Ifi research: Nanoelectronic: Research

Research areas

Delta-Sigma data converters
The resolution of conventional data converters is limited by the accuracy of the components in the converter. A way to increase this resolution is to use a well established technique called Delta-Sigma oversampling. An alternative Delta-Sigma modulator whitout global feedback well suited for implementation in a standard CMOS has been developed at this group. The alternative topology offers improved performance with respect to resolution and simplicity.

Multiple-valued logic
Multiple-valued logic has in the last few decades been proposed as a possible alternative to binary logic. Whereas binary logic is limited to only two states, "true" and "false", multiple-valued logic (MVL) replaces these with finitely or infinitely numbers of values. A MVL system is defined as a system operating on a higher radix than two. A radix-n set has n elements, (0, 1, ...., n-1). The feasibility of MVL depends on the availability of the devices constructed for MVL operations. The devices should be able to switch between the different logical levels, and preferably be less complex than the binary counterparts.

Neuromorphic Systems
The human nervous system is outperforming any computer, not only in size, but also in efficiency and robustness. The knowledge and insight in the computational aspects of our nervous system is rapidly developing. Neuromorphic engineering is biological processing paradigms in microelectronics, not only for understanding the biological computations but also to build useful electronics. Neuromorphic silicon is exploring micropower electronics combining analog and neural representations (spiky).

Impulse Radio
Microelectronics for Impulse Radio exploring ultra wide band (UWB-IR) transmission for low power short range communication and radar systems. Ultra low power solutions are feasible in standard CMOS for applications like RFID tags exploring power harvesting from the surroundings. The unique penetration properties of UWB-IR enable improved communication range in applications like body implants. In combination with time-domain processing, spatial resolution for short-range radar is increased and accurate localization (centimetres) is feasible.

RF MEMS
MicroElectroMechanical Systems, MEMS, are systems based on a range of techologies whereby tiny mechanical elements, both sensors and actuators, can be implemented. Design of electronical systems containing mechanical parts is a relatively new activity at the MES group. MEMS technology gives a unique possibility to implement micromechanical resonatores and filters with high performance regarding selectivity and Q-factors. When combining these mechanical structures with microelectronics, central parts in wireless systems, RF systems (Radio Frequency systems) can be implemented. The research is focused on RF MEMS.