The Army Research Laboratory established the Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance (CTA) program in 2008 to leapfrog technological barriers toward achieving the autonomous operation of a collaborative ensemble of multifunctional, mobile microsystems. This goal will be realized through fundamental advancements by the MAST alliance, composed of four centers with focused research activities in Microsystems Mechanics, Processing for Autonomous Operation, Microelectronics, and Integration. A team of researchers assembled by the University of Michigan was chosen to lead the microelectronics center. This paper provides an overview of research activities in the MAST Microelectronics Center. Research activities in this center are organized around five major research thrusts: 1) sensing, 2) low power processing, 3) communications, 4) navigation, 5) efficient power generation. Such activities are envisioned to enable micro-autonomous sensor platforms by developing novel electronic sensors and devices having the following attributes: low power and power efficient characteristics, low mass and volume, enhanced functionality/sensitivity, survivability, durability, extended operation capability, low cost, and fault tolerance. Fundamental advances in microelectronics will be accomplished through implementation of bio-mimetic and bio-inspired techniques and technologies, utilization of Nano/micro fabrication processes, and incorporation of novel materials in fabrication of components and subsystems.

Date Published: 11 May 2009
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 7318, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications, 73180M (11 May 2009); doi: 10.1117/12.819246

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7318:
Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications
Thomas George; M. Saif Islam; Achyut K. Dutta, Editor(s)