Compact Realizations of Embedded Filters in Organic Substrates

Making communication devices smaller, lighter, and cheaper has been the driving force behind the development of new technologies which have made the cellular phones and wireless networks we now take for granted possible. The frequent emphasis on miniaturization particularly has required the development of a variety of new approaches to creating communications circuits. One such technology that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years is passives that are embedded into the package of communications integrated circuits. Using these devices reduces the amount of surface area required to implement a communications device, in addition to potentially improving performance and making them cost less. One area of application which is immediately obvious is the RF filtering which is required in communication devices. The primary contribution of the present work is to establish a procedure for using such embedded passives to implement RF filters. While a large body of work has been previously devoted to the modeling and creation of individual embedded passives, the challenge of combining them into functional networks for use in communications system has not yet been the subject of a significant amount of academic analysis. By consolidating the knowledge gained by previous work concerning the modeling and optimization of embedded passives, the present work attempts to formulate an optimized procedure for creating embedded passive filter networks. The present work presents the design and implementation of LC ladder filters for microwave frequencies using passives embedded in an organic substrate provided by Intel Corporation. The work presents an efficient and accurate methodology for the design and implementation of such filters in a limited footprint area, with an emphasis on creating a straightforward, fast design procedure. For both embedded passive inductors and capacitors a parameterized three dimensional model suitable for use in a fullwave solver has been developed. An exhaustive documentation of the simulation parameters used to simulate these structures is provided in order to assist others in repeating the work presented here. In order to create embedded filters, libraries spanning the design space of both embedded inductors and capacitors have been formed. Inductors with different numbers of turns, trace widths, trace spacing, and inner diameters have been simulated from 1 to 10 GHz and analyzed to obtain the inductance, self resonant frequency, Q, and parasitic effects. Capacitors with plate areas ranging from a minimum size up to 1 mm are also simulated and empirical formulas for their capacitance, resistance and inductance are provided. Based on this, a design methodology is proposed and documented. The design methodology includes compensation for the coupling effects that exist between embedded passives placed in close proximity to one another. Based on the simulated coupling effects suggestions for layout are made. A design procedure developed in this work has been applied to a three pole and five pole low pass filters. The filters\u27 characteristics show an excellent agreement the response of the LC ladder filter. Finally the work presents a study of some the effects of manufacturing tolerances on filter construction. Based on the preliminary findings of the investigation the most detrimental effects are determined and further work to explore these issues is suggested

CMOS and MEMS Based Microsystems for Manipulation and Detection of Magnetic Beads for Biomedical Applications

RÉSUMÉ Les micro et nano billes magnétiques dédiées à l'étiquetage des bio-particules attirent de plus en plus d'intérêt dans de nombreuses applications environnementales et sanitaires, tels que l'analyse de gènes, le transport des médicaments, la purification et l'immunologie. Les dimensions réduites et la haute sensibilité des billes magnétiques rendent leurs manipulations à haute précision possibles. Leur simplicité de suivi dans le milieu biologique et leur biocompatibilité permettent d’effectuer des détections rapides et à haute sensibilité pour des applications in vivo et in vitro. L'utilisation traditionnelle des billes magnétiques prend place dans un laboratoire se servant du matériel encombrant et dispendieux. Avec le développement de la technologie de microfabrication, des billes magnétiques peuvent être traitées dans un microsystème, plus précisément, dans une structure laboratoire sur puce (LoC). La combinaison microfluidique et microélectronique offre des possibilités d’autoévaluation, ce qui peut augmenter l'efficacité du travail. Cette thèse est orientée vers de nouvelles approches pour la manipulation et la détection de bio-particules se servant de la technologie de microsystèmes basées sur des structures microelectroniques et microfluidiques et en utilisant des marqueurs de billes magnétiques. Basé sur un réseau de microbobines à la fois comme une source de champ magnétique et un capteur inductif, le microsystème proposé est réalisé grâce à l'efficacité de fabrication de structures CMOS-MEMS, ainsi que des circuits intégrés dédiés CMOS de haute performance afin d'obtenir un rendement élevé de manipulation et de détection de billes magnétiques. Plusieurs défis ont été analysés dans la mise en œuvre de ces microsystèmes et des solutions correspondantes fournies. Plus précisément, la conception et la mise en œuvre d'une plate-forme contrôlée en température en format portable sont d'abord présentées, dans un effort réalisé pour résoudre la question de la chaleur par effet Joule lors de l'application du réseau de microbobines comme une source de champ magnétique dédié à la manipulation de billes magnétiques. Une plateforme similaire à cette dernière a été améliorée pour effectuer une analyse magnétique immunologique, en ajoutant des circuits de détection par des billes magnétiques. De plus, des IgG et anti-IgG de souris ont été utilisés dans des expériences pour vérifier les performances de détection de la plateforme de microsystème proposé.----------ABSTRACT Magnetic micro/nano beads as labels of bio-particles have been attracting more and more interest in many environmental and health applications, such as gene and drug delivery, purification, and immunoassay. The miniature size and high sensitivity of magnetic bead allow accurate manipulation, whereas its high distinguishability from biological background and biocompatibility make fast and high sensitivity detection possible for in vitro and in vivo applications. Traditional employment of magnetic beads is done in laboratory environment with the assist of bulky and expensive equipment. Thanks to the development of microfabrication technology, magnetic beads therefore can be handled on a microsystem, more specifically, a Lab-on-Chip (LoC). The combination of microfluidics with microelectronics offers the possibility of automatic analyses, which can liberate the labor and increase the efficiency.This thesis focuses on new approaches for bio-particles manipulation and detection on microelectronic/microfluidic hybrid microsystems using magnetic beads as labels. Based on planar microcoil array as both magnetic field source and the front-end inductive sensor, the proposed microsystems can take advantage of the massive producible CMOS/MEMS fabrication process, as well as the customized high performance CMOS circuits, to achieve a high efficient magnetic beads manipulation and a quantitative detection. Several challenges in implementing such microsystems are analyzed and corresponding solutions are provided. Specifically, the design and implementation of a temperature controllable LoC platform in portable format is firstly presented, for the sake of resolving the Joule heat issue when applying microcoil array as magnetic field source in magnetic beads manipulation. The similar platform is then improved to be used for magnetic immunoassay, by adding magnetic beads sensing circuits. Mouse IgG and anti-mouse IgG are employed in experiments to verify the detection performance of the proposed microsystem platform. Additionally, a fully integrated silicon substrate MEMS chip which integrates both microfluidic channel and microcoil array on a single chip is designed and fabricated following the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation results and tested using bio-particles attached magnetic beads. This monolithic chip has the potential to be applied for in vivo applications

BiCMOS Millimetre-wave low-noise amplifier

Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.D.Phil. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Sensores de toque para electrónica automóvel impressa em 3D: análise, síntese, e aspectos de compatibilidade electromagnética

The Additive Manufacturing has been developing more and more, providing numerous advantages to the industry. Among such advantages is the use of materials with conductive properties combined with 3D printing techniques, which enables development of new devices embedded in plastic elements. One of the industries where Additive Manufacturing methods can be applied most successfully is the automotive industry. The electrification of cars, connected cars, autonomous driving, equipment enriched with sensors for better comfort are some of the challenges that this industry faces. Thus, innovation is made in the sense of developing new products to meet the presented challenges, always focusing on the user. Thus, this Master Thesis aims to study, explore and expand these concepts and apply them to the development of a touch sensor, as well as to understand what are the problems of compatibility and electromagnetic interference that can be encountered in automotive environment, specifically, in a smart door for a car. This work begins with the study of Additive Manufacturing methods, the types of measurements for a touch sensor, the sensor designs, and the electromagnetic compatibility and interference issues relevant for such sensors. Useful tools are developed to calculate the sensor capacitance, inductance and resonant frequency. Also, a script is developed to obtain the structural parameters for the resonant frequencies in desired ranges. These tools made it possible to develop a macro to automate creation of 3D structures in CST Studio Suite and thus to be able to simulate such structures for a large set of obtained parameters. Based on the simulations, we designed two sensor structures operating at the desired frequencies and, with the 3D structures ready, moved on to the experimental measurements, producing a PCB prototype for each structure. Thus, by completing these procedures it was concluded that the experimental measurements allowed us to test the developed tools and models and to validate the entire study.A Manufatura Aditiva tem vindo a desenvolver-se cada vez mais, proporcionando inúmeras vantagens à indústria. Dentro delas a utilização de um material com propriedades condutoras e aliado a técnicas de impressão 3D, permite desenvolver novos dispositivos embutidos/incorporados numa peça de plástico. Uma das indústrias que mais se pode aplicar métodos de Manufatura Aditiva é a indústria automóvel. A eletrificação dos automóveis, os carros conetados, condução autónoma, a sonorização dos equipamentos e o conforto são alguns dos desafios que esta indústria enfrenta. Assim, a inovação faz-se no sentido de desenvolvimento de produtos para responder aos desafios apresentados, sempre com o foco no utilizador. Assim, esta Dissertação de Mestrado tem como objetivo estudar, explorar e expandir estes conceitos e aplicá-los ao desenvolvimento de um sensor de toque, além de perceber quais os problemas de compatibilidade e interferências eletromagnéticas num ambiente automóvel, mais concretamente numa porta inteligente para um carro. O trabalho iniciou-se com o estudo dos métodos de Manufatura Aditiva, tipos de medidas para um sensor de toque, design, compatibilidade e interferência eletromagnética destes sensores. Desenvolveram-se ferramentas para auxílio dos cálculos de capacitância, indutância e frequência de ressonância. Também se elaborou um script para obtenção dos parâmetros das frequências de ressonância nas gamas desejadas. Estas ferramentas possibilitaram o desenvolvimento de uma macro para criar as estruturas 3D num simulador e, assim, poder simular os parâmetros obtidos. Com as simulações alcançaram-se duas estruturas nas frequências desejadas e com as estruturas 3D criadas passámos à medição experimental, produzindo uma Printed Circuit Board (PCB) para cada estrutura. Assim, com estes processos, concluiu-se que as nossas medições experimentais permitem validar as ferramentas desenvolvidas, assim como todo o estudo e teoria desenvolvida.Mestrado em Engenharia Eletrónica e Telecomunicaçõe

Modeling and simulation of magnetic components in electric circuits

This thesis demonstrates how by using a variety of model constructions and parameter extraction techniques, a range of magnetic component models can be developed for a wide range of application areas, with different levels of accuracy appropriate for the simulation required. Novel parameter extraction and model optimization methods are developed, including the innovative use of Genetic Algorithms and Metrics, to ensure the accuracy of the material models used. Multiple domain modeling, including the magnetic, thermal and magnetic aspects are applied in integrated simulations to ensure correct and complete dynamic behaviour under a range of environmental conditions. Improvements to the original Jiles-Atherton theory to more accurately model loop closure and dynamic thermal behaviour are proposed, developed and tested against measured results. Magnetic Component modeling techniques are reviewed and applied in practical examples to evaluate the effectiveness of lumped models, 1D and 2D Finite Element Analysis models and coupling Finite Element Analysis with Circuit Simulation. An original approach, linking SPICE with a Finite Element Analysis solver is presented and evaluated. Practical test cases illustrate the effectiveness of the models used in a variety of contexts. A Passive Fault Current Limiter (FCL) was investigated using a saturable inductor with a magnet offset, and the comparison between measured and simulated results allows accurate prediction of the behaviour of the device. A series of broadband hybrid transformers for ADSL were built, tested, modeled and simulated. Results show clearly how the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Inter Modulation Distortion (IMD) and Insertion Loss (IL) can be accurately predicted using simulation.A new implementation of ADSL transformers using a planar magnetic structure is presented, with results presented that compare favourably with current wire wound techniques. The inclusion of transformer models in complete ADSL hybrid simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the models in the context of a complete electrical system in predicting the overall circuit performance

Reduced-order modeling of power electronics components and systems

This dissertation addresses the seemingly inevitable compromise between modeling fidelity and simulation speed in power electronics. Higher-order effects are considered at the component and system levels. Order-reduction techniques are applied to provide insight into accurate, computationally efficient component-level (via reduced-order physics-based model) and system-level simulations (via multiresolution simulation). Proposed high-order models, verified with hardware measurements, are, in turn, used to verify the accuracy of final reduced-order models for both small- and large-signal excitations. At the component level, dynamic high-fidelity magnetic equivalent circuits are introduced for laminated and solid magnetic cores. Automated linear and nonlinear order-reduction techniques are introduced for linear magnetic systems, saturated systems, systems with relative motion, and multiple-winding systems, to extract the desired essential system dynamics. Finite-element models of magnetic components incorporating relative motion are set forth and then reduced. At the system level, a framework for multiresolution simulation of switching converters is developed. Multiresolution simulation provides an alternative method to analyze power converters by providing an appropriate amount of detail based on the time scale and phenomenon being considered. A detailed full-order converter model is built based upon high-order component models and accurate switching transitions. Efficient order-reduction techniques are used to extract several lower-order models for the desired resolution of the simulation. This simulation framework is extended to higher-order converters, converters with nonlinear elements, and closed-loop systems. The resulting rapid-to-integrate component models and flexible simulation frameworks could form the computational core of future virtual prototyping design and analysis environments for energy processing units

High Speed flywheel and test rig design for rural energy storage

There is considerable growth in the renewable energy sector to contribute to sustainable development, environmental conservation and most importantly to provide affordable energy to isolated rural communities of sub-Saharan Africa. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind require energy storage since the source of energy is intermittent. Electrochemical batteries especially from lead acid are commonly used to store energy in Solar Home Systems (SHS) for rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. Disadvantages such as low efficiencies, low life cycle costs, high maintenance, comparatively short life and serious environmental and human toxicity effects exist. Since recycling is not widespread, replacement costs are high, as are the resultant environmental damage and health hazards from lead and sulphuric acid. In this thesis, an electromechanical flywheel energy storage device is proposed as an alternative to a lead acid battery in order to increase efficiency, life expectancy, increased high depth of discharge, low life cycle cost and elimination of adverse environmental effects. Due to income and service skill constraints in rural areas, the proposed, high speed flywheel systems (for long time energy storage) will require the use of low cost configurations and topologies, special considerations on the flywheel rotor profile design, robust electrical machines, simple power electronics and a low cost bearing set. Low loss magnetic bearings are also possible but were limited by time while also making their maintenance complex especially in rural areas. Conventional high strength composite materials used in flywheel rotor manufacture for high speed operation are expensive. Therefore there is a need to develop techniques to profile the rotor shape so as to improve on material usage and exhibit lower mechanical stresses. A robust electrical machine topology for high speed operation and a simple drive system are investigated to ensure simple assembly, low cost and low maintenance. vii The various flywheel components were designed using analytical and numerical methods. Two techniques were used to develop two optimal profiles for the flywheel rotor structure. Partial differential equations and analytical solutions were employed to develop the profiles. Analytical equations were used to design the electrical machine, drive, bearing system and other accessories. The final electromechanical battery prototype consisted of a composite flywheel rotor made from E-glass fibre materials, double rotor Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) machine and a drive system using Brushless DC (BLDC) mode of operation. The system was designed for 300Wh of energy storage for the delivery of 100W and 500W of power and an operating speed range of 8,000 rpm-25,000 rpm. The design and development of the flywheel energy storage system and test rig using locally available materials was investigated. Experiments were conducted for speeds up to 6,000 rpm. The electromechanical battery was able to store a maximum of 77Wh of energy. The shortfall of the system to meet its design specifications was investigated and found to have been caused by vibrations resulting from prototyping issues. A thermal model was developed to predict the temperature rise in the system which showed a good correlation with the experimental results

A Novel Variable Geometry based Planar Inductor Design for Wireless Charging Application

In this thesis, the performance, modelling and application of a planar electromagnetic coil are discussed. Due to the small size profiles and their non‐contact nature, planar coils are widely used due to their simple and basic design. The uncertain parameters have been identified and simulated using ANSYS that has been run utilising a newly developed MATLAB code. This code has made it possible to run thousands of trials without the need to manually input the various parameters for each run. This has facilitated the process of obtaining all the probable solutions within the defined range of properties. The optimum and robust design properties were then determined. The thesis discusses the experimentation and the finite element modelling (FEM) performed for developing the design of planar coils and used in wireless chargers. In addition, the thesis investigates the performance of various topologies of planar coils when they are used in wireless chargers. The ANSYS Maxwell FEM package has been used to analyse the models while varying the topologies of the coils. For this purpose, different models in FEM were constructed and then tested with topologies such as circular, square and hexagon coil configurations. The described methodology is considered as an effective way for obtaining maximum Power transfer efficiency (PTE) with a certain distance on planar coils with better performance. The explored designs studies are, namely: (1) Optimization of Planar Coil Using Multi-core, (2) planar coil with an Orthogonal Flux Guide, (3) Using the Variable Geometry in a Planar coil for an Optimised Performance by using the robust design method, (4) Design and Integration of Planar coil on wireless charger. In the first design study, the aim is to present the behaviour of a newly developed planar coil, built from a Mu-metal, via simulation. The structure consists of an excitation coil, sensing coils and three ferromagnetic cores 2 located on the top, middle and bottom sections of the coil in order to concentrate the field using the iterative optimisation technique. Magnetic materials have characteristics which allows them to influence the magnetic field in its environment. The second design study presents the optimal geometry and material selection for the planar with an Orthogonal Flux Guide. The study demonstrates the optimising of the materials and geometry of the coil that provides savings in terms of material usage as well as the employed electric current to produce an equivalent magnetic field. The third design study presents the variable geometry in a planar inductor to obtain the optimised performance. The study has provided the optimum and robust design parameters in terms of different topologies such as circular, square and hexagon coil configurations and then tested, Once the best topology is chosen based on performance. The originality of the work is evident through the randomisation of the parameters using the developed MATLAB code and the optimisation of the joint performance under defined conditions. Finally, the fourth design study presents the development of the planar coil applications. Three shapes of coils are designed and experimented to calculate the inductance and the maximum power transfer efficiency (PTW) over various spacing distances and frequency

Wireless Power System Design for Maximum Efficiency

With the potential of cutting the last cord, wireless power transfer (WPT) using magnetic resonant coupling is gaining increasing popularity. Evolved from the inductive WPT techniques used in commercial products today, resonant WPT can transfer power over a longer distance with higher spatial freedom. Experimental prototypes have shown power transfer across a 2 m air gap [1], proving the viability of resonant WPT. Industrial consortia such as the AirFuel Alliance have standard specifications that enable wide application in consumer electronics.Despite the promises of high efficiency and long transfer distance, resonant WPT has significant challenges to overcome before the broad adoption will occur. One of the critical challenges is the how to design the complicated system. A WPT system consists of multiple parts: the transmitter coil and the compensation capacitor, the receiver coil and the compensation capacitor, and the power stages which consists of the inverter in the transmitter side and rectifier in the receiver side. This thesis investigates the WPT system design for maximum efficiency. It explores modeling and design of individual stages as well as the entire system design method. From the careful literature review, it is found that current design method of coils is insufficient for consumer electronics applications due to the strict sensitivity of size. The current power stage design method is insufficient or inaccurate for WPT applications where wide loading situations need to be considered. The system-level design method is based on assumptions that are not generally true due to the neglect of ZVS requirement and diode rectifier reactance. Instead, previously established techniques in coil design are applied to invent a new coil structure for reduced ESR while achieving a compact size. Previous ZVS inverter and diode rectifier topology are combined with waveform and circuit analysis to develop new accurate modeling and design method for a wide load range. From the resulting coil and converter models, an entire WPT system model and design methodology are proposed which highlights the design parameters selection and the design sequence. These techniques together contribute to a WPT system in terms of both high efficiency and compact size