| 2006 Technology
Symposium > Electronics
Electronics
Electronics investigates electronic component technologies, and their
design and fabrication techniques.
Emerging Technologies for VLSI Applications
Roberto Landrau, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
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.
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Generic Transformational Scalable, Modular Affordable RF Transceiver ( Get SMART )
Perry Hamlyn, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
DoD and intelligence communities need small, low power, covert systems with performance characteristics beyond commercially available hardware for wireless data transmission with a low probability of detection and intercept to accomplish missions such as tagging, beacons, and data exfiltration. A generic, reconfigurable transceiver is critical to providing this capability at an affordable price.
Objectives
Utilize MITRE's extensive system design experience in Mixed Signal & Digital microelectronics, coupled with domain expertise in RF, Analog, and COM to produce a scalable, modular, adaptable transceiver that is low cost, low power and high performance across a variety of network centric operations. The transceiver must be modular, reconfigurable, have wide bandwidth, and be platform-interoperable.
Activities
Leverage MITRE's extensive system and microelectronic design expertise to develop common threads for the transceiver architecture suitable for multiple applications such as Blue Force and asset tracking and net centric data exfiltration. Converter design, mixed signal modeling, simulation, prototyping, assimilation of SiGe technology, and RFIC layout and packaging are critical steps in the development of the Get SMART transceiver.
Impact
Get SMART provides focus for microelectronic developments in key areas such as mixed signal system on a chip, reconfigurable, and ultra low power electronics. It fills the performance/cost void for high performance transceivers, providing low cost, portable wireless data transmission for applications such as network centric operations, beacons, Blue Force, UAV, and asset tracking. Get SMART supports network centric operations
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Nanosystems Modeling and Nanoelectronic Computers
James Ellenbogen, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
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Nanotubes for Small Antennas
Janet Werth, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
Small wireless sensors sense the environment, with demand anticipated to increase dramatically. While sensor circuitry keeps shrinking, a corresponding reduction in antenna size leads to shorter communication range due to low antenna efficiency/gain. More power is needed or conversely, the antennas can be tuned with a lossy matching network. Low loss antenna matching networks are needed for small wireless sensors.
Objectives
This initiative will expand and uniquely apply MITREs CNT knowledge base. The cornerstone is validation of how CNTs work from the nano to macro level through prototypes. We will develop knowledge of CNT electron transport behavior, design transmission line prototypes, establish relationships with manufacturers, define test methodologies that support characterization of the prototype transport, and measure the prototype transport properties.
Activities
This MSR is planned as a four year effort ending with a CNT-based matching network circuit. During year one we will study ballistic transport theory for CNT bundles, define a SWNT bundle configuration, align the configuration with a manufacturing process, and design a measurement technique. MITRE will be positioned for transmission line prototyping to begin in year two.
Impact
The remarkable electrical/mechanical properties of CNTs make this extraordinary material of considerable interest to MITRE and our customers. This MSR will exploit CNTs electrical properties to create low loss matching networks enabling smaller antennas. Smaller antennas are of great interest to our user community, where highly populated platforms are unable to add capabilities due to the unavailability of real estate.
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