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NSF CCSS Program (PD 16 7564) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the NSF Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) Program?

The NSF Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) Program is a research grant opportunity focused on systems-level engineering that crosses traditional boundaries. It supports integrative work where hardware, signal processing, and system architectures are designed together to enable the next generation of cyber-physical systems (CPS).

2) What is the main goal of CCSS-funded research?

The main goal is end-to-end systems thinking: advancing complete engineered systems where devices, circuits, sensing modalities, networking, and computation interact as a unified whole, rather than funding isolated component improvements.

3) What kinds of systems does CCSS aim to enable?

CCSS aims to enable next-generation cyber-physical systems (CPS), meaning systems that tightly blend computation, communications, and algorithms with the physical world. Examples mentioned include systems operating in device, infrastructure, and biological environments.

4) Does CCSS emphasize multidisciplinary research?

Yes. A major focus is multidisciplinary and collaborative research, reflecting that modern CPS and sensing/communications platforms typically require expertise spanning areas like circuits, electromagnetics, networking, devices, controls, signal processing, security, and domain-specific application knowledge.

5) Are collaborative proposals encouraged?

Yes. The program explicitly encourages collaborative proposals that bring together the breadth needed for integrated engineering outcomes.

6) Does CCSS support small-team proposals, and what do they look like?

NSF indicates it may support a limited number of small-team proposals that include three or more investigators drawn from different disciplines and/or different universities. This signals interest in tightly coordinated teams capable of building and validating complete system concepts.

7) What are the major technical pillars or research areas highlighted by CCSS?

The opportunity highlights several interconnected areas, including: MEMS/NEMS and micro/nano/bio systems; advanced communications and sensing systems (RF through optical wireless and hybrid approaches); integration technologies at intra-chip and inter-chip levels; and sensing and imaging at terahertz (THz) frequencies.

8) What does CCSS mean by MEMS/NEMS and related systems?

CCSS includes micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), including micro/nano/bio systems, sensors and actuators, and the electronic interfaces needed to make these devices practical in real deployments.

9) What types of communications and sensing architectures are within scope?

CCSS includes new architectures incorporating radio frequency (RF), microwave, millimeter-wave, optical wireless, and hybrid communications approaches, along with sensing systems that integrate with these communication modalities.

10) What kinds of "integration technologies" does CCSS emphasize?

The program highlights integration technologies at both intra-chip and inter-chip levels, with interest in how heterogeneous components (such as RF front ends, digital processing, photonics, sensors, and power management) can be co-designed and packaged to meet performance, cost, size, and energy constraints.

11) What is THz (terahertz) sensing and imaging, and why is it mentioned?

CCSS calls out sensing and imaging at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The description associates THz with high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, security screening, materials characterization, and emerging high-bandwidth wireless links, while noting the need for challenging innovations in devices, circuits, antennas, and signal processing.

12) What does "complex hybrid systems at all scales" mean in this program?

It refers to designing, developing, and implementing complex hybrid systems ranging from nano-scale devices up to macro-scale platforms and infrastructure, consistent with the program's focus on systems-level engineering across components and scales.

13) Do proposals need to be tied to a specific application?

The description indicates proposals do not have to be application-specific. However, CCSS values engineering principles and system solutions that can translate into impactful capabilities across real-world domains.

14) What application domains are referenced as relevant to CCSS?

The program ties its systems emphasis to domains including healthcare and medicine, environmental and biological monitoring, communications, disaster mitigation, homeland security, intelligent transportation, manufacturing, energy systems, and smart buildings.

15) What kinds of improvements does CCSS expect systems to enable?

The program description emphasizes enabling better sensing, more reliable or higher-capacity communications, lower-power operation, and improved robustness and security in real environments.

16) What circuit and electronics topics are included in CCSS areas of interest?

Topics listed include RF, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and systems; RF/microwave/millimeter-wave/THz technologies; energy-efficient, low-noise, and reconfigurable electronics; and high-fidelity modeling and simulation of electronic, photonic, and electromagnetic systems.

17) What antennas and propagation topics are relevant?

The program includes antennas and wave propagation topics for both communications and sensing as part of its technical scope.

18) What communications and networking topics does CCSS include?

CCSS lists RF/wireless, optical, and hybrid communications and networking; integrated sensing, communication, and computational systems; spectrum access and sharing (including cognitive radio concepts); and signal processing methods such as compressive sampling.

19) What does CCSS mean by "integrated sensing, communication, and computational systems"?

It reflects interest in joint design rather than treating sensing, communications, and computation as separate silos, aligning with the program's overall emphasis on integrated, system-level engineering.

20) Does CCSS include cyber-physical systems security?

Yes. The program explicitly includes cyber-physical systems and security, emphasizing that threats, reliability, and trustworthiness should be treated as fundamental design constraints rather than afterthoughts.

21) What bio-oriented and wearable/implantable research is mentioned?

In the MEMS/NEMS and bio-oriented direction, CCSS includes chemical, biological, and physical sensors; sensors and actuators with interface electronics; ultra-low-power wearable and implantable sensing and imaging systems; and real-time monitoring and stimulation of the brain and other body functions in natural environments.

22) What does "real-time monitoring and stimulation in natural environments" suggest about project ambition?

It points to ambitious closed-loop, in-the-wild biomedical systems, implying integrated sensing, interface electronics, and system behavior that can operate outside tightly controlled lab settings.

23) What type of grant is this opportunity described as?

It is described as an NSF discretionary grant within the science and technology research and development category.

24) What is the Funding Opportunity Number and program identifier provided?

The opportunity references the NSF CCSS Program and lists Funding Opportunity Number PD 16 7564.

25) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.041.

26) Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may appear in the full solicitation text.

27) What is the deadline shown for this opportunity?

The posting shows an original and current closing date of November 1, 2016.

28) When was this opportunity created and posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on April 27, 2016.

29) Does the provided information state an award ceiling or expected number of awards?

No. The provided fields do not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.

30) What does the description suggest about competitiveness and project types?

The structure and language indicate a competitive research program aimed at a mix of single-investigator and collaborative projects, with particular encouragement for well-integrated multidisciplinary efforts that demonstrate credible system-level innovation and integrated educational activities.

31) Are educational activities part of what CCSS supports?

Yes. The program supports research and integrated educational activities across its highlighted areas.

32) How does CCSS differ from component-level research programs?

CCSS emphasizes complete system concepts and end-to-end integration, focusing on how circuits, sensing, networking, computation, and architectures interact, rather than funding advances in isolated components without a unifying system demonstration or design rationale.