CAREER: Versatile RF Electronics for Extremely High-Temperature Sensing and Communications

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The swift advancement in new energy sources, industrial automation, automotive controls, and space exploration demands the investigation of harsh-environment electronics, often withstanding temperature ranges from hundreds to several thousands of degrees Celsius (°C). For instance, space science communities have advanced electronic components to explore Venus’s atmosphere, which can reach temperatures above 500 °C. Turbine engines in aerospace industries utilize high-temperature sensors for remote pressure transducer interfaces, digitally interconnected actuators, and digital engine controls. The 4th-generation (Generation IV) reactors will function at coolant temperatures higher than light water reactors, reaching around 1000 °C. Hence, the instrumentation and sensors utilized for real-time health monitoring must function in these harsh conditions. Lastly, hypersonic vehicles reach speeds greater than Mach 5, where aerodynamic heating affects air flow, resulting in temperatures exceeding 1000 °C on the vehicle’s surface. As a result, surrounding air molecules ionize and create a buildup of plasma that interferes with electromagnetic waves. Despite its importance, technical challenges exist in radio frequency sensing and communications associated with high-temperature environments. This project will establish new research fields in extreme environments, high-frequency sensing, and high-temperature communications. Because enabling sensors and communication systems in extreme c

Key facts

NSF award ID
2554739
Awardee
University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
VGJHK59NMPK9
PI
Yanghyo R Kim
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
High freq comm/sensing circuits, Antennas and Electromagnetics, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, RF/Microwave & mm-wave tech, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
Estimated total
$550,000
Funds obligated
$560,000
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 12/31/2029