Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems
NSF supports innovative research on communications, circuits, sensing systems, and related hardware, signal processing, and cyber-physical system architectures for eligible applicants.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds basic research |
| IPPRA | 58 good | peripheral portfolio topic: public_health; social/behavioral work is minor; funds basic research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) Program supports innovative research in circuit and system hardware and signal processing techniques. CCSS also supports system and network architectures for communications and sensing to enable the next-generation cyber-physical systems (CPS) that leverage computation, communication, and sensing integrated with physical domains. CCSS invests in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), physical, chemical, and biological sensing systems, neurotechnologies, and communication & sensing circuits and systems. The goal is to create new complex and hybrid systems ranging from nano- to macro-scale with innovative engineering principles and solutions for a variety of applications including but not limited to healthcare, medicine, environmental and biological monitoring, communications, disaster mitigation, homeland security, intelligent transportation, manufacturing, energy, and smart buildings. CCSS encourages research proposals based on emerging technologies and applications for communications and sensing such as high-speed communications of terabits per second and beyond, sensing and imaging covering microwave to terahertz frequencies, personalized health monitoring and assistance, secured wireless connectivity and sensing for the Internet of Things, and dynamic-data-enabled autonomous systems through real-time sensing and learning.
Areas managed by CCSS Program Directors (please contact Program Directors listed in the CCSS staff directory for areas of interest):
RF Circuits and Antennas for Communications and Sensing
RF Communications and Sensing Technologies from kHz to THz
Antennas and Wave Propagation for Communications and Sensing
Circuits and Systems for Secured Communications and Sensing
Trusted Microelectronic Circuits
RF Biomedical Applications and Remote Sensing
Bio-mimetic Circuits and Systems
Dynamic-data-enabled Reconfigurable RF Subsystems through Sensing and Machine Learning
Wireless Energy Transfer and RF Energy Harvesting
Communication Systems and Signal Processing
Wireless, Optical, and Hybrid Communications and Networking
Full-duplex, massive MIMO, mm-Wave, and THz communications
Spectrum Access and Sharing
Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computational Systems
Signal Processing, image processing, and Compressive Sampling
Cyber Physical Systems and Hardware-controlled Secured Communications
Dynamic-data-enabled Communication Systems through Sensing and Machine Learning
Quantum Communication Systems
Dynamic Bio-Sensing Systems
Micro, Nano, and Bio Systems (MEMS/NEMS)
Chemical, Biological, and Physical Diagnostics
Sensors, Actuators, and Electronic Interfaces
Ultra-Low Power Wearable and Implantable Sensing Systems
Dynamic-data-enabled Reconfigurable Sensing Systems
Personalized Health Monitoring Systems through Sensing and Machine Learning
Neuroengineering and Brain-Inspired Concepts and Designs
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: National Science Foundation <grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · National Science Foundation conventions SEE AN NSF EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — National Science Foundation's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.