Performance Study of Split Ferrite Cores Designed for EMI Suppression on Cables

The ideal procedure to start designing an electronic device is to consider the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) from the beginning. Even so, EMC problems can appear afterward, especially when the designed system is interconnected with external devices. Thereby, electromagnetic interferences (EMIs) could be transmitted to our device from power cables that interconnect it with an external power source or are connected to another system to establish wired communication. The application of an EMI suppressor such as a sleeve core that encircles the cables is a widely used technique to attenuate EM disturbances. This contribution is focused on the characterization of a variation of this cable filtering solution based on openable core clamp or snap ferrites. This component is manufactured by two split parts pressed together by a snap-on mechanism which turns this into a quick, easy to install solution for reducing post-cable assembly EMI problems. The performance of three different materials, including two polycrystalline (MnZn and NiZn) materials and nanocrystalline (NC) solution, are analyzed in terms of effectiveness when the solid sleeve cores are split. The possibility of splitting an NC core implies an innovative technique due to the brittleness of this material. Thus, the results obtained from this research make it possible to evaluate this sample's effectiveness compared to the polycrystalline ones. This characterization is carried out by the introduction of different gaps between the different split-cores and analyzing their behavior in terms of relative permeability and impedance. The results obtained experimentally are corroborated with the results obtained by a finite element method (FEM) simulation model with the aim of determining the performance of each material when it is used as an openable core clamp

El aprendizaje a saltos mediante el uso de equipos de radio definida por software para la docencia en el grado en ingeniería electrónica de telecomunicación

La enseñanza de las comunicaciones conlleva situaciones de aprendizaje diferentes según el contexto en el que se desarrollen. El contexto actual conlleva el cambio de modelo del habitual totalmente presencial en la docencia a situaciones híbridas en línea y presenciales. Esta situación plantea retos como el desarrollar el aspecto práctico del aprendizaje de los contenidos de comunicaciones y en segundo lugar armonizar las limitaciones de presencialidad con aplicaciones prácticas de las mismas. Este proyecto de innovación docente pretende desarrollar metodologías de trabajo cercanos a los entornos profesionales en el ámbito de la Ingeniería mediante el uso de dispositivos específicos como son los basados en radio definidas por software. Estos dispositivos conjuntamente con una metodología de aprendizaje basada en proyectos (ABP) y una enseñanza que combine la docencia asíncrona y presencial, a saltos, permitirá crear un entorno muy favorable para la adquisición de competencias y habilidades profesionales de forma práctica. La puesta en marcha de sesiones híbridas para el desarrollo de proyectos de sistemas de telecomunicaciones con docencia asíncrona y trabajo en grupo se ha evaluado en este artículo. El grupo bajo estudio se ha evaluado mediante encuestas de tipo likert y ha mostrado una mejora en todos los aspectos evaluados superiores al 40% frente a la situación inicial sin estas innovaciones.UV-SFPIE PID20-1354055How to design communications systems and its foundations depends on various factors such as the accessibility to learning resources, the academic environment and the audience itself. This article reports how the introduction of learning methodologies based on project based learning (PBL), practical devices and asynchronous working has modified the perception of the students about their learning aptitudes. The combination of traditional and offline sessions, with the PBL methodology to perform practical communications systems demonstrations based on professional SDR devices by group of students is presented and analysed in this article. The quantified outcome of their academic involvement due to this innovation is evaluated. The indicators shows that the overall dimensions of student learning of communications systems were improved compared with previous sessions based on simulated, non-groupal and magistral lectures

A new data transfer scheme for the HL-LHC upgrade of the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has envisaged a series of upgrades towards a High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) delivering five times the LHC nominal instantaneous luminosity. In particular, the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter (TileCal) will replace completely on- and off-detector electronics using a new read-out architecture. The detector signals will be digitized by the on-detector electronics and transferred to the TileCal PreProcessors (TilePPr) located off-detector which provides interface with the ATLAS trigger and data acquisition systems. FELIX is the ATLAS common hardware platform designed to act as a data router. However, a software data handler Read-Out Driver (SWROD) element will perform detector specific data processing without data buffering including configuration, calibration, control, and monitoring. In this contribution we will present the TileCal read-out strategy for the HL-LHC, a detailed description of the PPr interface with the FELIX and the tests performed with the PPr and FELIX prototypes in the testbench and in the demonstrator installed in the ATLAS cavern

A new data transfer scheme for the HL-LHC upgrade of the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is undergoing a series of upgrades to-wards a High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) that will deliver five times the LHC nominal instantaneous luminosity. To prepare for data taking in high-luminosity conditions, the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter (TileCal) will replace completely on- and off-detector electronics using a new read-out architecture. The TileCal detector signals will be digitized by on-detector electronics and transferred to the TileCal PreProcessors (TilePPr), which comprise the main component of the off-detector electronics. In the TilePPr, the digitized data will be stored in pipeline buffers and be packed and read out to the Front-End LInk eXchange (FELIX) system upon the reception of a trigger decision. FELIX is a new detector readout component being developed as part of the ATLAS upgrade effort. FELIX is designed to act as a data router between the data acquisition detector control and TTC (Timing, Trigger and Control) systems and the new or updated trigger and detector front-end electronics. Whereas previous detector readout implementations relied on diverse custom hardware platforms, the idea behind FELIX is to unify all readout across one well supported and flexible platform

Characterization of Different Cable Ferrite Materials to Reduce the Electromagnetic Noise in the 2–150 kHz Frequency Range

The gap of standardization for conducted and field coupled electromagnetic interferences (EMI) in the 2–150 kHz frequency range can lead to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) problems. This is caused by power systems such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled rectifiers, photovoltaic inverters or charging battery units in electric vehicles. This is a very important frequency spectral due to interferences generated in a wide range of devices and, specifically, communication problems in the new technologies and devices incorporated to the traditional grid to convert it into a Smart Grid. Consequently, it is necessary to provide new solutions to attenuate this kind of interference, which involves finding new materials that are able to filter the electromagnetic noise. This contribution is focused on characterizing the performance of a novel material based on nanocrystalline and comparing it to most common material compositions such as MnZn and NiZn. This research is carried out from the point of view of the manufacturing process, magnetic properties and EMI suppression ability. This last item is carried out through two analysis procedures: a theoretical method by determining the attenuation ratio by measuring impedance parameter and proposing a new empirical technique based on measuring directly the insertion loss parameter. Therefore, the main aim of this characterization process is to determine the performance of nanocrystalline compared to traditional cable ferrite compositions to reduce the interferences in this controversial frequency range. From the results obtained, it is possible to deduce that nanocrystalline cable ferrite provides the best performance to filter the electromagnetic noise in the 2–150 kHz frequency range

Análisis del aprendizaje práctico mediante plataformas profesionales ópticas y de radio en base a proyectos en el grado en ingeniería electrónica de telecomunicaciones de la Universitat de València

[EN] Pedagogic tools that allow the emulation of tasks that students can carry out in their future jobs is often a motivating element. For this reason, it may be interesting to incorporate new teaching methods that are closer to the professional work of engineering. One of the most common professional opportunities for Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering degrees is related to communications, their design and management. The combination of almost-professional practical sessions, with a project-based methodology (PBL) and an implementation at different levels of the degree of GIET of the ETSE-UV has allowed us to analyse the impact on the motivation and dedication of the students regading the communication body of knowledge. The innovative proposal lies in the PBL itself, the flexibility in the student dedication, the formative and peer assessment and its development over 3 semesters with a compendium of social contexts that have radically changed the previous programme timeline. The results show that the introduction of these innovations improves the dedication and motivation of the 3 groups of students studied. And that the application of optical concepts is an object of motivational value as shown by the net increase in the dimensions of satisfaction, engagement and motivation for the last group compared to the first one. The overall improvement according to the questionnaire reasults is 15-20 % for all the dimensions analyzed.[ES] El uso de herramientas didácticas que permita emular tareas que el alumnado puede llevar a cabo en sus futuras profesiones, suele ser un elemento motivador. Por ello, puede resultar interesante incorporar nuevos métodos de enseñanza más cercanos a la labor profesional de la Ingeniería. Una de las salidas profesionales más habituales para las titulaciones de Ingeniería en Telecomunicaciones o Electrónica está relacionada las comunicaciones, su diseño y su gestión. La combinación de sesiones prácticas cercanas, con una metodología basada en proyectos (ABP) y una implementación en diferentes niveles del grado de GIET de la ETSE-UV ha permitido analizar el impacto en la motivación y la dedicación del alumnado. La propuesta innovadora radica en la propia ABP, la flexibilidad en la dedicación, la evaluación formativa y por pares y su desarrollo a lo largo de 3 cuatrimestres con contextos sociales que han cambiado radicalmente la docencia previa. Los resultados muestran que la introducción de estas innovaciones mejora la dedicación y motivación de los 3 grupos de alumnos estudiados. Y que la aplicación de conceptos ópticos es un objeto de valor motivador como se muestra en el aumento neto en las dimensiones de satisfacción, dedicación y motivación para el último grupo comparado con el primero. Se observan incrementos de las valoraciones de la innovación en todos las dimensiones evaluadas de 15-20 %.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el “Vicerectorat d’Ocupació i Programes Formatius” de la Universitat de València a través del proyecto UV-SFPIE PID-164185Perez, J.; Suarez, A.; Torres, J.; Garcia Pineda, M.; Soriano Asensi, A.; Garcia Olcina, R.; Felici Castell, S.... (2022). Análisis del aprendizaje práctico mediante plataformas profesionales ópticas y de radio en base a proyectos en el grado en ingeniería electrónica de telecomunicaciones de la Universitat de València. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 507-519. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2022.2022.1582450751

The TileCal PreProcessor Interface with the ATLAS Global Data Acquisition System at the HL-LHC

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has envisaged a series of upgrades towards a High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) delivering five times the LHC nominal instantaneous luminosity, that will take place throughout 2026-2028, corresponding to the Long Shutdown 3. During this upgrade, the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter (TileCal) will replace completely on- and off-detector electronics adopting a new read-out architecture. Signals captured from TileCal are digitized by the on-detector electronics and transmitted to the TileCal PreProcessor (TilePPr) located off-detector, which provides the interface with the ATLAS trigger and data acquisition systems. TilePPr receives, process and transmits the data from the on-detector and transmits it to the Front-End Link eXchange (FELIX) system. FELIX is the ATLAS common hardware in all the subdetectors designed to act as a data router, receiving and forwarding data to the SoftWare Read-Out Driver (SWROD) computers. FELIX also distributes the Timing, Trigger and Control (TTC) signals to the TilePPr to be propagated to the on-detector electronics. The SWROD is an ATLAS common software solution to perform detector specific data processing, including configuration, calibration, control and monitoring of the partition. In this contribution we will introduce the new read-out elements for TileCal at the HL-LHC, the interconnection between the off-detector electronics and the FELIX system, configuration and implementation for the test beam campaigns, as well as future developments of the preprocessing and monitoring status of the calorimeter modules through the SWROD infrastructure

The TileCal PreProcessor Interface with the ATLAS Global Data Acquisition System at the HL-LHC

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has envisaged a series of upgrades towards a High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) delivering five times the LHC nominal instantaneous luminosity, that will take place throughout 2026-2028, corresponding to the Long Shutdown 3. During this upgrade, the ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter (TileCal) will replace completely on- and off-detector electronics adopting a new read-out architecture. Signals captured from TileCal are digitized by the on-detector electronics and transmitted to the TileCal PreProcessor (TilePPr) located off-detector, which provides the interface with the ATLAS trigger and data acquisition systems. TilePPr receives, process and transmits the data from the on-detector and transmits it to the Front-End Link eXchange (FELIX) system. FELIX is the ATLAS common hardware in all the subdetectors designed to act as a data router, receiving and forwarding data to the SoftWare Read-Out Driver (SWROD) computers. FELIX also distributes the Timing, Trigger and Control (TTC) signals to the TilePPr to be propagated to the on-detector electronics. The SWROD is an ATLAS common software solution to perform detector specific data processing, including configuration, calibration, control and monitoring of the partition In this contribution we will introduce the new read-out elements for TileCal at the HL-LHC, the interconnection between the off-detector electronics and the FELIX system, configuration and implementation for the test beam campaigns, as well as future developments of the preprocessing and monitoring status of the calorimeter modules through the SWROD infrastructure

Transmission Attenuation Power Ratio Analysis of Flexible Electromagnetic Absorber Sheets Combined with a Metal Layer

Electromagnetic noise absorber sheets have become a solution for solving complex electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems due to their high magnetic losses. This contribution is focused on characterizing a novel structure that is based on an absorber film with a metal layer attached on its top side. Two different absorber compositions were combined with Al and Cu metal layers in order to study the improvement on the performance of these structures, depending on the complex permeability, absorber film thickness, and type of metal. The transmission attenuation power ratio of the absorber films is analyzed and compared to the performance of absorber and metal structures. The measurement procedure is carried out attaching the films into a microstrip line that has been designed based on IEC standard (IEC 62333-2). This test fixture is employed as a transmission line to simulate a general noise path. The performance of absorber composites to filter electromagnetic noise is evaluated through analyzing S21 and S11 parameters. This is carried out with the aim of finding out in which conditions the absorption loss is improved when a metal layer is attached. In addition, the possible re-radiation effect, due to the magnetic field that is generated by the eddy currents induced in the metal layer, is examined

A TTC to Data Acquisition interface for the ATLAS Tile Hadronic calorimeter at the LHC

TileCal is the central tile hadronic calorimeter of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It is a sampling calorimeter where scintillating tiles are embedded in steel absorber plates. The tiles are read-out using almost 10,000 photomultipliers which convert the light into an electrical signal. These signals are digitized and stored in pipelines memories in the front-end electronics. Upon the reception of a trigger signal, the PMT data is transferred to the Read-Out Drivers in the back-end electronics which process and transmits the processed data to the ATLAS Data AcQuisition (DAQ) system. The Timing, Trigger and Control (TTC) system is an optical network used to distribute the clock synchronized with the accelerator, the trigger signals and configuration commands to both the front-end and back-end electronics components. During physics operation, the TTC system is used to configure the electronics and to distribute trigger information used to synchronize the different parts of the readout chain. This information includes event identification, synchronization signals and configuration and calibration commands. The TDI (TTC to DAQ Interface) is a VME 6U module able to receive and decode the TTC information and transmit it to the DAQ system. The input stage is an optical receiver connected to a Xilinx Spartan 6 FPGA, called CentralFPGA. The CentralFPGA decodes the TTC commands and recovers the LHC clock using an ADN2814 chip from Analog devices. The data is stored in internal buffers implemented in the CentralFPGA and transmitted through the VME bus to the DAQ software application through regular GPIOs. In addition, the DAQ software can be also reached through an Ethernet port in the front panel. Finally, the TDI module is able to transmit signals to the trigger system to stop the generation of trigger signals in case the internal buffers are full. The system functionalities and communication protocols are all implemented in firmware in the CentralFPGA which allows future functionalities upgrades. The TDI is particularly important during calibration runs to decode and store the configuration used on every processed event. In this contribution we present the components and interfaces of the TDI module, the main functionalities and a detailed description of the board design and firmware developments