Electronic Devices Research Articles

Additive Manufacturing of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Produced From Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of producing recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (r-ABS) filaments from waste electrical and electronic equipment (W EEE) casings, specifically discarded monitors and televisions, and to compare their properties with those of virgin ABS. Theoretical Framework: The research was based on a literature review of additive manufacturing, WEEE recycling, and the thermal, mechanical, rheological, and microscopic characterizations of recycled polymers, with an emphasis on fused deposition modeling (FDM). Method: WEEE casings were collected and mechanically recycled to produce r-ABS filaments. These filaments were characterized and compared with virgin ABS filaments using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analyses (TGA and DSC), rheological, mechanical, and microscopic evaluations. Results and Conclusion: The results indicated that r-ABS filaments exhibit properties comparable to those of virgin ABS. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of the main functional groups of ABS in the recycled samples. Thermal analysis showed similar behavior between the recycled and virgin materials, with a single thermal decomposition event. Rheological analysis demonstrated that r-ABS possesses viscoelastic properties suitable for the FDM process, and mechanical characterization showed that r-ABS exhibited tensile strength close to virgin ABS. Microscopic analysis revealed good layer adhesion and a low number of voids, factors that contribute to the quality of the printed objects. Research Implications: This study contributes to the valorization of polymeric waste, promoting the use of recycled materials in additive manufacturing processes, which can benefit both the environment and the 3D printing industry. Originality/Value: The research addresses a topic still underexplored in the literature, especially concerning the recycling of WEEE casings for the production of ABS filaments.

Preparation and study on electrical/thermal properties of epoxy/polyacrylate rubber composite dielectric

AbstractWith the development of power systems and electronic devices, epoxy resin (EP) is facing increasingly severe operating environments, and its performance may not meet expectations. In order to broaden the application of EP, the DE/EP composite films were prepared with EP as matrix, polyacrylic rubber dielectric elastomer (DE) as reinforcement materials. The structure of DE/EP composite films was characterized by XRD, SEM, and other methods, and the electrical and thermal properties of the materials were tested and studied. The study found that with appropriate dissolution and stirring treatment, DE can be evenly dispersed in the EP matrix, and the introduction of DE does not significantly affect the structure of the EP molecular chain, also found the introduction of DE improve the electrical and thermal properties of EP. The breakdown strength of the 4% DE/EP composite film surpasses that of the pure EP film by 15.58%. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the 8% DE/EP composite film is elevated by 41.6% compared to the pure EP film, while its dielectric constant is also enhanced by 8.2%. This work may provide a theoretical basis for studying the application of EP modified system in electrical engineering, integrated circuit packaging and other fields.

Thermal conductivity of 3D-printed block-copolymer-inspired structures

This study primarily focuses on examining the impact that geometric structure has on thermal conductivity of multi-phase constructs in different 3D-printed poly(lactic acid), PLA, samples. The investigated structures are inspired by morphologies formed by diblock copolymers: lamellae, hexagonally packed cylinders, and gyroid. This research also investigates how volume percentage and material combination influence the thermal conductivity of these structures. The samples can be tailored to simulate various thermal management structures observed in practical applications, such as thermal interface materials in electronic devices. Thermal conductivity ratio is controlled using air, the least conductive material at 0.026 W/(m K), PLA at 0.136 W/(m K), and thermal paste at 5.11 W/(m K). Different models were tested against thermal conductivity measurements in order to capture the effect of material type (PLA-Air versus PLA-Thermal Paste), volume percentage, structure, and orientation. Simple, effective medium models were good predictions of thermal conductivity in lamellar structures, but it was necessary to develop models for conduction through cylindrical and gyroid structures. Finally, all results were normalized to find a universal model that is independent of structure and material. This approach provides a simple method to predict how to reduce or enhance transport properties and heat management capabilities of 3D printed objects.

Flexible Crossbar Molecular Devices with Patterned EGaIn Top Electrodes for Integrated All-Molecule-Circuit Implementation.

Here, a unique crossbar architecture is designed and fabricated, incorporating vertically integrated self-assembled monolayers in electronic devices. This architecture is used to showcase 100 individual vertical molecular junctions on a single chip with a high yield of working junctions and high device uniformity. The study introduces a transfer approach for patterned liquid-metal eutectic alloy of gallium and indium top electrodes, enabling the creation of fully flexible molecular devices with electrical functionalities. The devices exhibit excellent charge transport performance, sustain a high rectification ratio (>103), and stable endurance and retention properties, even when the devices are significantly bent. Furthermore, Boolean logic gates, including OR and AND gates, as well as half-wave and full-wave rectifying circuits, are successfully implemented. The unique design of the flexible molecular device represents a significant step in harnessing the potential of molecular devices for high-density integration and possible molecule-based computing.

Simulation and Experimental Research on a New Symmetrical Hydraulic Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

This study introduces a new symmetrical hydraulic piezoelectric energy harvester. By integrating theoretical analysis, simulation, and empirical testing, the research delves into the energy‐harvesting potential of monolithic single‐side output, monolithic two‐side parallel‐connected output, stacked one‐side parallel‐connected output, and stacked two‐side parallel‐connected output under varying parameter configurations. Additionally, it elucidates the energy dissipation occurring during the energy‐harvesting process of stacked piezoelectric disks. It has been observed that the primary determinant of voltage is the amplitude of pulsation, not the static pressure. Concurrently, the study also addresses the consistency of power generation between multiple channels. A study is made on whether there is a proportional relationship between single‐channel power generation and multi‐channel power generation. The root mean square (RMS) voltage of each connection sharply rises with resistance from 2 to 100 KΩ. It is found that the performance of parallel connection of monolithic piezoelectric disk is better than that of other connection methods. At 3 MPa and 100 Hz, the optimal resistance is 16 KΩ, yielding a maximum average power of 1155.63 μW and an optimal power density of 1.774 μW (bar mm3)−1. Consequently, the research offers a novel approach to addressing the issue of sustainable energy supply for low‐power electronic devices and sensors.

Debromination of Pyrolytic oil from waste printed circuit boards by catalytic thermo chemical reactions with Ca(OH)2 and ZSM-5

The surge in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) volume presents a formidable disposal challenge. This study focused on catalytic pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) employing Ca(OH)2 alone and in conjunction with ZSM-5 as catalysts. Kinetic parameters for catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis were derived through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Coats-Redfern method for non-catalytic pyrolysis showcased activation energies of 33.52, 405.81, and 67.96 kJ/mol in zones 1, 2, and 3, respectively with corresponding reaction orders of 0.9, 2.8, and 1.2. Introduction of Ca(OH)2 amplified activation energy and reaction order in zones 2 and 3. Subsequent incorporation of ZSM-5 with Ca(OH)2 resulted in reduced activation energy and reaction order in zone 2, while elevating them in zones 1 and 3. Validation through laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor experiments confirmed TGA findings and unveiled that pyrolysis oil had enhanced phenolic yield because of ZSM-5 where Ca(OH)2 showcased its effectiveness in eliminating halogens.

Regression modeling of Bödewadt slip flow dynamics involving Reiner-Rivlin nanofluid based on a modified Buongiorno approach

Regression models are useful in analyzing rotational flows as they enable accurate predictions of wall shear and heat transfer coefficient. In addition, Bödewadt flow is of paramount importance in fluid dynamics of rotating systems such as turbomachinery and geophysical flows. Moreover, nanofluid’s enhanced heat transfer properties can improve cooling efficiency in applications involving turbines and electronic systems. This study delves into the Bödewadt boundary layer flow of a Reiner-Rivlin fluid containing nanoparticles over a stationary porous disk under slip conditions. The two-phase Buongiorno model is employed, incorporating temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients for enhanced accuracy. To facilitate numerical simulations, the transport equations are converted into an ordinary differential system comprising four unknowns. In the present work, a highly reliable Keller-Box methodology is adopted which agrees very well with the MATLAB built-in program ‘bvp4c’. The computed 2-D and 3-D streamlines vividly capture the Bödewadt flow scenario with Reiner-Rivlin nanofluid. The principle aim to investigate the impact of non-Newtonian behaviour and slip on the flow pattern, while also examining the behavior of temperature/concentration field for nanoparticle working fluids. As thermophoretic diffusion increases, the thermal boundary layer thickens considerably, leading to a notable decrease in the cooling rate of the disk. In contrast, Brownian diffusion has only a minimal impact on the heat transport. In addition, wall suction effect is observed to significantly boost the disk’s cooling rate, though at the expanse of increasing skin friction coefficients. This study introduces linear and quadratic regression models designed to precisely predict both the surface drag and disk cooling rate, which are crucial factors in engineering processes.

Synthesis of MnO@Fe2O3 core-shell doped PVA/PVP polymeric nanocomposites for electronic and optoelectronic devices: Mechanical, electrical, and optical properties

Abstract The aqueous solution cast method was utilized to create biodegradable nanocomposite of polymers (PNC) films from a poly (vinyl alcohol) / poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blend (70/30 wt%) and MnO@Fe2O3 nFs. The dislocation density, particle size, and interplanar distance were all calculated. The PNC films' surface shape changes from smooth to porous and somewhat rough because of the nanosized MnO@Fe2O3 particles' dispersion in the blend matrix, which diminishes the blended crystallites' size. The composite film's tensile strength increased from 9.45 MPa for the pure (PVA-PVP) film to 22.35 MPa due to the addition of 6 wt% MnO@ Fe2O3. The optical band gap decreases from 5.26 and 4.84 eV for pure (PVA/PVP) blend direct and indirect energy band gap to 5.18 and 4.71 eV for comparable values of 6wt% MnO@Fe2O3 nFs. Up to 6 wt% MnO@Fe2O3 concentration, PNC films' dielectric permittivity first declines, but it is substantially identical to the pure polymer blend matrix. The PNC sheet's dielectric permittivity increases nonlinearly with temperature, although its DC conductivity follows the Arrhenius law. Laser power was attenuated by (PVA- PVP)/MnO@Fe2O3 for both He-Ne and solid-state green laser beams. When the MnO@Fe2O3 concentration in the blend matrix rises to 6 wt%, the output power for lasers with 532 nm and 650 nm wavelengths drops from 5.49 to 2.4 mW and 19.8 to 9.4 mW, respectively. The findings suggest that nanocomposites exist and are widely recommended for optoelectronics, microelectronics, radiation detection, and several other uses.

Strain-Controlled Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Janus Nitride MXene Monolayer MnCrNO2

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials show potential for the advancement of high-density, energy-efficient electronic and spintronic applications in future memory and computation. Here, by using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we predict a new 2D Janus nitride MXene MnCrNO2 monolayer. Our results suggest that the optimized MnCrNO2 monolayer possesses a hexagonal structure and exhibits good dynamical stability. The intrinsic monolayer MnCrNO2 exhibits semiconductive properties and adopts a ferromagnetic ground state with an out-of-plane easy axis. It can sustain strain effects within a wide range of strains from −10% to +8%, as indicated by the phonon dispersion spectra. Under the biaxial tensile strain, a remarkable decrease in the bandgap of the MnCrNO2 is induced, which is attributed to the distinct roles played by Mn and Cr in the VBM or CBM bands. Furthermore, when the compressive strain reaches approximately −8%, the magnetic anisotropy undergoes a transition from an out-of-plane easy axis to an in-plane easy axis. This change is mainly influenced by the efficient hybridization of the d orbitals, particularly in Mn atoms. Our study of the Janus MXene MnCrNO2 monolayer indicates its potential as a promising candidate for innovative electronic and spintronic devices; this potential is expected to create interest in its synthesis.

Emergency Medical Access Control System Based on Public Blockchain

IT has made significant progress in various fields over the past few years, with many industries transitioning from paper-based to electronic media. However, sharing electronic medical records remains a long-term challenge, particularly when patients are in emergency situations, making it difficult to access and control their medical information. Previous studies have proposed permissioned blockchains with limited participants or mechanisms that allow emergency medical information sharing to pre-designated participants. However, permissioned blockchains require prior participation by medical institutions, and limiting sharing entities restricts the number of potential partners. This means that sharing medical information with local emergency doctors becomes impossible if a patient is unconscious and far away from home, such as when traveling abroad. To tackle this challenge, we propose an emergency access control system for a global electronic medical information system that can be shared using a public blockchain, allowing anyone to participate. Our proposed system assumes that the patient wears a pendant with tamper-proof and biometric authentication capabilities. In the event of unconsciousness, emergency doctors can perform biometrics on behalf of the patient, allowing the family doctor to share health records with the emergency doctor through a secure channel that uses the Diffie-Hellman (DH) key exchange protocol. The pendant’s biometric authentication function prevents unauthorized use if it is stolen, and we have tested the blockchain’s fee for using the public blockchain, demonstrating that the proposed system is practical.

Irreversibility Analysis of Radiative TiO2+Al2O3+Cu/H2O Ternary Nanofluid Flow over a Bidirectional Stretching Sheet with Cattaneo-Christov Heat Flux: Nanotechnology Applications

Abstract Ternary nanofluids demonstrate better heat transfer characteristics in contrast to conventional liquids and typical hybrid nanofluids. These are applied in sophisticated cooling systems for electronics, heat exchangers, and automotive engines, along with renewable energy systems such as solar collectors, where efficient heat transfer plays a crucial role. The aim of this research is to investigate the movement of a Casson ternary nanofluid passing through a bidirectional exponential sheet by employing the innovative Cattaneo-Christov heat flux concept. The utilization of the energy equation considers thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and heat source/sink effects, with the integration of chemical reaction effects into the concentration equation. An analysis of entropy generation is utilized to evaluate the thermodynamic irreversibility within the system. The conversion of transport equations involves a transformation from partial to ordinary differential equations, followed by a numerical solution utilizing the BVP4C solver embedded in the MATLAB package R2022b. The impacts of developed factors on thermal, concentration, and velocity behavior, as well as engineering quantities, are thoroughly explored graphically. The outcome reveals that the velocity gradients diminish as magnetic fields intensify, while it amplified by the Hall factor. The rise in temperature of ternary nanofluid correlates with elevated levels of radiation, and Brownian motion. Concentration intensifies with the rapid development of thermophoresis influences. Heightened values of the Reynolds and Brinkman numbers give rise to amplified entropy production but a decrease in the Bejan number. The ternary nanofluid displays a remarkable 8.92% increase in skin friction on the x-axis and y-axis, influenced by the potent Darcy-Forchheimer factor. The rates of mass and heat transfer in nanofluids undergo a decrease of 8.58% and 12.52%, respectively, due to the heightened influence of Brownian motion and Eckert number. The results could provide valuable insights into the performance of ternary nanofluids in various industrial environments under specific conditions.

Transient Electroluminescence Spectroscopy in Planar Electroluminescent Devices

AbstractThe emergence of planar electroluminescent diodes (including polymer light‐emitting diodes, organic light‐emitting diodes, quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes, and perovskite light‐emitting diodes) is causing a revolution in displays, lighting, and wearable electronic devices. Continuous advancement in the comprehension and management of charge carrier dynamics in these devices has led to several significant breakthroughs, including diodes with ultrahigh luminance, memory devices, and amplified spontaneous emission. Transient electroluminescence (TrEL) spectroscopy is a relative powerful technology to investigate charge dynamics, including transport, distribution, and storage of charge carriers, in electrically‐driven planar light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The aim of this review is to revisit the principle and applications of TrEL spectroscopy in planar electroluminescent diodes, and to evaluate the reliability of various parameters extracted using this technology. A particular focus is on electroluminescence response time, charge‐carrier transport and storage, and exciton species. First, the principle and equipment system of the TrEL, as well as specific attention during TrEL measurements are described in detail, following by the applications TrEL spectroscopy in planar LEDs. Further development on the TrEL technology is discussed in the third section. Finally, a summary and outlook for the TrEL are shown and challenges faced by the TrEL spectroscopy are also highlighted.

Functional Zwitterionic Polyurethanes as Gate Dielectrics for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors

AbstractThe development of polymeric dielectrics with a high dielectric constant is of great significance for flexible low‐voltage organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Herein, functional polyurethanes (PUs) with nitro and sulfobetaine zwitterionic groups are synthesized, and their electrical properties, mechanical properties, and the performances of OFET devices using these zwitterionic PUs as gate dielectrics are studied. Compared with sulfobetaine zwitterion‐containing PUs, nitro‐containing PUs (NO2‐PUs) show higher dielectric constant up to 6.5. Both zwitterionic PUs enhance the OFET performances, while the effect of NO2‐PU is more significant. Devices using NO2‐PU‐15 that contains 15 moL% nitro groups as the dielectric layer show the best performance and a threshold voltage (Vth) of as low as −0.02 V together with two orders’ increase of the mobility is observed, compared with the devices using PU without nitro groups. This study provides a new method to improve the dielectric constant of polymeric dielectrics, which is valuable for flexible/stretchable and wearable electronic devices.

2024 Updated EHRA core curriculum for physicians and allied professionals. A statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC

Abstract Heart Rhythm management is a continuously evolving sub-speciality of cardiology. Every year, many physicians and allied professionals start and complete their training in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) or Electrophysiology (EP) across the EHRA member countries. While this training ideally ends with an EHRA certification, the description of the learning pathway (what, how, when and where) through an EHRA Core Curriculum is also a prerequisite for a successful training. The first EHRA core curriculum for physicians was published in 2009. Due to the huge developments in the field of electrophysiology and device therapy, this document needed updating. In addition, a certification process for allied professionals has been introduced, as well as a recertification process and accreditation of EHRA recognised training centres. Learning pathways are more individualised now, with Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) to monitor learning progression of trainees. The 2024 Updated EHRA Core Curriculum for physicians and allied professionals describes, for both CIED and EP, the syllabus, OSATS, training program and certification and recertification for physicians and allied professionals and stresses the importance of continued medical education after certification. In addition, requirements for accreditation of training centres and trainers are given. Finally, suggested reading lists for CIED and EP are attached as online supplements.

Electrical Conductivity, Thermo-Mechanical Properties, and Cytotoxicity of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(Styrene Sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/Sulfonated Polyurethane Blends

Electrically conductive polymeric materials have recently garnered significant interest from researchers due to their potential applications in the biomedical field, including medical implants, tissue engineering, flexible electronic devices, and biosensors. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is considered the most successful conducting polymer due to its higher electrical conductivity and chemical stability, but it suffers from limited solubility in common organic solvents, poor mechanical properties, and low biocompatibility. An area of tremendous interest is in combining PEDOT:PSS with another polymer to form a blend or composite material in order to access the beneficial properties of both materials. However, the hydrophilic nature of PEDOT:PSS makes it difficult to produce composites with non-polar polymers. In order to overcome these problems, we have specifically designed and synthesized two new sulfonated polyurethanes (PUS) with high sulfonic acid functionality. The two polyurethanes, one water-soluble (PUS1) and one water-insoluble (PUS2), were used to make blends with two commercially available PEDOT:PSS formulations (CleviosTM FET and PH1000). Solvent cast films on glass substrates were made from water-soluble PEDOT:PSS/PUS1 blends while free-standing films of PEDOT:PSS/PUS2 blends were fabricated by compression-moulding. Ethylene glycol was used as conductivity enhancer, which showed an increase in the conductivity by several orders of magnitude in most of the compositions investigated. The highest conductivity of 438 S cm−1 was achieved for the blend with 80 wt% of PEDOT:PSS (PH1000) in PUS1.

Tricuspid Regurgitation Associated with Implantable Cardiac Devices: A Double-Edged Sword

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has increased considerably, becoming a cornerstone of management for patients with brady- or tachyarrhythmia or for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. On the other hand, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) associated with CIEDs is progressively accepted as a serious clinical issue; the prognostic impact of TR is profound, as it is independently associated with increased mortality and a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization. Additionally, the management of established CIED-related TR continues to be challenging, with limited options for intervention once significant TR has developed. The balance between the lifesaving benefits of CIEDs and the risk of TR underlines the necessity for cautious patient selection and innovative approaches to device implantation and management. This review highlights the clinical importance, underlying mechanisms and challenges associated with lead-related tricuspid regurgitation in patients with CIEDs.

The impact of the pandemic on psychophysical well-being and quality of learning in the growth of adolescents (aged 11–13): a systematic review of the literature with a PRISMA method

IntroductionThis study examines the social impact and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of adolescents students, aged 11–13, on well-being and learning.MethodsSaid review, therefore, will consider all the report of scientific works published since 2020 on the following platforms: SCOPUS, PsycoInfo, and Web of Science. Specifically, the research has selected all studies concerning students aged 11–13. Furthermore, the authors have restricted the scope of the study to two fundamental aspects of the above-mentioned subjects, such as their physical and psychological well-being and didactic learning following the COVID-19 pandemic. The justification for choosing such themes lies in the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the ensuing measures adopted to curb its spread have had -and very likely will continue having- sizable repercussions in the life of each individual, especially in students considered, whose psychological and physical well-being has been considerably affected.ResultsIn particular, during the peak of the pandemic and its subsequent phases, the various measures issued to limit contagion have completely compromised and disregarded the rights of children and youngsters. Suddenly, leisure, sport, play, relations, and socialization disappeared from their lives. Besides, in the early stages of the pandemic, remote teaching replaced face-to-face teaching, later to become an intermittent system in the red- and orange-labelled areas of the country. Consequently, such measures have severely limited opportunities for learning, growth, curiosity and creating relationships that are typical of both a school and outside environment. Concerning the well-being of the subjects considered, a review of the target literature indicates a wide range of psychological and physical disorders, such as malaise, eating and sleep disorders, addiction to games, internet, alcohol, and drugs. For what regards, instead, the realm of learning, most studies highlight a diminished school performance as the main implication of remote teaching. Furthermore, a remarkable number of studies reveals substantial social inequalities; specifically, students coming from middle class families have managed to maintain higher quality educational standards in a critical context such as the pandemic, while those students coming from socially disadvantaged families have had fewer learning opportunities both in terms of time and range of experiences (due to lack of electronic devices, Internet connectivity, homework, continuity of after-school activities). In summary, if the school system pre-COVID-19 already presented significant limitations in its ability to reduce existing social inequalities, school closures during lockdowns pose enormous challenges in developing effective policies to compensate learning losses and inequalities.DiscussionTherefore, based on the results shown, the necessity arises of an emergency plan with social and educational objectives to restore those social, emotional, and cognitive abilities that are compromised. In general, it is the responsibility of countries and governments to guarantee the right to education in these difficult times, while avoiding any type of inequalities and establishing a digital learning system, that allows to face situations such as those generated by the Coronavirus, thus preventing those situations of serious anxiety and stress that have affected most subjects.

A fault diagnosis method for analog circuits based on EEMD-PSO-SVM

Analog circuit is an crucial component of electronic equipment, and the ability to diagnose its fault state quickly and accurately is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of these electronic equipment. This paper addresses the problems of low diagnostic accuracy and the difficulties associated with model parameter selection in traditional fault diagnosis methods, particularly when dealing with nonlinear and non-stationary fault signals. A fault diagnosis method for analog circuits is proposed, which utilizes Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) for features extraction, the Maximum Information Coefficient algorithm (MIC) for features selection, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for optimizing Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification. Firstly, EEMD is used to adaptively decompose the fault signals in the circuit to extract multi-scale fault features. Secondly, the extracted features are quantitatively evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and energy value analysis, leading to the construction of a fault feature vector is constructed. On this basis, the MIC feature selection algorithm is applied to further optimize the feature vector. Finally, an efficient fault classification model is developed by optimizing the hyperparameters of the SVM model using PSO. The simulation results show that the proposed method effectively overcome the problems of model complexity and low classification accuracy caused by improper selection of wavelet basis function. The accuracy of fault diagnosis and the efficiency of model training are significantly superior to those of traditional methods.

Optimal demodulation domain for microwave SQUID multiplexers in presence of readout system noise

The Microwave SQUID Multiplexer (μMUX) is the device of choice for the readout of a large number of low-temperature detectors in a wide variety of experiments within the fields of astronomy and particle physics. While it offers large multiplexing factors, the system noise performance is highly dependent on the cold- and warm-readout electronic systems used to read it out, as well as the demodulation domain and parameters chosen. In order to understand the impact of the readout systems in the overall detection system noise performance, first, we extended the available μMUX simulation frameworks, including additive and multiplicative noise sources in the probing tones (i.e., phase and amplitude noise), along with the capability of demodulating the scientific data, either in the resonator’s phase or the scattering amplitude. Then, considering the additive noise as a dominant noise source, the optimum readout parameters to achieve minimum system noise were found for both open-loop and flux-ramp demodulation schemes in the aforementioned domains. Later, we evaluated the system noise sensitivity to multiplicative noise sources under the optimum readout parameters. Finally, as a case study, we evaluated the optimal demodulation domain and the expected system noise level for a typical software-defined radio readout system. This work leads to an improved system performance prediction and noise engineering based on the available readout electronics and the selected demodulation domain.

Navigating Complex Process and Design Challenges in Hybrid Bonding for Advanced Semiconductor Integration: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract In advanced electronic systems, achieving top-tier interconnect interfaces with fine-pitch integration is of paramount importance. Among interconnect options, hybrid bonding is the preeminent choice given its exceptional capacity for accommodating a high input/output (I/O) count, which facilitates high-density memory integration, increased power delivery, and enhanced signal speed. One key technique for ensuring utmost quality in hybrid bonding involves embedding Cu interconnects within the dielectric layer. Equally pivotal is surface planarization, accomplished through chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), which encompasses a meticulous two-step procedure, commencing with copper bulk CMP and culminating in barrier CMP. The latter step is particularly critical, yielding the indispensable surface finish required for a successful hybrid bonding process. Several crucial surface properties significantly influence overall bond yield, including a copper recess (“dishing”) in the vias, erosion and roughness of the dielectric layer, and surface topography changes from high-density to low-density copper vias. To optimize these parameters, a comprehensive understanding of the interconnect layer's design is essential. Here, we delve into the ramifications of via scaling, ranging from 5 to 1 µm, on dishing and roll-off, and the effects of copper via density variation, spanning from 16% to 13%, on topography. Furthermore, we explore how incorporation of dummy vias impacts the final surface finish, potentially leading to improved bond yie