Design of robust-optimal output feedback controllers for linear uncertain systems using LMI-based approach and genetic algorithm

This paper considers the robust-optimal design problems of output feedback controllers for linear systems with both time-varying elemental (structured) and norm-bounded (unstructured) parameter uncertainties. Two new sufficient conditions are proposed in terms of linear-matrix-inequalities (LMIs) for ensuring that the linear output feedback systems with both time-varying elemental and norm-bounded parameter uncertainties are asymptotically stable, where the mixed quadratically-coupled parameter uncertainties are directly considered in the problem formulation. A numerical example is given to show that the presented sufficient conditions are less conservative than existing ones reported recently. Then, by integrating the hybrid Taguchi-genetic algorithm (HTGA) and the proposed LMI-based sufficient conditions, a new integrative approach is presented to find the output feedback controllers of the linear systems with both time-varying elemental and norm-bounded parameter uncertainties such that the control objective of minimizing a quadratic integral performance criterion subject to the stability robustness constraint is achieved. A design example of the robust-optimal output feedback controller for the AFTI/F-16 aircraft control system with the time-varying elemental parameter uncertainties is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed new integrative approach.     

Relation between the plasma characteristics and physical properties of functional zinc oxide thin film prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering process

The ZnO thin film was deposited on a glass substrate by a RF reactive magnetron sputtering method. Results showed that plasma density, electron temperature, deposition rate and estimated ion bombardment energy increase with increasing applied RF power. Three distinct power regimes were observed, which are strongly correlated with plasma properties. In the low-power regime, the largest grain size was observed due to slow deposition rate. In the medium-power regime, the smallest grain size was found, which is attributed to insufficient time for the adatoms to migrate on substrate surface. In the high-power regime, relatively larger grain size was found due to very large ion bombardment energy which enhances the thermal migration of adatoms. Regardless of pure ZnO thin film or ZnO on glass, high transmittance (> 80%) in the visible region can be generally observed. However, the film thickness plays a more important role for controlling optical properties, especially in the UV region, than the applied RF power. In general, with properly coated ZnO thin film, we can obtain a glass substrate which is highly transparent in the visible region, is of good anti-UV characteristics, and is highly hydrophobic, which is highly suitable for applications in the glass industry.     

Design of Optimal Controllers for Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy-Model-Based Systems

By the use of the elegant operational properties of the orthogonal functions, a direct computational algorithm for solving the Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy-model-based feedback dynamic equations is first developed in this paper. The basic idea is that the state variables are expressed in terms of the orthogonal functions. The new method simplifies the procedure of solving the TS fuzzy-model-based feedback dynamic equations into the successive solution of a system of recursive formulas taking only two terms of the expansion coefficients. Based on the presented recursive formulas, the developed computational algorithm only involves the straightforward algebraic computation. Then, the developed algorithm is integrated with the hybrid Taguchi-genetic algorithm (HTGA) to design both the quadratic optimal fuzzy parallel-distributed-compensation (PDC) controller and the quadratic-optimal non-PDC controller (quadratic optimal linear-state feedback controller) of the TS fuzzy-model-based control systems under the criterion of minimizing a quadratic integral performance index, where the quadratic integral performance index is also converted into the algebraic form by using the orthogonal-function approach (OFA). The proposed new approach, which integrates the OFA and the HTGA, is nondifferential, nonintegral, straightforward, and well adapted to the computer implementation. The computational complexity can, therefore, be reduced remarkably. Thus, this proposed approach facilitates the design tasks of the quadratic optimal controllers for the TS fuzzy-model-based control systems. A design example of the quadratic optimal controllers for the translational oscillator system with an eccentric rotational proof mass actuator is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach     

The application of Web ATMs in e-payment industry: A case study

Today’s highly competitive marketplace is forcing the retail banking industry to optimize every possible revenue-generating opportunity. New electronic channels are replacing the more traditional ones. Web ATMs system represents one of the recent developments in financial service distribution.Through a real-life case study, this article explains how much more advantage can be achieved by enhancing Web ATMs with the latest Web-enablement technology, and examines the key benefits that can accrue from the deployment of integrated circuit (IC) card and smart card reader on Web ATMs. Last but not the least, it is expected that this article could provide strategic thinking with some apocalypses of Web 2.0 to steer the banking system for achievable changes in a direction that is consistent with the needs and expectations of a population, especially in C2C business model.     

A polyethylene glycol-assisted carbothermal reduction method to synthesize LiFePO4 using industrial raw materials

Olivine LiFePO₄ is synthesized by a carbothermal reduction method (CTR) using industrial raw materials with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a reductive agent and carbon source. A required amount of acetone is added to the starting materials for the ball milling process and the precursor is sintered at 973 K for 8 h to form crystalline phase LiFePO₄. The structure and morphology of the LiFePO₄/C composite samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and magnetic susceptibility. Electrochemical measurements show that the LiFePO₄/C composite cathode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 150 mAh g⁻¹ at a 0.2C-rate between 4.0 and 2.8 V, and almost no capacity loss is observed for up to 50 cycles. Remarkably, the cell can sustain a 30C-rate between 4.6 and 2.0 V, and this rate capability is equivalent to charge or discharge in 2 min. The simple technique, low-cost starting materials, and excellent electrochemical performance make this process easier to commercialize than other synthesized methods.     

Development of Ferromagnetic Superspins in Bare Cu Nanoparticles by Electronic Charge Redistribution

We report on the results of investigating the ferromagnetic properties of bare Cu nanoparticles. Three sets of bare Cu nanoparticle assemblies with mean particle diameters of 6.6, 8.1, and 11.1 nm were fabricated, employing the gas condensation method. Curie-Weiss paramagnetic responses to a weak driving magnetic field were detected, showing the appearance of particle superspins that overcomes the diamagnetic responses from the inner core. The isothermal magnetization displays a Langevin field profile together with magnetic hysteresis appearing even at 300 K, demonstrating the existence of ferromagnetic superspins in the Cu nanoparticles. Shifting of a noticeable amount of electronic charge from being distributed near the lattice sites in bulk form toward their neighboring ions in nanoparticles was found. The extended 3d and 4s band mixture are the main sources for the development of localized 3d holes for the development of ferromagnetic particle superspins in Cu nanoparticles.     

Resistive switching characteristics of multilayered (HfO2/Al2O3)n n = 19 thin film

A transparent resistive random access memory used as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrode, ITO/HfO₂/Al₂O₃/…/HfO₂/Al₂O₃/ITO capacitor structure is fabricated on glass substrate by atomic layer deposition. The unipolar resistive switching characteristics can be performed by applying the positive- or negative-bias through top electrode, however, the differences of switching and stability in the two different operations can be observed. The diversities of electrical property are attributed to different oxide/ITO interface materials, which influence the current flow of the injected electrons.     

Process Parameters Optimization: A Design Study for TiO$_{2}$ Thin Film of Vacuum Sputtering Process

This paper proposes a procedure for process parameters design by combining both modeling and optimization methods. The proposed procedure integrates the Taguchi method, the artificial neural network (ANN), and the genetic algorithm (GA). First, the Taguchi method is applied to minimize experimental numbers and to collect experimental data representing the quality performances of a system. Next, the ANN is used to build a system model based on the data from the Taguchi experimental method. Then, the GA is employed to search for the optimal process parameters. A process parameters design for a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin film in the vacuum sputtering process is studied in this paper. The quality objective is to form a smaller water contact angle on the TiO₂ thin-film surface. The water contact angle is 4° obtained from the system model of the proposed procedure. The process parameters obtained from the proposed procedure were used to conduct the experiment in the vacuum sputtering process for the TiO₂ thin film. The water contact angle given from the practical experiment is 3.93°. The difference percent is 1.75% between 4° and 3.93°. The result obtained from the system model of the proposed procedure is promising. Hence, we can conclude that the proposed procedure is a very good approach in solving the problem of the process parameters design.     

Mechanical property characterization of LPCVD silicon nitride thin films at cryogenic temperatures

T-shape, LPCVD silicon nitride cantilevers are fabricated to determine Young's modulus and fracture strength of silicon nitride thin films at room and cryogenic temperatures. A helium-cooled measurement setup is developed and installed inside a focused-ion-beam (FIB) system. A lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) translator powered by a function generator and a dc voltage is utilized as an actuator, and a silicon diode is used as a temperature sensor in this setup. Resonant frequencies of identical cantilevers with different "milling masses" are measured to obtain thickness and Young's modulus of the silicon nitride thin films, while a bending test is performed to obtain fracture strength. From the experiment, the average Young's modulus of low-pressure chemical-vapor deposition (LPCVD) silicon nitride thin films varies from 260.5 GPa at room temperature (298 K) to 266.6 GPa at 30 K, and the average fracture strength ranges from 6.9 GPa at room temperature to 7.9 GPa at 30 K. The measurement setup and technique presented here can be used to characterize the mechanical properties of different MEMS materials at cryogenic temperatures.     

Entrepreneurship policy evaluation and decision analysis for SMEs

Since the second half of 2007, the global economy has felt the effects of the credit crunch, and the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US has resulted in a loss of consumer confidence. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been the foundation for economic development and have provided important contributions to job creation. Economic policy makers worldwide are trying to implement actions that will enhance the competitive vitality of SMEs and foster entrepreneurial drive through effective entrepreneurship policy. Surprisingly, prior research has given little attention to the evaluation of entrepreneurship policy. The paper proposes an integrated model that combines the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), analytic network process (ANP), and zero-one goal programming (ZOGP) methods. This model considers the interdependent relationship among complex policy evaluation criteria and alternatives, and addresses the constraints of itemized annual budgets. Then, the paper applies the model to an empirical case study of entrepreneurship policy for SMEs in Taiwan. The evaluation results show that three alternatives (incubator center, financial assistance, and knowledge-sharing platforms) are selected under budget constraints and the model provides an effective solution to help policy makers evaluate and select feasible entrepreneurship policy mix.