Theory of the Double Probe at High Gas Pressure†

It is shown that the mean electron energy in a uniform steady plasma at high gas pressure can be obtained from the analysis of a plane double probe curve. If the motion of charges to the boundary is controlled by diffusion and mobility, their production by single electron collisions and their loss by charge neutralization on the wall, the electron temperature is found from a relation which is similar to that for probes at low pressure. The mechanism of selection of electrons of different energy by a probe at low gas pressure is contrasted with that at high pressure and the application of the theory to various physical systems is discussed.     

Differential voltage current controlled current conveyor with low-voltage operation capability

A novel differential voltage current controlled current conveyor topology is introduced in this article. It has the capability for operating in a low-voltage power supply environment and, also, offers resistorless filter realisations. The main attractive offered benefit is that the handling of AC signals is exclusively performed by nMOS transistors and, thus, the proposed element has capability for high-frequency operation. The performance of the proposed cell has been experimentally verified through the realisation of two 3rd-order filters, derived according to the leapfrog and component substitution methods. The filter topologies have been fabricated through the AMS 0.35 µm CMOS process.     

Design and simulation of high-performance lateral bipolar junction transistor on partial buried oxide

In this work, we propose a new structure of a lateral bipolar junction transistor (LAT-BJT) on partial buried oxide (PBOX). The novelty of the proposed LAT-BJT device is the use of PBOX, covering just base and emitter regions only. A two-dimensional (2D) calibrated simulation study of the proposed LAT-BJT device has shown that the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX’s performance is unique when the PBOX is just covering base and emitter regions. At this length of PBOX, a sharp enhancement in cut-off frequency (f_T) (~10 times higher) is achieved in the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX in comparison to an LAT-BJT on silicon-on-insulator (SOI). The breakdown voltage of the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX is double than that of the LAT-BJT on SOI device at this PBOX length. A notable enhancement in current gain (β) is observed in the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX in comparison to the LAT-BJT on bulk device. To check the performance of the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX at the circuit level, two inverters have been designed and simulated using the mixed-mode simulations of Atlas simulator. It has been observed that the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX significantly outperforms the conventional LAT-BJT device in switching performance. A notable improvement of 32% in ON delay and 72.9% in OFF delay is obtained in the proposed LAT-BJT on PBOX device in comparison to the conventional LAT-BJT device.     

Transverse magnetic modes in single and coupled striplines

Air-shielded strip transmission line is a commonly used transmission medium in beamformer array networks. Higher-order transverse magnetic (TM) modes can exist as stripline modes, as parallel plate modes or as slot-line modes in coupled structures. The cut-off numbers of TM modes with even symmetry reduce when the separation between coupled lines is increased, whereas those with odd symmetry are unaffected. In this work, single and coupled geometries are examined using a finite element formulation, which provides the onset frequencies and field plots for the higher-order TM modes.     

New electronically tunable current-mode universal biquad filter using translinear current conveyors

In this study, a new electronically tunable current-mode universal filter with two inputs and two outputs employing one translinear current conveyor, one translinear current conveyor with controlled current gain and two grounded capacitors is presented. The proposed circuit offers the following attractive features: realisation of low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, band-stop and all-pass current responses from the same configuration; employment of the minimum active and passive components; no requirement of component matching conditions; independent current-control of the parameters natural frequency (ω_o) and quality factor (Q); low active and passive sensitivities; and high impedance output. The characteristics of the proposed circuit are simulated using PSPICE to confirm the theory.     

New CFOA-based floating immittance emulators

This paper presents four new topologies for emulating floating immittance functions. Each circuit uses two or three current-feedback operational-amplifiers (CFOAs) and three passive elements. The proposed topologies can emulate positive/negative lossless and lossy floating inductances, and positive/negative capacitance, resistance and inductance multipliers in addition to floating frequency-dependent positive and negative resistances. The functionality of the proposed circuits is verified using the Advanced Design System software and the AD844 CFOA. The simulation results are in excellent agreement with the theoretical calculations.     

Generalised Christoffel–Darboux formula most directly applied in generating fully symmetric doubly resistively terminated LC lossless ladder filters

In this article, the approximation problem of a continuous analogue filter function of even and odd order is solved mathematically most directly applying the proposed generalised Christoffel–Darboux formula for two continuous orthogonal polynomials (Chebyshev first and second kind) on the equal finite segment of orthogonality in a compact explicit representative form. A set of analytic expressions of the proposed formula for the representative examples of odd-orders is given. Additionally, these expressions are applied in generating new excellent class all pole low-pass prototype analogue filter functions of odd orders (7, 9, 11, and 13th order). Based on the generated functions, the fully symmetric doubly resistively terminated LC ladder filter networks are realised by Darlington realisation. The generated filters are analysed, and their characteristics are presented. The effects of finite tolerance of a critical reactance of these ladder filters on the filter characteristics are considered. The filters generated by the proposed formula show excellent properties and possess important advantages in comparison to the corresponding filters generated by other methods.     

Component reduced all-pass filter with a grounded capacitor and high-impedance input

In the literature, opportunities of the current conveyors with reduced current gains are not adequately emphasised for filter designs. In this study, we show a new all-pass filter (APF) possibility using a current conveyor with half current gain. Although many first-order voltage mode APFs were proposed, most of them either cannot provide high input impedance and grounded capacitor features together or they provide these features with components more than necessary. The presented circuit provides both of these features using reduced number of elements. Spice simulation and experimental results are given to verify the theoretical results.     

Sinh-Domain linear transformation filters

A new systematic method for designing Sinh-Domain linear transformation (LT) filters is introduced in this article. For this purpose, a substitution scheme containing the Sinh-Domain LT equivalent of each passive prototype has been introduced. The proposed equivalents have been realised by employing appropriate Sinh-Domain building blocks with low-voltage operation capability. As an example, a third-order Sinh-Domain elliptic LT filter has been designed and its performance has been evaluated through simulation results. In addition, a detailed comparison with the corresponding Sinh-Domain and log-domain counterparts has been performed and the obtained results have been further discussed.     

Single MIMO-OTA and single-grounded-capacitor-based first-order allpass filter design

A novel first-order voltage-mode allpass (AP) filter employing a single multiple-input-multiple-output operational-transconductance-amplifier (MIMO-OTA) and a single grounded capacitor is introduced in this article. Compared to the corresponding already published topologies, the offered benefits are as follows: it employs minimum number of active and passive components; the only capacitor is grounded, which is good for a monolithic integration of an IC; and the absence of any matching condition for its realisability. The performance of the proposed circuit has been evaluated through simulation results, utilising the analogue design environment of Cadence software.     

First-order allpass filter using multi-input OTA

A novel first-order allpass filter, operating in voltage-mode, is introduced in this article. Compared with the corresponding already proposed structures, attractive offered benefits are the capability for simultaneous offering a minimum number of active and passive components, and the absence of any realisability restriction. These have been achieved by employing a multiple-input operational transconductance amplifier as active element. The performance of the proposed circuits has been evaluated through simulation results, utilising the Analog Design Environment of Cadence software.     

Universal filters of arbitrary order and type employing square-root-domain technique

Novel Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) and Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) universal filter topologies of arbitrary order and type are introduced in this paper. The proposed topologies have been realised by employing Square-Root Domain (SRD) technique. An offered benefit of the universal filter topologies is that only grounded capacitors are required for their implementations and the resonant frequency of the filters can be electronically controlled by an appropriate dc current. The proposed universal filters simultaneously offer all the five standard filtering functions i.e. Lowpass (LP), Highpass (HP) and Bandpass (BP), Bandstop (BS) and Allpass (AP) frequency responses. In addition, the SIMO topology is generic in the sense that it can yield four different stable filter configurations. Two design examples are provided in each configuration and the correct operation of the corresponding topologies has been evaluated through the PSPICE software with BSIM 0.35-µm CMOS process model parameters.     

Versatile composite amplifier configuration

This paper describes a versatile composite amplifier in which a current feedback amplifier (CFA) drives an operational amplifier (OPA). In the conventional OPA–CFA composite amplifier, an OPA drives a CFA resulting in a composite structure that combines the DC input stability of the OPA and the high speed capability of the CFA. The proposed composite configuration combines different features of the CFA and OPA, specifically the constant bandwidth property of the CFA and the high power and high current output capacity of the OPA. The new circuit is easily implemented in the standard inverting and non-inverting configurations using commercially available devices, and the accuracy and constant bandwidth features were experimentally verified. Local feedback around the associated CFA ensures that the proposed composite amplifier possesses a higher level of bandwidth constancy than a single CFA.     

A Bernoulli Cell-Based Investigation of the Non-Linear Dynamics in Log-Domain Structures

This paper presents a low-level treatment of the non-linear dynamics encountered in log-domain structures, by means of a non-linear circuit element termed a Bernoulli Cell. This cell comprises an npn BJT and an emitter-connected grounded capacitor, and its dynamic behavior is determined by a differential equation of the Bernoulli form. The identification of the Bernoulli Cell leads to the creation of a system of linear differential equations which describe the dynamics of the derived log-domain state-variables. Furthermore, it is shown that the Bernoulli Cell has a memristive type dynamic behavior. The approach aids the analysis of log-domain circuits, and allows the internal non-linear currents to be conveniently expressed in closed analytical form. A worked example for a specific topology with confirming simulation results in both frequency and time-domain is presented. The celebrated Hodgkin-Huxley nerve axon membrane dynamics are also successfully simulated as a characteristic example of memristive behavior.     

Explicit form of new class of extremal filter functions with mini-max behaviour of summed sensitivity function

In this article, the all-pole low-pass filter function with mini-max for the summed sensitivity function in the pass-band is considered. With the application of Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind, the proposed filter function is obtained in an explicit form with a maximum number of oscillations of the summed sensitivity function in the pass-band. The calculation of the filter function is derived by using the summed sensitivity function as a starting point. New original approximation function is derived in order to achieve a mini-max summed sensitivity function in the filter pass-band. Sensitivity analysis is carried out and a comparison of the summed sensitivity and the group delay of the proposed and classical all-pole filters is given. Minimisation of the summed sensitivity function is important for reduction of the deviation of the magnitude response caused by temperature changes of the continuous-time active filters implemented into the analogue front end or as programmable chips.     

Frequency multiplier using pulse-width control loop

A frequency multiplier circuit based on a well-known pulse-width control loop is presented. The proposed circuit can be used to enhance the output frequency range of a phase-locked loop (PLL) by using multiple phases of the voltage-controlled oscillator. It can be used for enhancing the output frequency range of new as well as existing PLL designs with minimum impact on PLL loop dynamics. The circuit is generic in nature and can be used with any multi-phase oscillator type. The circuit is designed in 65 nm complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology and has been simulated across process, voltage and temperature (PVT) corners with temperature variation from ?40°C to 125°C, analogue supply voltage variation from 1.62 V to 1.98 V, and digital supply voltage variation from 1.1 V to 1.3 V.     

Electronically tunable grounded immittance simulators using an EX-CCCII

ABSTRACT

In this paper, electronically tunable grounded immittance simulators are presented. Each of the proposed circuits employs a single Extra X Current Controlled Current Conveyers (EX-CCCII) and a single grounded capacitor. First, two circuits provide lossless positive grounded inductance. These circuits offer different lossless/lossy immittance circuits with some changes in the connection at the Z-terminals of EX-CCCII. The circuits do not require any constraint for component matching and exhibit low parasitic effects. The circuits can be tuned electronically by varying the bias current of EX-CCCII. As application examples, some of the proposed circuits are used to realise a tunable second-order band-pass filter and a tunable high pass filter. The functionality of the proposed immittance simulators is verified through PSPICE simulation using 0.25µm TSMC CMOS technology parameters. The experimental results are also included using commercially available IC’s AD-844.     

具有高频补偿的CMOS MOCCII

为了使MOCCII(多端输出的第二代电流传输器)能工作于高频段,本文提出了一种具有高频补偿的CMOS MOCCII电路.对于电流传输函数I_Z/I_X及,I_(Z-)/I_X采用在电流镜中加一个可调电阻方法,使得电流镜的传输函数由一阶系统变成可调极点的二阶系统,调节电阻大小,使得极点远离S平面原点,从而提高电流镜频带宽度.对于电压传递函数V_X/V_Y,在X与Y之间加并行差分对,以增加等效跨导,提高V_X/V_Y的频带宽度,同时,在X与Y之间的负载电流镜中加入一个电阻,以进一步提高VX/VY的频带宽度.仿真表明,V_X/V_Y的-3dB截止频率由补偿前的544MHz提高到补偿后的1.053GHz;I_Z/I_X及I_(Z-)/I_X的-3dB截止频率分别由补偿前的510MHz、400MHz提高到补偿后的1GHz.最后,作为应用,给出了由补偿前后MOCCII所构成的电流模式滤波器.