| 2004 Technology
Symposium > Electronics
Electronics
Electronics investigates electronic component technologies, and their
design and fabrication techniques.
Emerging Technologies for VLSI Application
Roberto Landrau, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Microelectronics technology advances at a very accelerated pace. Current design techniques offered by CAD tools do not address the design challenges generated by new semiconductor processes over the next 3-5 years. In order to incorporate these advances into an integrated circuit (IC) design flow, new CAD techniques and algorithms must be developed. Objectives
This project will research and develop microelectronics design techniques, software tools, and resources for the next-generation process technologies that will allow MITRE to explore the efficient architectures necessary for advanced systems needed by our sponsors. Activities
The project will design low-power solutions. We expect to make a contribution in this area by taking a systems perspective and optimizing across all domains. We will specify highly integrated and complex systems, and evaluate SystemC and other language alternatives for system design. We will also evaluate verification techniques necessary to validate the design before IC prototypes are built. Impact
The ability to design custom ICs enables MITRE to explore and suggest a broader range of architectures and implementations, leading to small, practical solutions to the needs of our customers. This expertise also enhances our skills and practical knowledge of state-of-the-art microelectronics, and enables our role as technical advisors to set the vision in a broad range of programs.
^TOP
Molecular Electronics
James Ellenbogen, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
In the FY01-04 Molecular Electronics, or "Moletronics," Program, DARPA and the Navy Space and Naval Systems Warfare Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center are developing next-generation, ultra-dense nanomemory systems. They also are developing nanoprocessor and nanosensor systems in the new FY04-08 Applications of Molecular Electronics, or "MoleApps," Program. Challenges include improving understanding of molecular devices and integrating many tiny devices in complete systems. Objectives
Through design proposals, modeling, and analysis, MITRE is addressing key technical challenges associated with the 2005 demonstration of ultra-dense molecular electronic nanomemory in the Moletronics Program, as well as the 2008-09 nanoprocessor and nanosensor demonstrations in the MoleApps Program. In this work, MITRE is assisting in integrating diverse research efforts from other groups under contract to the two DARPA programs. Activities
MITRE is applying nanomemory simulations to help refine the designs for the prototype 16-kilobit molecular memory systems being built by Harvard University and by Hewlett-Packard Corporation. MITRE also is assisting DARPA in designing and simulating prototype computer processors and sensor systems that will be integrated on the nanometer scale. Impact
MITRE's simulations of nanomemories have played a key role in ensuring that prototype molecular electronic memories can be scaled up to meet the 2005 Moletronics Program milestone. Also, MITRE nanoprocessor models and simulations were instrumental in planning and gaining approval for the new MoleApps Program. Still other MITRE efforts are assisting in planning future DARPA nanoelectronics R&D programs.
^TOP
Nanosystems Modeling and Nanoelectronic Computers
James Ellenbogen, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The 40-year-long miniaturization revolution in electronics continues to be of great economic and military importance to the United States. However, it is likely that miniaturization of conventional solid-state microelectronic devices will not be possible beyond the years 2010-2012. Objectives
The Nanosystems Modeling and Nanoelectronic Computers Project is addressing the problem of designing, fabricating, and applying electronic systems and novel materials that are integrated on the nanometer scale, i.e., the molecular scale. Such nanoelectronic systems and other nanosystems will be the ultra-miniaturized successors to present-day microelectronics and microsystems. Activities
The project team is developing new understanding of the electrical properties of molecules and other nanostructures, plus new methods for manipulating them to build nanocomputers. Also, the team is exploring novel applications, such as the millirobots controlled by nanocomputers that the team is fabricating. It is anticipated that these investigations will lead to new technical publications and intellectual property. Impact
These investigations have led to groundbreaking publications, as well as novel inventions and patents. The R&D also has assisted several government agencies in initiating advanced research projects in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology, for example, the DARPA Moletronics program. Additionally, this project has served to educate a cadre of student investigators who have gone on to further important nanotechnology achievements.
^TOP
Radio Frequency Stealth Transmit/Receive Modules
Moise Solomon, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Military operations demand sophisticated wireless systems that are compact, efficient, and affordable. Such requirements have been met in radio frequency (RF), analog, and digital circuits separately with greater levels of circuit integration. However, achieving greater integration by combining these functions onto a single integrated circuit chip remains a challenge due to conflicting requirements of the different circuit types. Objectives
This project goal is to advance MITRE along the roadmap toward realizing a mixed-signal system-on-chip (SoC) capability by developing digital SoC-based radar-responsive tag technology for military applications. The objectives are to apply embedded microprocessor technology, establish RF integrated circuit design capability, and develop a low-power digital RF memory (DRFM) technology suitable for such tag applications. Activities
Activities include mission analysis of foliage-penetrating synthetic aperture radar (FOPEN SAR) tags, system radar/tag simulation, waveform design, RF integrated circuit (RFIC) design, RFIC test chip fabrication and evaluation, laboratory DRFM design and demonstration, and the design of a generic IC-based DRFM. Impact
MITRE operations will benefit through the experience of applying mixed-signal microelectronics technology. By developing SoC capability, MITRE will increase its ability to respond to customer problems that call for small, inexpensive, and low-power wireless solutions. In addition, MITRE will provide greater expertise to industry efforts in blue force tracking, radar-responsive tag development, and VHF FOPEN SAR image registration.
^TOP
|
