction finding with a complete set of signal analysis tools, including classification, decoding, demodulation and recording. It simultaneously supports automatic and manual signal intercept missions.

The 802C processes any signal activity and performs detailed analysis of specific signals of interest in either real-time or delayed (post-facto) mode. The analysis function includes detection, location, recording and archiving of signal activities.

In typical automatic mode, the 802C rapidly searches the spectrum for RF energy using fine frequency resolution parameters. When new energy is detected, the system automatically determines the direction of the energy source, archives it for future analysis and passes it in real time for further processing to automatic and manual intercept processing. The Signal of Interest (SOI) parameters available for future processing include time of intercepts, frequency, bandwidth, signal direction and signal location if system is configured to use optional Single Site Location (SSL) processing. SSL processing uses measured elevation data and ionospheric data from an optional sounder processor.

The DF RF chain uses two receiver channels connected to the DF antenna array. With automatic noise and co-channel interference suppression, the system can perform automatic DF and modulation analysis on any type of signal. The analysis function provides transmitter parameters including frequency, direction and/or location, bandwidth, and time of transmission.