Accurate Modeling Methodology of Laterally Diffused Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Leakage Current for Electro-Static Discharge Protection Circuit Design

A modeling method using juncap2 physical compact model with SRH (Shockley-Read-Hall), TAT (Trap-Assisted-Tunneling), BBT (Band-to-Band Tunneling) effects is presented for the leakage current in a laterally diffused metal-oxide semiconductor (LDMOS). The juncap2 model is successfully combined with BSIM4 model and it is validated with measurement data. The model accurately predicts the leakage current characteristics for the entire bias region and temperature.

Non-Contact Measurements of Electrocardiogram and Cough-Associated Electromyogram from the Neck Using In-Pillow Common Cloth Electrodes: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with nocturnal cough and changes in heart rate. In this work, the authors propose a proof-of-concept non-contact system for performing capacitive electrocardiogram (cECG) and cough-associated capacitive electromyogram (cEMG) measurements using cloth electrodes under a pillowcase. Two electrodes were located along with the approximate vector of lead II ECG and were used for both cECG and cEMG measurements. A signature voltage follower was introduced after each electrode to detect biopotentials with amplitudes of approximately 100 µV. A bootstrapping technique and nonlinear electrical component were combined and implemented in the voltage follower to attain a high input impedance and rapid static discharge. The measurement system was evaluated in a laboratory experiment for seven adult males and one female (average age: 22.5 ± 1.3 yr). The accuracy of R-wave detection for 2-min resting periods was 100% in six subjects, with an overall average of 87.5% ± 30.0%. Clearly visible cEMGs were obtained for each cough motion for all subjects, synchronized with reference EMGs from submental muscle. Although there remains room for improvement in practical use, the proposed system is promising for unobtrusive detection of heart rate and cough over a prolonged period of time.

Analysis: Electroencephalography Acquisition System: Analog Design

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a sensitive and weak biosignal that varies from person to person. It is easily affected by noise and artifacts. Hence, maintaining the signal integrity to design an EEG acquisition system is crucial. This article proposes an analog design for acquiring EEG signals. The proposed design consists of eight blocks: (1) a radio-frequency interference filter and electro-static discharge protection, (2) a preamplifier and second-order high-pass filter with feedback topology and an unblocking mechanism, (3) a driven right leg circuit, (4) two-stage main and variable amplifiers, (5) an eight-order anti-aliasing filter, (6) a six-order 50-Hz notch filter (optional), (7) an opto-isolator circuit, and (8) an isolated power supply. The maximum gain of the design is approximately 94 dB, and its bandwidth ranges from approximately 0.18 to 120 Hz. The depth of the 50-Hz notch filter is −35 dB. Using this filter is optional because it causes EEG integrity problems in frequencies ranging from 40 to 60 Hz.