A novel Sigma–Delta based parallel analogue-to-residue converter

An important step in the residue number system (RNS) based signal processing is the conversion of signal into residue domain. Many implementations of this conversion have been proposed for various goals, and one of the implementations is by a direct conversion from an analogue input. A novel approach for analogue-to-residue conversion is proposed in this research using the most popular Sigma–Delta analogue-to-digital converter (SD-ADC). In this approach, the front end is the same as in traditional SD-ADC that uses Sigma–Delta (ΣΔ) modulator with appropriate dynamic range, but the filtering is done by a filter implemented using RNS arithmetic. Hence, the natural output of the filter is an RNS representation of the input signal. The resolution, conversion speed, hardware complexity and cost of implementation of the proposed ΣΔ based analogue-to-residue converter are compared with the existing analogue-to-residue converters based on Nyquist rate ADCs.     

A re-configurable MASH 2-2 bandpass DQEFM for multi-standard applications

The design, analysis and implementation of a multi-stage noise shaping (MASH) bandpass modulator that employs a differentially quantized error feedback modulator (DQEFM) structure is described. The re-configurability, reduction of power-hungry active blocks and reduced sensitivity to circuit non-idealities makes this proposed bandpass modulator a suitable candidate for a digital intermediate frequency receiver system. The mathematical analysis and simulation results indicate the resemblance of the proposed modulator with the conventional sigma-delta modulator. The circuit level simulations indicate the better performance of the proposed modulator in terms of hardware complexity and power. The proposed cascaded modulator when implemented using 45nm CMOS process attains a signal-to-noise plus distortion ratio of 81.4 dB for a bandwidth of 200 kHz (GSM) and 61 dB for a bandwidth of 5 MHz (WCDMA). The circuit level simulation of the proposed bandpass architecture indicates a power consumption of 3.7 mW and 6.9 mW for GSM and WCDMA modes with 1V supply.     

Assertion checking environment (ACE) for formal verification of C programs

In this paper we describe an Assertion Checking Environment (ACE) for compositional verification of programs, which are written in an industrially sponsored safe subset of C programming language called MISRA C [Guidelines for the Use of the C Language in Vehicle Based Software, 1998]. The theory is based on Hoare logic [Commun. ACM 12 (1969) 576] and the C programs are verified using static assertion checking technique. First the functional specifications of the program, captured in the form of pre- and post-conditions for each C function, are derived from the specifications. These pre- and post-conditions are then introduced as assertions (also called annotations or formal comments) in the program code. The assertions are then proved formally using ACE and theorem proving tool called Stanford Temporal Prover [The Stanford Temporal Prover User's Manual, 1998]. ACE has been developed by us and consists mainly of a translator c2spl, a GUI and some utility programs. The technique and tools developed are targeted towards verification of real-time embedded software.     

Adoption of ICT in a government organization in a developing country: An empirical study

eGovernment initiatives all over the world endeavor to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to transform delivery of government services to their stakeholders by improving quality of services, accountability and efficiency. In this study we explore adoption of ICT to enhance government-to-employee interactions in a government organization in a developing country. We examine this adoption behavior by utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) that provides an integrative view of user acceptance. We found that performance and effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions all positively impact the use of the ICT. We did not find a significant moderating effect of gender on these relationships.     

Measurement Automation to Implement Evaluation Procedure of Four-Terminal-Pair Capacitance Standards Using S-Parameters

The evaluation procedure of four-terminal-pair capacitance standards using S-parameters is very complex as it involves the measurement of different parameters by multiple instruments. It also involves complex computation of effective capacitance as a function of frequency and its associated uncertainty in measurement. The reported paper presents the development of measurement automation program to implement evaluation procedure of four-terminal-pair capacitance standards of values varying between 1 and 1000 pF up to 30 MHz. The measurement automation increases the functionality with a comprehensive and flexible tool set for data acquisition, analysis, reporting and representation of results. The sequence of operations performed by the developed measurement automation program is described in detail. The program configures and measures S-parameters, converts S-parameters into corresponding impedance and admittance parameters, determines series and parallel resonance frequencies. Thereafter, it determines residual capacitive and residual inductive parameters and finally computes the effective value of each capacitance standard as a function of frequency along with the associated uncertainty in measurement. Measurement automation has provided precise and efficient way for the implementation of evaluation procedure of capacitance standards.     

Development of efficient identification scheme for nonlinear dynamic systems using swarm intelligence techniques

This paper outlines the basic concept and principles of two simple and powerful swarm intelligence tools: the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO). The adaptive identification of an unknown plant has been formulated as an optimization problem and then solved using the PSO and BFO techniques. Using this new approach efficient identification of complex nonlinear dynamic plants have been carried out through simulation study.     

含石浆粉废弃物工程胶结复合材料的性能

工程胶结复合材料中使用的大多数材料的晶粒尺寸细小,有较好的韧性.石浆粉(SSP)是石工业中的一种惰性材料副产品,对环境产生有害影响.本文研究了用不同含量(25％和50％)SSP部分替代硅砂(SS)和细砂(FS)来制备工程胶结复合材料.根据强度、拉伸应变、中跨度偏转能力、超声波脉冲速度和微观结构对其性能进行了评价.在两种...