Cell Seeker, The Geopolitics of Computer Chips: U.S. Strategy in a Global Industry 55 views

Digital systems can shift balances of power in ways that promote or degrade personal or national interests. Cell Seeker is a portable, handheld device designed to help search and rescue teams find missing individuals by tracking the signals transmitted from their cell phones. It incorporates custom microwave circuitry, four patch antennas, integration with a software defined radio (SDR), and a Raspberry Pi to locate a distressed individual based on their mobile phone’s transmissions. An integrated screen provides the user with a visual indication of the direction and relative proximity to the signal source. For a prototype, this device operates in the 1.24-1.3 GHz amateur radio band, so testing can be conducted in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. In their efforts to protect and improve integrated circuit supply chains, formulators of US technology policy face competing demands. To ensure reliable access to cost-effective ICs, policymakers tend to favor unencumbered international trade in raw materials and finished products. Yet some policymakers contend that national security imperatives compel protectionist trade measures and the promotion of domestic sources of raw materials and manufacturing capacity. Despite recent gestures favoring nationalism in technology trade policy, however, US industry has so far succeeded in preventing onerous trade barriers.

BS (Bachelor of Science)

School of Engineering and Applied Science Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technical Advisor: N. Scott Barker STS Advisor: Peter Norton Technical Team Members: William Colwell, Simone Borin, Leon Vaughn, Alex Taylor, Jusmun Shokar

2025-12-15