The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of an indigenous Omnilight Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC), a microwave photonics transceiver chip intended for use in advanced radar systems.
The initiative seeks to replace conventional radio-frequency copper interconnects with Radio Frequency-over-Fibre (RFoF) technology, allowing radar signals to be transmitted through optical fibre instead of traditional electrical cables. The approach can significantly reduce cabling weight while improving resilience against electromagnetic interference and electronic warfare threats.
The proposed technology will convert radar-frequency electrical signals into optical signals for transmission through fibre networks. At the core of the system is an eight-channel Photonic Transceiver (PTR) chip that integrates high-speed electro-optic and opto-electronic converters, optical multiplexing and demultiplexing functions, and digital communication interfaces within a single platform.
Ultra-Wideband Photonic Transceiver
The proposed transceiver is designed to operate across an ultra-wide frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz. This broad operating spectrum provides compatibility with X-, Ku-, K- and Ka-band radar applications, making the technology suitable for a wide range of military sensing, surveillance and tracking missions.
Under the project requirements, the transceiver is expected to enable remotely positioned radar antenna arrays to communicate with centralized processing systems through fibre links extending over several kilometres, while maintaining high signal integrity and minimizing transmission losses.
The photonic architecture could also provide important electronic warfare advantages. Unlike conventional electrical connections, optical fibre transmission is inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference. The proposed system’s channel isolation of more than 40 dB is intended to reduce cross-channel interference and improve reliability in highly contested electromagnetic environments.
Strengthening India’s Microwave Photonics Ecosystem
Beyond improving radar architectures, the DRDO initiative is aimed at developing a domestic ecosystem for microwave photonics chip design, packaging and manufacturing. Such capabilities could contribute to future radar and sensor systems requiring lower Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C), while supporting higher bandwidth and improved signal fidelity.
The indigenous photonic chip is expected to integrate components such as optical modulators, photodiodes and wavelength-multiplexing elements within a compact package. Developing these capabilities domestically could support the next generation of photonic radar, electronic warfare and advanced sensor systems for India’s defense sector.
The RFI therefore represents a step toward strengthening India’s indigenous semiconductor and photonics capabilities while enabling lighter, higher-bandwidth and more electronically resilient radar architectures.
