An integrated 8-12 GHz fractional-N frequency synthesizer in SiGe BiCMOS for satellite communications

We present an integrated fractional-N low-noise frequency synthesizer for satellite applications. By using two integrated VCOs and combining digital and analog tuning techniques, a PLL lock range from 8 to 12 GHz is achieved. Due to a small VCO fine tuning gain and optimized charge pump output biasing, the phase noise is low and almost constant over the tuning range. All 16 sub-bands show a tuning range above 900 MHz each, allowing temperature compensation without sub-band switching. This makes the synthesizer robust against variations of the device parameters with process, supply voltage, temperature and aging. The measured phase noise is ?87 dBc/Hz and ?106 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz and 1 MHz offset, respectively. In integer-N mode, phase noise values down to ?98 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz and ?111 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset, respectively, were measured.     

Wide bandgap Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with improved energy conversion efficiency

We report on improvements to the energy conversion efficiency of wide bandgap (E_g > 1.2 eV) solar cells on the basis of CuIn_1−xGa_xSe₂. Historically, attaining high efficiency (>16%) from these types of compound semiconductor thin films has been difficult. Nevertheless, by using (a) the alkaline‐containing high‐temperature EtaMax glass substrates from Schott AG, (b) elevated substrate temperatures of 600–650 °C, and (c) high vacuum evaporation from elemental sources following National Renewable Energy Laboratory's three‐stage process, we have been able to improve the performance of wider bandgap solar cells with 1.2 < E_g < 1.45 eV. The current density–voltage (J–V) data we present includes efficiencies >18% for absorber bandgaps of ~1.30 eV and efficiencies of ~16% for bandgaps up to ~1.45 eV. In comparing J–V parameters in similar materials, we establish gains in the open‐circuit voltage and, to a lesser degree, the fill factor value, as the reason for the improved performance. The higher voltages seen in these wide gap materials grown at high substrate temperatures are due to reduced recombination. We establish the existence of random and discrete grains within the CIGS absorbers that yield limited or no generation/collection of minority carriers. We also show that interfacial recombination is the main mechanism limiting additional enhancements to open‐circuit voltage and therefore performance. Solar cell results, absorber materials characterization, and experimental details and discussion are presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new method for the characterisation of rounded cutting edges

The influence of the cutting edge micro geometry on cutting process and on tool performance is subject of several research projects. Recently published papers focus on optimising the cutting edge rounding. The results are partly inconsistent. Unfortunately, no international standard yet exists to properly describe the cutting edge micro geometry. This is seen as the root cause for detected discrepancies. To develop a common understanding for the influence of rounded cutting edges, it is indispensable to use the same basis to characterise the edge profile. This paper gives a review on existing characterisation methods, analyses the difficulties in their application and discusses different modelling ideas to describe the cutting edge profile. Based hereon, a new algorithm and geometrical parameterisation of the cutting edge is proposed, which reduces uncertainties and difficulties in the application of currently available methods. The proposed method considers measurement uncertainties and is robust against form errors and creates thus the basis required for the study of the influence of rounded cutting edges.     

Heat in History The Power Industry's View of Past,Present, and Future Two-Phase Flow Testing

Since 1974, Siemens' Power Generation Group (KWU) has been operating a high-pressure two-phase flow test loop-called the Benson test rig-which offers a range of operating conditions that is unique in the world (1 to 330 bar, 20 to 600°C, and 0 to 2 MW electric heating power). The 25th anniversary of the first tests performed at this test rig presents a good occasion not only for reviewing the past, but also for contemplating the future of two-phase flow experiments. The past was characterized by integral and separate effect tests for power generation using nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy sources as well as for process industries. This article will present examples demonstrating the flexible and broad range of applications for the Benson test rig. The results of the tests have been used to develop algorithms for implementation in computer programs and also for validating such programs. Usually these computer programs-so-called analysis tools-are used for analyzing systems or components. From an analyst's point of view, two-phase flow experiments serve either to verify global flow conditions or to supply inputs such as boundary conditions and material laws and/or initial conditions for the analysis tools. An advanced way of making sure that all available knowledge can be input into the analysis tools is to collect and store it in a program system from which it can be called up, whenever required, according to the task in hand. Siemens' KWU Group has started developing such a system. Apart from integral tests conducted for new power plants, future two-phase flow experiments will probably focus on expanding this program system's database.     

新型纺织品整理还原剂

介绍了最近开发的一种可取代亚硫酸氢盐的环境友好的还原剂Redutex BOR和Redutex RAP。描述了它在许多工艺中的应用。     

聚酰胺/纤维素纤维混纺织物的高效染色

描述了DyStar纺织染料有限公司生产的用于聚酰胺／纤维素纤维混纺织物的阴丹士林还原染料：对于聚酰胺／纤维素纤维混纺织物,用阴丹士林并采用轧烘轧蒸染色工艺是一个有成本效益的连续染色工艺。这种染料具有极高的工艺可靠性和色泽可靠性,允许经济地一次染色。     

Europäische Dämmstoffnormen der 2. Generation: Prüfmethoden zur Ermittlung flüchtiger organischer Komponenten (VOC)

2nd generation European Standards for insulating materials and products: test methods for the determination of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) In October 2001 ten “first generation” standards (EN 13162 through EN 13171) were introduced in Europe dealing with insulating materials and products. The new standards now in effect had to be based on the European Construction Products Directive (CPD) and conceptual details had been mandated by the European Commission to the standardization body CEN. Among other properties like thermal conductivity and fire performance the mandate requested to standardize a so called “initial type test (ITT)” for the release of dangerous substances (also called “regulated substances”) to be performed by an independent testing laboratory on behalf of the manufacturer before placing the product onto the market. However, due to the lack of experience and due to a non‐existing European harmonized common method for testing and classification, this property could not be included in the standards in due time and reference was only made to national regulations. Because of this shortcoming, a research project, started in 2003, developed a cost effective and very practical test method based on the emission cell device with a subunit that proved suitable for an initial type test (ITT) for the determination of emissions from thermal insulation materials and products – in particular volatile organic compounds (VOC).     

Tragwerke aus Textilbeton – Berechnungsmodelle,Anwendungen

Textile concrete structures – computational models and applications. Structures with reinforcement consisting of textile fabrics are innovative developments in civil engineering. The textile reinforcement embedded in finegrained concrete can be applied for new constructions or supplementary strengthenings. Computational models and applications of textile concrete structures are presented in the paper, which are produced in the Collaborative Research Centre 528. The generalized treatment of uncertain datas is especially pointed out, because data uncertainty influences the structural responses significantly.