Detection, identification and localization of R/C electronic devices through their unintended emissions

The accurate and reliable detection of unintended emissions from radio receivers has a broad range of commercial and security applications. This thesis presents detection, identification, and localization methods for multiple RC electronic devices in a realistic environment. First, a Hurst parameter based detection method for super-regenerative receivers (SRR) has been used for detection. Hurst parameter based detection method exploits a self-similarity property of the SRR receiver emissions to distinguish it from background noise. Second paper presents a novel detection and localization scheme of multiple RC electronic devices called Edge-Synthetic Aperture Radar (Edge-SAR). It employs cost-effective, mobile antenna-array detectors. Two types of RC devices are considered: SRR with H parameter method and super heterodyne receivers (SHR) with peak detection method. Third paper improves detection of multiple devices by proposing a dynamic antenna-array processing method called VIVEK-MVDR-GA. It combines multi-constrained genetic algorithm (GA) and minimum variance distortion-less response (MVDR) method to increase accuracy of detection and localization of multiple devices. Finally, a 4-element array mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is proposed to overcome multipath and reflection due to environmental surroundings and improve the response time in compromised scenarios. Also, a time based correlation method is proposed for array detectors to identify the line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (N-LOS) signals. A normalized error correlation function has been implemented to improve the estimation of angle of arrival (AOA) in the presence of strong non-line of sight (N-LOS) signals --Abstract, page iv

Electronic Receiver Device Detection System and Method

A super regenerative receiver detection system and method that includes a computing system that stores and executes a cross modulation correlation component to modulate a radio-frequency (RF) stimulation signal that is transmitted in an area using a modulating signal having a first modulating mode, and receive a response UEE signal from the area in which the response UEE signal includes a cross modulated signal emitted from a super regenerative receiver (SRR). The cross modulated signal having a second modulation mode that is different from the first modulation mode. Using this information, the cross modulation correlation component processes the received UEE signal to determine a cross modulation correlation level of a cross modulation signal relative to the modulating signal, and generates an alert signal when the determined cross modulation correlation level exceeds a specified threshold

Detection of Multiple R/C Devices using MVDR and Genetic Algorithms

Reflections, multipath propagation, and scattering creates phantom sources of signal. In addition, reliable detection of radio controlled (RC) devices in the presence of multiple actual devices is a challenging task. RC devices employing super regenerative receivers (SRRs) and super heterodyne receivers emit unintended radiations in their ON-state. This paper introduces a novel detection scheme that combines self-similarity and received signal strength indicator (RSSI)-based detection with minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) method. In addition, detection accuracy is improved using multiconstrained genetic algorithms (GAs). RSSI method detects multiple devices from received signal strength and Hurst parameter identifies self-similar SRR devices. Regularized MVDR improves detection of multiple devices by jamming unwanted signals and signals from known angle of arrival. Regularization reduces variation in detection due to environmental noise. Multiconstrained GA is implemented in the cases where MVDR fails. The experimental results for detection have also been presented for multiple SRR receivers (door bells at 315 MHz)

Detection of Super Regenerative Receiver using Amplitude Modulated Stimulation

Super regenerative receivers (SRRs) are utilized in a number of electronic devices and detecting their presence from extended distances is critical for many applications. This paper describes a new technique to detect such devices from extended distances by utilizing the fact that the frequency of the SRR quench oscillator is dependent on the power of the stimulating signal. This technique is a coherent active detection technique, based on modulated stimulation. The SRR is stimulated with an amplitude modulated signal which causes the emissions to become frequency modulated. The recorded emissions are then frequency demodulated and match-filtered with the modulating signal for robust detection. This detection technique is a coherent technique that is not affected by other noncoherent signals in the spectrum, and as such outperforms amplitude detection techniques in terms of success of detection and range

Detection and Localization of Multiple R/C Electronic Devices using Array Detectors

Accurate detection and localization of unintended emissions from multiple radio-controlled electronic devices have a wide range of security applications. First, this paper introduces a cost-effective mobile array detector. Subsequently, a novel scheme is presented for detection and localization of multiple devices emitting unintended passive emissions. Peak detection is employed in detecting the devices with superheterodyne receivers (SHRs). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the traditional methodologies with a single antenna. A 2-D array is also proposed in this paper for localization of devices with SHRs using the angle of arrival. A new, synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-based scheme called edge synthetic aperture radar (ESAR) is also introduced in this paper for localization. Finally, the results for localization and error in localization are analyzed. The ESAR method reduces the error in localization up to 75% and increases accuracy in detection of multiple devices

Detection of Super-Regenerative Receivers using Hurst Parameter

The accurate and reliable detection of unintended emissions from radio receivers has a broad range of commercial and security applications. This paper presents and analyzes Hurst parameter-based detection method for super-regenerative receivers (SRRs). SRRs are low cost, easily manipulated, and widely used in common remote devices including doorbells, garage door openers, and remote controlled (R/C) toys. By design the SRR is a passive device that should only receive an RF signal. However, it also emits a low power, unintended electromagnetic signal. Such unintended emissions are enhanced by the presence of a known stimulating signal. Also, the emission is referred to as a device signature since it can uniquely identify the devices. The proposed detection method exploits a self-similarity property of such emissions to distinguish it from background noise. Hurst parameter quantifies the self-similarity. It is employed to detect and identify the SRR-based devices even if the signal fades into a noise

Detection and Localization of Multiple R/C Electronic Devices using Array Detectors

Detection and localization of multiple radio controlled (RC) electronic devices has many security applications. This paper first proposes a cost-effective mobile array detector for such RC electronic devices. Subsequently, by using the array detector, a novel scheme is presented for detection, identification, and localization of multiple devices emitting unintended passive emissions. The Hurst parameter method is proposed for detection and identification of devices with super-regenerative receivers while peak detection is used for detection and identification of devices with super heterodyne receivers. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms traditional methodologies with single antenna

Detection and Localization of R/C Electronic Devices using Hurst Parameter

Traditional approach of locating devices relies on tagging with a special tracking device, for example GPS receiver. This process of tagging is often impractical and costly since additional devices may be necessary. Conversely, in many applications it is desired to track electronic devices, which already emit unintentional, passive radio frequency (RF) signals. These emissions can be used to detect and locate such electronic devices. Existing schemes often rely on a priori knowledge of the parameters of RF emission, e.g. frequency profile, and work reliably only on short distances. In contrast, the proposed methodology aims at detecting the inherent self-similarity of the emitted RF signal by using Hurst parameter, which (1) allows detection of unknown (not-pre-profiled) devices, (2) extends the detection range over signal strength (peak-detection) methods, and (3) increases probability of detection over the traditional approaches. Moreover, the distance to the device is estimated based on the Hurst parameter and passive RF signal measurements such that the detected device can be located. Theoretical and experimental studies demonstrate improved performance of the proposed methodology over existing ones, for instance the basic received signal strength (RSS) indicator scheme. The proposed approach increases the detection range by 70%, the probability of detection by 60%, and improves the range estimation and localization accuracy by 70%