Optimizing the hot carrier reliability of N-LDMOS transistor arrays

Smart power management applications often require operation in the 20–30 V range. These applications combine a high performance BiCMOS process with a power lateral DMOS (LDMOS) driver. To obtain high drive current density and minimal on-resistance (R_dson), LDMOS devices are implemented in transistor arrays. Because of the high voltages and currents applied to these devices hot carrier degradation is a real reliability concern. This paper discusses several aspects of N-LDMOS hot carrier reliability including measurement techniques, degradation mechanism, and the effect of both one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) layout effects on the hot carrier degradation behavior of these devices. This paper focuses on device layout optimization rather than process changes since layout optimization has the advantage of improving performance without impacting other supported devices.     

Cigarette smoking does cause distress.

Replies to comments by J. D. Kassel (see record 2000-02781-014), T. M. Piasecki and T. B. Baker (see record 2000-02781-015), and D. G. Gilbert and F. Joseph McClernon (see record 2000-02781-016) on A. C. Parrott's (see record 1999-11644-002) article regarding the link between cigarette smoking and stress. Parrott responds by focusing on several articles published during the past year. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design of smart sensing components for volcano monitoring

In a volcano monitoring application, various geophysical and geochemical sensors generate continuous high-fidelity data, and there is a compelling need for real-time raw data for volcano eruption prediction research. It requires the network to support network synchronized sampling, online configurable sensing and situation awareness, which pose significant challenges on sensing component design. Ideally, the resource usages shall be driven by the environment and node situations, and the data quality is optimized under resource constraints. In this paper, we present our smart sensing component design, including hybrid time synchronization, configurable sensing, and situation awareness. Both design details and evaluation results are presented to show their efficiency. Although the presented design is for a volcano monitoring application, its design philosophy and framework can also apply to other similar applications and platforms.     

A general framework for analysing diversity in science, technology and society.

This paper addresses the scope for more integrated general analysis of diversity in science, technology and society. It proposes a framework recognizing three necessary but individually insufficient properties of diversity. Based on 10 quality criteria, it suggests a general quantitative non-parametric diversity heuristic. This allows the systematic exploration of diversity under different perspectives, including divergent conceptions of relevant attributes and contrasting weightings on different diversity properties. It is shown how this heuristic may be used to explore different possible trade-offs between diversity and other aspects of interest, including portfolio interactions. The resulting approach offers a way to be more systematic and transparent in the treatment of scientific and technological diversity in a range of fields, including conservation management, research governance, energy policy and sustainable innovation.     

用于ComPaCtPCI总线的电源隔离控制器

尽管CompactP CITM背板提供±12v电源,但很多插板只需要5v和3.3电源.Linear公司的LTCl646电源隔离控制器就是为这种应用设计的.     

Selective isomerization of n-butenes into isobutene over aged H-ferrierite catalyst: nature of the active species

The nature of the active species responsible for butene isomerization over aged HFER samples is reexamined in the light of the change in the product yields at very short time-on-stream and of the reversible and irreversible increases in weight of the zeolite during the reaction. At very short time-on-stream, the selectivity of butene isomerization is that expected from a dimerization-cracking process, in particular simultaneous formation of isobutene, propene and pentenes. A rapid decrease of all the yields is observed with time-on-stream; however, for isobutene but not for the other products, the initial decrease is followed (after 10 minutes-on-stream) by an increase. The decrease in the yield can be related to the formation of carbonaceous compounds (``coke') which block the access to the pores, while the increase in isobutene yield can be explained by the development of a new isomerization mode which is very selective to isobutene. This new mode could be catalyzed by carbonaceous compounds and/or by reaction products which are shown to be retained inside the pores during the reaction. It is proposed that at short time-on-stream the increase in isobutene yield is due to an autocatalytic reaction, n-butene isomerization occurring on t-butyl carbenium ions formed by adsorption of isobutene molecules (which are slowly desorbed from the pores) on the protonic sites of the zeolite. At long time-on-stream, the active species would be benzylic carbocations formed from carbonaceous compounds trapped in the pores near the outer surface of the crystallites. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Lessons for the UK Green Deal from the US BBNP

How can programme design and strategy drive the decision actually to undertake retrofit upgrades? The US Better Buildings Neighborhood Program (BBNP) and the UK Green Deal both represent ambitious efforts to drive domestic retrofit markets. These programmes are compared and the differences in their conversion rates explored in the context of marketing, outreach and workforce engagement strategies. The impact of financial incentives is also explored. This paper supports the consensus that the US BBNP was successful against most of its stated objectives. The UK Green Deal, while slow to start, was gaining momentum before it was effectively ended. Semi-structured interviews with programme organizers give evidence that the Green Deal would have benefited from a more active approach to marketing and outreach, specifically emphasizing the distinction between the two. Marketing generates interest, but local outreach through word of mouth and personal referrals is needed to drive upgrades. The Green Deal did not sufficiently engage the workforce through an ongoing communication strategy and should have better facilitated both technical and non-technical skills development. The interest rate of the Green Deal is shown to be but one factor influencing participation, and can be effectively balanced through programme design in other areas.     

国内网络管理软件市场分析及展望

随着国内企业信息系统基础架构的逐步完善和市场对软件价值的认同度提升,企业IT基础架构管理软件成为未来几年内市场看好的亮点之一。本文将对中国内地网络管理软件市场的现状及未来发展进行探讨。     

Ontario feed-in-tariff programs

Recent feed-in-tariff (FIT) programs in Ontario, Canada have elicited a very strong supply response. Within the first year of their inception, the Ontario Power Authority received applications totaling over 15,000 MW, equivalent to about 43% of current Ontario electricity generating capacity. The overwhelming share of applications is for wind-power (69%) and solar photovoltaic (28%) generating facilities. Wind generation is being remunerated at 14–19 ¢/kWh. Solar facilities receive from 40 to 80 ¢/kWh. The initiative, which responds to Provincial legislation is administratively divided into applications for facilities exceeding 10 kW (the FIT program) and those less than or equal to 10 kW (the microFIT program). This paper describes the programs and their features, compares them to their predecessors in Ontario as well as to programs elsewhere, analyses the reasons for the very strong response, and assesses their efficacy and sustainability.