The National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences awarded Yale University $192,156 on January 1, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to develop ultra-efficient analog cross-correlators and circuits-system co-design methodologies enabling dense, in-situ spectrum monitoring for dynamic spectrum access and 6G wireless systems.
The project, titled "NEWSPECTRUM: Enabling Dense and In-Situ Spectrum Monitoring via Analog Correlators and Circuits-System Co-Design," addresses the technical infrastructure required for spectrum sharing in next-generation cellular networks. Current spectrum sensing approaches rely on sparse, dedicated sensor networks with significant latency and deployment costs. The work targets development of single-shot analog cross-correlation devices capable of computing cross-correlations between multiple signals with enhanced temporal and spatial resolution, improved energy efficiency, and cooperative sensing strategies integrated with cellular protocols. Three interdisciplinary research thrusts address fundamental technical contributions to spectrum sensing architecture for Spectrum Era 4 systems.
Performance occurs in New Haven, Connecticut. The period of performance runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.