Distributed Circuit Analysis and Design for Ultra-wideband Communication and sub-mm Wave Applications

This thesis explores research into new distributed circuit design techniques and topologies, developed to extend the bandwidth of amplifiers operating in the mm and sub-mm wave regimes, and in optical and visible light communication systems. Theoretical, mathematical modelling and simulation-based studies are presented, with detailed designs of new circuits based on distributed amplifier (DA) principles, and constructed using a double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) indium phosphide (InP) process with fT =fmax of 350/600 GHz. A single stage DA (SSDA) with bandwidth of 345 GHz and 8 dB gain, based on novel techniques developed in this work, shows 140% bandwidth improvement over the conventional DA design. Furthermore, the matrix-single stage DA (M-SSDA) is proposed for higher gain than both the conventional DA and matrix amplifier. A two-tier M-SSDA with 14 dB gain at 300 GHz bandwidth, and a three-tier M-SSDA with a gain of 20 dB at 324 GHz bandwidth, based on a cascode gain cell and optimized for bandwidth and gain flatness, are presented based on full foundry simulation tests. Analytical and simulation-based studies of the noise performance peculiarities of the SSDA and its multiplicative derivatives are also presented. The newly proposed circuits are fabricated as monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), with measurements showing 7.1 dB gain and 200 GHz bandwidth for the SSDA and 12 dB gain at 170 GHz bandwidth for the three-tier M-SSDA. Details of layout, fabrication and testing; and discussion of performance limiting factors and layout optimization considerations are presented. Drawing on the concept of artificial transmission line synthesis in distributed amplification, a new technique to achieve up to three-fold improvement in the modulation bandwidth of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for visible light communication (VLC) is introduced. The thesis also describes the design and application of analogue pre-emphasis to improve signal-to-noise ratio in bandwidth limited optical transceivers

Bandwidth Enhancement Technique for Bipolar Single Stage Distributed Amplifier Design

This work reports a novel approach to extending the bandwidth of single stage distributed amplifiers (SSDAs). The three-stepped technique involves scaling down the inductance on the input artificial transmission line (ATL); creating a high frequency resonance peak by the addition of shunt capacitance on the input ATL; and compensating for the resulting increased reflection with adapted negative resistance attenuation compensation techniques. Compared with the inductive-peaked cascode technique applied in the SSDA which currently has the highest reported bandwidth, simulation results, based on full foundry transistor models, predict up to 30% improvement in gain-bandwidth (GBW) performance for the same active device at the same bias. In addition, the reduction in the length of the input ATL effectively reduces transmission line losses, thereby improving the overall gain performance

Growth Performance And Survival Of Clarias Gariepinus Fingerlings Reared In Plastic Basins And Cages

Rast i preživljavanje mlađi Clarias gariepinus je ispitivana pod dva uslova sredine; u plastičnim bazenima i kavezima potopljenim u zemljane bazene. Mlađ je hranjena u količini od 5% telesne težine. Nakon 8 nedelja (56 dana) određivane su jednom nedeljno masa i dužina. Krajnja srednja masa za plastične bazene i kaveze bila je 11,41 g i 17,63 g. Srednja ukupna dužina je bila za kaveze 13,53 cm a za plastične bazene 10,89 cm. Preživljavanje je bilo veće u kavezima (82%) nego u plastičnim bazenima (24%). Rast ribe procenjivan je u dva uslova sredine, ustanovljena je značajna razlika (p < 0,005) u porastu srednje mase i srednje dužine. Prema prirastu riba, rezultati ispitivanja govore da mlađ gajena u kavezima pokazuje bolji prirast i preživljavanje za mlađ afričkog soma Clarias gariepinus

Derivation of the Equivalent Input Noise of Multiplicative Distributed Amplifiers for Wideband Optical Receiver Applications

In this paper, we derive new models that describe the noise voltage and equivalent input noise current spectral densities for multiplicative distributed amplifiers. Based on the derived models, design optimisation techniques to minimise the noise contribution of transimpedance amplifiers based on the multiplicative DA topologies are proposed

Tool wear monitoring in machining of stainless steel

monitoring systems for automated machines must be capable of operating on-line and interpret the working condition of machining process at a given point in time because it is an automated and unmanned system. But this has posed a challenge that lead to this research study. Generally, optimization of machining process can be categorized as minimization of tool wear, minimization of operating cost, maximization of process output and optimization of machine parameter. Tool wear is a complex phenomenon, capable of reducing surface quality, increases power consumption and increased reflection rate of machined parts. Tool wear has a direct effect on the quality of the surface finish for any given work-piece, dimensional precision and ultimately the cost of parts produced. Tool wear usually occur in combination with the principal wear mode which depends on cutting conditions, tool insert geometry, work piece and tool material. Therefore, there is a need to develop a continuous tool monitoring systems that would notify operator the state of tool to avoid tool failure or undesirable circumstances. Tool wear monitoring system for macro-milling has been studied using design and analysis of experiment (DOE) approach. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Box Behnken and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). These analysis tools were used to model the tool wear. Hence, further investigations were carried out on the data acquired using signal processing and Neural networks frame work to validate the model. The effects of cutting parameters are evaluated and the optimal cutting conditions are determined. The interaction of cutting parameters is established to illustrate the intrinsic relationship between cutting parameters, tool wear and material removal rate. It was observed that when working with stainless steel 316, a maximum tool wear value of 0.29mm was achieved through optimization at low values of feed about 0.06mm/rev, speed of 4050mm/min and depth of cut about 2mm

Single-Loop Opto-Electronic Oscillator at 10.4 GHz with a Cascaded Microstrip Bandpass Filter Configuration

The opto-electronic oscillator is a well-known microwave photonic device that produces high-frequency signals in the microwave range. One of the main advantages of the opto-electronic oscillator is that it produces high-frequency signals with low phase noise thanks to the resonator's properties. In most cases the opto-electronic oscillator faces the problem of generating side modes besides the oscillation signal due to non-ideal filtering. In this paper we propose a solution for the additional suppression of these undesired harmonics using a combination of two slightly detuned bandpass microstrip filters. We report an improvement for the side-mode suppression ratio about 8.3 dB with a single-loop 90-m-long opto-electronic oscillator at 10.4 GHz

InP DHBT Single-Stage and Multiplicative Distributed Amplifiers for Ultra-Wideband Amplification

This paper highlights the gain-bandwidth merit of the single stage distributed amplifier (SSDA) and its derivative multiplicative amplifier topologies (i.e. the cascaded SSDA (C-SSDA) and the matrix SSDA (M-SSDA)), for ultra-wideband amplification. Two new monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers are presented: an SSDA MMIC with 7.1dB average gain and 200GHz bandwidth; and the world's first M-SSDA, which has a 12dB average gain and 170GHz bandwidth. Both amplifiers are based on an Indium Phosphide DHBT process with 250nm emitter width. To the authors best knowledge, the SSDA has the widest bandwidth for any single stage amplifier reported to date. Furthermore, the three tier M-SSDA has the highest bandwidth and gain-bandwidth product for any matrix amplifier reported to date

Matrix single stage distributed amplifier design for ultra wideband application

This paper proposes a new amplifier topology, the matrix single stage distributed amplifier (M-SSDA). The amplifier employs only multiplicative gain, hence, potentially offering a higher gain-per-device than both the conventional DA and matrix amplifier. Functionally similar to the cascaded single stage distributed amplifier (C-SSDA), the M-SSDA has advantages in smaller circuit footprint, a potential for lower transmission line losses and better noise performance. A 2-tiered common-emitter (CE) M-SSDA based on a full foundry double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) model is presented, demonstrating the viability of the proposed design. The S-parameter performance of the proposed circuit is compared with that of a C-SSDA with two gain cells to show the similarity in their gain and bandwidth performance. To further demonstrate the utility of the proposed design concept, a practical 3×1 M-SSDA circuit is presented. In this circuit, improvement in bandwidth performance is achieved by scaling down the inductance on the input and intermediate transmission lines and introducing a high frequency peak on these lines through shunt capacitance. A cascode configuration with negative resistance attenuation compensation is applied in the gain cells to achieve a flat gain profile. Simulations predict a gain of 20dB at 324GHz bandwidth; more than threefold bandwidth improvement compared to the basic CE M-SSDA design

Ultra-high precision machining of rapidly solidified aluminium (RSA) alloys for optics

The advancement of ultra-precision is one of the most adaptable machining processes in the manufacturing of very complex and high-quality surface structures for optics, industrial, medical, aerospace and communication applications. Studies have shown that single-point diamond turning has an outstanding ability to machine high-quality optical components at a nanometric scale. However, in a responsive cutting process, the nanometric machinability of these optical components can easily be affected by several factors. The call for increasing needs of optical systems has recently led to the development of newly modified aluminium grades of non-ferrous alloys characterized by finer microstructures, defined mechanical and physical properties. To date, there has been a lack of sufficient research into these new aluminium alloys. In modern ultra-precision machining, the high demands for smart and inexpensive cutting tools are becoming more relevant in recent precision machines. In monitoring and predicting high-quality surface, cutting forces in single point diamond turning are believed to be as critical as other machining processes due to their potential effects on the quality of surface roughness. Undermining such an important factor is a compromise between the machining process's efficiency and the increased cost of production. Therefore, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the Nano-cutting mechanics is critical, particularly on modelling and analysis of cutting force, surface roughness, chip vii formation, acoustic emission, material removal rates, and molecular dynamic simulation of the rapidly solidified aluminium alloys to bridge the gap between fundamentals and industrial-scale application. The study is divided into three essential sections. First, the development of a force sensor. Secondly, investigation of the effect of cutting parameters (i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth) on cutting force, acoustic emission (AE), material removal rate (MRR), chip formation, Nose radius, and surface roughness (Ra), which play a leading role in the determination of machine productivity and efficiency of single-point diamond turning of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Thirdly, a 3-D molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of RSA 6061 is also carried out to further understand the nanometric mechanism and characterization of the alloy. The experiment was mainly conducted using Precitech Nanoform ultra-grind 250 lathe machines on three different advanced optical aluminium alloys materials; these are RSA 443, RSA 905, and RSA 6061.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Engineering, 202

Ultra-high precision machining of rapidly solidified aluminium (RSA) alloys for optics

The advancement of ultra-precision is one of the most adaptable machining processes in the manufacturing of very complex and high-quality surface structures for optics, industrial, medical, aerospace and communication applications. Studies have shown that single-point diamond turning has an outstanding ability to machine high-quality optical components at a nanometric scale. However, in a responsive cutting process, the nanometric machinability of these optical components can easily be affected by several factors. The call for increasing needs of optical systems has recently led to the development of newly modified aluminium grades of non-ferrous alloys characterized by finer microstructures, defined mechanical and physical properties. To date, there has been a lack of sufficient research into these new aluminium alloys. In modern ultra-precision machining, the high demands for smart and inexpensive cutting tools are becoming more relevant in recent precision machines. In monitoring and predicting high-quality surface, cutting forces in single point diamond turning are believed to be as critical as other machining processes due to their potential effects on the quality of surface roughness. Undermining such an important factor is a compromise between the machining process's efficiency and the increased cost of production. Therefore, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the Nano-cutting mechanics is critical, particularly on modelling and analysis of cutting force, surface roughness, chip vii formation, acoustic emission, material removal rates, and molecular dynamic simulation of the rapidly solidified aluminium alloys to bridge the gap between fundamentals and industrial-scale application. The study is divided into three essential sections. First, the development of a force sensor. Secondly, investigation of the effect of cutting parameters (i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth) on cutting force, acoustic emission (AE), material removal rate (MRR), chip formation, Nose radius, and surface roughness (Ra), which play a leading role in the determination of machine productivity and efficiency of single-point diamond turning of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Thirdly, a 3-D molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of RSA 6061 is also carried out to further understand the nanometric mechanism and characterization of the alloy. The experiment was mainly conducted using Precitech Nanoform ultra-grind 250 lathe machines on three different advanced optical aluminium alloys materials; these are RSA 443, RSA 905, and RSA 6061.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Engineering, 202