Multichannel ADC IP Core on Xilinx SoC FPGA

Sensing of analogue signals such as voltage, temperature, pressure, current etc. is required to acquire the real time analog signals in the form digital streams. Most of the static analog signals are converted into voltage using sensors, transducers etc. and then measured using ADCs. The digitized samples from ADC are collected either through serial or parallel interface and processed by the programmable chips such as processors, controllers, FPGAs, SOCs etc. In some cases, Multichannel supported ADCs are used to save the layout area when the functionalities are to be realized in a small form factor. In such scenarios, parallel interface for each channel is not a preferred interface considering the more number of interfaces / traces between the components. Hence, Custom, Sink synchronized, Configurable multichannel ADC soft IP core has been developed using VHDL coding to interwork with multichannel supported, time division multiplexed ADCs with serial interface. The developed IP core can be used either as it is with the SPI interface as specified in this paper or with necessary modifications / configurations. The configurations can be the number of channels, sample size, sampling frequency, data transfer clock, type of synchronization – source / sink, control signals and the sequence of the operations performed to configure ADC. The efficiency of implementation is validated using the measurements of throughput, and accuracy for the required range of input with acceptable tolerances. ZYNQ FPGA and LTC2358 ADC are used to evaluate the developed IP core. Integrated Logic Analyser (ILA) which is an integrated verification tool of Vivado is used for Verification.

Instruments for Policy Integration: How Policy Mixes Work Together

To effectively address complex problems, different policy instruments must be integrated into policy mixes. A crucial task for the policymaker is to identify the set of instruments to be deployed and to integrate them into a policy mix. However, policy instruments not only need to be coherent in their design; their implementation also requires instruments that create interdependence and preserve the integrated logic of the policy mix over time. In this paper we identify the instruments that make integration work. We argue that for policy mixes to solve complex problems, instruments that secure the continued interaction of its components are needed. We show that three instruments serve this purpose: a policy frame, authority, and information. We use three cases where governments have attempted to solve complex problems through policy integration to illustrate our argument. With this paper, we advance our understanding of how integration works and, by doing so, we inform decision-makers about the specific policy tools necessary to achieve it.

A Generic FPGA Implementation of the Fractional-Order Derivative and Its Application

In this paper, a generic FPGA implementation of the Grunwald-Letnikov definition of fractional-order derivative is presented, where the parameters are adjustable without changing the Verilog HDL code. Besides, there is no strict limit on the range of parameters and no need to pre-store coefficients to approximate the binomial coefficients. The memory length changes dynamically to reduce the number of calculation times. When the memory length becomes large, the advantages of this method will be more noticeable. Theoretically, it is a more generic FPGA algorithm not only suitable for the short memory principle, but also for the general Grunwald-Letnikov definition. In addition, a multi-scroll fractional-order NEW-SPROTT-41 system is designed by using a square family function. Its stability is simply analyzed, and the proposed FPGA implementation is applied to the proposed system. What’s more, the integrated logic analyzer(ILA) is used to capture internal signals of the FPGA without an oscilloscope. The experimental results are consistent with the numeric simulation results very well.

A Review on Photonic Crystal Logic Gates

We review the most important techniques to build logic devices in photonic crystals. In particular, we evaluated several papers that include different approaches such as self-collimation effects, multi-mode interference, waveguide intersection path and nonlinear effects. We then exploited the advantages and weakness of each method. With the resulting information, we addressed the main challenges and possible applications for each scheme. With this review we expect to improve the development of PhC integrated logic devices and circuits.

A Text-Mining Analysis on the Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive: Bringing Value Creation for Stakeholders into Accounting

The recent Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) aims to enhance adequate non-financial information (NFI) disclosure and improve accountability for stakeholders. This study focuses on this regulatory intervention and has a twofold objective: First, it aims to understand the main underlying issues at stake; second, it suggests areas of possible amendment considering the current debates on sustainability accounting and accounting for stakeholders. In keeping with these aims, the research analyzes the documents annexed to the contribution on the Review of the NFRD by conducting a text-mining analysis with latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) probabilistic topic model (PTM). Our findings highlight four main topics at the core of the current debate: quality of NFI, standardization, materiality, and assurance. The research suggests ways of improving managerial policies to achieve more comparable, relevant, and reliable information by bringing value creation for stakeholders into accounting. It further addresses an integrated logic of accounting for stakeholders that contributes to sustainable development.

Integrated thinking rolls! Stakeholder engagement actions translate integrated thinking into practice

Purpose This study aims to investigate the approaches to and the actions of integrated thinking (IT) based on stakeholder engagement practices to mitigate the perception of IT as an “abstract construct” and to overcome the “silos” thinking of managing, communicating and reporting. Design/methodology/approach The research develops a single case-study of a leading Italian company in the sustainability setting: Lavazza. The authors gathered in-depth information with semi-structured interviews on their approaches to IT and actions of IT and the related stakeholder engagement practices which involved over time. Findings This study addresses the concept of IT, arguing for integrated circularity as a strategic mindset, which builds upon open communication and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders for value creation. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study stem from the nature of a single case study, thus the findings are most relevant to those companies operating in comparable sectors with similar historical and organizational characteristics. Practical implications The study provides a systematic framework of IT approaches and related actions based on stakeholder engagement practices that define a company as an integrated thinker. This can be used by managers and companies to implement an integrated logic of thinking and reporting. Originality/value This is a pioneering study in this area as there are very few ones that take into account the relationship between the IT of design and reporting from a stakeholder perspective. The more IT is embedded in the business, the fuller the consideration of key stakeholders’ interests is incorporated as a relevant part of conducting business.

Solution-processable integrated CMOS circuits based on colloidal CuInSe2 quantum dots

The emerging technology of colloidal quantum dot electronics provides an opportunity for combining the advantages of well-understood inorganic semiconductors with the chemical processability of molecular systems. So far, most research on quantum dot electronic devices has focused on materials based on Pb- and Cd chalcogenides. In addition to environmental concerns associated with the presence of toxic metals, these quantum dots are not well suited for applications in CMOS circuits due to difficulties in integrating complementary n- and p-channel transistors in a common quantum dot active layer. Here, we demonstrate that by using heavy-metal-free CuInSe2 quantum dots, we can address the problem of toxicity and simultaneously achieve straightforward integration of complimentary devices to prepare functional CMOS circuits. Specifically, utilizing the same spin-coated layer of CuInSe2 quantum dots, we realize both p- and n-channel transistors and demonstrate well-behaved integrated logic circuits with low switching voltages compatible with standard CMOS electronics.