Local oscillator chain for 1.55 to 1.75THz with 100-/spl mu/W peak power

We report on the design and performance of a fix-tuned /spl times/2/spl times/3/spl times/3 frequency multiplier chain that covers 1.55-1.75THz. The chain is nominally pumped with 100mW at W-band. At 120K the measured output power is larger than 4/spl mu/W across the band with a peak power of 100/spl mu/W at 1.665THz. A similar chain operated at room temperature produced a peak power of 21/spl mu/W. These power levels now make it possible to deploy multipixel heterodyne imaging arrays in this frequency range.     

Mathematical modelling of quasi-resonant converters

A method to determine the small-signal control-to-output transfer function of quasi-resonant converters operating with continuous current is presented. The design of the feedback loop and compensation network becomes easier by this approach. Investigation is carried out using the boost converter topology     

Generalized S transform

The generalized S transform (GST), a family of reversible integer-to-integer transforms inspired by the S transform, is proposed. This family of transforms is then studied in detail by considering topics such as GST parameter calculation, the effects of using different rounding operators in the GST, and the relationship between the GST and the lifting scheme. Some examples of specific transforms in the GST family are also given. In particular, a new transform in this family is introduced, and its practical utility is demonstrated.     

Self‐Assembled Room Temperature Multiferroic BiFeO3‐LiFe5O8 Nanocomposites

Multiferroic materials have driven significant research interest due to their promising technological potential. Developing new room‐temperature multiferroics and understanding their fundamental properties are important to reveal unanticipated physical phenomena and potential applications. Here, a new room temperature multiferroic nanocomposite comprised of an ordered ferrimagnetic spinel α‐LiFe₅O₈ (LFO) and a ferroelectric perovskite BiFeO₃ (BFO) is presented. It is observed that lithium (Li)‐doping in BFO favors the formation of LFO spinel as a secondary phase during the synthesis of Li_xBi_1?xFeO₃ ceramics. Multimodal functional and chemical imaging methods are used to map the relationship between doping‐induced phase separation and local ferroic properties in both the BFO‐LFO composite ceramics and self‐assembled nanocomposite thin films. The energetics of phase separation in Li doped BFO and the formation of BFO‐LFO composites are supported by first principles calculations. These findings shed light on Li's role in the formation of a functionally important room temperature multiferroic and open a new approach in the synthesis of light element doped nanocomposites for future energy, sensing, and memory applications.     

Effective multi-program broadcasting of prerecorded video using VBR MPEG-2 coding

The tradeoff between picture quality and bandwidth usage is a prominent issue in the world of broadcasting. Since broadcasters are able to transmit multiple streams simultaneously in a channel, they face the challenge of guaranteeing the contracted picture quality required by each of the transmitted video streams while maximizing the number of video streams carried in each channel. We have developed an easy to implement MPEG-2 based multi-program video coding system suitable for digital TV broadcast, video on demand, and high definition TV over broadcast satellite networks with limited bandwidth. Compared to present broadcast systems and for the same level of contracted picture quality, our system greatly increases the number of video streams transmitted in each channel. As a result, either a large number of transponders can be freed to carry real-time broadcasting or the level of picture quality can be significantly increased. By switching from tape storage to video server technology, the need for numerous playback (VTR) systems at the headend is eliminated. In addition, the most of the complete MPEG-2 encoders are replaced by much less complex MPEG-2 transcoders. All this means a much more cost-effective solution for broadcast stations.     

A 21-mW 8-b 125-MSample/s ADC in 0.09-mm/sup 2/ 0.13-/spl mu/m CMOS

This paper presents an 8-b two-step subranging analog-to-digital (ADC) using interpolation, averaging, offset compensation, and pipelining techniques to accomplish an effective number of bits of 7.6 b at 125 MSample/s. The 0.13-/spl mu/m CMOS ADC occupies 0.09 mm/sup 2/ and consumes 21 mW.     

Inductively heated shape memory polymer for the magnetic actuation of medical devices

Presently, there is interest in making medical devices such as expandable stents and intravascular microactuators from shape memory polymer (SMP). One of the key challenges in realizing SMP medical devices is the implementation of a safe and effective method of thermally actuating various device geometries in vivo. A novel scheme of actuation by Curie-thermoregulated inductive heating is presented. Prototype medical devices made from SMP loaded with nickel zinc ferrite ferromagnetic particles were actuated in air by applying an alternating magnetic field to induce heating. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was performed on both the particle-loaded and neat SMP materials to assess the impact of the ferrite particles on the mechanical properties of the samples. Calorimetry was used to quantify the rate of heat generation as a function of particle size and volumetric loading of ferrite particles in the SMP. These tests demonstrated the feasibility of SMP actuation by inductive heating. Rapid and uniform heating was achieved in complex device geometries and particle loading up to 10% volume content did not interfere with the shape recovery of the SMP.     

Crystal Facet Engineering of Single-Crystalline TiC Nanocubes for Improved Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Single-crystalline {100} faceted TiC is of great significance in theory to a large number of engineering applications owing to its extraordinary catalytic properties. However, the {111} planes are prevalent in conventional TiC powders given their favorable thermodynamic stability during the initial low stoichiometric growth stage. Herein, a disproportionation–decomposition strategy is developed to directly produce Ti and C atoms to synthesize single-crystalline {100} faceted TiC powders. Outstanding electrochemical performance of TiC {100} crystal planes in terms of the hydrogen evolution reaction is evidenced by an overpotential of 392 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², which is 52% lower than that of randomly faceted TiC counterparts (815 mV).