Leandro Tiago Manera

Optically Controlled Reconfigurable Antenna Array Based on E-Shaped Elements

This work presents the development of optically controlled reconfigurable antenna arrays. They are based on two patch elements with E-shaped slots, a printed probe, and a photoconductive switch made from an intrinsic silicon die. Numerical simulations and experiments have been shown to be in agreement, and both demonstrate that the frequency response of the antenna arrays can be efficiently reconfigured over two different frequency ISM bands, namely, 2.4 and 5 GHz. A measured gain of 12.5 dBi has been obtained through the use of two radiating elements printed in a low-cost substrate and a dihedral corner reflector.

Optically controlled E-antenna for cognitive and adaptive radio over fiber systems

This work describes the development of an optically controlled reconfigurable E-antenna for cognitive and adaptive radio communications systems at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz ISM bands. Numerical simulations and experiments demonstrate the antenna frequency response can be efficiently adapted in the optical domain over two different frequency bands.

Effective device electrical parameter extraction of nanoscale FinFETs: Challenges and results

The accurate evaluation of electrical parameters like effective channel length and series resistance for 10 to 22nm FinFETs is very complex, although extremely important for the correct device modelling. Our paper reviews and applies to measured FinFETs various DC methods for the extraction of effective channel length and source/drain resistance. Experimental devices with fin thickness from 10nm to 20nm were measured and the extraction methodologies explored show consistent values of RSD in the range of 500Ω to 300Ω respectively, for five parallel fins. All methods herein discussed and applied, however, have limitations in their application to FinFET devices. Our work discusses the challenges and possible options for the Leff extraction on advanced FinFET technologies.

Object identification using VSWR évaluation based on a narrowband microstrip antenna and a tuned amplifier

Nowadays, with the technological evolution, the use of wireless identification devices is growing up. RFIDs tags are being used to track a product through an assembly line, packaged goods, animals and even humans. The system proposed on this paper intends to identify whether a passive tag goes in or out of the reader area. The device is composed by a linear antenna, a tuned amplifier and a VSWR meter, fully integrated on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The tuned amplifier receives a 400MHz signal, filtering all frequencies out of desired range, amplifies the signal and delivers it to a narrowband antenna through a VSWR meter, obtaining the standing wave ratio, i. e., quantifying the matching between amplifier output, transmission line and antenna input impedance. When a 400MHz tag approaches, the VSWR meter identifies a mismatching variation. This paper spécifiés the devices design and testing procedures, presents the first results and proposes some technical improvements.

Retrofit of air conditioning systems through an Wireless Sensor and Actuator Network: An IoT-based application for smart buildings

This paper presents the usage of Internet of Things concept as a tool for retrofitting air conditioning systems. The proposed technology consists in an embedded system developed with an open-source hardware platform and connected through a wireless sensor and actuator mesh network. By learning commands from the air conditioners remote control, the system is capable of implementing automatic control of the air conditioner equipment. Through a central command unit, it is possible to configure timers to turn on and off all devices connected to the network. The system also adds intelligence to conventional equipment by making use of a motion sensor, avoiding electricity waste. An automatic temperature control is implemented through sensors that monitor external conditions. By making use of a mesh network based on DigiMesh protocol, each device acts like a router, increasing network range and making it easier to add or remove new devices. The proposed system was validated through case study.

Design of the Voltage-Controlled Ring Oscillator Using Optimization Tools (MunEDA® WiCkeD)

Integrated circuit design is a very complex and time-consuming task, despite several SPICE-like simulator tools being used to improve productivity and reduce the expended time, make use of auxiliary tools is a must when trying to improve circuit performance and yield, as to get a much more robust design. This paper presents the design flow using a worst-case distance analysis tool WiCkeD™, explaining its algorithms and showing the results of designing a Voltage-Controlled Ring Oscillator (VCRO) as a test case. Where the simulation proved that parameter variations with the SQP algorithm are more efficient and more reliable compared to other algorithms. With a considerable improvement in two essential items, consumption (4.602 mW) and phase noise (−111.8 dBc/Hz). The circuit was designed using 180 nm CMOS technology from UMC and with the DARE library from IMEC.

Programmable PLL-based frequency synthesizer: Modeling and design considerations

This work summarizes the set of building and operating features for a third-order Charge Pump Phase-Locked Loop CP-PLL-based Frequency Synthesizer for clock generation. For implementation purpose, a derived architectural solution for N integer frequency division is proposed considering the particular design requirements in the PLL programmability. Additionally, from the set of reference design equations, a derived set of models are proposed for Low Pass Filter LPF design, considering the voltage controlled oscillator VCO input capacitance effects. From the PLL settings at simulation environment, circuit level results indicate a settling time TS < 2 μs, considering the divide ratio N variation (8–16).

Design-based educational strategies for training in microelectronics: Features and results

This paper summarizes the features and obtained results around and educational environment for microelectronics training implemented under the context of the growing trends of the semiconductors sector. By applying a design-based educational strategy for training and design skills acquisition about digital and analog design flow, the called IC-Brazil Program (program for training in microelectronics design) provides an effective background for supplying the market needs. Representing the final goal of the training, the project proposal involves an RFID protocol-based integrated system with digital and analog modules for wireless applications. The design flow was performed at Cadence development platform by applying XFAB 0.18μm CMOS technology. The results obtained from design flow demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed education strategy for microelectronics education.

Software Graphical Interface as a part of a Spoofing System to Take Over Criminal Drones

Drones have been used by criminals to smuggle cell phones and drugs into prisons. They also may cause accidents in airports and other heavy flight traffic zones, so it is clear that is interesting to take control of drones in some specific situations. This work is part of a project intended to develop a system (hardware and software) to take control of the lawbreaking drones.

Ga+ focused ion beam lithography as a viable alternative for multiple fin field effect transistor prototyping

A novel method for fast and flexible fin field effect transistor (FinFET) prototyping using a Ga+ focused ion beam is presented. The fin width and height control is explored, aiming for the successful fabrication of prototypes. This method results in fins with negligible Ga incorporation, when compared to traditional focused ion beam milling techniques. Our method for multiple fin FinFET prototyping enables advanced device fabrication and great flexibility regarding both the number of fins and fin width. Working FinFET prototypes have been fabricated using the proposed fin definition method, and the electrical characterization is discussed.