Signal Processing Know-how - R&D, Digital Signal Processing, Systems Development and Information Management

Signal Processing Know-how (SPK) is a supplier of leading-edge technology services to the defence market. SPK specialises in research and development, embedded digital signal processing (DSP), complex systems development and information management systems. These specialisations span across four service areas within the organisation: namely systems engineering, software engineering, data management, and independent validation and verification (IV&V).

SPK was formed in 2003 to retain a proven team of high-calibre engineers from the UK and Australia with a long history of working at the cutting-edge of science and technology on scalable multi-platform systems.

Defence technology research and development

Our range of research and development services for military technology includes:

• Advanced mathematical modelling - mathcad modelling of complex mathematical problems including optimisation of algorithms for hard real-time application
• Advanced simulation – advanced application of Matlab / Scilab to simulate realistic environments such as inclusion of additive noise, or recorded live data to test the robustness of developed algorithms
• Rapid prototyping – advanced use of .NET technologies in conjunction with database technologies such as SQL and LINQ, to demonstrate viability of concept demonstrator applications to various readiness (TRL) levels
• Feasibility reports – generation of detailed reports providing evidence and advice on the best ways to proceed when clients are faced with complex and unclear situations

Embedded DSP design and development’

SPK develops embedded DSP software for both native fixed and floating point platforms and optimises algorithms for hard real-time operations.

Typical components include:

• Data band filtering
• Voice band filtering
• Transmit / receive bit pumps
• Signal generation, detection / removal
• Data encoding/decoding
• Data I/O frameworks

Complex systems design and development

SPK designs, models, develops and integrates signal processing algorithms to run on real-time natively parallel computing platforms. Capabilities include:

• Receiving antenna calibration (gain and phase correction)
• Data calibration monitoring
• Super-fast sub-hertz resolution spectral analysis

SPK develop and implement real-time processing components that have cross-channel data dependencies relying on ‘corner-turned’ data. Capabilities include:

• Channel coupling removal
• Missing channel data compensation
• Beamforming
• Interference excision and data conditioning

Information management systems

SPK design and implement multi-user business solutions to automate business workflow and financial accountability processes. We also design and deploy applications that need to present complex and multi-faceted data to customers in the most informative and quick to understand manner.

Collaborative development

SPK have had great success working collaboratively with government organisations and industry partners, such as Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and through initiatives such as the Australian RPDE Program, to provide development services.

SPK have a quality management framework that allows it to share its development environment under a distributed architecture.

Quality management

SPK develops all its software to a software configuration management plan (SCMP) that incorporates a software version control system in conjunction with an issue management and tracking system. This always provides SPK with a unified approach to conducting business ensuring that all engineering services are delivered to the highest standards.