RF IC performance optimization by synthesizing optimum inductors

Even with optimal system design and careful choice of topology for a particular RF application, large amounts of energy are often wasted due to low-quality passives, especially inductors. Inductors have traditionally been difficult to integrate due to their inherent low quality factors and modelling complexity. Furthermore, although many different inductor configurations are available for an RF designer to explore, support for integrated inductors in electronic design automation tools and process design kits has been very limited in the past. In this chapter, a recent advance in technology-aware integrated inductor design is presented, where drawbacks of the integrated inductor design are addressed by introducing an equation-based inductor synthesis algorithm. The intelligent computation technique aims to allow RF designers to optimize integrated inductors, given the inductor center frequency dictated by the device application, and geometry constraints. This does not only lay down a foundation for system-level RF circuit performance optimization, but, because inductors are often the largest parts of an RF system, it also allows for optimal usage of chip real estate

FRIDGE: exploring intuitive interaction styles for home information appliances

This paper describes FRIDGE, an experimental prototype of a simple home messaging appliance, which combines a graspable user interface and pen input. FRIDGE is designed to be used without explanation and to enable basic e-mail and announcement-board facilities between family members. We describe the concept, the rationale for its design, the interaction with the prototype system and early results from its evaluation

Interaction design for home information applliances

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a prototypical information appliance for displaying and exchanging paper and electronic notes and pictures at home. This study addresses two research problems: how to provide minimal and relevant functionality to home users and to investigate novel interaction styles that rely on a combination of computer-vision based technology with commercial pen input devices in order to support easy and learnable interaction. Evaluation of the prototype application suggests that participants were quickly able to use the application and that they liked the idea of combining paper and electronic media

Developing interaction styles to support informal communication at home

In this paper we describe FRlDGE, an experimental prototype of an informal home messaging appliance, that combines the use of paper and electronic media. It allows two-handed input, combining a graspable user interface and pen input. The paper describes the design rationale for the application and the findings of an early user test. The less experienced participants were less forgiving about some of the limitations of the technology than the participants with more computer experience. Overall, the findings show that participants were quickly able to use the application and that they liked the idea of combining paper and electronic media

Interaction design for home information applliances

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a prototypical information appliance for displaying and exchanging paper and electronic notes and pictures at home. This study addresses two research problems: how to provide minimal and relevant functionality to home users and to investigate novel interaction styles that rely on a combination of computer-vision based technology with commercial pen input devices in order to support easy and learnable interaction. Evaluation of the prototype application suggests that participants were quickly able to use the application and that they liked the idea of combining paper and electronic media

Integrated tunable magnetic RF inductor

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc