SCA Overview
~ functionality and expandability of Joint Tactical Radio System is built upon Software Communications Architecture (SCA)
~ SCA is an open architecture framework
~ it tells designers, how elements of hardware and software are to operate in harmony within JTRS
~ it governs structure and operation of JTRS, enabling programmable radios to load waveforms, run applications,
~ and be networked into an integrated system
~ design engineers use SCA definition document just as an architect or planner uses a local building code to design and build homes
~ through adherence to standards detailed in SCA definition document,
~ both hardware and software designers know what equipment and programs to design
~ SCA does not tell designers how to design their equipment and programs
~ JTRS compliant radios and networked systems, when designed in compliance with SCA, will meet JTRS standards for interoperability,
~ just as properly designed plumbing or electrical systems meet local codes for construction and safety

Software application waveforms form JTR set:
~ Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW),
~ network services, and
~ programmable radio set (i.e., traditional radio box)

JTR sets, when networked with other JTR sets, becomes Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)

Standardization
~ Software Communications Architecture (SCA) defines standard interfaces
~ that allow waveform applications to run on multiple hardware sets
~ SCA defines a Core Framework (providing a standard operating environment) that must be implemented on every JTR set
~ interoperability among radio sets is enhanced because the same waveform software can be easily ported to all JTR sets

~ Standardization is the key and two activities are on-going to assure
~ that SCA is widely accepted as programmable radio system definition standard
~ First, JPO has been working closely with Software Defined Radio Forum (SDRF)
~ to involve their expertise in development of SCA
~ SDRF is not a standards body itself;
~ however, group adopted SCA as a body of work mature enough to move out to a formal standards body,
~ in this case Object Management Group (OMG) This occurred FY2000 when SCA was at v1.0.
~ Since then SDRF and OMG have developed a formal liaison relationship to help further standardization of SCA

~ OMG, a non-for-profit consortium that produces and maintains computer industry specifications for interoperable enterprise applications,
~ has established a Domain Special Interest Group for software radios (SWRADIO DSIG)
~ This group, with JPO sponsorship, is working toward building an international commercial standard based on SCA
~ Actions within OMG SWRADIO DSIG will evolve SCA through multi-source inputs, including those from governments,
~ SDRF and private sector. Once an international standard is defined and adopted,
~ then future programmable radio development (including JTRS within DoD and US Government)
~ would align with this standard as it evolves
~ Configuration Management process within JTRS JPO
~ will review standards and decide how to incorporate them into SCA
~ As a result, future software radios should be interoperable
~ in much the same way that the international phone system has been constructed
~ into an integrated multi-national managed but one global system

Future work will includee:
~ Developing common radio systems applications other than waveform
~ Building a broader library of Application Program Interfaces (APIs)
~ Developing future releases of SCA that emphasize backward compatibility
~ Implementation of security features that are acceptable across a broad range of multi-national users
~ Individual nations, such as France and Sweden have adopted or are considering adopting forms of the SCA
~ United States and others are also working within NATO to have SCA adopted
~ Work will continue within OMG to standardize relevant areas of SCA
~ as a formal international standard to assure that development within separate nations, and possibly NATO,
~ are aligned and coordinated under a single worldwide standard

Background:
~ shift from hardware-intensive radios to flexible, multiband, multimode software radios,
~ in which functionality is provided through software rather than hardware

Related terms(s)
»Joint Tactical Radio »SCA_Waveform