Array Architecture Research Articles

Efficient Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Array architecture for machine learning applications in space using DARE65T library platform

Efficient Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Array architecture for machine learning applications in space using DARE65T library platform

Maintaining Telomeres without Telomerase in Drosophila: Novel Mechanisms and Rapid Evolution to Save a Genus.

Telomere maintenance is crucial for preventing the linear eukaryotic chromosome ends from being mistaken for DNA double-strand breaks, thereby avoiding chromosome fusions and the loss of genetic material. Unlike most eukaryotes that use telomerase for telomere maintenance, Drosophila relies on retrotransposable elements-specifically HeT-A, TAHRE, and TART (collectively referred to as HTT)-which are regulated and precisely targeted to chromosome ends. Drosophila telomere protection is mediated by a set of fast-evolving proteins, termed terminin, which bind to chromosome termini without sequence specificity, balancing DNA damage response factors to avoid erroneous repair mechanisms. This unique telomere capping mechanism highlights an alternative evolutionary strategy to compensate for telomerase loss. The modulation of recombination and transcription at Drosophila telomeres offers insights into the diverse mechanisms of telomere maintenance. Recent studies at the population level have begun to reveal the architecture of telomere arrays, the diversity among the HTT subfamilies, and their relative frequencies, aiming to understand whether and how these elements have evolved to reach an equilibrium with the host and to resolve genetic conflicts. Further studies may shed light on the complex relationships between telomere transcription, recombination, and maintenance, underscoring the adaptive plasticity of telomeric complexes across eukaryotes.

Simultaneous Multibeam Clustered Phased Arrays Analysis Using Mixed and Multiple Antenna Element Factors.

A novel design strategy for improving the radiative performance of simultaneous multibeam (SMB) phased arrays is addressed. The proposed scheme relies on the adoption of mixed and multiple antenna element factors with a dynamic selection of their radiation patterns whose choice depends on the desired SMB pointing directions. In addition, a Penrose-inspired clustering technique is also employed for reducing the array feed points. Compared with traditional phased arrays based on a single antenna element factor, the novel array architecture allows the scan angle range to be widened by improving the minimum array gain as well as reducing the peak side lobe level (PSLL). The superior radiative performance of the proposed approach with respect to the clustered phased arrays with a single-mode element factor is assessed in SMB scenarios comprising two and three main lobe peaks. The notable SMB radiative improvement has been also confirmed from a statistical point of view by considering up to four and five concurrent main lobes. The remarkable radiative improvements confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution, which also represents an appealing candidate for its exploitation in multiuser and multibeam communications.

Comparative architecture of the tessellated boxfish (Ostracioidea) carapace

Tessellations (surface architectures of arrays of hard tiles) are common in natural and man-made designs. Boxfishes (Ostracioidea) are almost completely encased in a tessellated armor and have evolved a plethora of cross-sectional carapace shapes, yet whether the scutes constructing these exhibit comparable variation is unknown. Using high-resolution microCT and semi-automatic segmentation algorithms, we quantitatively examined thousands of scutes from 13 species of diverse body form. A cluster analysis revealed that certain scute types are associated with specific carapace regions independent of carapace shape. Scute types differentiate between carapace edges and flat regions, as well as between the head region with many carapace openings and the more consistently closed abdominal region, pointing at a constructional commonality or constraint shared by all boxfish species. However, the dimensions of edge scutes varied systematically with carapace shape (e.g., scute aspect ratio tended to increase with decreasing carapace height). This suggests that protection is maintained across body forms by managing scute- and carapace-level mechanisms for increasing bending resistance. Future studies on other taxa are necessary to understand whether these architectural principles are specific evolutionary solutions for building a boxfish carapace or whether they are shared by other biological systems that serve a similar protective function.

Resistivity Engineering of Atomic Layer Deposited Tungsten Carbonitride Thin Films Via Carbon Concentration Control for Cross-Point Memory Electrodes Applications

As the demand for data storage and processing continues to rise exponentially, the development of phase change memory (PCM) has gained significant attention. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) vertical cross-point (VXP) array architecture is one of the most promising solutions for PCM fabrication, offering increased integration density and cost-effectiveness compared to the conventional planar memory structures, realized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) due to its excellent controllability and conformality.1) However, the implementation of a 3D VXP structure necessitates selectors, such as an ovonic threshold switch (OTS), to suppress sneak current from unselected cells. The switching behavior of the OTS selector depends heavily on electrode materials, constituting an essential part of the OTS device.2) Thus, detailed engineering of electrode material is required to obtain desirable properties for 3D VXP. Electrodes for 3D VXP require moderate resistivity because of the trade-off between thermal efficiency and power consumption. Moreover, the resistivity of film can be shifted by carbon incorporation. In this regard, we controlled the resistivity of the electrode with varying carbon concentration of the film utilizing ALD technique. In this study, we focus on the development of thermal ALD tungsten carbonitride electrodes for 3D VXP arrays. Tungsten nitride is mainly used as an electrode due to its high thermal stability and conductivity. We present a novel ALD process with intentional carbon control of tungsten nitride to change film properties, including resistivity, by adjusting process parameters. Through systematic control of ALD process parameters, we investigated the impact of carbon concentrations on film characteristics and subsequently analyzed how these variations influence the electrical properties of OTS devices. This research opens the possibility of tuning electrode characteristics in detail, ultimately enhancing the overall electrical performance of the next-generation cross-point memory devices.

Timed array architectures and integrated true-time delay elements for wideband millimeter-wave antenna arrays

Timed array architectures and integrated true-time delay elements for wideband millimeter-wave antenna arrays

Self-Rectifying Memristor-Based Reservoir Computing for Real-Time Intrusion Detection in Cybersecurity.

The increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats, driven by the proliferation of big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), necessitates the development of advanced real-time intrusion detection systems (IDSs). In this study, we present a novel approach that integrates NiO-doped WO3-x/ZnO bilayer self-rectifying memristors (SRMs) within a reservoir computing (RC) framework for IDS applications. The proposed crossbar array architecture exploits the exceptional dynamic properties of SRMs, achieving a classification accuracy of 93.07% on the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 data set, while demonstrating ultrahigh information-processing efficiency. Our approach not only leverages the tunable characteristics of memristors but also addresses the challenge of sneak path currents in large-scale integration, offering a robust and scalable solution for next-generation IDS. This work exemplifies the power of emerging electronics in enhancing cybersecurity through innovative hardware implementations.

Multimodal 2D Ferroelectric Transistor with Integrated Perception-and-Computing-in-Memory Functions for Reservoir Computing.

Emerging neuromorphic hardware promises energy-efficient computing by colocating multiple essential functions at the individual component level. The implementation is challenging due to mismatch between the characteristics of multifunctional devices and neural networks. Here, we demonstrate an artificial synapse based on a 2D α-phase indium selenide that exhibits integrated perception-and-computing-in-memory functions in a single-transistor setup, serving as a basic building block for reservoir computing. Extending to the array architecture enables concurrent image-sensing and memory. Further, we implement multimode deep-reservoir computing with adjustable nonlinear transformation and multisensory fusion using this core device. In the lane-keeping-assistance task for an unmanned vehicle, the system demonstrates ∼104 times lower energy consumption and significantly boosted data throughput compared to the state-of-the-art graphics processors. The demonstrated perception-and-computing-in-memory (PCIM) functions at a single-transistor level shows the feasibility of implementing ultrascalable, resource-efficient hardware for brain-inspired computing.

Analysis of FPGA Architecture with Hybrid Logic Blocks Based on ULG and LUT

This paper analyzes the efficiency of different FPGA architectures consisting of Hybrid logic blocks (HLB) formed with Look-up Tables (LUTs) and Universal Logic Gates (ULGs). Pure LUT-based architectures induce area overhead and a longer delay. A ULG is designed to realize an efficient architecture compared to pure LUT-based architectures. Using this ULG and LUT in different proportions, HLBs are designed. The Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architectures containing these proposed HLB structures are analyzed using various Microelectronics Centre of North Carolina (MCNC) benchmark circuits and compared with the performance of the existing designs. The result shows that the proposed architecture design can save a tremendous amount of time in overall flow and routing along with area improvements.

Photocurrent enhancement in dye-sensitized solar cells by polyimide covalent organic frameworks decorated with silver nanoparticles

Covalent organic framework (COF), featuring in highly ordered conjugated hexagonal array architecture, gains much attention due to their application potential in emerging energy and optoelectronic technologies. Polyimide-based COF (PI-COF) has alkaline-hydrolyzable imide units that can serve as adsorption sites for the anchorage of metallic nanoparticles, particularly eye-catching for multifunctionality. In this study, Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) sizing 5 to 20 nm are evenly attached on the surface of spherical PI-COFs through alkaline hydrolysis, ion exchange, and reduction reactions. The Ag-decorated COF (COF@Ag) are doped into the titania photoelectrode of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to explore its multifunctionality for the photovoltaic performance. The DSSC with the doping of COF@Ag exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 8.03 % under simulated one sun illumination, outperforming that without the doping of COF@Ag (6.86 %) by an enhancement in the photocurrent from 15.14 mA cm−2 to 17.31 mA cm−2. Comprehensive analyses including dye loading, electrochemical impedance, electron kinetics, and light absorption confirms the multifunctionality of COF@Ag. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs enhances the photocurrent, and host–guest interaction of COFs facilitates the charge injection and suppresses the charge recombination.

High efficiency and circular polarization in SATCOM phased arrays using tri-ridge apertures

A new antenna array architecture is proposed here to overcome a current bottleneck in phased arrays concerning the enhancement of radiation efficiency and avoidance of scan blindness. In contrast to the conventional approach of using patches with circular or square geometries that exploit 90∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} or 180∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} rotational symmetry, this work proposes to use waveguide radiating elements based on 120∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} symmetry. To implement such symmetry, the tri-ridge aperture is proposed, and its capability to scan widely within a broad frequency bandwidth is demonstrated. A modal analysis is performed to explain the physical phenomena underlying such superior performance. A successful experimental validation is provided by means of a monolithic prototype built in metal additive manufacturing. The measured results show, for the first time, that it is possible to achieve high radiation efficiency and circular polarization when scanning widely in a broad bandwidth. Such an accomplishment constitutes a major achievement in the field of active electronically steered phased arrays, and impacts significantly the capabilities and potential of modern radar and communication systems.

Enhancing Reversibility and Stability of Mg Metal Anodes: High-Exposure (002) Facets and Nanosheet Arrays for Superior Mg Plating/Stripping.

Magnesium metal batteries (MMBs), recognized as promising contenders for post-lithium battery technologies, face challenges such as uneven magnesium (Mg) plating and stripping behaviors, leading to uncontrollable dendrite growth and irreversible structural damage. Herein, we have developed a Mg foil featuring prominently exposed (002) facets and an architecture of nanosheet arrays (termed (002)-Mg), created through a one-step acid etching method. Specifically, the prominent exposure of Mg (002) facets, known for their inherently low surface and adsorption energies with Mg atoms, not only facilitates smooth nucleation and dense deposition but also significantly mitigates side reactions on the Mg anode. Moreover, the nanosheet arrays on the surface evenly distribute the electric field and Mg ion flux, enhancing Mg ion transfer kinetics. As a result, the fabricated (002)-Mg electrodes exhibit unprecedented long-cycle performance, lasting over 6000 h (>8 months) at a current density of 3 mA cm-2 for a capacity of 3 mAh cm-2. Furthermore, the corresponding pouch cells equipped with various electrolytes and cathodes demonstrate remarkable capacity and cycling stability, highlighting the superior electrochemical compatibility of the (002)-Mg electrode. This study provides new insights into the advancement of durable MMBs by modifying the crystal structure and morphology of Mg.

Enhancing Reversibility and Stability of Mg Metal Anodes: High‐Exposure (002) Facets and Nanosheet Arrays for Superior Mg Plating/Stripping

AbstractMagnesium metal batteries (MMBs), recognized as promising contenders for post‐lithium battery technologies, face challenges such as uneven magnesium (Mg) plating and stripping behaviors, leading to uncontrollable dendrite growth and irreversible structural damage. Herein, we have developed a Mg foil featuring prominently exposed (002) facets and an architecture of nanosheet arrays (termed (002)‐Mg), created through a one‐step acid etching method. Specifically, the prominent exposure of Mg (002) facets, known for their inherently low surface and adsorption energies with Mg atoms, not only facilitates smooth nucleation and dense deposition but also significantly mitigates side reactions on the Mg anode. Moreover, the nanosheet arrays on the surface evenly distribute the electric field and Mg ion flux, enhancing Mg ion transfer kinetics. As a result, the fabricated (002)‐Mg electrodes exhibit unprecedented long‐cycle performance, lasting over 6000 h (>8 months) at a current density of 3 mA cm−2 for a capacity of 3 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the corresponding pouch cells equipped with various electrolytes and cathodes demonstrate remarkable capacity and cycling stability, highlighting the superior electrochemical compatibility of the (002)‐Mg electrode. This study provides new insights into the advancement of durable MMBs by modifying the crystal structure and morphology of Mg.

(Invited) Novel Anodic Oxide Nanotube Array Architectures for Solar Photoelectrochemical Fuel Generation

Electrochemical anodization has progressed from its level as a low-cost commercial technique to fabricate corrosion and abrasion resistant compact oxide coatings to the status of an effective method for growing a variety of oxide nano-architectures, particularly nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanoporous films, and nanoflowers. Among these structures, self-organized vertically aligned nanotubes of oxide semiconductors have been demonstrated to possess interesting electrical, optical and mechanical properties. As in the case of most low dimensional materials, these structures also possess high surface area. Nevertheless, their unique properties applicable to solar energy conversion processes such as photoelectrochemical (PEC) fuel generation arise primarily from their vertical orientation, their ability to keep the charge carriers always in the vicinity of the surface and the pathways they offer for facile charge transport. They can form heterostructures with other low dimensional materials and function synergistically to enhance the efficiency of the PEC processes. Anodic nanotube arrays of only a few oxide semiconductors have been discovered so far; however, expanding the list further has been proven difficult. Recently, we have developed a few novel nanotubular semiconductors promising for PEC fuel generation. This presentation provides the details of their fabrication process and performance as photocatalysts for solar fuel generation.

Biomimetic Hydrodynamic Sensor with Whisker Array Architecture and Multidirectional Perception Ability.

The rapid development of ocean exploration and underwater robot technology has put forward new requirements for underwater sensing methods, which can be used for hydrodynamic characteristics perception, underwater target tracking, and even underwater cluster communication. Here, inspired by the specialized undulated surface structure of the seal whisker and its ability to suppress vortex-induced vibration, a multidirectional hydrodynamic sensor based on biomimetic whisker array structure and magnetic 3D self-decoupling theory is introduced. The magnetic-based sensing method enables wireless connectivity between the magnetic functional structures and electronics, simplifying device design and endowing complete watertightness. The 3D self-decoupling capability enables the sensor, like a seal or other organisms, to perceive arbitrary whisker motions caused by the action of water flow without complex calibration and additional sensing units. The whisker sensor is capable of detecting a variety of hydrodynamic information, including the velocity (RMSE<0.061ms-1) and direction of the steady flow field, the frequency (error<0.05Hz) of the dynamic vortex wake, and the orientation (error<7°) of the vortex wake source, demonstrating its extensive potential for underwater environmental perception and communication, especially in deep sea conditions.

Field-Programmable Gate Array Architecture for the Discrete Orthonormal Stockwell Transform (DOST) Hardware Implementation

Time–frequency analysis is critical in studying linear and non-linear signals that exhibit variations across both time and frequency domains. Such analysis not only facilitates the identification of transient events and extraction of key features but also aids in displaying signal properties and pattern recognition. Recently, the Discrete Orthonormal Stockwell Transform (DOST) has become increasingly utilized in many specialized signal processing tasks. Given its growing importance, this work proposes a reconfigurable field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture designed to efficiently implement the DOST algorithm on cost-effective FPGA chips. An accompanying MATLAB app enables the automatic configuration of the DOST method for varying sizes (64, 128, 256, 512, and 1024 points). For the implementation, a Cyclone V series FPGA device from Intel Altera, featuring the 5CSEMA5F31C6N chip, is used. To provide a complete hardware solution, the proposed DOST core has been integrated into a hybrid ARM-HPS (Advanced RISC Machine–Hard Processor System) control unit, which allows the control of different peripherals, such as communication protocols and VGA-based displays. Results show that less than 5% of the chip’s resources are occupied, indicating a low-cost architecture that can be easily integrated into other FPGA structures or hardware systems for diverse applications. Moreover, the accuracy of the proposed FPGA-based implementation is underscored by a root mean squared error of 6.0155 × 10−3 when compared with results from floating-point processors, highlighting its accuracy.

Eigenvector method for array pattern synthesis

AbstractA novel equation for array beam pattern synthesis is presented. The expected pattern total power is set to a fixed value, under this constraint, the difference between the main beam total power and the other part total power is maximized to achieve the array pattern synthesis. To solve the proposed pattern synthesis equation, which cannot be solved by any published traditional method, based on the Lagrange multiplier method, it is transformed into a new equation in which the array element excitation vector is the eigenvector of a matrix. Thus, the array element excitation vector can be obtained by matrix eigenvalue decomposition. Three array architectures using the method are taken as examples to show its advantages. Simulation results of the examples show that the method has better performance than other methods. The method is a noniterative approach, so it requires less computational volume to complete the pattern synthesis process. In addition, through eigenvalue decomposition, multiple eigenvectors can provide other different solutions of array elements current excitations, which can be applied in different areas.

Self‐Selective Crossbar Synapse Array with n‐ZnO/p‐NiOx/n‐ZnO Structure for Neuromorphic Computing

AbstractArtificial synapse devices are essential elements for highly energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing. They are implemented as crossbar array architecture, where highly selective synaptic weight updates for training and sneak leakage‐free inference operations are required. In this study, self‐selective bipolar artificial synapse device is proposed with n‐ZnO/p‐NiOx/n‐ZnO heterojunction, and its analog synapse operation with high selectivity is demonstrated in 32 × 32 crossbar array architecture without the aid of selector devices. The built‐in potential barrier at p‐NiOx/n‐ZnO junction and the Zener tunneling effect provided nonlinear current–voltage characteristics at both voltage polarities for self‐selecting function for synaptic potentiation and depression operations. Voltage‐driven redistribution of oxygen ions inside n–p–n oxide structure, evidenced by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, modulated the distribution of oxygen vacancies in the layers and consequent conductance in an analog manner for the synaptic weight update operation. It demonstrates that the proposed n–p–n oxide device is a promising artificial synapse device implementing self‐selectivity and analog synaptic weight update in a crossbar array architecture for neuromorphic computing.

Time-modulated planar frequency diverse array for multi-target detection

The frequency diverse array (FDA) is a very interesting technique in wireless communications. Many research papers are introduced in this field. A lot of them is concerned with linear point sources array. In this paper, a design of a time-modulated planar frequency diverse array architecture is proposed for tracking single or multi-target for the first time. The time-modulation array (TMA) and FDA are combined for detecting single and multi-target. The effectiveness of this combined scheme is demonstrated through simulation results that compared with a point source case to show its superior performance. Authors introduce planar FDA array instead of linear FDA array and realize the planar array using cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna array (CDRA). A planar array consists of 8 × 8 CDRA is used to enable the detection of single target/multi-target. The operating frequency of the antenna is set at 10 GHz, aligning with its applications in the FDA radar. The radiation characteristics of the CDRA antenna element are introduced. High maximum gain of 6 dBi is achieved with a remarkably high efficiency. A set of representative results is reported and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Three-dimensional pine-tree-like bimetallic sulfide with maximally exposed active sites by secondary structural restructuring for efficient electrocatalytic OER

Developing efficient, low-cost and bifunctional catalysts with predominant durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an extraordinary challenge in the preparation of green hydrogen energy by electrochemical water splitting. Three-dimensional (3D) transition metal compounds have become a research hotspot as OER electrocatalysts, which can replace noble metal oxides such as RuO2 and IrO2 to reduce application costs. Herein, we synthesized a novel three-dimensional pine-tree-like bimetallic sulfide arrays on nickel foam (FeCoS/NF) using various optimization strategies such as morphology optimization, in situ growth and introduction of heterogeneous structures. The as-synthesized FeCoS/NF electrocatalyst only requires relatively low overpotential of 156 mV to achieve a current density of 20 mA cm−2 for OER, with a Tafel slope of only 37 mV dec−1. It also has a small charge transfer resistance, an electrochemical surface area and good electrochemical stability in alkaline electrolytes. The excellent performance of FeCoS/NF can be attributed to the synergistic effect and amorphous phase of FeCoS as well as the well-defined pine-tree-like array architecture with a large surface area, abundant active sites, and sufficient gas and electrolyte diffusion channels.