Pulse Frequency Modulation Research Articles

An ultra-high timing resolution pulse generator with spur suppression and correction of errors based on real-time computation

In this paper, a novel ultra-high timing resolution pulse generator is proposed. It is based on the waveform real-time computation method. Through real-time computing and filtering of the waveform samples, a pulse with a 0.1 ps timing resolution pulse could be generated at a 2.5 GSPS sampling rate. Based on the waveform real-time computation method, jitters are injected into the waveform time parameter to break the harmonic components caused by non-integer multiples of the sampling rate and waveform frequency. Waveform spurs are further suppressed using this approach. The pulse error correction is achieved by designing digital filters that complement the waveform distortion features. The complementary digital filters are then combined as Farrow filter coefficients by polynomial fitting. Based on the real-time computation method, pulse width modulation, frequency modulation, and amplitude modulation are easy to realize. The implemented pulse generator has four channels, whose minimum pulse width, edge time, frequency range, and amplitude range are 4, 2.5 ns, 1 μHz–120 MHz, and 50 mVpp–5 Vpp, respectively. All timing resolution and timing accuracy of pulse width, edge time, pulse period, and channel delay are 0.1 and 50 ps, respectively. Timing parameters can be changed continuously without glitches.

Interleaved Boost-Integrated LC Series Resonant Converter With Frequency-Free Designed Transformer for Wide Voltage Range Applications

This paper presents a novel interleaved boost integrated LC series resonant converter with two output rectification modes, which are voltage-doubler rectifier mode and voltage-quadrupler rectifier mode with constant output voltage for wide input voltage range applications. Due to the symmetrical configuration of the rectifier, the voltage stress of switches and diodes on the secondary side are only half of the output voltage. With the proposed pulse frequency modulation, the maximum magnetic flux density <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">B_m</i> of high frequency transformer is only related with the resonant frequency rather than the switching frequency. Hence, the transformer can be frequency-free designed. The zero-voltage-switching of the primary switches and zero-current-switching of the secondary switches and diodes are achieved, respectively. Moreover, the design procedure for some key parameters is presented. Finally, a 470 W prototype with a switching frequency range from 50 kHz to 140 kHz is built to verify the operation principles of the proposed converter and modulation.

A Simplified Sensorless Synchronous Rectification Method for Inner Phase Shift Control in CLLC Converters

The CLLC converter is a promising topology for bidirectional power conversion applications, such as vehicle-to-grid and battery energy storage systems. In these applications, wide output voltage range is needed. However, traditional pulse frequency modulation method is not suitable for wide output range because of wide switching frequency range. Inner phase shift (IPS) control is a good solution for this issue. In CLLC converters, to further increase the efficiency, synchronous rectification (SR) is required. In this paper, a simplified sensorless SR method is proposed for IPS control. A comprehensive operation mode analysis and an accurate operation mode model is established for IPS control in CLLC converters. With the operation mode model, waveform of secondary side current is simplified. As a result, only a standard quadratic-root formula needs to be calculated to generate SR drive signal, and no extra sensors are needed. The method is low cost and is suitable to implement in embedded systems. A prototype is built to verify the proposed simplified sensorless SR method. The proposed method achieves an obvious efficiency improvement (up to 1.88%) over uncontrolled rectification, and the effect of the proposed method is nearly the same as that of complete SR (maximum efficiency difference is 0.40%).

The Application of Micro-Vibratory Phenomena of a Shape-Memory Alloy Wire to a Novel Vibrator

The widespread use of smartphones and smart wearable devices has created a great demand for vibrators with complex vibration patterns driven by simple circuits. In our previous studies, we observed that a filiform shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire will shrink and then return to its initial length, perfectly synchronizing with a given pulse current. Here, we developed a novel vibrator whose structure allows the micro-vibrations of an SMA wire to be amplified up to a recognizable level without directly touching the wire. The vibrator has the advantage of independently controlling its magnitude and frequency together with a simple driving circuit since it is directly driven by a frequency-modulated pulse current with a controlled duty ratio. We measured the power consumption and the acceleration generated by the vibrator. The results showed that the vibrator consumed only 4–77 milliwatts of power with a quick vibration response within 5 milliseconds, and the acceleration increased significantly in a duty ratio range of around 1%. Furthermore, user evaluations demonstrated that differences in the magnitude and frequency of the generated vibrations were sufficiently recognized when the vibrator was driven by different duty ratios and frequencies, and the vibrator provided various tactile and haptic sensations to users.

Effect of Stimulation Current in Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS): A Study Using Concurrent Magnetoencephalography (MEG).

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that has been investigated for its use in the clinical treatment of a number of different conditions. There has been little investigation into the stimulation current that is delivered and the effect on individual variability in response to tVNS.Seventeen participants underwent tVNS, and stimulation current was determined based on individual pain threshold. To investigate individual variability, brain dynamics were measured concurrently using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in response to two different stimulation protocols of tVNS. The first protocol consisted of a sequence of equally spaced short (1ms) stimulation pulses applied 24 times per second (24 Hz), and the second consisted of a sequence of 24 pulses per second spaced according to a 6 Hz pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Both stimulation sequences were delivered to the cymba concha in the left ear.The difference in brain responses to the two sequences was initially calculated using a one-sample t-test at the group level, based on z-scoring of the data at the individual level, and no statistically significant differences were observed. Further investigation of individual variability suggested that participants fell into two groups; one that responded more strongly to 24 Hz and one that responded more strongly to the irregular spacing of pulses in the PFM protocol.We tested whether the stimulation current that the participant received could predict how they would respond to the stimulation, but we did not observe any correlation. This supports the literature that suggests that selecting stimulation current based on individual pain threshold is a suitable procedure for tVNS, and higher stimulation intensities does not correspond to stronger brain response. Further investigation into individual variability in response to different frequencies and pulse spacing of tVNS should also be investigated further and may lead to the development of personalised stimulation protocols.Clinical relevance- The stimulation current at which tVNS is delivered does not appear to influence brain response to stimulation, and the value of stimulation current should be selected based on individual participant comfort.

A 92.95%-efficiency high-voltage dual-mode buck converter using 0.5-µm HV CMOS process

ABSTRACT This paper presents a highly efficient dual-mode HV (high voltage) buck converter which operates at both light and heavy load currents. To improve the conversion efficiency at two different load conditions, a dual-mode design composed of pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM) were implemented using TSMC 0.5- μ m HV CMOS process. The chip area is 2038.05 × 1689.85 μ m2, while the input voltage ranges from 12 V to 15 V. A 92.95% peak efficiency at a load current of 10 mA was achieved based on on-silicon measurement results.

Modeling peripheral arterial and venous pressure signals with integral pulse frequency modulation

This paper proposes a novel mathematical modeling framework for peripheral arterial and peripheral venous blood pressure signals from porcine experiments. Peripheral blood pressure signals can be acquired using regular catheters during standard patient treatment. The minimally invasive nature and ubiquitous availability of catheters render it an ideal candidate for various applications. However, there is no analytical model for peripheral blood pressure signals in the literature. We address this issue by proposing a model for these signals under the integral pulse frequency modulation (IPFM) framework. The model incorporates the impacts of physiological phenomena, such as the heartbeat pulse shape variation, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, etc. The model parameters are obtained by applying the IPFM model to experimental data collected from four pigs under different anesthetic dosages. The proposed model can fit the experimental data with Pearson correlation coefficients greater than 0.99 and 0.90 for arterial and venous blood pressure signals, respectively. The performance of model-synthesized data on the classification of two different anesthesia is comparable with experimental data. Parameters like pulse shape and duration can also work as distinguishable features under different anesthesia. We also proposed a way to distinguish respiratory-induced heart rate variability from other causes. Increasing doses of vasodilating anesthesia is similar to going from dehydration to hydration. Thus the results obtained in this study can be extended in distinguishing hydrated and dehydrated subjects. This model can be extended to similar biomedical signals like photoplethysmography, cerebral blood flow velocity, and Doppler waveforms.

POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY OF DUAL RANDOMIZED DISCONTINUOUS PULSE WIDTH MODULATION

This paper addresses the spectral characteristics of a carrier-based dual randomized discontinuous pulse width modulation (DRDPWM) technique for reducing conducted EMI and switching losses in three-phase voltage source inverters. It combines two simple random schemes, random carrier frequency modulation (RCF-DPWM) and random pulse position modulation (RPP-DPWM). First, the modulating principle of the DRDPWM is presented. Then, the analytical expressions of power spectral density (PSD) that characterize the output voltage of the three-phase inverter are derived. Analytical and simulation results show the effectiveness of PSD spreading of the DRDPWM. Finally, experimental results verify the analytical and simulation results and prove the effectiveness of the DRDPWM scheme in spreading the spectrum compared to simple schemes (RPP-DPWM and RCF-DPWM) and conventional scheme DPWM.

Hybrid Control for Three-Level LLC Resonant Converter of Dual-Bridge for Wide Output Range

A three-level (TL) LLC resonant converter of dual-bridge (DB) with hybrid control modulation strategy is proposed for the wide output-voltage range and high input-voltage applications. The topology integrates two neutral-point-clamped arms (NPCs) through an auxiliary transformer, which forms a new controllable double-voltage structure and makes all MOSFETs hold half of the input voltage. Based on the characteristics of the new topology, a hybrid modulation strategy is proposed corresponding to three gain modes, which include conventional pulse frequency modulation (PFM) and fixed frequency phase shift modulation (FF-PSM). Compared to conventional modulation strategies, the proposed hybrid modulation strategy, which improves the output voltage gain range, achieves zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of all the MOSFETs and zero-current switching (ZCS) of rectifier diodes under wider operating voltage and full load range. To minimize the frequency window and improve the efficiency of the converter, the parameter optimization method is designed, which based on the characteristics of the modulation strategy and the relationship among the maximum output voltage gain, resonant current and turned-off current. At last, the experimental results of the 600W prototype are presented to confirm the theoretical and characterization analysis.

Improved Triple-Phase-Shift Modulation for Bidirectional CLLC Converters

CLLC resonant converters are an attractive option for battery charging applications due to their bidirectional power flow and high efficiency. Pulse frequency modulation (PFM) is the simple method to drive CLLC converters. However, PFM cannot regulate the output voltage under the light-load condition properly, which leads to high switching and core losses. Phase shift modulation techniques like dual-phase shift (DPS) modulation can overcome this challenge. However, more improvements are demanded due to high circulating currents in phase shift modulations. In this paper, an improved modulation technique based on triple-phase shift (TPS) has been applied in CLLC converters to improve the light-load efficiency. TPS modulation like any other phase-shift modulation, keeps the switching frequency of CLLC converters fixed at the resonant frequency under the light-load condition and regulates the output voltage by its three phase shift parameters. The improved TPS modulation has lower circulating current at the same average output current compared to DPS modulation. Therefore, higher efficiency, smaller peak, and RMS current values can be achieved under the light-load condition. In addition, the proposed TPS modulation has a better flexibility in regulating the output voltage under the light-load condition due to an extra phase shift parameter compared to DPS modulation. The proposed TPS modulation has been analyzed thoroughly in this paper and a proper selection of phase shift values has been explained to improve the efficiency of the converter. Finally, advantages of the improved TPS modulation have been validated by simulation and a 1 kW experimental setup.

An On-/Off-Time Sensing-Based Load-Adaptive Mode Control of Triple Mode Buck Converter for Implantable Medical Devices.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology applied to implantable medical devices (IMDs) significantly reduces the need for battery replacement surgery health conditions. This paper presents an on-/off-time sensing-based load-adaptive mode control of triple mode buck converter for implantable medical devices; the converter can adjust the control mode for low power consumption and achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE) under a small active area. The three modes in the proposed system are the pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse frequency modulation (PFM), and ultra-low power (ULP) modes. The on-time sensor can be used to adjust the system from PWM to PFM modes, and the off-time sensor can be used to adjust the system from PFM to ULP modes. It is fabricated using TSMC 0.18 µm CMOS technology. The input voltage lies in the range 2.2-5.0 V, the output voltage is 1.8 V, and the load current lies in the range 0.05-200 mA (x4000). The experimental results demonstrate the seamless mode transition under the step up/down load transient response. The peak PCE is approximately 94.3% at the 80 mA and the minimum PCE is approximately 65.4% within the load current range.

高周波IH応用単相ダイレクトAC-ACコンバータの固定周波数電力制御手法

The direct ac-ac converter is an effective circuit topology for high-efficient power conversion in induction heating (IH) applications. The conventional pulse frequency modulation (PFM)-based power control scheme causes audible noises between the adjacent IH loads which operate at different switching frequencies. As a solution for the technical issue, a new fixed-frequency power control methodology for a single-phase direct ac-ac converter is proposed in this paper, featuring a wide range of soft switching operation and robustness for abnormal load conditions. The principle of the proposed pulse modulation is explained in detail with the logic circuit diagram of controller. The performances of the ac-ac converter and power controller are demonstrated by simulation, after which the effectiveness is revealed in terms of the power control range and soft switching operation.

Multiparametric non-linear TENS modulation to integrate intuitive sensory feedback

Objective. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been recently introduced in neurorehabilitation and neuroprosthetics as a promising, non-invasive sensory feedback restoration alternative to implantable neurostimulation. Yet, the adopted stimulation paradigms are typically based on single-parameter modulations (e.g. pulse amplitude (PA), pulse-width (PW) or pulse frequency (PF)). They elicit artificial sensations characterized by a low intensity resolution (e.g. few perceived levels), low naturalness and intuitiveness, hindering the acceptance of this technology. To address these issues, we designed novel multiparametric stimulation paradigms, featuring the simultaneous modulation of multiple parameters, and implemented them in real-time tests of performance when exploited as artificial sensory inputs. Approach. We initially investigated the contribution of PW and PF variations to the perceived sensation magnitude through discrimination tests. Then, we designed three multiparametric stimulation paradigms comparing them with a standard PW linear modulation in terms of evoked sensation naturalness and intensity. The most performant paradigms were then implemented in real-time in a Virtual Reality—TENS platform to assess their ability to provide intuitive somatosensory feedback in a functional task. Main results. Our study highlighted a strong negative correlation between perceived naturalness and intensity: less intense sensations are usually deemed as more similar to natural touch. In addition, we observed that PF and PW changes have a different weight on the perceived sensation intensity. As a result, we adapted the activation charge rate (ACR) equation, proposed for implantable neurostimulation to predict the perceived intensity while co-modulating the PF and charge per pulse, to TENS (ACRT). ACRT allowed to design different multiparametric TENS paradigms with the same absolute perceived intensity. Although not reported as more natural, the multiparametric paradigm, based on sinusoidal PF modulation, resulted being more intuitive and subconsciously integrated than the standard linear one. This allowed subjects to achieve a faster and more accurate functional performance. Significance. Our findings suggest that TENS-based, multiparametric neurostimulation, despite not consciously perceived naturally, can provide integrated and more intuitive somatosensory information, as functionally proved. This could be exploited to design novel encoding strategies able to improve the performance of non-invasive sensory feedback technologies.

Improved Turn-On Speed of Low-Power Loads in Pulsed Power Supply Scheme and High-Energy Efficiency

There are cases in energy supply applications with low-power batteries, where the power required by the load is larger than the supply maximum deliverable power. Using a capacitor to create a high instantaneous power for the load was investigated as a useful solution. To increase the charging efficiency, a stepwise method for charging the capacitor was employed. This paper presents a new pulsed power supply approach in which the charging process is resumed after high instantaneous power delivery. Through this, the loss of residual energy in the capacitor was decreased and load turn-on speed and energy efficiency were significantly improved. The proposed structure consists of a buck converter that charges the capacitor using inductor current. A pulse frequency modulation (PFM) technique was used to generate the necessary signals for the buck converter switches, which resulted in controlling the inductor current. The proposed circuit was designed and simulated in a 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology. It was shown that the designed CMOS circuit could reach a peak energy efficiency of 93.2% with a sleep period of 1.05 ms when the load consumes 7.06 [Formula: see text]J of energy.

Review on Modeling and Control Strategies of DC–DC LLC Converters for Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charger Applications

Bidirectional DC–DC converters are frequently chosen for applications requiring high power density such as in bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology makes the EV battery an electrical energy source. In this article, the use of a DC–DC LLC converter used in a bidirectional EV charger is reviewed. Different modeling approaches of the DC–DC LLC converter, such as small and large signal modeling, are discussed. Common modulation strategies applied to the DC–DC LLC converter in V2X mode, such as Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Phase-Shift Modulation (PSM), are presented. The new challenge is to present the main characteristics and limitations of each modulation strategy in order to cover the whole operating zone of the EV charger in V2X mode. Furthermore, different control strategies based on a small or large signal model combined with different modulation strategies are highlighted. Linear and nonlinear controllers applied to the DC–DC LLC converter are discussed. Robust controllers are mainly highlighted regarding their advantage in ensuring the control robustness with respect to unexpected disturbances. A comparative study among modulation strategies as well as different control algorithms is conducted in terms of control performance and converter efficiency in V2X mode.

Coherent OTDR with large dynamic range based on double-sideband linear frequency modulation pulse.

Rayleigh scattering-based distributed optical fiber sensors with long sensing distance and large dynamic range are highly desired for application scenarios such as vehicle tracking, structure health monitoring, and geological survey. To enlarge the dynamic range, we propose a coherent optical time domain reflectometry (COTDR) based on double-sideband linear frequency modulation (LFM) pulse. By utilizing I/Q demodulation, both the positive and negative frequency band of the Rayleigh backscattering (RBS) signal can be properly demodulated. Consequently, the dynamic range is doubled without increasing the bandwidth of signal generator, photodetector (PD), and oscilloscope. In the experiment, the chirped pulse with 10 μs pulse width and 498 MHz frequency sweeping range is launched into the sensing fiber. Single-shot strain measurement is achieved over 5 km single-mode fiber with a spatial resolution of 2.5 m and a strain sensitivity of 7.5 pε/H z. A vibration signal with 3.09 με peak-to-peak amplitude (corresponding to 461 MHz frequency shift) is successfully measured with the double-sideband spectrum, which cannot be properly recovered with the single-sideband spectrum.

Simultaneous Generation of Two Negatively Correlated Linearly Frequency-Modulated Pulses Based on an Integrated Anti-Reflection Spectral Shaper

Grating-based spectral shaping (SS) combined with wavelength-to-time (WTT) mapping has proved to be an essential approach to the photonic generation of linearly frequency-modulated (LFM) pulses due to its potential to yield the large time-bandwidth product (TBWP) and to be fully integrated. One of the most challenging issues of chip-level integration is the grating-induced reflection which may significantly impact the laser source. Since the on-chip nonreciprocal devices such as optical isolators and circulators remain difficult to realize, a silicon-integrated anti-reflection spectral shaper based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) comprising two linearly chirped grating-assisted contra-directional couplers (LCGA-CDCs) has been proposed and demonstrated. Thanks to the isolation between the input and output ports of the contra-directional couplers, the reported shaper presents an effective suppression of the reflecting power returned to its input port with a measured rejection ratio of around −10 dB covering the entire C-band. To predict the instantaneous frequency responses of the generated microwave pulses, an equivalent asymmetric MZI configuration with wavelength-dependent length difference has also been introduced to explain the mechanism of SS. Two negatively correlated LFM waveforms with up-chirped profiles and large TBWPs of 45.60 and 53.52 are simultaneously generated using a fabricated sample. Our work paves the way for an all-optical integration of the photonic-assisted isolator-free LFM pulse generation, presenting great potential for multiple application scenarios in pulsed radar systems.

Frequency‐adapted hybrid modulation strategy of resonant converter with narrow frequency range

SummaryResonant converters have been widely applied in many fields, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and switch‐mode power supply. Conventional resonant converters generally adopt pulse frequency modulation (PFM), which would cause an extremely wide frequency variation range under wide output applications. However, it would lead to high electromagnetic interference (EMI), low utilization of magnetic components, and loss of soft switching features. For catering to wide output range applications, this paper proposes a self‐adaptive narrow frequency range PFM and asymmetrical voltage‐cancelation hybrid modulation strategy to solve the above problem. The advantages of the proposed strategy include (1) narrow frequency variation range; (2) self‐adaptive shift frequency; and (3) full process achievement of zero voltage switch. The modulation strategy and operational principle and performance analysis of the proposed method are given. Eventually, a series resonant converters–based experimental platform was implemented to verify the proposed strategy.

Boundary-Based Hybrid Control Algorithm for Switched Boost Converter Operating in CCM and DCM

It is essential to have enhanced efficiency for the DC-DC converters operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). This requires a hybrid controller designed using pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM) schemes. This paper fixates on a boundary-based hybrid control algorithm for the second-order DC-DC converter - the switched boost converter. The proposed algorithm works in PWM control scheme for CCM operation, whereas DCM operation uses PFM control scheme. The boundary conditions are defined by the load current, output voltage, and switching frequency. Here, an attempt is carried out to have the advantages of both the control schemes. The boost converter is represented by the switched system operating in three modes. Violating transition guards condition orchestrates the switching among these modes. A supervisor detects the CCM and DCM operations, and subsequently switches between PWM and PFM control scheme. Extensive circuit-level simulations are carried out in MATLAB to show the efficacy of the suggested algorithm under the fluctuating line, load, and set-point.

Angle-robust two-qubit gates in a linear ion crystal

In trapped-ion quantum computers, two-qubit entangling gates are generated by applying spin-dependent force which uses phonons to mediate interaction between the internal states of the ions. To maintain high-fidelity two-qubit gates under fluctuating experimental parameters, robust pulse-design methods are applied to remove the residual spin-motion entanglement in the presence of motional mode-frequency drifts. Here we propose an improved pulse-design method that also guarantees the robustness of the two-qubit rotation angle against uniform mode-frequency drifts by concatenating pulses with opposite sensitivity of the angle to mode-frequency drifts. We experimentally verify significantly improved robustness of the rotation angle against uniform mode-frequency drifts, as well as observe an improvement in gate fidelity from 97.84(10)% to 98.11(11)%, compared to a single frequency-modulated pulse.