Mixed analogue/digital phase picking algorithm in oversampling burst-mode clock phase alignment

A novel mixed analogue/digital design of a phase picking algorithm in an oversampling clock phase recovery is presented. The proposed approach results in reduced processing time, improved integrability with analogue front-end and low noise generation. Simulations of a 10 Gbit/s burst-mode clock phase alignment circuit in a 0.25 m SiGe BiCMOS process, show a simulated processing delay of only 280 ps.     

Friction Compensation of an $XY$ Feed Table Using Friction-Model-Based Feedforward and an Inverse-Model-Based Disturbance Observer

Uncompensated friction forces compromise the positioning and tracking accuracy of motion systems. A unique tracking error known as quadrant glitch is the result of complex nonlinear friction behavior at motion reversal or near-zero velocity. Linear-feedback control strategies such as PID, cascade P/PI, or state-feedback control have to be extended with model- and nonmodel-based friction-compensation strategies to acquire sufficiently high path and tracking accuracy. This paper analyzes and validates experimentally three different friction-compensation strategies for a linear motor-based xy feed drive of a high-speed milling machine: (1) friction-model-based feedforward; (2) an inverse-model-based disturbance observer; and (3) the combination of both techniques. The friction models considered are as follows: a simple static-friction model and the recently developed generalized Maxwell-slip (GMS) model. GMS friction-model-based feedforward combined with disturbance observer almost completely eliminates the radial tracking error and quadrant glitches.     

Stress evolution during Ni-Si compound formation for fully silicided (FUSI) gates

The stress (force) evolution during the formation of different Ni silicide phases was monitored by in situ curvature measurements, for the reaction of thin Ni films of various thicknesses with 100 nm polycrystalline-Si deposited on oxidized (1 0 0) Si substrates. The silicide phase formation was also monitored by in situ X-ray diffraction, allowing to match and interpret the stress evolution in terms of the formation of the different silicide phases. We found that stresses developed during the formation of the different silicides can be explained qualitatively in terms of the corresponding volume changes at the reacting interfaces. Furthermore, the matching between XRD and force curve reveals that the highest compressive stress is related to the formation of the Ni₃₁Si₁₂ phase, and that the stress formed is relaxed when the reaction is completed.     

Downlink Performance Analysis of MIMO Relaying Networks

In recent years, there has been an upsurge of interest in relay-augmented infrastructure-based networks. On the other hand, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless system becomes a hot topic for it can achieve significant increases in overall system performance. This paper gives a detailed analysis of downlink performance of MIMO relaying networks, in which different channel models and classic MIMO cellular system model with fixed relay are considered. Our results in single cell scenario show that when meeting effective relay system efficiency of 100%, the required relay SNR gain of 2-antenna system can be reduced to less than half of that with only one transceiver antenna. We also observe that MIMO is more tolerant to interference compared with the one-transceiver antenna system. After that, multi-hop architecture is researched and statistics figures out the tolerable number of hops which is supported in wireless communication with a view to real application. In addition, multi-cell scenario is also studied. Statistics results show that there is more 8 dB average spectral efficiency gain in a two-hop fixed relay 4 × 4 MIMO system than that in a SISO system. These results present significant indications in deployment and optimization of relay-based MIMO networks.     

The impact of facilities and service-based competition on internet services provision in the Canadian broadband market

A variety of studies have focused on the effect of competition in broadband markets on increasing broadband penetration rates. Few studies however have focused on the extent to which competition also results in innovation in the marketplace, as demonstrated by increased broadband speeds, and other improvements that provide value to broadband users. This paper considers the effectiveness of market competition as a means of encouraging broadband providers to offer innovative services that meet citizens’ increasing needs for affordable high quality and high speed broadband connectivity. The study focuses on the provision of broadband services in Canada, a country where consumers were early adopters of broadband and where the policy environment has encouraged competition in the broadband market from its inception. Drawing on data from the OECD and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the paper demonstrates that Canada’s regulatory regime does not appear to be sufficient to enable a competitive marketplace that results in the provision of innovative broadband services.     

Ester-functionalized poly(3-alkylthiophene) copolymers: Synthesis,physicochemical characterization and performance in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

The introduction of functional moieties in the donor polymer (side chains) offers a potential pathway toward selective modification of the nanomorphology of conjugated polymer:fullerene active layer blends applied in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics, pursuing morphology control and solar cell stability. For this purpose, two types of poly(3-alkylthiophene) random copolymers, incorporating different amounts (10/30/50%) of ester-functionalized side chains, were efficiently synthesized using the Rieke method. The solar cell performance of the functionalized copolymers was evaluated and compared to the pristine P3HT:PCBM system. It was observed that the physicochemical and opto-electronic characteristics of the polythiophene donor material can be modified to a certain extent via copolymerization without (too much) jeopardizing the OPV efficiency, as far as the functionalized side chains are introduced in a moderate ratio (<30%) and that preference is given to side chains with a small molar volume. A range of complementary techniques – UV–Vis spectroscopy, (modulated temperature) differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis – indicated that variations in polymer crystallinity, while maintaining a high level of regioregularity, are probably the main factor responsible for the observed differences.     

An overview of ultra-wideband microwave imaging via space-time beamforming for early-stage breast-cancer detection

Ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave imaging has recently been proposed for detecting small malignant breast tumors. In this article, we review the current research status of this approach. First, we introduce the concept of microwave imaging via space-time (MIST) beamforming and related signal-processing algorithms. The objective of these signal-processing techniques is to form a spatial image of scattered microwave energy, and to identify the presence and location of malignant lesions from their scattering signatures. Next, we present numerical studies based on finite-difference time-domain simulations to demonstrate the efficacy of MIST beamforming for detecting small malignant breast lesions in both prone and supine configurations. Finally, the experimental feasibility of UWB microwave imaging is demonstrated using an initial imaging prototype and multilayered breast phantoms.     

Performance degradation of LC-tank VCOs by impact of digital switching noise in lightly doped substrates

In mixed analog-digital designs, digital switching noise is an important limitation for the performance of analog and RF circuits. This paper reports a physical model describing the impact of digital switching noise on LC-tank voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in lightly doped substrates. The model takes into account the propagation from the source of substrate noise to the different components in the VCO and the resulting modulation of the oscillator frequency. The model is validated with measurements on a 3.5-GHz LC-tank VCO designed in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS. It reveals that for this VCO, impact occurs mainly via the nonideal metal ground lines for lower frequencies and low tuning voltage and via the integrated inductors for higher frequencies and high tuning voltage. To make the design immune to substrate noise, the parasitic resistance of the on-chip ground interconnect has to be kept as low as possible and inductors have to be shielded. Hence, the developed model allows investigating the dominant mechanisms behind the impact of substrate noise on a VCO, which is crucial information for achieving a substrate noise immune design.     

Ultra-wide-band transmitter for low-power wireless body area networks: design and evaluation

The successful realization of a wireless body area network (WBAN) requires innovative solutions to meet the energy consumption budget of the autonomous sensor nodes. The radio interface is a major challenge, since its power consumption must be reduced below 100 /spl mu/W (energy scavenging limit). The emerging ultra-wide-band (UWB) technology shows strong advantages in reaching this target. First, most of the complexity of an UWB system is in the receiver, which is a perfect scenario in the WBAN context. Second, the very little hardware complexity of a UWB transmitter offers the potential for low-cost and highly integrated solutions. Finally, in a pulse-based UWB scheme, the transmitter can be duty-cycled at the pulse rate, thereby reducing the baseline power consumption. We present a low-power UWB transmitter that can be fully integrated in standard CMOS technology. Measured performances of a fully integrated pulse generator are provided, showing the potential of UWB for low power and low cost implementations. Finally, using a WBAN channel model, we present a comparison between our UWB solution and state-of-the-art low-power narrow-band implementations. This paper shows that UWB performs better in the short range due to a reduced baseline power consumption.