07:49 GMT, January 13, 2009 Sporian Microsystems, Inc. has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to develop a Wireless Intra-Soldier Data Reception and Transmission system. The system will transmit and receive imagery and data such as compass heading, far target coordinates and other situational awareness information to helmet-mounted or other soldier-borne displays. The effort will leverage Sporian's expertise in technology areas including: wireless networking, low power design and electronics packaging.

"Our goal is to develop a rugged system that improves soldier mobility and operational readiness. A wireless system has the potential to reduce the weight burden on the war fighter and to minimize the failure modes common to wired systems. This would ultimately lead to enhanced survivability and increase the likelihood of mission success," said Sporian principal investigator Dr. Brian Schaible.

The Army Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate at Fort Belvoir will monitor the results of Sporian's development efforts. Beyond the DoD, Sporian recognizes opportunities in commercial security and surveillance applications as well as longer term potential for high bandwidth integration of electronic systems with displays such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and entertainment systems.