MEMS enablement and analysis of the Miniature Autonomous Submersible Explorer

The miniature autonomous submersible explorer
(MASE) was designed as a vehicle for astrobiology science by
Behar et al. [1]. This paper focuses on the MASE concept and
extrapolates a future design based on microelectromechanical
systems (MEMS), multifunctional microsystems (MMS), and
three-dimensional multichip modules (3-D-MCM). Miniaturization
of the electronics increases the payload volumes and
power capabilities significantly and this is the main rationale for
pursuing extreme miniaturization. The original MASE vehicle
accommodated 1–2 instruments while the MEMS enhanced
miniature autonomous submersible explorer (MEMSEMASE)
accommodates up to six instruments. It is shown that the occupied
area of the electronics components is reduced eight times, and
the volume 25 times. The vehicle is shaped as a tube with 5 cm in
diameter and 20 cm in length and can support 8 W continuously
over 5 h. The maximum range is 25 km while the typical onboard
instrumentation is conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD), and a
high resolution camera. An optical fiber is used for bidirectional
communication with the vessel. The goal of this enriched concept
is to present an extremely miniaturized submersible design. The
vehicle volume is defined to fit inside host vehicles with the goal of
future deployment on Europa, oceans on Earth, and bore holes.
The paper will focus on showing how electronics can be densely
packed into micromachined silicon modules and how these can be
designed and interconnected theoretically.