ThreatSHIELD - Configurable Microsensor Suite for Multi-Threat Detection

N5 Sensors Inc. (N5) proposes to develop ThreatSHIELD, a configurable multi-sensor detection solution that will warn of a wide range of chemical threats and hazardous environments. The fundamental system architecture will enable mission-specific threat sensing configurable by the soldier to enable risk-based decision making and to avoid hazards. The minimal size, weight and power make it suitable for integration with other equipment or clothing, while the anticipated low cost will allow for wide-scale distribution as a leave-behind device as needed. The primary function of ThreatSHIELD is the presumptive detection of a wide range of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), including G-, V-, H-, L-, A- series agents, and drug-derived agents. The system will also detect presence and motion, with the ability to discriminate between people and equipment. ThreatSHIELD will exploit the latest developments in chemical sensor technology. The approach leverages N5's experience developing Semiconductor Photocatalytic Hybrid (SPH™) sensor technology and associated miniature detector electronics using very-large-scale integration (VSLI) for wearable systems. In addition, the unique sensor interface hub will accommodate sensors to detect physical parameters such as motion, infrared, magnetic anomalies and other environmental parameters to provide mission-specific data. Critical to the concept is the use of advanced data fusion and machine learning models suitable for high-fidelity edge processing of multiple data streams. N5 has implemented various power and memory efficient ML models on the edge for other chemical detection products based on anomaly detection and this experience will be applied to this effort. In Phase I N5 and the University of Tennessee (UTK) will develop and define an architecture for a multi-threat detection system. N5 and UTK have been collaborating for several years to develop Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) for the SPH chemical sensors to realize ultra-small, low-cost integrated sensor devices. The proposed work will establish the feasibility for incorporation of other advanced microsensors within a common, modular sensor interface hub. A trade space study will be conducted to review candidate sensor types and a down select will be conducted for purposes of defining the device architecture suitable for development and testing in Phase II. N5 proposes to utilize “Chiplet” technology for designing and developing the system, which will bring a high level of flexibility and efficiency to prototyping a complex detection system. N5 has directly relevant experience designing and fielding multi-modal sensor networks for wildfire detection and air quality monitoring. The ThreatSHIELD microscale sensor suite, powered by innovative developments in electronics, communication and integration, will result in an architecture consisting of discrete or interconnected nodes, to rapidly relay threat information.