The MicroSensors Systems (MSS) Program is developing a layered sensor network to detect dismounted threats approaching high value assets. The MSS subsystem elements include sensitive receivers (capable of detecting << 1 Watt emissions in dense signal or degraded signal environments) and low power, miniature, disposable sensors (acoustic, magnetic, and infrared). A novel network protocol has been developed to reduce the network traffic resulting in conservation of system power and lower probability of detection and interception. The MSS program will provide unprecedented levels of real-time battlefield information, greatly enhancing combat situational awareness when integrated with the existing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) infrastructure. This system will provide an important boost to realizing the information dominant, network-centric objective of Joint Vision 2020. The program has established two Centers of Excellence for Sensor Technology each of which is capable of designing and building next generation, networked microsensor systems. The Defense Microelectronics Activity has teamed with the Centers of Excellence and industry to preserve long-term Department ofDefense access to key next generation manufacturing technologies.The military's current battlefield sensor technology falls short in its ability to detect dismounted threats. To date, the current sensor systems lack the ability to identify a dismounted threat, which results in high false alarm rates, as well as have costs that prohibit the deployment of a large sensor field. The Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) is managing a four-year program, MicroSensors Systems (MSS), to develop a low-cost, disposable, networked microsensor system that is focused on detecting dismounted threats. MSS aims to have a sensor cost of $25, which will allow the deployment of large sensor networks. MSS also has many potential applications in military, government, and commercial sectors.A major focus of the program has been to use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics and high density, low cost assembly methodologies. Selection of the appropriate COTS microelectronics was profoundly influenced by the need to exploit all possible low power techniques and technologies to ensure a reasonable sensor and hub service life. The MSS design attempts to limit the power consumption of the system to achieve the goal of a 14-day or longer mission life. Other applications and concept of operations (CONOPS) require optimization of other system-level features, resulting in system performance variations in terms of signal processing speed, communication range and service life.The program has established two Centers of Excellence (COEs) for sensor technology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and North Dakota State University. These centers are designing and building the next generation, networked microsensor systems as well as developing new technologies that enable cost and size reduction of the sensors. DM...

A top concern in homeland security efforts is the lack of ability to monitor the thousands of miles of open border with our neighbors. It is not currently feasible to continually monitor the borders for illegal intrusions. The MicroSensor System (MSS) seeks to achieve a low-cost monitoring solution that can be efficiently deployed for border patrol applications. The modifications and issues regarding the unique requirements of this application will be discussed and presented.The MicroSensor System was developed by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) for military applications, but border patrol applications, with their unique sensor requirements, demand careful adaptation and modification from the military application. Adaptation of the existing sensor design for border applications has been initiated. Coverage issues, communications needs, and other requirements need to be explored for the border patrol application.Currently, border patrol has a number of deficiencies that can be addressed with a microsensor network. First, a distributed networked sensor field could mitigate the porous border intruder detection problem. Second, a unified database needs to be available to identify aliens attempting to cross into the United States. This database needs to take unique characteristics (e.g. biometrics, fingerprints) recovered from a specialized field unit to reliably identify intruders. Finally, this sensor network needs to provide a communication ability to allow border patrol officers to have quick access to intrusion information as well as equipment tracking and voice communication.MSS already addresses the sensing portion of the solution, including detection of acoustic, infrared, magnetic, and seismic events. MSS also includes a low-power networking protocol to lengthen the battery life. In addition to current military requirements, MSS needs a solar panel solution to extend its battery life to 5 years, and an additional backbone communication link. Expanding the capabilities of MSS will go a long way to improving the security of the nation's porous borders.

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