Electronics Technology

The PE 0602716E: ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is a major applied research initiative focused on advancing electronics for military applications. Its overarching goal is to develop foundational technologies that enable information-driven warfighters and address critical national security challenges. The program is structured into two primary projects: ELT-01: ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY and ELT-02: BEYOND SCALING TECHNOLOGY, each with distinct research and development objectives targeting microelectronics, sensors, photonics, architectures, and algorithms.

ELT-01: ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY is dedicated to advancing microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, MEMS, semiconductor design and fabrication, and new material structures. The project emphasizes reducing barriers to custom electronics design and fabrication, exploiting improved manufacturing techniques for low-cost, high-performance sensors, and enhancing the size, weight, power, and performance of electronic systems. Specific goals include supporting positioning, navigation, and timing in GPS-denied environments and developing more sensitive and robust sensors.

Key programs under this project include Humboldt (directed energy devices for electronic disruption), ScAN (analog neural networks for edge inferencing), HALOVS (vibratory sensors for GPS-denied navigation), Sync (counter-UUV defense systems), MICA (microsystem control of biological function), Emon (tensorial radar systems), RoQS (robust quantum sensors), WARDEN (agile RF directed energy), FENCE (event-based IR cameras), GRYPHON (low-noise microwave sources), QuIVER (quantum magnetometers), FOCII (curved IR imagers), WARP (adaptive RF protection), and UWBGS (ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors).

Each sub-program within ELT-01 addresses specific technological gaps. For example, ScAN aims for a significant reduction in power for neural network inferencing at the edge, while WARDEN seeks to develop broadband high-power microwave amplifiers with agile waveform techniques for improved electromagnetic coupling. HALOVS investigates advanced vibratory sensors for resilient navigation, and FENCE develops IR event-based cameras with low latency and power for tactical applications. GRYPHON focuses on compact, low-noise microwave sources, and QuIVER on full-tensor magnetometers for advanced sensing and navigation. Congressional adds, such as Small RF Demonstrators, further support hardware and software design for electronic attack systems.

ELT-02: BEYOND SCALING TECHNOLOGY pursues breakthroughs in electronics performance through circuit specialization and three-dimensional heterogeneous integration (3DHI). The project aims to optimize materials, devices, architectures, and designs for high-performance, secure, and easily producible specialized circuits. This includes incorporating security safeguards, advancing manufacturing tools, and process automation to facilitate the design, delivery, and upgrade of customized microelectronics, especially for extreme environments.

Programs explore alternatives to traditional circuit architectures, leveraging 3DHI and novel materials for enhanced data and hardware security. Key programs within ELT-02 include FIRE (tools for cyber-physical vulnerability patching), Macaroni (electrically-small receivers and transmitters), AMME (additive manufacturing for microsystems), SPCE (radiation-tolerant power converters for satellites), INSPIRED (ultra-low-noise optical detectors), THREADS (thermal management for high-power transistors), Minitherms3D (thermal management for 3DHI microsystems), HOTS (high-temperature sensors), OPTIMA (compute-in-memory accelerators), QuICC (quantum-inspired classical computing), OpTIm (optomechanical IR detectors), SOAP (scalable on-array processing), INGOTS (tools for security vulnerability assessment), COFFEE (compact RF filters), DRBE (RF battlespace emulator), ASSERT (radiation testing for 3DHI electronics), ELGAR (G-band array electronics), H6 (tactical-grade clocks), NaPSAC (nanoresonator-based computing), UWBGS (ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors), HAPPI (3D photonic interfaces), Supply Chain & Logistics (secure microsystems supply chain), MOCHA (ML-guided compilers), M-STUDIO (universal defect-free integration), QuANET (quantum-augmented networks), LUMOS (integrated photonics lasers), DPRIVE (privacy-preserving hardware), NGMM (3DHI design tools), LTLT (cryogenic logic technology), PROWESS (reconfigurable processors), MAX (wideband correlators), and QBI (quantum benchmarking initiative).

The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a significant Congressional add in FY 2025, is designed to rigorously evaluate commercial quantum computing activities, develop and test key prototypes, and prepare for potential full-scale deployment. This initiative aims to prevent strategic surprise, ensure privileged access to disruptive quantum capabilities, and maximize U.S. economic benefit. QBI activities include assessing system architecture feasibility, co-designing quantum computer applications, reviewing R&D plans, and procuring hardware for prototype development.

The program's objectives span foundational research, technology demonstration, and transition planning, with a strong emphasis on enabling new capabilities for national defense, improving system performance, security, and resilience, and supporting the U.S. microelectronics supply chain. Starting in FY 2026, many efforts will transition to related program elements focused on making, maintaining, supply chain, and logistics, reflecting the evolving priorities and integration of these advanced technologies into operational systems.