A transaction-based unified architecture for simulation and emulation

The availability of millions of transistors on a single chip has allowed the creation of complex on-chip systems. The functional verification of such systems has become a challenge. Simulation run times are increasing, and emulation is now a necessity. Creating separate verification environments for simulation and emulation slows the design cycle and it requires additional human efforts. This paper describes a layered architecture suitable for both simulation and emulation. The architecture uses transactions for communication and synchronization between the driving environment (DE) and the device under test (DUT). Transactions provide synchronization only as needed and cycle and event-based synchronization common in emulators. The result is more efficient development of the DE and 100% portability when moving from simulation to emulation. We give an overview of our layered architecture and describe its implementation. Our results show that, by using emulation, the register-transfer level (RTL) implementation of an industrial design can be verified in the same amount of time it takes to run a C-based simulation. We also show two orders of magnitude speeds up over simulations of C and RTL through a programming language interface     

The effect of CoSn/CoSn2 phase ratio on the electrochemical behaviour of Sn40Co40C20 ternary alloy electrodes in lithium cells

Samples of a SnCoC-based electrodes, all having the molar composition Sn₄₀Co₄₀C₂₀, but differing by the high energy ball milling synthesis conditions, have been tested in lithium cells. The investigation was carried out by using a series of complementary techniques, including potentiodynamic cycling with galvanostatic acceleration, galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling and impedance spectroscopy. The results confirmed the high capacity delivery of this type of ternary electrodes but also revealed that their electrochemical behaviour is influenced by the relative abundance of the nanosized domains of CoSn and CoSn₂ in their structure.     

Nanostructured Na-ion and Li-ion anodes for battery application: A comparative overview

This paper offers a comprehensive overview on the role of nanostructures in the development of advanced anode materials for application in both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. In particular, this review highlights the differences between the two chemistries, the critical effect of nanosize on the electrode performance, as well as the routes to exploit the inherent potential of nanostructures to achieve high specific energy at the anode, enhance the rate capability, and obtain a long cycle life. Furthermore, it gives an overview of nanostructured sodium- and lithium-based anode materials, and presents a critical analysis of the advantages and issues associated with the use of nanotechnology.

Open image in new window

     

Hereditary spherocytosis: a review of the clinical and molecular aspects of the disease

Hereditary spherocytosis is a common and very heterogeneous hemolytic anemia caused by defects of the red cell membrane proteins. In recent years, major advances in our understanding of the red cell membrane skeleton and a better characterization of its individual components have allowed a brighter insight into the pathogenesis of the disease. In this article, we present an overview of the erythrocyte skeleton and its individual constituents. We also review the clinical aspects of the disease and describe the currently known molecular defects involving the membrane proteins which have been shown to play an essential role in the underlying mechanism of hereditary spherocytosis. Finally we examine several models that have been proposed in an attempt to clarify the mechanism leading from the initial molecular insult to the clinical phenotype.