Modified quantum frequency standard on Hg-199 ions

The world around us depends on devices capable of producing or maintaining a signal with an extreme precision. Quantum frequency standards are the answer to this problem. This article presents a modified version of newly developed quantum frequency standard based on trapping Hg-199 ions by magnetic field. The new prototype was developed a while ago and now it was modified due to algorithm improvements and renewed digital hardware, analog and digital circuitry being reordered. Results for Allan deviation show 3 % improvement for long-term frequency stability and more than 5 % for short-term stability

IC-Based Neuro-Stimulation Environment for Arbitrary Waveform Generation

Electrical stimulation of the nervous system is commonly based on biphasic stimulation waveforms, which limits its relevance for some applications, such as selective stimulation. We propose in this paper a stimulator capable of delivering arbitrary waveforms to electrodes, and suitable for non-conventional stimulation strategies. Such a system enables in vivo stimulation protocols with optimized efficacy or energy efficiency. The designed system comprises a High Voltage CMOS ASIC generating a configurable stimulating current, driven by a digital circuitry implemented on a FPGA. After fabrication, the ASIC and system were characterized and tested; they successfully generated programmable waveforms with a frequential content up to 1.2 MHz and a voltage compliance between [−17.9; +18.3] V. The system is not optimum when compared to single application stimulators, but no embedded stimulator in the literature offers an equivalent bandwidth which allows the wide range of stimulation paradigms, including high-frequency blocking stimulation. We consider that this stimulator will help test unconventional stimulation waveforms and can be used to generate proof-of-concept data before designing implantable and application-dedicated implantable stimulators.

Hybrid Multicarrier Random Space Vector PWM for the Mitigation of Acoustic Noise

The pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter is an obvious choice for any industrial and power sector application. Particularly, industrial drives benefit from the higher DC-link utilization, acoustic noise, and vibration industrial standards. Many PWM techniques have been proposed to meet the drives’ demand for higher DC-link utilization and lower harmonics suppression and noise reductions. Still, random PWM (RPWM) is the best candidate for reducing the acoustic noises. Few RPWM (RPWM) methods have been developed and investigated for the AC drive’s PWM inverter. However, due to the lower randomness of the multiple frequency harmonics spectrum, reducing the drive noise is still challenging. These PWMs dealt with the spreading harmonics, thereby decreasing the harmonic effects on the system. However, these techniques are unsuccessful at maintaining the higher DC-link utilizations. Existing RPWM methods have less randomness and need complex digital circuitry. Therefore, this paper mainly deals with a combined RPWM principle in space vector PWM (SVPWM) to generate random PWM generation using an asymmetric frequency multicarrier called multicarrier random space vector PWM (MCRSVPWM). he SVPWM switching vectors with different frequency carrier are chosen with the aid of a random bi-nary bit generator. The proposed MCRSVPWM generates the pulses with a randomized triangular carrier (1 to 4 kHz), while the conventional RPWM method contains a random pulse position with a fixed frequency triangular carrier. The proposed PWM is capable of eradicating the high-frequency unpleasant acoustic noise more effectually than conventional RPWM with a shorter random frequency range. The simulation study is performed through MATLAB/Simulink for a 2 kW asynchronous induction motor drive. Experimental validation of the proposed MCRSVPWM is tested with a 2 kW six-switch (Power MOSFET–SCH2080KE) inverter power module-fed induction motor drive.

Optimum power transfer in RF front end systems using adaptive impedance matching technique

Matching the antenna’s impedance to the RF-front-end of a wireless communications system is challenging as the impedance varies with its surround environment. Autonomously matching the antenna to the RF-front-end is therefore essential to optimize power transfer and thereby maintain the antenna’s radiation efficiency. This paper presents a theoretical technique for automatically tuning an LC impedance matching network that compensates antenna mismatch presented to the RF-front-end. The proposed technique converges to a matching point without the need of complex mathematical modelling of the system comprising of non-linear control elements. Digital circuitry is used to implement the required matching circuit. Reliable convergence is achieved within the tuning range of the LC-network using control-loops that can independently control the LC impedance. An algorithm based on the proposed technique was used to verify its effectiveness with various antenna loads. Mismatch error of the technique is less than 0.2%. The technique enables speedy convergence (< 5 µs) and is highly accurate for autonomous adaptive antenna matching networks.

A low-voltage CMOS current-mode differential front-end for optical communications

This thesis deals with the design of a low-voltage fully-differential CMOS current-mode preamplifier for optical communications. An in-depth comparative analysis of the building blocks of low-voltage CMOS current-mode circuits is carried out. Two new bandwidth enhancement techniques, namely inductor series-peaking and current feedback, are introduced and implemented in the design. The feedback also reduces the value of the series-peaking inductor. The minimum supply voltage of the amplifier is only one threshold voltage plus one pinch-off voltage. The preamplifier has a balanced differential topology such that the effect of bias dependent mismatches is minimized and the amplifier is insensitive to the switching noise caused by the digital circuitry. Negative differential current feedbacks are implemented to boost the bandwidth and increase the dynamic range.

A low-voltage CMOS current-mode differential front-end for optical communications

This thesis deals with the design of a low-voltage fully-differential CMOS current-mode preamplifier for optical communications. An in-depth comparative analysis of the building blocks of low-voltage CMOS current-mode circuits is carried out. Two new bandwidth enhancement techniques, namely inductor series-peaking and current feedback, are introduced and implemented in the design. The feedback also reduces the value of the series-peaking inductor. The minimum supply voltage of the amplifier is only one threshold voltage plus one pinch-off voltage. The preamplifier has a balanced differential topology such that the effect of bias dependent mismatches is minimized and the amplifier is insensitive to the switching noise caused by the digital circuitry. Negative differential current feedbacks are implemented to boost the bandwidth and increase the dynamic range.

Mattertronics for programmable manipulation and multiplex storage of pseudo-diamagnetic holes and label-free cells

Manipulating and separating single label-free cells without biomarker conjugation have attracted significant interest in the field of single-cell research, but digital circuitry control and multiplexed individual storage of single label-free cells remain a challenge. Herein, by analogy with the electrical circuitry elements and electronical holes, we develop a pseudo-diamagnetophoresis (PsD) mattertronic approach in the presence of biocompatible ferrofluids for programmable manipulation and local storage of single PsD holes and label-free cells. The PsD holes conduct along linear negative micro-magnetic patterns. Further, eclipse diode patterns similar to the electrical diode can implement directional and selective switching of different PsD holes and label-free cells based on the diode geometry. Different eclipse heights and junction gaps influence the switching efficiency of PsD holes for mattertronic circuitry manipulation and separation. Moreover, single PsD holes are stored at each potential well as in an electrical storage capacitor, preventing multiple occupancies of PsD holes in the array of individual compartments due to magnetic Coulomb-like interaction. This approach may enable the development of large programmable arrays of label-free matters with high throughput, efficiency, and reliability as multiplex cell research platforms.

A Comprehensive Analysis of M-ary PSK and M-ary QAM Schemes

In the last few decades, data communication has recorded massive improvements. These improvements were brought about by advancement in digital circuitry, its availability and persistent reduction in cost. Before the advancement of digital communication technology, analogue communication was the dominant means of transmitting data. As the internet expands across the globe, the need to transfer data over long distances increases. However, the major problem with analogue communication is that the quality of signals is lost with distance. Also, it has minimal security and does not support data integration. Digital communications provided an alternative to analogue communication. Today, digital modulations have become part and parcel of the present and future communication technologies. Despite the advantages of these schemes, the traditional channel impairments, such as noise, can affect their performance. Moreover, data transmission is mostly done over wireless channels, which are very unpredictable and are characterised by multipath fading effects. This paper presents a short research article that presents a study of digital modulation schemes (M-ary QAM and M-ary PSK) using MATLAB/Simulink under Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). The result shows that, among the three modulation schemes compared, QAM has the best BER performance with minimal energy consumption.