A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to
control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis.
The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack
and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the
linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power
which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting
an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme
temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage
regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up
the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor
module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or
intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a
predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal to
security server.