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This document has been archived. For current NSF funding opportunities, see
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp
Directorate
for Engineering
Division of Electrical and Communications Systems
The Division of Electrical and Communications
Systems (ECS) addresses the fundamental research issues underlying device
technologies and the engineering systems principles of complex systems
and applications. ECS also seeks to ensure the education of a diverse
workforce prepared to support the continued rapid development of these
technologies as drivers of the global economy. The research and education
supported by ECS are fundamental to developing synergy between macro-,
micro- and nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology
in support of homeland security and the emerging new industries and economy
of the 21st century.
The study of microelectronic, spin electronic, organoelectronic, nanoelectronic,
micromagnetic, photonic, optoelectric, and microelectromechanical devices
and their integration into circuits and microsystems is rapidly expanding
in technical scope and application. New generations of integrated microsystems
incorporate microchip technology with mechanical, biological, chemical,
and optical sensors, actuators, and signal processing devices to achieve
new functionality. Trends toward smaller devices raise new research challenges
to fabricate molecular-based nanoscale structures and understand quantum
principles, which dominate their behavior. Modern computing and communications
systems are based on these devices. Wireless methods of telemetry to
extract data from these new devices are equally important in order to
realize local and global networks of sensors and other devices for analysis,
interpretation, and extrapolation.
Research on the design and analysis of systems and the convergence
of control, communications, and computation forms the basis for new research
on data-rich complex dynamical systems. These systems, which learn new
functions and adapt to changing environments, are especially important
for advanced applications. The integration of device research and systems
principles has broad applications in telecommunications, wireless networks,
security, and efficiency of power system grids, thus enabling technologies
for alternate energy sources such as space solar power, environment,
transportation, biomedicine, nanomanufacturing, and other areas.
ECS supports integrative research through opportunities that encourage
innovative and collaborative systems-oriented research. ECS also provides
support for specialized resources and infrastructure—such as the
National Nanofabrication User Networks—that facilitate research
and education activities as well as the development of a strong and diverse
engineering workforce.
1. Electronics, Photonics, and Device Technologies
(EPDT)
Seeks to improve the fundamental understanding of devices and components
based on the principles of electronics, photonics, electromagnetics, electro-optics,
electromechanics, and related physical phenomena. Additionally, seeks to
enable the design of integrated microsystems that define new capabilities
and applications; experimental and theoretical studies of nanoscale electronic,
spintronic, and photonic devices and principles; use of nanotechnology for
device fabrication; and related topics in quantum and molecular engineering
and quantum computing are of particular current interest. Answers and alternative
strategies to the challenges identified for conventional silicon electrodes
at the nanoscale are needed for both fabrication and metrology. Adaptive
and reconfigurable devices and low-power/low-noise electronics are used in
novel network architectures and advanced communications systems. Microsensors
and microactuators, MEMS, RF MEMS, and bioMEMS are used in diverse areas
ranging from industry and defense applications to biology and medicine. New
answers are needed for wireless applications involving RF ICs, smart antennas,
reconfigurable antennas, wireless sensors and devices, and wireless systems
on a chip. Also needed are new methods for the modeling, design, and characterization
of electromagnetic materials and devices. The program invites proposals for
research that can lead to high performance of macro-, micro- and nanoscale
devices, components, and materials; advanced methods of design, modeling,
and simulation of devices and components; and improved techniques for processing,
fabrication, and manufacturing.
2. Control, Networks, and Computational Intelligence
(CNCI)
Supports creative research underlying the analysis and design of intelligent
engineering systems and networks for control, communications, and computation.
The program invites proposals for research that can lead to improved methods
for analysis, design, optimization, reliability, robustness, and evaluation
of complex systems. Distributed systems and networks occur in telecommunications;
power, energy, and transportation systems; and agile and adaptive sensor
networks that will be needed to monitor and protect our critical infrastructure,
as well as the emerging cyberinfrastructure. Hybrid systems incorporate both
continuous and symbolic knowledge representation and are of increasing interest
in the study of networks, manufacturing, and transportation systems. Adaptive,
learning, and self-organizing principles offer potential for improved performance
of systems with unknown models and changing characteristics, especially in
biomedical and environmental applications. Biologically inspired methods
and algorithms, including neural networks, evolutionary computation, behavioral
architectures, and intelligent agents for engineering applications are also
of interest. High-performance and domain-specific computation as well as
quantum computing are applied to the development of simulation, design, and
decision tools for engineering applications.
3. Integrative Systems (IS)
Stimulates innovative research in areas that integrate device concepts
and systems principles to aid in the development of new technologies and
new research directions. Proposals are sought that address fundamental research
issues associated with the analysis and design of such integrative systems.
Areas of opportunity are announced on the ECS Division home page. In addition,
researchers are welcome to propose potential topics of interest and are encouraged
to discuss them with a program director. An example of an integrated microsystem
is a miniature implantable device that combines sensors, actuators, and computational
algorithms and microcircuits for biomedical applications ranging from drug
delivery to microsurgery. A second example is a wireless network of handheld
or wearable computing devices that incorporates microsystem transmitters,
receivers, antennas, and sensors and constitutes a complex distributed network
with high bandwidth and high information-transfer requirements. Design of
power grids and systems that are reliable, efficient, and environmentally
benign is yet another example. Such integrative systems offer new challenges
in basic research and promise for future applications. Proposals for integrative
systems research may involve collaborative research among investigators to
capture the breadth of expertise needed for such multidisciplinary but integrative
research.
4. Human Resources and Infrastructure
In partnership with other NSF directorates and government agencies, ECS
provides state-of-the-art user facilities for micro- and nanofabrication
and metrology tools with the establishment of the National Nanotechnology
Infrastructure Network (NNIN). The NNIN provides access to all faculty and
students for research and educational use at moderate costs. ECS also offers
faculty and student researchers in optoelectronics assess to precommercial
devices and systems through the Photonics Technology Access Program (PTAP).
NSF’s Science and Technology Centers (STCs), Engineering Research Centers
(ERCs), Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC), and Integrative
Graduate Education and Research Traineeships (IGERT), Graduate Research Fellowships
(GRF), and GK-12 Fellowship Programs affect overlap and supplement research
areas of the electrical and communications community. Researchers and educators
are encouraged to build linkages with these programs. ECS also seeks to enhance
academic infrastructure through supplemental and special program opportunities
such as the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)
and Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Programs, and through the international
collaborations described in the overview of the Engineering Directorate.
In addition, ECS encourages the participation in the development of cross-disciplinary
group awards. Programs such as Centers for Learning and Teaching, Bridges
between Engineering Education, Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER),
and Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education offer many opportunities to infuse
the latest research developments into the electrical engineering curriculum.
Current principal investigators are encouraged to apply for supplemental
grants via programs such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU),
Research Experience for Teachers (RET), and underrepresented precollege students
as research assistants on engineering grants.
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