Cramer-Rao bounds in the parametric estimation of fadingradiotransmission channels

The context of this paper is parameter estimation for linearly modulated digital data signals observed on a frequency-flat time-selective fading channel affected by additive white Gaussian noise. The aim is the derivation of Cramer-Rao lower bounds for the joint estimation of all those channel parameters that impact signal detection, namely, carrier phase, carrier frequency offset (Doppler shift), frequency rate of change (Doppler rate), signal amplitude, fading power, and Gaussian noise power. Time-selective frequency-flat fading is modeled as a low-pass autoregressive multiplicative distortion process. In particular, the important case of “slow” fading, with the multiplicative process remaining constant over the whole data burst, is specifically discussed. Asymptotic expressions of the bounds, valid for a large observed sample or for high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), are also derived in closed form. A few charts with numerical results are finally reported to highlight the dependence of the bounds on channel status (SNR, fading bandwidth, etc.)     

Easy calculation of power spectra for multi-h phase-coded signals

The letter presents an easy method which allows a fast calculation of the spectra of M-ary multi-h phase-coded signals under very general conditions for the shape of the modulating pulse.     

Drift in the resistance of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) printed films during thermal cycling

We report on the investigation of the suitability of printed poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films for temperature sensing devices. Gravure printing with the advantage of low cost production was used to prepare thin films of PEDOT:PSS on a flexible foil substrate. The electrical resistance was studied during thermal cycling and exposure to elevated constant temperatures. A drift of the resistance which depends on time, temperature and sample makes the usage as simple temperature sensors not possible. However, a closer look on the drift of relative resistances reveals that integrated temperature-time-profiles can be measured, which might be interesting in connection with monitoring of conditions of storing and transport of sensitive goods.     

Disability glare in soft multifocal contact lenses

Purpose

The study investigated the effect of the design of multifocal contact lenses on the sensitivity to contrast and disability glare.

An exception handling framework for case management

Software and Systems Modeling - In order to achieve their business goals, organizations heavily rely on the operational excellence of their business processes. In traditional scenarios, business...     

Analysis and design of a DPSK optical heterodyne receiver in the presence of laser phase noise and frequency detuning

This paper is concerned with the analysis and design of an improved differential heterodyne optical receiver for differentially-encoded binary PSK (briefly, DPSK) signals in a coherent lightwave communication system. In the first part of the paper, we discuss the relevant design criteria to be employed when dealing with asynchronous heterodyne receivers for ASK, FSK or DPSK optical signals. In particular, we introduce a convenient definition of the signal-to-noise ratio at the data detector input to be assumed as the system performance measure when the non-negligible linewidth of the transmit/receive laser sources are to be taken into account. Following this design approach, we show that by properly modifying the traditional delay-and-multiply DPSK receiver, i. e. by allowing the delay to be a fraction of the symbol interval, we can considerably reduce the performance degradation caused by laser phase noise. We show thus that the superior power-efficiency of DPSK can be traded in favour of a decreased sensitivity to phase noise through a proper choice of the differential detector delay. In this respect, our results reveal that DPSK may still be competitive with other modulation formats even with non-negligible linewidth sources. In the last part of the paper, the behaviour of the optimized DPSK, ASK and large-deviation FSK data demodulators in the presence of a quasistationary frequency detuning of the local laser is also discussed under the same set of conditions as in the previous analysis. The results can be employed to derive accurate design requirements for the AFC loop of the receiver.     

Novel Nanosized Aluminium Carboxylates: Synthesis,Characterization and Use as Nanofillers for Protective Polymeric Coatings

A mixture of novel aluminium carboxylate nanoparticles and aluminium hydroxide ultrafine powder was prepared via precipitation reaction between Al(2‐PrO)₃ and maleic acid. In this mixture both free primary particles occur (mean geometrical size around 40 nm) together with a secondary agglomerated particle fraction of sizes in the low micrometer region. However, centrifugation processes allowed for the removal of the latter and resulted in the formation of size stable nanopowders. Up to 30 wt.‐% of these particles were incorporated into acrylate matrices resulting in low‐viscosity formulations with [η] < 1 000 mPa · s, which allowed for roller application and even spray coating of these nanocomposites at room temperature. Radiation curing of such coatings was accomplished via UV irradiation. In comparison to the corresponding SiO₂‐based nanocomposites and carboxylate alumoxane fillers, the cured coatings revealed significantly improved surface mechanical properties.

     

Fast crystallization of liquid crystalline copolyesters based on poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Crystallization of a series of liquid crystalline copolyesters prepared from p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), hydroquinone (HQ), terephthalic acid (TA), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that these copolyesters are more crystalline than copolyesters prepared from PET and HBA. Insertion of HQ–TA disrupts longer rigid‐rod sequences formed by HBA and thus enhances molecular motion and increases the crystallization rate. The effects of additives on the crystallization of the copolyesters were also studied. Sodium benzoate (SB) and sodium acetate (SA) increase the crystallization rate of the copolyesters at low temperature, but not at high temperature. It is most likely that liquid crystalline copolyesters do not need nucleating agents, and small aggregates of local‐oriented rodlike segments in nematic phase could act as primary nuclei. Chain scission of the copolyesters caused by the reaction with the nucleating agents was proved by the determination of intrinsic viscosity and by the IR spectra. Diphenylketone (DPK) was shown to effectively promote molecular motion of chains, leading to an increase in the crystallization rate at low temperature, but it decreased the crystallization rate at high temperature. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 497–503, 2001