Alexander Standaert

Polymer Microwave Fibers: A blend of RF, copper and optical communication

This paper discusses some of the recent advances and challenges that lie ahead for Polymer Microwave Fibers (PMF). PMF is a communication concept that combines mm-wave chips, metal couplers and cheap plastic fibers. It has some unique benefits over copper wireline and optical which can give it a preferred solution for low-cost, low-weight robust high-speed data-communication such as automotive and industrial Ethernet, consumer-oriented connectivity, signal distribution and more.

Analysis and experimental verification of the HE11 mode in hollow PTFE fibers

This paper studies the fundamental guided mode (HE11) in hollow core polymer fibers. The effect on the effective index of the inside radius, the outside radius and the frequency is studied. Two methods were used to verify this model. Firstly the effective wavelength is measured. The effective indices calculated from the measured effective wavelengths are compared with the model. Secondly the groupdelay is measured. This is then compared to the groupdelay derived from the model. Both approaches are in good agreement with the model.

Analysis of Hollow Circular Polymer Waveguides at Millimeter Wavelengths

Research in millimeter dielectric waveguides is experiencing a growing interest for data communication and sensor systems. This paper fully analyzes the properties of the HE11 mode in hollow fibers. It will provide a theoretical background that can then be used to choose an appropriate channel for a dielectric waveguide system. The focus of this paper will be primarily laid on linking properties like propagation constant, dispersion, and attenuation with the geometry and frequency. Secondly, as a small cladding is needed in practical millimeter-wave fibers, evaluating the power leaking out of the fiber by means of the evanescent field is addressed. Finally, all theories are extensively verified with measurements and both agree very well.

Permittivity Measurements in Millimeter Range of PTFE Foams

This letter presents the results of permittivity measurements on a series of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) foams with different porosities. The difference in porosity greatly influences the dielectric properties of these materials. The aim of this letter is to explore the relationship between the permittivity and porosity. Nondestructive permittivity measurements were done using a complementary split-ring resonator (at 35 GHz) and verified using a free-space transmission method (at 60 GHz). The permittivity correlates linearly with the foams porosity.

Design of 1Mbit RRAM memory to replace eFlash

A 1Mbit RRAM memory robust against variations in 45nm technology is presented. The focus lies on read reliability. To overcome variability a tuned reference signal is generated by connecting multiple reference cells in parallel. A bitline load has been designed to obtain maximum bitline voltage difference. Sense amplifier performance has been improved by allowing overlap between passgate-enable and latch-enable signals, this overlap gives rise to a nonlinear phenomenon, the RC-latch-effect. Write operation has not been included in the design and the results are based on circuit simulations.