System and circuitry to provide stable transconductance for biasing

An amplifier system can include an input amplifier configured to receive an analog input signal and provide an amplified signal corresponding to the analog input signal. A tracking loop is configured to employ delta modulation for tracking the amplified signal, the tracking loop providing a corresponding output signal. A biasing circuit is configured to adjust a bias current to maintain stable transconductance over temperature variations, the biasing circuit providing at least one bias signal for biasing at least one of the input amplifier and the tracking loop, whereby the circuitry receiving the at least one bias signal exhibits stable performance over the temperature variations. In another embodiment the biasing circuit can be utilized in other applications

Wireless sensor platform for harsh environments

Reliable and efficient sensing becomes increasingly difficult in harsher environments. A sensing module for high-temperature conditions utilizes a digital, rather than analog, implementation on a wireless platform to achieve good quality data transmission. The module comprises a sensor, integrated circuit, and antenna. The integrated circuit includes an amplifier, A/D converter, decimation filter, and digital transmitter. To operate, an analog signal is received by the sensor, amplified by the amplifier, converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter, filtered by the decimation filter to address the quantization error, and output in digital format by the digital transmitter and antenna

A Miniature Hybrid Robot Propelled by Legs

This paper describes the development of an autonomous hybrid micro-robot that uses legs for propulsion and support of the rear half of the body and uses a pair of wheels for support of the front half. McKibben artificial muscles actuate the legs and the compressed air that activates the actuators is generated by an on-board power plant made up of a pair of lithium batteries powering a gear motor driven air compressor. The control is also onboard in the form of a PIC that controls the actuators through four three-way valves that each consists of a pair of MEMS devices. 1