1,968 research outputs found
The STAR MAPS-based PiXeL detector
The PiXeL detector (PXL) for the Heavy Flavor Tracker (HFT) of the STAR
experiment at RHIC is the first application of the state-of-the-art thin
Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) technology in a collider environment.
Custom built pixel sensors, their readout electronics and the detector
mechanical structure are described in detail. Selected detector design aspects
and production steps are presented. The detector operations during the three
years of data taking (2014-2016) and the overall performance exceeding the
design specifications are discussed in the conclusive sections of this paper
Discrete input equipment design study
The study to improve the reliability of the LUT system by discrete input equipment (DIE) is reported. Subjects discussed include: specifications, packaging, aircraft integrated systems, and word formats DIE. It is recommended that maximal use of advanced technology be made, particularly the "know how' developed on the Saturn project
Cryogenic Operation of sCMOS Image Sensors
Scientific CMOS image sensors have lower read noise and dark current than charge coupled devices. They are also uniquely qualified for operation at cryogenic temperatures due to their MOSFET pixel architecture. This paper follows the design of a cryogenic imaging system to be used as a star tracking rocket attitude regulation system. The detector was proven to retain almost all its sensitivity at cryogenic temperatures with acceptably low read noise. Once the star tracker successfully maintains rocket attitude during the flight of the CIBER-2 experiment, the technology readiness level of scientific CMOS detectors will advance enough that they could see potential applications in deep space imaging experiments
Memory built-in self-repair and correction for improving yield: a review
Nanometer memories are highly prone to defects due to dense structure, necessitating memory built-in self-repair as a must-have feature to improve yield. Today’s system-on-chips contain memories occupying an area as high as 90% of the chip area. Shrinking technology uses stricter design rules for memories, making them more prone to manufacturing defects. Further, using 3D-stacked memories makes the system vulnerable to newer defects such as those coming from through-silicon-vias (TSV) and micro bumps. The increased memory size is also resulting in an increase in soft errors during system operation. Multiple memory repair techniques based on redundancy and correction codes have been presented to recover from such defects and prevent system failures. This paper reviews recently published memory repair methodologies, including various built-in self-repair (BISR) architectures, repair analysis algorithms, in-system repair, and soft repair handling using error correcting codes (ECC). It provides a classification of these techniques based on method and usage. Finally, it reviews evaluation methods used to determine the effectiveness of the repair algorithms. The paper aims to present a survey of these methodologies and prepare a platform for developing repair methods for upcoming-generation memories
A flexible manufacturing system for lawnmower cutting cylinders
The thesis is concerned with the conception and design of a FLEXIBLE
MANUFACTURING SYSTEM (FMS) for the automation of the manufacture of
lawnmower cutting cylinders at Suffolk Lawnmowers Ltd. A review of FMS
definitions, planning methods and current systems is carried out for the
development of a suitable FMS configuration for the final stages of
manufacture of grass cutting cylinders having 21 different design
specifications. This involves examination of the capabilities of
robotics and microcontrollers to automate the technologies used in
cylinder production.
The company's current manual batch production system is analysed to
determine the suitable form and requirements of the FMS. This includes
analyses of annual volumes, throughputs, batch sizes, product and process
mixes. Long term objectives to automate the system are identified from
which short term objectives are derived. The FMS recommended for
immediate development encompasses the short term objectives for the
welding, hardening, grinding and transfer processes of 8 cutting cylinder
specifications.
It is shown that the MIG (Argon/C02) are welding, progressive flame
hardening and wide-face cylindrical grinding processes can be developed
successfully to automate cylinder production. The recommended system
integrates these processes into an FMS through the'automatic handling
of cylinders (through three process routes) by a robotic manipulator
utilising a double gripper. 'A robotic welding station, manually loaded,
is also recommended. ' The system is controlled overall by a 32K microcontroller
with the process machines individually controlled by programmahle
logic controllers with up to 6K of memory each.
The economic appraisal of the FMS indicates a 4.4 year payback based on
direct labour and material cost savings. The company's application for
grant aid to implement the FMS design has led to an offer of a Department
of Industry grant to cover 50% of all capital and revenue costs. The
grant of £166,943 reduces the payback period to 2.3 years
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