Technological Advances to Facilitate Spectral Convergence

RF spectral convergence is a novel system ‘world-view’ that encourages increased cooperation between RF systems and utilizing RF energy (or waveforms) for multiple applications. It is a paradigm shift from the current manner in which systems are designed and deployed. In the RF convergence model, systems are required to be more flexible and capable, resulting in multi-function systems that have more spectral efficiency, reliability, system capabilities when compared to current ‘stovepiped’ systems. For example, a multi-function system can combine the functionality of radar, communications, and position, navigation, and timing systems.RF spectral convergence outlines approaches that will shape RF systems of the future, enabling networks of RF, mmWave, and terahertz systems that jointly execute multiple radio functions, including communications; radar; positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT); spectral situational awareness; and opportunistic spectrum access in the not-so-distant future.In this paper, we review the set of challenges obstructing the integration of such devices into the same spectral region. We also briefly discuss some of the advances in processor or system-on-chip technology that that enable spectral convergence.