Signal Integrity: Fault Modeling and Testing in High-Speed SoCs

As we approach 100 nm technology the interconnect issues are becoming one of the main concerns in the testing of gigahertz system-on-chips. Voltage distortion (noise) and delay violations (skew) contribute to the signal integrity loss and ultimately functional error, performance degradation and reliability problems. In this paper, we first define a model for integrity faults on the high-speed interconnects. Then, we present a BIST-based test methodology that includes two special cells to detect and measure noise and skew occurring on the interconnects of the gigahertz system-on-chips. Using an inexpensive test architecture the integrity information accumulated by these special cells can be scanned out for final test and reliability analysis.     

BN–Graphene Composites Generated by Covalent Cross‐Linking with Organic Linkers

Composites of boron nitride (BN) and carboxylated graphene are prepared for the first time using covalent cross‐linking employing the carbodiimide reaction. The BN_1–xG_x (x ≈ 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) obtained are characterized using a variety of spectroscopic techniques and thermogravimetric analysis. The composites show composition‐dependent electrical resistivity, the resistivity decreasing with increase in graphene content. The composites exhibit microporosity and the x ≈ 0.75 composite especially exhibits satisfactory performance with high stability as an electrode in supercapacitors. The x ≈ 0.75 composite is also found to be a good electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells.     

A modified rain attenuation prediction model for tropical V‐band satellite earth link

Radio wave propagation plays a very important part in the design and eventually dictates performance of space communication systems. Over time, the requirements of satellite communication have grown extensively where higher capacity communications systems are needed. Escalating demands of microwave and millimetre wave communications are causing frequency spectrum congestion. Hence, existing and future satellite system operators are planning to employ frequency bands well above 10 GHz. The challenge in operating at such high frequencies for communication purposes is that there exists stronger electromagnetic interaction between the radio signals and atmospheric hydrometeors. Such instances will degrade the performance of such high frequency satellite communication systems. The development of a revised model for a better‐improved rain fade prediction of signal propagations in tropical region is considered very important. Researchers and engineers can employ the model to accurately plan the future high frequencies satellite services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An experimental study of the synergistic effects of BMIM.BF4, BMIM.DCA and TEACl aqueous solutions on methane hydrate formation

In this work, the effects of three ionic liquids (ILs), namely, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide and tetraethyl-ammonium chloride, on methane hydrate formation and dissociation kinetic parameters were studied. The kinetic parameters including the initial rate of hydrate formation, hydrate stability at atmospheric pressure and hydrate storage capacity were evaluated. The experimental measurements were performed in an initial pressure range of 3.5–7.1 MPa. It was found that both of ILs with imidazolium-based cation increase the initial methane hydrate formation rate while the IL with ammonium-based cation leads to a decrease in the initial methane hydrate formation rate. It was also interpreted from the results that all of the three studied ILs decrease methane hydrate stability at atmospheric pressure and increase methane hydrate storage capacity. Finally, both of ILs with imidazolium-based cations were found to have higher impacts on decreasing hydrate stability at atmospheric pressure and increasing the methane hydrate storage capacity than the applied IL with ammonium-based cation.     

Quantitative preparation of long chain thioethers from an oxo-trans-2-enoic ester and a 9,12-dioxo-trans-10-enoic acid

Branched-chain thioethers have been prepared from methyl 4-oxo-trans-2-hexadecenoate and 9,12-dioxo-trans-10-octadecenoic acid. The reagents involved in these preparations were mercaptoacetic and mercaptopropionic acids. The yields of these thioethers are almost quantitative.     

Industrie 4.0 Readiness: Green Computing in Relation with Key Performance Indicator for a Manufacturing Industry

Mobile Networks and Applications - An effective measure of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is of great significance to enhance the capabilities of a decision support system (DSS) of any...     

Carrier Transport Enhancement Mechanism in Highly Efficient Antimony Selenide Thin-Film Solar Cell

Exhibiting outstanding optoelectronic properties, antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) has attracted considerable interest and has been developed as a light absorber layer for thin-film solar cells over the decade. However, current state-of-the-art Sb₂Se₃ devices suffer from unsatisfactory “cliff-like” band alignment and severe interface recombination loss, which deteriorates device performance. In this study, the heterojunction interface of an Sb₂Se₃ solar cell is improved by introducing effective aluminum (Al³⁺) cation into the CdS buffer layer. Then, the energy band alignment of Sb₂Se₃/CdS:Al heterojunction is modified from a “cliff-like” structure to a “spike-like” structure. Finally, heterojunction interface engineering suppresses recombination losses and strengthens carrier transport, resulting in a high efficiency of 8.41% for the substrate-structured Sb₂Se₃ solar cell. This study proposes a facile strategy for interfacial treatment and elucidates the related carrier transport enhancement mechanism, paving a bright avenue to overcome the efficiency bottleneck of Sb₂Se₃ thin-film solar cells.     

Optical GFDM: an improved alternative candidate for indoor visible light communication

Photonic Network Communications - This paper proposes generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) for indoor visible light communication (VLC). GFDM is a flexible multi-carrier scheme that...     

A routing algorithm for reducing optical loss in photonic Networks-on-Chip

Driven by increase in automation, smart homes play an important role in today’s human life. This paper presents a new model for smart home technologies based on multi-device bidirectional visible light communication (VLC). For multiple devices and users, orthogonal code-based wavelength division (color beams) full-duplexed bidirectional VLC link is proposed. The color beams from RGB LEDs are utilized to transmit data and synchronize multi-device transmission. To enhance the performance of the proposed model, receiver diversity is also employed. Performance evaluation reveals that the proposed VLC-based model for smart homes is efficient with superior BER performance in a typical smart home environment except for the far corners. The maximum achievable data rate for each user up to four users is found to be 24 Mbps at both uplink and downlink transmissions.     

Advanced Bioresponsive Multitasking Hydrogels in the New Era of Biomedicine

Advanced forms of hydrogels have many inherently desirable properties and can be designed with different structures and functions. In particular, bioresponsive multifunctional hydrogels can carry out sophisticated biological functions. These include in situ single-cell approaches, capturing, analysis, and release of living cells, biomimetics of cell, tissue, and tumor-specific niches. They can allow in vivo cell manipulation and act as novel drug delivery systems, allowing diagnostic, therapeutic, vaccination, and immunotherapy methods. In the present review of multitasking hydrogels, new approaches and devices classified into point-of-care testing (POCT), microarrays, single-cell/rare cell approaches, artificial membranes, biomimetic modeling systems, nanodoctors, and microneedle patches are summarized. The potentials and application of each format are critically discussed, and some limitations are highlighted. Finally, how hydrogels can enable an “all-in-one platform” to play a key role in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, and the treatment of inflammatory, degenerative, genetic, and metabolic diseases is being looked forward to.