Low-Power Ultra-Wideband Radio and Radar Chip

Prime Research LC (PRLC), Virginia Tech (VT), and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) propose to develop an ultra-low power radio/radar based on a CMOS ultra-wideband impulse radar (UWIR). The system will be highly compact, consume very little power, perform accurate ranging and asset tracking capability, and provide high capacity communications. Combined with PRLC's power harvesting technologies, the PRLC/VT/UTA team will deliver a high quality and robust product for space applications.

The largest commercial markets for UWB technologies are asset tracking and wireless communications for hand-held devices and household appliances. PRLC will combine the UWB radio/radar with its other high temperature technologies to perform sensing in the energy sector where environments are often very extreme.

An ultra-low power UWB radio/radar chip will find many applications for NASA. It can be used for asset tracking, high capacity communications, ranging geological features, and tracking and location.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.