Asynchronism in a joint algorithm architecture perspective

Even if the design of asynchronous circuits reaches a certain level of maturity, they are still considered as a curiosity . However, some interesting industrial applications have been developed recently by Philips for pagers and by Sharp-Mitsubishi for set-top boxes . In this paper, the operating mode of asynchronous circuits is first presented, and compared with its synchronous counter-part . The properties and potentials of asynchronous circuits are then described as an introduction to the last part of the paper which aims at showing that the asynchronous operating mode associated with a description formalism based on communicating processes is a powerful tool to jointly design algorithms and architectures .Bien que leurs techniques de conception gagnent en maturité avec notamment l'apparition d'outils automatiques, et que le nombre des réalisations augmente, les circuits asynchrones constituent aujourd'hui encore une curiosité. Toutefois, Philips dans les pagers et Sharp-Mitsubishi dans les Set Top Box sont les premiers à intégrer des circuits asynchrones dans des équipements pré-industriels. Cet article présente dans un premier temps le principe de fonctionnement des circuits asynchrones en le situant par rapport à celui des systèmes synchrones. Les propriétés et potentiels généraux ainsi que les coûts d'implémentation inhérents à ce type de réalisation sont ensuite abordés. Ces deux premières parties introductives constituent les bases du dernier chapitre de l'article qui s'attache à montrer que la combinaison du mode de fonctionnement asynchrone et d'un formalisme de description basé sur les processus séquentiels communicants constitue un outil puissant pour l'étude et la conception conjointe des algorithmes et des architectures. Nous introduisons en particulier la notion de convergence algorithme-architecture qui traduit l'idée qu'algorithme et architecture peuvent être confondus en un seul modèle, décrit sous la forme d'un programme unique qui rend compte à la fois des propriétés fonctionnelles et structurelles de la spécification

In situ infrared absorption spectroscopy of dusty plasmas

In situ, time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study particulate formation in rf discharges in mixtures of silane, argon, and nitrogen. The spectra were taken at a maximum rate of 20 Hz. The discharge conditions were chosen such that previous calibrations of the time evolutions of particle size and density could be used. The measurements indicate that the onset of the solid-state vibrational absorptions of the SiH and SiH2 bands only takes place after the nucleation and coagulation phase have finished; it coincides with the previously predicted start of the deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon on the particles. The dissociation of the silane feed gas is found to be in the range of 30%, and its time development suggests that also the large-scale dissociation of silane only starts after the coagulation phase. This is in agreement with previously observed trends for the electron temperature. If silicon partilces are grown in the plasma, and the silane flow is stopped, the Si particles stay trapped in the glow. The infrared measurements, however, show that they almost completely oxidize: the SiH/SiH2 vibrations disappear and a strong SiO vibration appears. If nitrogen gas is allowed into the plasma, the SiO vibration is replaced by a SiN vibration. © 1996 American Vacuum Societ

In situ infrared absorption spectroscopy of dusty plasmas

International audienceIn situ, time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study particulate formation in rf discharges in mixtures of silane, argon, and nitrogen. The spectra were taken at a maximum rate of 20 Hz. The discharge conditions were chosen such that previous calibrations of the time evolutions of particle size and density could be used. The measurements indicate that the onset of the solid-state vibrational absorptions of the SiH and SiH 2 bands only takes place after the nucleation and coagulation phase have finished; it coincides with the previously predicted start of the deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon on the particles. The dissociation of the silane feed gas is found to be in the range of 30%, and its time development suggests that also the large-scale dissociation of silane only starts after the coagulation phase. This is in agreement with previously observed trends for the electron temperature. If silicon partilces are grown in the plasma, and the silane flow is stopped, the Si particles stay trapped in the glow. The infrared measurements, however, show that they almost completely oxidize: the SiH/SiH 2 vibrations disappear and a strong SiO vibration appears. If nitrogen gas is allowed into the plasma, the SiO vibration is replaced by a SiN vibration

Labeling of Multiple HIV-1 Proteins with the Biarsenical-Tetracysteine System

Due to its small size and versatility, the biarsenical-tetracysteine system is an attractive way to label viral proteins for live cell imaging. This study describes the genetic labeling of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) structural proteins (matrix, capsid and nucleocapsid), enzymes (protease, reverse transcriptase, RNAse H and integrase) and envelope glycoprotein 120 with a tetracysteine tag in the context of a full-length virus. We measure the impact of these modifications on the natural virus infection and, most importantly, present the first infectious HIV-1 construct containing a fluorescently-labeled nucleocapsid protein. Furthermore, due to the high background levels normally associated with the labeling of tetracysteine-tagged proteins we have also optimized a metabolic labeling system that produces infectious virus containing the natural envelope glycoproteins and specifically labeled tetracysteine-tagged proteins that can easily be detected after virus infection of T-lymphocytes. This approach can be adapted to other viral systems for the visualization of the interplay between virus and host cell during infection

Manufacturing and testing flexible microfluidic devices with optical and electrical detection mechanisms

Flexible microfluidic devices made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were manufactured by soft lithography, and tested in detection of ionic species using optical absorption spectroscopy and electrical measurements. PDMS was chosen due to its flexibility and ease of surface modification by exposure to plasma and UV treatment, its transparency in UV-Vis regions of the light spectrum, and biocompatibility. The dual-detection mechanism allows the user more freedom in choosing the detection tool, and a functional device was successfully tested. Optical lithography was employed for manufacturing templates, which were subsequently used for imprinting liquid PDMS by thermal curing. Gold electrodes having various widths and distances among them were patterned with optical lithography on the top part which sealed the microchannels, and the devices were employed for detection of ionic species in aqueous salt solutions as well as micro-electrolysis cells. Due to the transparency of PDMS in UV-Vis the microfluidics were also used as photoreactors, and the in-situ formed charged species were monitored by applying a voltage between electrodes. Upon addition of a colorimetric pH sensor, acid was detected with absorption spectroscopy. © 2010 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering