Tantalum Edge™ Unit (TEU)

The Tantalum Edge Unit (TEU) provides real-time spectrum awareness and threat detection in contested and remote environments. This passive RF sensing device is infused with artificial intelligence and optimized for low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C).

TEU Key Features

AI/ML Signal Detection. The TEU uses machine learning to continuously learn local RF patterns and autonomously detect anomalies. It recognizes friendly or “known” signals, which allows it to flag new or unusual emitters in the area. This adaptive learning gives operators early warning of potential threats, including previously unseen signal types or waveforms.
Edge Operation with Cloud Sync. Built for the tactical edge, the TEU can operate completely offline in denied environments. It stores data locally when disconnected and automatically uploads and integrates with cloud systems (or command centers) when a connection is available. This ensures no data is lost and allows higher echelons to gain insight once units reconnect—while the front-line unit remains effective on its own.
TAK & Olympus Integration. The TEU is fully integrated with common situational awareness and command-and-control tools like the Team Awareness Kit (TAK). This means signals it detects can be geotagged and fed directly into the digital maps and networks that warfighters are already using. (Additionally, it integrates with Sigma Defense’s Olympus data platform.) The result is instant battlefield awareness; if the TEU picks up an enemy radar or communication signal, all personnel—from the squad level up to headquarters—can see it on their tactical picture in real time.

Compact and Rugged with All-Day Power. The TEU is compact and ruggedized for field use—easily man-portable or installable on a vehicle or unmanned system. With an internal battery providing 8–10 hours of runtime, it can conduct missions without external power, which is crucial for reconnaissance or special operations teams. Low SWaP-C means the TEU won’t weigh down a pack, drain resources or stand out on the battlefield—yet it consistently delivers high-performance RF sensing.
RF Signature Management. In addition to detecting threats, the TEU helps friendly units manage their own electromagnetic emissions. By mapping the spectrum in real time, operators can identify whether they are emitting too much or if their communications are likely to be intercepted. This aids in Electronic Emission Control (EMCON), allowing units to stay covert when needed by adjusting their transmissions.
User-Friendly Interface. Analysts and EW officers can easily interact with the TEU through an intuitive interface. They can search the collected signal library, compare unknown signals to known profiles and label or annotate findings. This usability enables faster analysis and decision-making on the field—reducing cognitive load and allowing even junior operators to derive insights more intuitively.

TEU Applications

The TEU has been proven in real-world pilots and exercises. It enhances decision-making and reduces analyst workload in several scenarios:

Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Detection. Identify and track the control signals of drones/UAVs, providing early warning of enemy drone activity.
Electronic Emission Control. Help units enforce EMCON by alerting them to any unintended transmissions, preventing detection by the enemy.
Spectrum Mapping. Create a real-time map of the local spectrum in a battlefield or urban area—useful for spectrum management or identifying interference sources.
Tactical SIGINT/EW. Extend the reach of tactical signals intelligence and EW teams by providing an extra set of “ears” on the ground that can autonomously listen for threats.

The Tantalum Edge Unit (TEU) delivers a strategic advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum – giving even small units the power to sense and make sense of the RF environment, which is critical in modern warfare.