Communication Systems

We develop advanced systems and technology to enable the next generation of communications networks. Our work explores how to make satellite communications more resilient, how to make longer and faster laser datalinks to space, and how to improve tactical radios for soldiers.

Advanced Lasercom Systems and Operations
Advanced RF Techniques and Systems
Advanced SATCOM Systems and Operations
Optical Communications Technology
Tactical Networks

We design, prototype, analyze, and test laser communications systems.

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NASA will use telescope arrays at Table Mountain, Calif., and White Sands, N.M. to send and receive signals to Orion’s optical communications system. Photo: Robert Lafon / NASA

In the Media

Lunar Pioneers Will Use Lasers to Phone Home

Jul 22

IEEE Spectrum

Photo of David Culbertson at the Flight Test Facility

Awards

David Culbertson inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society

Jun 24

Awards

2018 MIT Lincoln Laboratory Technical Awards

Apr 11

More News

The ASIC system on chip was fabricated using industry processes and best practices. This image shows the chip during the packaging process.

embedded computing

Advanced ASIC System on Chip for CLASS

A power-efficient application-specific integrated circuit system on chip that performs up to 2 trillion computations per second has potential for use in mobile communication systems.

The Laboratory's novel optical communication system was integrated on a robotic undersea vehicle.

lasers

Undersea Optical Communications

A system that enables robust, long-distance communications between underwater vehicles exploits laser technology.

During a wildfire in southern California, emergency responders shared real-time information on the NICS interface, such as the size of the fire, unit locations, and the rate of the fire’s spread.

disaster relief

Next-Generation Incident Command System

Emergency agencies around the world are using NICS to coordinate rapid and organized response to disasters.

A Gulfstream III aircraft is shown with a PACECR communications pod attached.

networking

Prototype Airborne Contested Environment Communication Relay (PACECR)

A system enables aircraft to replace a satellite communications network.

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I like to take ownership of some part of the whole, and the Lab is a place where even the new employee can take ownership and lead a change.

Sarah Wolpert

System Integration and Test Engineer

Communication Systems

Advanced Lasercom Systems and Operations

The Lab is a great place to continue learning. In any given week, you can find seminars on topics that different groups are exploring, and the Lab offers great in-house courses.