Automated Process for Codesign of Radiation Hardening and Security: SBIR

OUSD (R&E) critical technology area(s): Microelectronics, Space Technology, Trusted AI and Autonomy

Objective: To develop next generation microelectronics design and integration approaches that simultaneously result in resilience to ionizing radiation and enhanced security.

Description: To achieve mission objectives, many national security systems require microelectronics with some level of radiation resilience or hardness. Being embedded in national security systems, microelectronics often have security or trust requirements as well. However, radiation hardness and security are usually developed independently and in isolation from each other. This call for proposals is to co-develop approaches to simultaneously achieve both radiation resilience and security.

Radiation resilience can be achieved by design techniques like standard cell optimizations, architectural innovations, or novel concepts of operation. Security can be achieved through approaches like obfuscation, redaction, and encryption. In each case, the technical approach is often a bespoke solution that requires customization to achieve the desired outcome which results in long and costly development cycles. Therefore, technologies that employ automation to shorten development cycles are required. Automation can take many forms, from generators that define circuit topologies to emulators that predict performance before the design is fabricated. For this activity, microelectronics can comprise monolithic integrated circuits or heterogeneously integrated systems.

Proposals that develop technologies to obfuscate both function and resilience to radiation are encouraged, as are proposals that include embedded sensors for environmental, state of health, and tamper monitoring.

Phase I

Phase I is a 6-month feasibility study to determine the technical practicality and producibility of the offeror’s approach. This includes an assessment of its technical readiness and potential applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. Experimental demonstrations may also be included to help support the proposed concept. This study will provide a quantitative analysis of the approach highlighting how progress will be measured. Deliverables for Phase I include quarterly financial reports; initial technical report; interim technical report; draft and final technical report outlining the proposed technology and how the new technology compares to the two independent operations: radiation hardening and security; proposed set of metrics which allow for co-design decisions to be made accurately; proof-of-concept analysis and/or simulations; preliminary design; fabrication process; risk assessment and mitigation strategy; detailed Phase II work outline; a process automation strategy; and commercialization plan outlining target markets, strategy, and potential Department of War (DoW) insertion opportunities. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Initial Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Phase I Kickoff Meeting.
• Month 3: Interim Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 5: Draft Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Draft Final Technical Report should additionally include a risk assessment and mitigation strategy; proof-of-concept analysis; and a commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets.
• Month 6: Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Final Technical Report should additionally include a risk assessment and mitigation strategy; proof-of-concept analysis; and a commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. Presentation of results at a Phase I closeout meeting.

Phase II

The objective of Phase II is to develop a representative prototype design that aligns with government performance objectives. The specific metrics and objectives for this phase will be determined by the technology proposed during Phase I. Phase II includes a 12-month base period followed by two 12-month options. Each 12-month period will be dedicated to incrementally optimizing the prototype. During this period, prototype devices will be manufactured and tested to validate their performance against the program metrics.

Throughout the prototype design phase, performers are expected to collaborate closely with the government to assess whether the delivered technology is on track to meet objectives that enhance radiation resilience and security. Deliverables for Phase II include quarterly technical and financial reports; draft and final technical report listing the measured performance of the prototype against the metrics; an updated process automation strategy; and an updated commercialization plan with target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase II Base fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as issues and concerns. Phase II Kickoff Meeting.
• Month 4: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 7: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. This report should detail how Phase II Option I period will enable the fabrication of a protype at the end of Phase II Option II.
• Month 10: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. This report should detail how Phase II Option I period will enable the fabrication of a protype at the end of Phase II Option II. Presentation of results at a Phase II Base closeout meeting.

Phase II Base fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 13: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 16: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 19: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. This report should detail the preliminary fabrication plan in Phase II Option II
• Month 22: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. This report should detail the preliminary fabrication plan in Phase II Option II
• Presentation of results at a Phase II Option I closeout meeting.

Phase II Option II fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 25: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 28: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 31: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.
• Month 34: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Demonstration to Government team.
• Presentation of results at a Phase II Option I closeout meeting.
• Month 35: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets.
• Month 36: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. The report should detail the results of the final fabrication of the prototype. Presentation of results at a Phase II Option II closeout meeting.

Phase III dual use applications

Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR program. During Phase III, the small business should focus on commercializing the hardware. They must obtain funding from either the private sector, a non-SBIR federal source, or both, to develop the prototype into a viable commercial product for sale in military or private sector markets. Potential dual use applications include advanced co-design processes for military and commercial microelectronics that are integrated into satellites.

References

1. https://www.synopsys.com/implementation-and-signoff/signoff/siliconsmart.html

Keywords

Radiation Hardening, Security, Automation, Co-design, Single Event Effects, Trust and Assurance

TPOC-1-PoC

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Email

SBIR_BAA@darpa.mil