Bee colony optimization aided adaptive resource allocation in OFDMA systems with proportional rate constraints

Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is a promising technique, which can provide high downlink capacity for the emerging wireless systems. The total capacity of OFDMA can be maximized by adaptively assigning subcarriers to the users with the best gains for those subcarriers, with power subsequently distributed by water-filling. In this paper, we propose the use of artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm combined with Deb’s selection mechanism to handle the constraints. In this scheme, a probabilistic selection scheme assigns probability values to feasible solutions based on their fitness values and to infeasible individuals based on their violations, to allocate the resources to the users in downlink OFDMA system. Specifically we propose two approaches for resource allocation in downlink OFDMA systems using ABC algorithm. In the first approach, ABC algorithm is used for subcarrier allocation only, while in second approach the ABC algorithm is used for joint subcarrier and power allocation. It is shown that both these approaches obtain higher sum capacities as compared to that obtained by previous works, with comparable computational complexity. It is also shown that the joint subcarrier and power allocation approach provides near optimal results at the cost of slightly higher computational cost.     

Statistical timing and power analysis of VLSI considering non-linear dependence

Majority of practical multivariate statistical analysis and optimizations model interdependence among random variables in terms of the linear correlation. Though linear correlation is simple to use and evaluate, in several cases non-linear dependence between random variables may be too strong to ignore. In this paper, we propose polynomial correlation coefficients as simple measure of multi-variable non-linear dependence and show that the need for modeling non-linear dependence strongly depends on the end function that is to be evaluated from the random variables. Then, we calculate the errors in estimation resulting from assuming independence of components generated by linear de-correlation techniques, such as PCA and ICA. The experimental results show that the error predicted by our method is within 1% error compared to the real simulation of statistical timing and leakage analysis. In order to deal with non-linear dependence, we further develop a target-function-driven component analysis algorithm (FCA) to minimize the error caused by ignoring high order dependence. We apply FCA to statistical leakage power analysis and SRAM cell noise margin variation analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed FCA method is more accurate compared to the traditional PCA or ICA.     

Constitutive and Aging Behavior of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu Solder Alloy

We describe double-lap shear experiments on Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder alloy, from which fits to Anand's viscoplastic constitutive model, power-law creep model, and to time-hardening primary-secondary creep model are derived. Results of monotonic tests for strain rates ranging from 4.02E-6 to 2.40E-3 s^-1, and creep response at stress levels ranging from 19.5 to 45.6 MPa are reported. Both types of tests were conducted at temperatures of 25degC, 75degC , and 125degC. Following an earlier study where Anand model and time hardening creep parameters for Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu and Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu solder alloys were reported, here we report power law model parameters so as to enable a comparison between all three alloys. Primary creep in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder alloy is shown to be significant and are considered in addition to secondary creep and monotonic behavior. Aging influence on behavior is also shown to be significant. On the basis of experimental data, the following four aspects are discussed: 1) difference between testing on bulk versus joint specimen; 2) consistency between the creep and monotonic behaviors; 3) comparison against behaviors of Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu and Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu alloys as well as aganist Sn40Pb, 62Sn36Pb2Ag and 96.5Sn3.5Ag alloys; and 4) comparison of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu and Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu relative to their aging response.     

Effect of jammer power on the performance of adaptive arrays

The effect of jammer power on the performance of adaptive arrays is studied. It is shown that the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of an adaptive array is a function of jammer power. In the presence of a wide-band jammer, the output SINR of the array decreases with an increase in jammer power and eventually goes to zero. Unlike continuous wave (CW) jammers, a wide-band jammer does not go through power inversion. Instead, as the jammer power is increased, the interference-to-noise ratio (INR) at the array output shows oscillations. For large jammer power, the output INR increases with an increase in jammer power.     

Stochastic analysis of a two-unit parallel system with partial and catastrophic failures and preventive maintenance

This paper studies a two-unit parallel system with each unit having two types of failure and two modes of operation—normal or partial failure mode. A unit fails either due to change in operating characteristics or due to catastrophe. The system goes for preventive maintenance randomly (in time). Failure rates are constant while repair and (preventive) maintenance rates are general. Using the theory of regenerative and Markov-renewal processes several important measures of reliability are obtained.     

A simple method of photomask yield optimization by defect inspection

The quality of the photomask set decides to a large extent the quality and quantity of the device that will be produced. In order to ensure the quality of the photomasks, several sophisticated instruments are commercially available. However, in a research type of environment, the cost of such equipment can be prohibitive. In this paper, we propose a simple method of multiple master mask preparation with subsequent matching of defective die locations to optimize the master mask set. The advantage here is that a very good master mask set can be chosen so that minimum number of dies on the photomask set itself contribute to low wafer yield. The method is based on manual inspection of individual dies on photomasks and can be practically used for a complexity of up to 500 components.     

Optimal allocation of cost to detectors in a two-unit series system

A two-unit series system, in which each unit is equipped with a separate detector to detect failure, is considered. The probability that a detector operates successfully at the time of need (i.e. when system fails) is a function of cost spent on the detector. The problem is that of allocation of total resources (cost) to the two detectors such that the overall expected profit is maximized. The optimization problem has been formulated. Two examples are included to show the uses of results.     

Stochastic behaviour of a two-unit standby system with better utilization of units

This paper obtains various measures of reliability of a two-unit redundant system with three modes. Upon partial failure of an operative unit the cold standby starts operation only when it becomes active. A single service facility is available (1) for repairing a partially or totally failed unit and (2) to activate the cold standby unit whenever required. Failure time distributions are negative exponential while repair and activating time distributions are general.     

Terahertz Absorption of Nematic Liquid Crystals

We present the first systematic study of cyanobiphenyls (CBs) and the phenylcyclohexanes in the range between 50 cm^-1 (1.5 THz) and 500 cm^-1 (15 THz). The impact of the alkyl chain length and of variations in the core structure on the spectrum is investigated using liquid crystals from the cyanobiphenyl and phenylcyclohexane families. Our measurements are supported by calculations based on density functional theory. This enables us to shine light on the vibrational dynamics of liquid crystal molecules in the terahertz frequency range.