Variable Capacitor Research Articles

A Study of the Effect of Temperature on the Capacitance Characteristics of a Metal-μhemisphere Resonant Gyroscope.

Metal-μhemispherical resonant gyros (M-μHRGs) are widely used in highly dynamic navigation systems in extreme environments due to their high accuracy and structural stability. However, the effect of temperature variations on the capacitance characteristics of M-μHRGs has not been fully investigated, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of the gyro. This study aims to systematically analyze the effect of temperature on the static and dynamic capacitances of M-μHRGs. In this study, an M-μHRG structure based on a 16-tooth metal oscillator is designed, and conducted simulation experiments using non-contact capacitance measurement method and COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 finite element simulation software in the temperature range of 233.15 K to 343.15 K. The modeling analysis of the static capacitance takes into account the thermal expansion effect, and the results show that static capacitance remains stable across the measured temperature range, with minimal effect from temperature. The dynamic capacitance exhibits significant nonlinear variations under different temperature conditions, especially in the two end temperature intervals (below 273.15 K and above 313.15 K), where the capacitance values show local extremes and fluctuations. In order to capture this nonlinear behavior, the experimental data were smoothed and fitted using the LOESS method, revealing a complex trend of the capacitance variation with temperature. The results show that the M-μHRG has good capacitance stability in the mid-temperature range, but its dynamic performance is significantly affected at extreme temperatures. This study provides a theoretical reference for the optimal design of M-μHRGs in high- and low-temperature environments.

Optimal design parameter estimation and analytical investigation of MEMS quadruple touch mode capacitive pressure sensor

Purpose Touch mode capacitive pressure sensors (TMCPS) offer superior sensitivity and linearity in comparison to normal mode CPS and have therefore seen substantial improvements in modeling and construction. This study aims to develop a sensor that is highly robust, with near-linear output characteristics, increased sensitivity and superior overload protection, making it an ideal choice for deployment in harsh industrial environments. Design/methodology/approach The proposed sensor design uses a substrate with a multi-step notch, introducing a new quadruple TMCPS and uses a small deflection model for mathematical analysis. Addition of a multi-step notch to traditional touch mode capacitive sensors results in quadruple touch regions which further enhances its operational range performance. Findings The simulation of diaphragm deflection in response to pressure is carried out by using COMSOL Multiphysics, whereas MATLAB is used for analytical simulations pertaining to variations in capacitance and capacitive sensitivity. Comparing with earlier models, there is a noticeable enhancement in capacitance, experiencing a fivefold increase. The achieved value stands at 50.1 pF, reflecting improved sensitivity for applied pressure ranging from 0 to 2 MPa. Originality/value In existing literature to improve the performance of the single TMCPS, a double-sided TMCPS has been developed. To enhance sensor performance, a substrate with a multi-step notch is proposed. The notch creates four touch regions with varying gap depths, resulting in increased capacitance and capacitive sensitivity.

A Self-Compensating Non-Intrusive Ring-Type AC Voltage Sensor Based on Capacitive Coupling

In order to reduce the influence of coupling capacitance variations on cable voltage measurement, this paper proposes a self-compensating non-intrusive ring-type AC voltage sensor based on capacitive coupling. A theoretical model of the sensor was established, and the influence of parasitic capacitance changes on sensor output was analyzed. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis shows that the parasitic capacitance between the external cable and the sensing probe, as well as between the ground and the sensing probe, will significantly affect the sensitivity of the sensor and increases the measurement error. A ring-type inductive probe and a signal processing circuit were designed, incorporating a reference signal to compensate for the influence of coupling capacitance variations. Additionally, to minimize the impact of parasitic capacitance on sensor output, the length of the outer ring electrode was extended, and a PTFE housing was designed for protection. A prototype of the sensor was developed and tested. This prototype has a good linear response to AC voltage in the measurement range of 0–1000 V with a linearity of 0.86%. The effects of changes in cable diameter and cable position on the measurement were tested separately. The worst-case error of the sensor output is less than 6.44%, representing a reduction of 21.4% compared to the uncompensated case. Under external cable interference, the sensor exhibited an output error of less than 1.85%. The results show that the designed sensor can accurately measure cable voltage despite changes in cable diameter or installation position, and also demonstrates effective shielding against external interference.

Flexible Supercapacitor Device Based on Laser‐Synthesized Nanographene for Low‐Power Applications

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and laser‐induced reduced graphene oxide (LIrGO) are two relatively recent graphene‐based nanoscale materials suitable for miniaturized flexible supercapacitors. This study employs direct laser engraving techniques to generate patterns on flexible substrates, such as paper and polyamide (PI). This methodology allows fine control over the formed nanographene structures to fabricated LIG and LIrGO supercapacitors. The LIG on PI exhibits a distinctive porous structure and high surface area, adsorption, and transportation of ions. Furthermore, paper‐based LIrGO electrodes are recyclable and are formed in a single step. The morphological study is done using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Galvanostatic charge–discharge studies at 0.05 mA cm−2 current density show an areal capacitance of 3.69 mF cm−2 for LIG and 1.61 mF cm−2 for LIrGO. The comparable energy densities for LIG and LIrGO are 0.32 and 0.16 μWh cm−2, respectively. From the calculative analysis of both types, the variation in specific areal capacitance enabling effective is 56.3% from GCD, indicating that the LIG device performs better. Finally, a portable potentiostat is employed to investigate the viability of utilizing supercapacitors to operate self‐powered sensors in a portable and integrable fashion.

A flexible capacitive proximity-tactile dual-mode sensor based on the biomimetic petal-like electrode

Flexible capacitive proximity-tactile dual-mode sensors not only have good stability, non-contact detection distance and sensitivity, but also can get rid of the limitation of single contact sensing performance. It integrates other functions such as extensibility, tactile perception, etc., forming dual-mode flexible wearable electronic skins with strong adaptability to application scenarios. However, under the premise of fully balancing the manufacturing process and cost, how to effectively and significantly improve the non-contact and contact performance of capacitive flexible proximity sensors remains an important issue. By utilizing the edge effect and biomimetic concept, we propose a flexible capacitive dual-mode sensor based on petal-like electrode, which has a relative variation of capacitance to −32.4 % and can detect objects within 5 cm. With the further assistance of the porous microstructure dielectric layer, the tactile performance of the sensor exhibits high sensitivity of 0.132 kPa−1, low pressure resolution of 6.9 Pa, and good stability after thousands of pressure test cycles. In addition, an object detection system based on a flexible capacitive dual-mode sensor array has been developed. The experimental results show that the shape and position of the approaching object are detected in proximity mode, and the size and position distribution of pressure are detected in tactile mode. The ideal performance of sensor has broad application prospects in fields such as spatial recognition, human-computer interaction, and intelligent electronic skin.

A Novel Wearable Sensor for Measuring Respiration Continuously and in Real Time.

In this work, a flexible textile-based capacitive respiratory sensor, based on a capacitive sensor structure, that does not require direct skin contact is designed, optimised, and evaluated using both computational modelling and empirical measurements. In the computational study, the geometry of the sensor was examined. This analysis involved observing the capacitance and frequency variations using a cylindrical model that mimicked the human body. Four designs were selected which were then manufactured by screen printing multiple functional layers on top of a polyester/cotton fabric. The printed sensors were characterised to detect the performance against phantoms and impacts from artefacts, normally present whilst wearing the device. A sensor that has an electrode ratio of 1:3:1 (sensor, reflector, and ground) was shown to be the most sensitive design, as it exhibits the highest sensitivity of 6.2% frequency change when exposed to phantoms. To ensure the replicability of the sensors, several batches of identical sensors were developed and tested using the same physical parameters, which resulted in the same percentage frequency change. The sensor was further tested on volunteers, showing that the sensor measures respiration with 98.68% accuracy compared to manual breath counting.

Design optimization of a phase-change capacitive sensor for irreversible temperature threshold monitoring and its eco-friendly and wireless implementation

Monitoring the temperature of perishable goods during transport and storage is essential to prevent waste and maintain product quality. Exploiting the unique property of phase-change materials (PCM), altering their physical state at specific temperatures, we optimize a capacitive sensor design based on a copper on polyimide interdigitated spiral (IDE) structure coated with a PCM to irreversibly detect temperature thresholds. The effect of the sensor dimensioning on its response is analyzed using a finite element model simulation. The model predicted up to 51% capacitance variation for optimal coverage of the PCM after spreading over the IDE, which was validated experimentally within a 5% error. Two melting concepts utilizing the spreading or the removal of the melted PCM over the IDE are investigated based on a capillary retention mechanism to maintain sensor sensitivity under inclination. Finally, an eco-friendly implementation of the capacitive structure and its wireless operation at 460 MHz is demonstrated on paper with a printed zinc transducer passivated with beeswax and covered with jojoba oil. Melting of the oil at a threshold temperature of 12.3 °C resulted in an irreversible shift in resonance frequency of 14 MHz. This study provides guidelines for the design and implementation of irreversible temperature monitoring capacitive sensors.

A Novel Topology of a 3 × 3 Series Phased Array Antenna with Aperture-Coupled Feeding.

This paper presents a novel 3 × 3 phased array antenna optimized for 4 GHz operation, achieving a realized gain of 13.2 dBi and enabling 30-degree beam steering with a minimal capacitance variation of 1.5 pF. The design features a series aperture-coupled feeding mechanism that not only reduces the antenna's size but also simplifies the fabrication process, making the device both cost-effective and compact. Integrating cost-efficient quadrature-hybrid phase shifters and novel power splitters with cascaded quadrature hybrids ensures uniform power distribution and precise beam steering. The innovative use of these components addresses common challenges in phased array systems, such as space constraints, high costs, and complex power distribution.

Design of non‐contact capacitive displacement detection methods for magnetic levitated sphere

AbstractTo meet the demand for non‐contact displacement detection of magnetic levitation spheres, single‐ended and differential variable electrode distance capacitance displacement detection schemes are designed in this paper. For these two schemes, finite element simulation models are established in COMSOL Multiphysics software to obtain the relationship between the test capacitance and the displacement of the magnetic levitation sphere. In the single‐ended scheme, there is a non‐linear relationship between the test capacitance and the position of the levitated sphere, and this non‐linearity becomes more significant as the sphere moves away from the electrode plate. In contrast, in the differential scheme, the test capacitance and the displacement of the levitated sphere follow a linear relationship, but the test sensitivity decreases with the expansion of the measuring range. The simulation results of the differential scheme have been verified by building a spherical displacement detection simulator, and thanks to the mature development of capacitive detection circuits, the scheme is expected to achieve better than nanoscale displacement detection resolution in the 6.6 mm displacement range of a magnetic levitation sphere in the future.

A Wide Range Zero‐Voltage Switching Phase‐Shifted Full‐Bridge Converter With No Duty Cycle Loss and Low Rectifier Oscillation

ABSTRACTThe phase‐shifted full‐bridge (PSFB) converter has been widely used in DC/DC converters due to its soft‐switching characteristics. However, it still has many drawbacks. In order to solve the shortcomings of the PSFB converter, such as limited soft‐switching range, high loss of duty cycle, and high oscillating voltage of the secondary rectifier, a PSFB converter based on parallel variable inductor and series blocking capacitor is proposed in this study. A wide range of soft switching, low rectifier oscillation voltage, and no duty cycle loss can be realized by the auxiliary current‐controlled variable inductor and reasonable blocking capacitor design. In this study, the mechanism of soft switching and suppression of oscillation is discussed and some of the designs are given. Finally, the experimental results of a 200 W/50 kHz prototype are constructed in the laboratory to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed converter.

Study of a novel capacitive pressure sensor using spiral comb electrodes

Abstract For traditional capacitive pressure sensors, high nonlinearity and poor sensitivity greatly limited their sensing applications. Hence, an innovative design of capacitors based on spiral comb electrodes is proposed for high-sensitivity pressure detection in this work. Compared to traditional capacitive pressure sensors with straight plate comb electrodes, the proposed sensor with the spiral comb electrodes increases the overlap areas of electrodes sufficiently, the pressure sensitivity can thus be greatly improved. Moreover, the capacitance variation of the proposed sensor is dominated by the change of the overlap area of the electrodes rather than the electrode's distance, the linearity can also thus be improved to higher than 0.99. Theoretical analysis and COMSOL-based finite element simulation have been implemented for principle verification and performance optimization. Simulation results show that the proposed design has a mechanical sensitivity of 1.5 ×10-4 m/Pa, capacitive sensitivity of 1.10 aF/Pa, and nonlinear error of 3.63%, respectively, at the pressure range from 0 to 30 kPa. An equivalent experiment has been further carried out for verification. Experimental results also show that both the sensitivity and linearity of capacitive pressure sensors with spiral comb electrodes are higher than those with straight comb electrodes. This work not only provides a new avenue for capacitor design, but also can be applied to high-sensitivity pressure detection.

Testing and analysis of a D-STATCOM prototype connected to the electrical network

In this article Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices are addressed, especially the design and implementation of a D-STATCOM prototype, making a comparison between the theoretical behavior and the aforementioned prototype. A fuzzy logic-based strategy was used for voltage control, employing the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Designer tool. The neural network was trainned with the network voltage, the voltage of the inverter stage, the current, the active and reactive power, and the power factor as inputs. Initially, the load power factor was 0.62 and the prototype operation allowed the voltage to be increased above the grid voltage, which is reflected in the forward current, modifying the power factor to a value of 0.91 while maintaining the same voltage. Finally, the results demonstrate the relationship between the increase of the inverter stage of the prototype above the electrical power line, obtaining a variable capacitor thus adjusting the power factor.

Fast-response and high figure of merit phase shifter based on polymer- stabilised liquid crystals

ABSTRACT This article presents a novel fast-response and high figure of merit (FoM) phase shifter based on polymer-stabilised liquid crystal (LC) for Ka-band. The developed LC phase shifter (LCPS), utilising a coplanar differential line loading 19 parallel-plate variable capacitors with 4.6 μm LC-cell, adopts polymer-stabilised LC technology in which the parallelly orientated polymer networks facilitate the LC molecules’ return to their initial state upon removal of the bias voltage, thus accelerating response time. The proposed LCPS has been fabricated to evaluate its superior capabilities. The experimental results closely match the simulation results, confirming its good congruity. This design has measured S 11 < −10 dB in 29–31 GHz. LCs with different HCM002 concentrations are injected to LCPS, and the experimental outcomes showed that LCs with 9 wt% HCM002 concentration significantly improve the response time of LCPS to 2.8 ms with a high FoM of 91.2°/dB at 30 GHz.

Advancing oil and gas pipeline monitoring with fast phase fraction sensor

Abstract In the oil and gas sector, the design of monitoring equipment usually prioritizes durability and long-term reliability. However, such equipment does not provide resolution for scientific research, where capturing transient and dynamic events is crucial to enhancing flow understanding. This work describes the development of a capacitive sensor system optimized for phase fraction measurements in oil-gas industrial environments. The sensor features high sensitivity and temporal resolution to meet flow measurement investigative requirements. The measurement technique is based on the electrical capacitance variations of the flowing media and was validated with reference equipment. Six sensors were deployed across multiple test stations to analyze the slug flow regime and its evolution along the pipe. The data collected from these experiments were processed, and flow parameters were compared with a model that describes the elongated bubble shape found in the slug flow pattern. Results show a good agreement between the experimental data and the model, validating its capability to track the fast-changing phases of multiphase flow. The uncertainty analysis revealed a maximum absolute uncertainty of 1.65% for the gas fraction measurements. Further, the gas flow rate was evaluated with a good agreement against the reference gas flow meter, ensuring the sensor's reliability in dynamic multiphase flow environments. By providing accurate experimental data from real-world industrial conditions, the developed sensor can significantly enhance the precision of flow models, thereby improving the understanding of complex flow phenomena.

Ocean wave energy harvesting: Utilizing buoy float to induce dielectric elastomer deformation and electret vibration for power generation

The dielectric elastomeric polymer material, characterized by its high energy output, resilience, mechanical compliance, lightweight, damage tolerance, and low cost, demonstrates significant potential as an innovative sustainable energy converter. It seamlessly adapts to the ever-changing climatic conditions of the ocean, converting the violent impacts of wave kinetics into electrical energy. This paper proposed a viable electret and dielectric elastomer wave energy harvester to convert ocean wave energy into electricity and aims to achieve self-priming operation in the conjugate components. The output voltage from the electret also functions as the bias voltage for the dielectric elastomer, based on the intrinsic variable capacitance electric translation principle. The dielectric elastomer's deformation, equivalent to variable capacitance, successfully converted the mechanical energy from the ocean waves into electrical energy. The ocean wave energy conversion is evaluated using a system-level approach, incorporating theoretical, simulation, and experimental models. In addition, electric power generation is assessed with parameters such as output voltage, electret surface potential, and bias voltage. Essentially, the electric energy produced by the electret generator can serve as the bias voltage source for the dielectric elastomer generator, providing a self-sustaining solution for ocean wave energy harvesting. The innovative power device envisions various potential configurations for ocean-based power generation.

Operator-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator Power Management and Output Voltage Control.

In this paper, an operator-based voltage control method for TENGs is investigated, achieving output voltage tracking without compensators and uncertainty suppression using robust right coprime factorization. Initially, a comprehensive simulation-capable circuit model for TENGs is developed, integrating their open-circuit voltage and variable capacitance characteristics. This model is implemented to simulate the behavior of TENGs with a rectifier bridge and capacitive load. To address the high-voltage, low-current pulsating nature of TENG outputs, a storage capacitor switching model is designed to effectively transfer the pulsating energy. This switching model is directly connected to a buck converter and operates under a unified control strategy. A complete TENG power management system was established based on this model, incorporating an operator theory-based control strategy. This strategy ensures steady output voltage under varying load conditions without using compensators, thereby reducing disturbances. Simulation results validate the feasibility of the proposed TENG system and the efficacy of the control strategy, providing a robust framework for optimizing TENG energy harvesting and management systems with significant potential for practical applications.

Performance Analysis and Optimization of Switch Device for VLF Communication Synchronous Tuning System Based on Coupled Inductors

The very low frequency (VLF) communication system is characterized by a limited transmit bandwidth. Due to the low operating frequency, the dimensions of VLF antennas are significantly smaller than the corresponding wavelength. Therefore, VLF antennas are considered electrically small antennas (ESAs) with high Q values and narrow bandwidth. To achieve broadband VLF communication, synchronous tuning technology is commonly employed. In this study, we focus on analyzing the performance of the switching device in the synchronous tuning system using coupled inductors and IGBT as core components. By considering the equivalent circuit of the controlled source associated with coupled inductors, we propose an adaptive input impedance optimization algorithm based on the variable capacitor (hereinafter referred to as VC-ADIO) to address issues arising from coupling coefficient variations and internal parameters within IGBTs that affect primary loop input impedance. The radiated power of the VLF antenna is improved effectively.

Decoupling Variable Capacitance and Diffusive Components of Active Solid-Liquid Interfaces with Flex Points.

Understanding the current transport characteristics of electrode interfaces is essential for optimizing device performance across a wide range of applications including bio-/chemical sensing and energy storage sectors. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a popular method for studying interfacial properties, particularly those involving redox systems. However, it remains challenging to differentiate between electron movements that contribute to capacitive and diffusive behaviors. In this study, we introduce a technique called flex point analysis, which uses a single differentiation step to separate capacitive and diffusive electron movements at the electrode interface during a redox reaction. Our results show that the variable capacitance at the electrode surface exhibited both positive and negative values on the order of 10-6 (micro) Farad. This approach provides a clearer understanding of interfacial electron dynamics, enhancing the interpretation of CV data and potentially improving the design and optimization of related materials and devices.

Design of an Electronic Interface for Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes.

Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) belong to a family of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with single-photon detection capability that operate above the breakdown voltage (i.e., Geiger mode). Design and technology constraints, such as dark current, photon detection probability, and power dissipation, impose inherent device limitations on avalanche photodiodes. Moreover, after the detection of a photon, SPADs require dead time for avalanche quenching and recharge before they can detect another photon. The reduction in dead time results in higher efficiency for photon detection in high-frequency applications. In this work, an electronic interface, based on the pole-zero compensation technique for reducing dead time, was investigated. A nanosecond pulse generator was designed and fabricated to generate pulses of comparable voltage to an avalanche transistor. The quenching time constant (τq) is not affected by the compensation capacitance variation, while an increase of about 30% in the τq is related to the properties of the specific op-amp used in the design. Conversely, the recovery time was observed to be strongly influenced by the compensation capacitance. Reductions in the recovery time, from 927.3 ns down to 57.6 ns and 9.8 ns, were observed when varying the compensation capacitance in the range of 5-0.1 pF. The experimental results from an SPAD combined with an electronic interface based on an avalanche transistor are in strong accordance, providing similar output pulses to those of an illuminated SPAD.

Piezoresistive-piezocapacitive hybrid pressure sensor based on synergetic MXene porous conducting and ion trapping effects for operando battery state-of-charge monitoring

Battery pressure evolution provides essential information for battery state diagnosis. However, challenges still exist for achieving suitable pressure sensors to realize precise operando battery pressure monitoring. Herein, we develop a flexible hybrid pressure sensor by sandwiching one ionic piezocapacitive layer between two piezoresistive electrode networks. By taking advantage of the synergistic resistance and capacitance variation effects of the sensor upon compression by the interwoven conductive MXene fibers and the ionic nanofibers with MXene ion trappers, a remarkably improved sensing performance is achieved with a low detection limit of 4 Pa, an excellent durability under both small and ultrahigh pressures for over 20 000 cycles, and high sensitivities over an ultrawide detection range of 0–1 MPa. Meanwhile, the developed sensor is soft and stretchable, ensuring a convenient and conformal attachment to batteries of various shapes without in-plane strain interference. Towards practical application, the hybrid sensor is used to monitor the pressure evolution of lithium-ion battery pouch cells under different constrained pressures, and highly sensitive response is gained, through which the state of charge (SoC) of the battery during normal operation can be precisely estimated. When the battery is slightly overcharged, an instant warning can be made upon the diagnosis of SoC of even a few percentages over 100 %. Its application can be expanded to other areas where high sensitivity across an ultrawide detection range is demanded.