Voltage Detection Research Articles

ORIGIN: Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Nucleobases for In Situ Space Exploration

Abstract The ORganics Information Gathering INstrument (ORIGIN) is a space-prototype laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer designed to analyze molecular biosignatures. Nucleobases, fundamental components of nucleic acids, have been found in carbonaceous meteorites and in returned samples from the asteroid Ryugu, which suggest their extraterrestrial origin and possibly their significance in prebiotic chemistry and the RNA world hypothesis. Therefore, future space missions should be equipped for the in situ detection of nucleobases at relevant concentrations. This study investigated six nucleobases—adenine, cytosine, 5-methylcytosine, guanine, thymine, and uracil—using the ORIGIN setup. All six are readily detected and identified, with the mass spectra showing parent ions and minimal fragmentation. Mixture analyses illustrate the instrument's quantitative potential. The detection limit for adenine was 52 fmol mm–2, and we show that sensitivity can be further improved by increasing detector voltage and sampling more positions. This study demonstrates ORIGIN’s capability to detect nucleobases at trace abundance levels. The detection of nucleobases and other molecular biosignatures on other planetary objects might offer new insights into the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of discovering life beyond our planet.

Detection of spin current generated by the acoustic spin–rotation coupling mechanism via acoustic voltage

The method of combining surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with electrical detection has promoted the study of phonon–spin coupling and spintronics. Aiming at problems of difficult detection of DC voltage and unknown origin of spin current caused by SAW in ferromagnetic/light metal systems, we constructed the Ni/Cu/Ta on LiNbO3 substrate and measured acoustic voltages directly, which are used to analyze the spin current induced by SAW. By analyzing the angular dependence of acoustic voltages and estimating the maximum spin current, it is determined that acoustic voltages originate from the acoustic spin–rotation (ASR) coupling and the acoustic spin pumping (ASP) effects. The angular dependence shows that for the longitudinal voltage, the contribution of ASR to ASP is in the ratio of 3.22/3.77, while the transverse voltage is mainly contributed by the ASR. The maximum spin current due to ASR is 0.97 × 105 A/m2, while that due to ASP is 1.47 × 105 A/m2. This work provides ideas for the design of phonon–spin coupled devices.

Fault diagnosis of cells in PEM electrolyzer stack under fluctuating power source

The scale of hydrogen production using renewable energy is expanding with the global energy transition accelerating. Safety in hydrogen production is gaining increased attention. Compared to stable power supplies, the voltage of the electrolyzer stack fluctuates dynamically with input power in the wind and photovoltaic systems. For this reason, a fault diagnosis method for electrolyzers under fluctuating power sources is proposed. Firstly, the faults of the sensor and electrolyzer are distinguished by interleaved voltage detection to avoid the misdiagnosis caused by the sensor failure. Secondly, an improved variable mode decomposition method is introduced to process the raw voltage signals to weaken the influence of inter-cell inconsistency on fault diagnosis. Furthermore, the fault characteristics are highlighted with a shortened fault identification time. Then, the fault characteristics are extracted by the degree of cell voltage fluctuation with the occurrence of faults is judged by the difference in the degree of fluctuation between neighboring electrolyzers. Finally, faults such as short circuits and water shortages in the electrolyzer are diagnosed using the correlation differences in cell voltage between different faults. The feasibility of this fault diagnosis method is validated through case studies and comparative analyses.

An Online Monitoring Method for Capacitor Condition of Cascaded H-Bridge STATCOM Based on Sensorless Capacitor Voltage Detection

An Online Monitoring Method for Capacitor Condition of Cascaded H-Bridge STATCOM Based on Sensorless Capacitor Voltage Detection

Novel approach for in-line process monitoring during ultrasonic metal welding of dissimilar wire/terminal joints based on the thermoelectric effect

Ultrasonic metal welding (USMW) is a manufacturing technique widely employed in the automotive and aerospace industries due to its efficiency in joining similar as well as dissimilar metals. Despite its prevalence, the lack of effective in-line process monitoring methods has resulted in high scrap rates, product recalls due to unrecognized scrap or financial losses due to pseudo-scrap, limiting its application in more sensitive industries. This paper presents a novel thermoelectric effect-based method for in-line process monitoring of USMW processes. This approach utilizes the thermoelectric properties, that manifest at the junctions of dissimilar metals during welding to accurately measure the temperature of the weld zone without the need of additional thermocouples, pyrometers or infrared cameras. An experimental setup was developed to validate the thermoelectric-based temperature measurement methodology. Key to this approach is the detection of thermoelectric voltage developed due to thermo diffusion when dissimilar materials are joined. The experiments showed a strong correlation between the thermoelectric voltage and the mechanical strength of the welds, suggesting that this parameter can effectively predict the quality of the weld. In the trials, a series of welded samples was created under controlled conditions to measure the generated thermoelectric voltage and correlate it with ultimate tensile strength tests. The data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients to determine the correlation of the thermoelectric signals and joint strength. Results indicate that the thermoelectric voltage measurements correlate highly with the joint strength, with a Spearman’s correlation coefficient of over 0.94, thereby providing a promising predictive metric for assessing weld quality.

Development of an untargeted DNA adductomics method by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry

Genotoxicants originating from inflammation, diet, and environment can covalently modify DNA, possibly initiating the process of carcinogenesis. DNA adducts have been known for long, but the old methods allowed to target only a few known DNA adducts at a time, not providing a global picture of the “DNA adductome”. DNA adductomics is a new research field, aiming to screen for unknown DNA adducts by high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). However, DNA adductomics presents several analytical challenges such as the need for high sensitivity and for the development of effective screening approaches to identify novel DNA adducts. In this work, a sensitive untargeted DNA adductomics method was developed by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled via an ESI source to a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometric instrumentation. Mobile phases with ammonium bicarbonate gave the best signal enhancement. The MS capillary voltage, cone voltage, and detector voltage had most effect on the response of the DNA adducts. A low adsorption vial was selected for reducing analyte loss. Hybrid surface-coated analytical columns were tested for reducing adsorption of the DNA adducts. The optimized method was applied to analyse DNA adducts in calf thymus, cat colon, and human colon DNA by performing a MSE acquisition (all-ion fragmentation acquisition) and screening for the loss of deoxyribose and the nucleobase fragment ions. Fifty-four DNA adducts were tentatively identified, hereof 38 never reported before. This is the first untargeted DNA adductomics study on human colon tissue, and one of the few untargeted DNA adductomics studies in the literature reporting the identification of such a high number of unknowns. This demonstrates promising results for the application of this sensitive method in future human studies for investigating novel potential cancer-causing factors.

High-voltage thermocell modules for direct device operation: eliminating the need for DC-DC converters

Abstract This study explores the potential of thermocells as an efficient energy-harvesting solution that can power practical devices without the need for a DC-DC converter. We constructed thermocell devices comprising 35 legs using a modified soldering technique and electrode treatment to improve reliability. The devices achieved a peak voltage of 3.5 V at a hot-side temperature of 60 °C under natural cooling conditions. These thermocells were integrated with a voltage detector integrated circuit (IC) and beacon, initiating beacon operation within 100 s and transmitting signals over 600 times within a 15 min period. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of thermocells as an alternative energy source, offering a cost-effective and streamlined approach for energy-harvesting applications without the complexity and expense of DC-DC converters.

Dual oxidative stress biomarkers co-recognition in periodontal microenvironment: A flexible and low-power consumption nanozyme sensing platform

Sensing platforms with high interference immunity and low power consumption are crucial for the co-detection of dual oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical diagnosis of periodontitis. Herein, we constructed a bifunctional nanozyme to identify hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ascorbic acid (AA) with low crosstalk at zero or low bias voltage. To target H2O2 and AA, Fe(III) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP(Fe)) and Pt nanoclusters were selected as active sites respectively, and titanium carbide nanosheets were additionally introduced as a sensitizer. Due to their highly efficient catalytic properties, self-powered detection of H2O2 without bias voltage and distinguishable AA detection at 0.45 V were successfully achieved. Density functional theory calculations further confirmed the binding sites for target molecules and elucidated the sensing mechanism. On this basis, a dual-channel screen-printed electrode was fabricated to further ensure the discriminative detection of dual biomarkers at the device level. The constructed flexible, low-power consumption sensing platform was successfully applied to raw clinical samples, effectively distinguishing between healthy individuals and patients with varying degrees of periodontitis. This work is expected to provide new insights into the design of highly specific nanozymes and low-power consumption electrochemical sensing systems, which will contribute to the accurate and convenient diagnosis of periodontitis.

High-Definition Dynamic Voltage Restorer Systems Using Equivalent Time Sampling Techniques and Circular Structural Memory Filters

Due to advances in power electronics technology and the evolution of automation devices, the number of electrical devices that are sensitive to power quality is rapidly increasing, and for this reason, users are increasing their demand for high quality. To meet power quality demands, many power conversion devices are used, including dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs). DVRs are recognized as devices that can effectively manage problems such as voltage segments, swells, and harmonics. DVR control requires many samples for harmonic compensation, which has the disadvantage of being complicated to implement due to fast digital signal processing computation and the application of the cyclic discrete Fourier transform. In this paper, a high-precision DVR system configuration is proposed that compensates for harmonics using a periodically equivalent time-interval sampling technique and a novel circular-structured memory filter. The proposed circular-structured multi-pointer memory filter is an effective filter algorithm for high-precision input voltage measurement because it can remove noise and compensate for the delay of the phase angle of the filter in voltage measurement. A simulation and DVR prototype system were built, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the phase angle multi-filter voltage detection method and the compensation method were verified by experiments.

Enhanced flexoelectricity of liquid with hydrated ions

Flexoelectricity, denoted as an electromechanical coupling effect from strain gradient introduced polarization, is prevalent in dielectric materials. However, its application in low-viscosity liquids has been limited by the scale of the flexoelectric coefficient. This study explores the flexoelectric coefficient of various hydrated ion solutions through a series of experiments. Additionally, the interplay between ion adsorption and the flexoelectric effect is investigated by using interfacial voltage detection. By introducing hydrated structures into liquids, a significant enlargement of the flexoelectric coefficient up to 2.3 × 10−9 C m−1 is obtained in Fe2(SO4)3 solution by four times than DI water. These findings highlight the remarkable electromechanical properties of liquid materials with hydrated ions and suggest promising avenues for the application of liquid dielectrics in hydrovoltaic technology, ionotronic devices, and energy harvesters.

Quench protection for high-temperature superconductor cables using active control of current distribution

Superconducting magnets of future fusion reactors are expected to rely on composite high-temperature superconductor (HTS) cable conductors. In presently used HTS cables, current sharing between components is limited due to poorly defined contact resistances between superconducting tapes or by design. The interplay between contact and termination resistances is the defining factor for power dissipation in these cables and ultimately defines their safe operational margins. However, the current distribution between components along the composite conductor and inside its terminations is a priori unknown, and presently, no means are available to actively tune current flow distribution in real-time to improve margins of quench protection. Also, the lack of ability to electrically probe individual components makes it impossible to identify conductor damage locations within the cable. In this work, we address both problems by introducing active current control of current distribution between components using cryogenically operated metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We demonstrate through simulation and experiments how real-time current controls can help to drastically reduce heat dissipation in a developing hot spot in a two-conductor model system and help identify critical current degradation of individual cable components. Prospects of other potential uses of MOSFET devices for improved voltage detection, AC loss-driven active quench protection, and remnant magnetization reduction in HTS magnets are also discussed.

Early detection of low QRS voltage and its association with mortality in patients with sepsis

Various electrocardiographic changes occur during sepsis, but data on the clinical importance of a low QRS voltage in sepsis are still limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between low QRS voltage identified early in sepsis and mortality in patients with sepsis. Between September 2019 and December 2020, all consecutive adult patients diagnosed with sepsis in the emergency room or general ward at Samsung Medical Center were enrolled. Patients without a 12-lead electrocardiogram recorded within 48 h of recognition of sepsis were excluded. In 432 eligible patients, 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded within the median of 24 min from the first recognition of sepsis, and low QRS voltage was identified in 115 (26.6%) patients. The low QRS group showed more severe organ dysfunction and had higher levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The hospital mortality was significantly higher in the low QRS voltage group than in the normal QRS voltage group (49.6% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.001). Similarly, among the 160 patients who required intensive care unit admission, significantly more patients in the low QRS group died in the intensive care unit (35.9% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.021). Low QRS voltage was associated with increased hospital mortality in patients with sepsis.

An Improved Control Method of DC Voltage for Series Hybrid Active Power Filter

DC voltage is one of the important parameters of active power filters. Since the series hybrid active power filter does not withstand the fundamental voltage, it cannot absorb energy from the power grid, making it too difficult to control its DC voltage. In order to solve the DC voltage control problem, an improved control method for the series hybrid active power filter with magnetic flux compensation is proposed in this paper. In this improved method, the fundamental magnetic flux compensation coefficient is equal to 1, meeting the condition of fundamental magnetic flux compensation. This improved method does not rely on the precise detection and phase-locking of the fundamental voltage at the port of the series transformer. A phase-fixed active current component is generated directly by the inverter, enabling the active power filter (APF) to absorb active power from the power grid. Consequently, the active power absorbed by the APF from the power grid has a linear relationship with the active current component. Both simulation and experimentation verified the correctness and effectiveness of this proposed method.

Voltage Detector Integrated Circuit as Versatile Toolbox for Charge Management of Thermally Chargeable Supercapacitor (Adv. Mater. Technol. 11/2024)

Voltage Detector Integrated Circuit as Versatile Toolbox for Charge Management of Thermally Chargeable Supercapacitor (Adv. Mater. Technol. 11/2024)

Fast bus voltage detection method for single-phase power converters with split capacitors based on reduced-order generalized integrals

Fast bus voltage detection method for single-phase power converters with split capacitors based on reduced-order generalized integrals

Low power content addressable memory designing and implementation using voltage swing self adjustable match line technique

One of the essential components of computer systems is memory. A primary hindrance in this regard is the memory speed. Content Addressable Memory (CAM) speeds up transformations and table lookups in network routers and data processing systems for hardware search engines. Parallel seeks using the CAM (Content Addressable Memory) model are often used to enhance memory performance. This paper uses the voltage swing self-adjustable match line (VSSA-ML) technique to describe low-power content addressable memory design and implementation. This project decreases Match Line (ML) power loss by reducing load capacitance and ML voltage swing. A simple ML voltage detector is proposed instead of the complex, fully different detector that allows ML voltage swings near zero. This paper presents 6 T 8×8 CAM arrays using VSSA-ML Technique using Tanner tools 45-nm technology. On the other hand, this design enhances robustness in processing variations by self-adjusting voltage swings. Implementation analysis states that the described mode 6 T 8×8 CAM design utilized fewer MOSFETs than the 8 T 8×8 CAM array.

Low-cost dual-energy CBCT by spectral filtration of a dual focal spot X-ray source

Dual-energy cone beam computed tomography (DE-CBCT) has been shown to provide more information and improve performance compared to a conventional single energy spectrum CBCT. Here we report a low-cost DE-CBCT by spectral filtration of a carbon nanotube x-ray source array. The x-ray photons from two focal spots were filtered respectively by a low and a high energy filter. Projection images were collected by alternatively activating the two beams while the source array and detector rotated around the object, and were processed by a one-step materials decomposition and reconstruction method. The performance of the DE-CBCT scanner was evaluated by imaging a water-equivalent plastic phantom with inserts containing known densities of calcium or iodine and an anthropomorphic head phantom with dental implants. A mean energy separation of 15.5 keV was achieved at acceptable dose rates and imaging time. Accurate materials quantification was obtained by materials decomposition. Metal artifacts were reduced in the virtual monoenergetic images synthesized at high energies. The results demonstrated the feasibility of high quality DE-CBCT imaging by spectral filtration without using either an energy sensitive detector or rapid high voltage switching.

Research on the design and balancing strategy with multi-section lithium battery protection IC

This study uses 0.5um BCD technology to design a multi section lithium battery protection chip suitable for small mobile electronic devices such as Bluetooth earphones and smart bracelets. By providing a complete system structure diagram, the principles and design methods of several key circuits in the chip were introduced. This chip can effectively monitor the voltage of lithium batteries, take protective measures against abnormal situations such as overcharging, discharging, and overcurrent, and has a balancing module with dynamic power consumption management function. The balancing module adopts a passive balancing architecture, and the balancing algorithm used is an average based voltage detection algorithm. Using this algorithm can make the balancing system structure simple and reduce system power consumption, reduce the differences between batteries within the group, and thus improve the uniformity of the battery pack. The overcharging detection accuracy of the designed chip is ±25mV, the overcharging detection accuracy is 50mV, and the static working current of the chip is 7uA.

Design of passive voltage balancer system for lead acid battery

The use of rechargeable batteries for electrical energy storage requires a voltage balancing system. The voltage balancing system requires monitoring in the use of rechargeable batteries so that they can be utilized properly and can improve the electrical energy storage system. In this research, a monitored lead acid battery voltage balancing system was designed so that the management of the battery voltage balance level and the storage of electrical energy in rechargeable batteries can be stored and used optimally. In this research a series of lead acid battery voltage detection and power dissipation circuits were designed. The power dissipation circuit uses the controlled shunt resistor method which is used when the voltage of the lead acid battery being charged exceeds the maximum voltage. This method is easy to implement and can display the value of the lead acid battery voltage and other parameters, so that it can be monitored by the user. The results obtained show that the average voltage error for batteries 1 and 2 is 0.09% and 0.3% respectively. The power dissipation circuit can dissipate lead acid battery power above the reference voltage VREF=±7 V, with a balanced voltage of 6.8 V at 140 minutes and 160 minutes.

Voltage Detector Integrated Circuit as Versatile Toolbox for Charge Management of Thermally Chargeable Supercapacitor

AbstractInternet of Things (IoT) is crucial for a sustainable society from the viewpoints of optimization of energy consumption and using timing, thus aiding reduced CO2 emissions. Traditional power supply methods such as batteries are impractical for driving the trillions of sensors that future systems will likely utilize for collecting extensive environmental information. Thermoelectric power generators that enable direct heat‐to‐electricity energy conversion are considered a promising power supplying technology without maintenance because thermal energy is a ubiquitous energy source. This study develops a new class of thermoelectric modules using redox‐free electrolytes—‐thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCS)—‐with extremely high thermoelectromotive force, generating over 2 V from a temperature difference of ≈65 °C without requiring a DC‐to‐DC converter. Additionally, using a voltage detector is demonstrated to be a versatile and efficient toolbox for the charge management of TCS. Optimization of the circuit comprising the TCS module with the ultrahigh open‐circuit voltage and voltage detector enables the automatic charging of a large capacitor, which intermittently powers different devices such as a beacon, LED, piezo speaker, and motor with the desired frequency. This approach represents a significant step toward sustainable energy in the context of low‐grade thermal energy harvesting and optimized energy consumption through IoT.