Continium Leads Pan-European EDF Proposal “CROSS” to Advance AI-Driven Multi-Channel Radar & EW Systems
Continium Technologies s.r.o Slovakia delivered another EDF (European Defense Fund) project application in the category Radar (EDF-2024-RA), leading a consortium of 19 subjects, including Universities of Kosice and Luxembourg, as well as SME companies from overall 14 European countries, including our former partners like Ilmsens GmbH, Eldes S.r.l., ELDIS Pardubice s.r.o. The R&D project topic of our CROSS project covers a chiplet semiconductor integration of multi-channel joint radar, communication and warfare wireless system covering the whole signal path from antenna, RF frontend via data converters (ADC, DAC) down to digital post-processing in FPGA/ASIC. The circuit design concentrates on applying European semiconductor nanometer technologies (CMOS, SOI) thus increasing supply chain resilience and independence, especially for small and medium enterprises. In the digital processing domain it includes a digital waveform generation to make radar signals undetectable, as well as application of communication system for radar applications.
The Combat Radar for Operational and Situational Superiority (CROSS) project introduces a next-generation radar architecture that excels in adaptability, precision, and energy efficiency. Utilizing AI-driven signal processing, CROSS enhances detection and tracking of complex threats, such as drone swarms and low-visibility targets, while maintaining a compact profile. By integrating multi-channel configurations and advanced
semiconductor technology, CROSS provides European defense forces with heightened situational awareness and operational flexibility.
Aligned with European defense objectives, project CROSS aims to advance Europe’s radar capabilities through the development of adaptable, power-efficient true digital beam-formers that support robust data protocols, ensuring interoperability and resilience within C4ISR networks. Key innovations include a flexible AESA radar system architecture with digital RF phased arrays and integrated electronic warfare features, offering Low Probability of Interception (LPI) and ECCM capabilities. Project CROSS will enable high-resolution, multi-object tracking with multi-channel MIMO array configurations and advanced Sigma-Delta ADC digitizers, achieving adaptive spectral selectivity with minimal power consumption.
CROSS integrates essential digital MIMO beamformer components—including reconfigurable data converters (ADCs for receivers, DACs for transmitters) and RF phased arrays—using European nanometer semiconductor technologies. This scalable radar system-on-chip concept is designed to meet various mission demands. Validated through lab experiments, simulations, and field tests, CROSS will strengthen Europe’s defense autonomy, resulting in a versatile platform that allows European defense manufacturers to produce high-performance, affordable radar/EW systems.
