The Kynix Blog

Fujitsu today announced the development of a gallium-nitride (GaN) high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power amplifier for use in W-band (75-110 GHz) transmissions.This can be used in a high-capacity wireless network with coverage over a radius of several kilometers. In areas where fiber-optic cable is difficult to lay, to achieve high-speed wireless communications of several gigabits per second, one promising approach is to use high-frequency bands, such as the W band, which uses a wide frequency band. In order to get good long-distance coverage in these frequencies, however, it is necessary to increase the output power of the power amplifier to the scale of watts. Fujitsu succeeded in developing a power amplifier for W-band transmissions using GaN-HEMT technology capable of high output at 100 GHz. Evaluations of the newly developed power amplifier confirmed it to have 1.8 times increased output performance than before, which would translate to an increase of over 30% in transmission range when used in a high-speed wireless network. A portion of this research was conducted as part of a project of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) on "Agile Deployment Capability of Highly Resilient Optical and Radio Seamless Communication Systems." Details of this technology are being presented at Power Amplifiers for Wireless and Radio Applications (PAWR2016), opening January 24 in Austin, Texas.High-frequency wireless communications, using the frequency band known as the W band (75-110 GHz), are drawing increasing interest, both as a way to temporarily set up high-capacity communications channels for handling special events where large numbers of people gather, or for responding to disasters, and also as a way to bring communications to remote areas where fiber-optic cables are difficult to lay. Compared to today's mobile phones, which use frequencies in the 0.8-2.0 GHz range, the W band uses a frequency band more than 50 times as broad with 50 times the speed, meaning it is a frequency band that is well-suited to these high-capacity wireless communications.In order to transmit wireless signals over a distance of several kilometers, the transmission antenna needs a power amplifier capable of a high output on the order of several watts. Existing power amplifiers for high-frequency transmissions in the millimeter-wave band (30-300 GHz), which are built using gallium arsenide or CMOS semiconductors, are limited by their operating voltage to an output of about 0.1 W, and it has not been possible to increase this. GaN-HEMT power amplifiers have achieved high output performance in the microwave range (3-30 GHz), but the problem up until now was that their output performance declined in the W-band range. To solve these problems, Fujitsu developed a GaN-HEMT device with a unique structure capable of increasing output in the millimeter band (Figure 1). This uses a layer of indium-aluminum-gallium-nitride (InAlGaN), and double-layer silicon nitride (SiN) passivation film to increase current density by a factor of about 1.4, resulting in 3.0 W of output power from a transistor per 1-mm of gate width, at a high frequency of 100 GHz. In developing this transistor, Fujitsu collaborated with Professor Yasuyuki Miyamoto of the Tokyo Institute of Technology in developing a device-simulation technology.Fujitsu succeeded in developing a power amplifier with the world's highest W-band output performance using this GaN-HEMT device with a proprietary structure (Figure 2). In order to successfully design a power amplifier with high output performance, Fujitsu precisely measured and modeled the characteristics of GaN-HEMT during high-frequency operation. Based on that, a circuit was designed where pairs of GaN-HEMTs were grouped together into compact, high-gain units with low power loss. In order to maximize the power from these units, GaN-HEMTs were connected in a series by the interstage circuit where the signal lines and the device layouts were carefully laid out. Using a model of these compact, high-gain units, Fujitsu conducted simulations to optimize the distributor and combiner matching circuits between the units, and their layouts and signal lines, resulting in a high-amplitude power amplifier (Figure 3). A prototype power amplifier had amplitude that multiplied its input by a factor of 80, producing 1.15 W of output power. Power output per transistor, a measure of power-amplifier performance, was 3.6 W per 1 mm of gate width, the highest in the world.The newly developed power amplifier achieved a 1.8 times increase in power-amplifier output over previous W-band power amplifiers, with the world's highest output performance (Figure 4). This translates to an improvement of over 30% in terms of range for wireless communications at speeds of several gigabits per second.Fujitsu plans to apply this power-amplifier technology to high-capacity long-range wireless communications, and to implement high-speed wireless communications systems that can be used for high-expediency temporary communications infrastructure for use during special events and when fiber-optic links have been broken in the event of disasters.  

Summary As we all know,in case of macro photography or close-up portraits,the availability of a proper lightning source can dramatically improve the final result.  For this a soft light, possibly white, not a flash is essential.  The LED ring project we are presenting is not only useful for still photography but can be used for video and stop-motion animations.     Project Goals Some years ago I started a similar design of a non-portable, white ring light based on a small round neon tube, but soon I abandoned the project due to the difficulty to use it in real, outdoor applications.  Really it did not work well outside a photography studio.  This idea came back to life when I found a very cheap, PCB LED ring on sale at a local Chinese store.  It is a simple, circular design with 24 LEDs powered by either 6 or 12 VCC.Even though this little LED ring was designed for car lighting effects, its diameter and size are perfect for the photographic application I had in mind.  Component is very affordable indeed. Portable battery operated Lightweight and easy to carry Variable light intensity Compact battery pack Working in almost every condition, but not underwater   Circuit Schematics     As shown in the schematics, the LED ring output VCC is triggered by a 4.7K potentiometer to control the intensity.  An inline switch (not included in the schematics) is placed between the battery and the rest of the circuitry to turn the LED ring On/Off.  The power cable connects to the battery pack through a power jack for better portability. The resulting PCB layout has been designed to fit inside the battery pack cover box fixed with some hot glue.     Parts   Model Design First of all, I designed the LED ring container; the back support is 3D-printed, while the clear front cover is cut with a CNC router from a sheet of Perspex 1,8 mm thin. Also the battery container is built in two 3D-printed parts: the battery container and the box cover hosting the control circuit.     The LED ring is holding the camera through a support fixed to the external flash socket, cut with a CNC router from 3mm Perspex laminate.   Power   The LED ring is powered by 12 rechargeable 2100 mA/h AA batteries.  The batteries, connected in series, are inside two, 6 AA battery holders.  Because the LED ring needs to remain powered during the entire photo shoot, testing has been conducted to see how long the batteries will last.  This testing showed they provide sufficient power for hours of continuous usage.   Dimmer Circuit Design The easiest way to control the dimming intensity is via PWM control.  For this project I decided not to use a microcontroller to control the light intensity.  Instead I used a simple NE555 IC in an astable configuration.  To calculate the component values needed, a few simple inputs were used to determine the proper ratings. Our max rating VCC power is 12V (the nominal battery power is about 14 V when fully charged) The NE555 operates at a maximum rating of 15V For the output current level we will use a NPN P2222A transistor supporting up to 800 mA The LED ring works at a max power rating of about 500 mA   Final Design The complete design consists of three main parts: The battery pack The ring camera support The LED ring     Everything easily fits into the camera bag when not in use.  When you want to use it the LED ring, simply attach it to the camera and then use the long power cord (120 cm) to connect it to the battery in the camera bag.  This length of cable has been more than suffieient for all the work that I have done to date.  

New industrial-grade microSDHC/XC memory cards have been launched by Apacer Technology which are custom-built for video monitoring equipment to endure long hours of continuous data writing. Not only are Apacer microSDXC UHS-1(U3) memory cards available in capacities ranging from 4-128GB, their Ultra High Speed Class 3 specification also supports smooth Full-HD, 3D and 4K video recording, which is particularly significant in video monitoring applications that require continuous recording and sustain high wear rate.  Their durability, endurance and performance make them suitable for surveillance video recorders, dashcams for fleet vehicles and government use, and webcams.High-endurance memory cards, high-reliability assuranceUnlike those used for photographs and storing small files, Apacer memory cards are designed to endure extensive write cycles. Industrial-grade high-endurance microSDHC/XC memory cards are developed for security surveillance equipment that requires all-year-round uninterrupted data writing, ensuring high-quality images and data integrity required for long-lasting video recording. When using the 128GB ultra high capacity microSDXC memory card to record Full-HD in 20FPS, it can record for up to 20,000 hours; in loop recording, it can store 32 hours of video footage with automatic write-over. In an emergency when both quality and performance are required in the video surveillance system, Apacer microSD memory cards protect and store data securely, providing high endurance and high capacity.Improved speed, enhanced access performanceFeaturing Ultra High Speed Class 3 (U3) specification, Apacer microSD memory cards have maximum read/write speed of 75/65MB per second. The memory cards also support ECC (Error Correcting Code) to automatically check data and provide timely error correction, preventing data loss and damage, and increasing data accuracy and integrity. When teamed with 128GB (SDXC) large capacity, they become a suitable storage device for security surveillance systems.All Apacer microSDHC/SDXC memory cards are temperature-resistant, shockproof, waterproof, anti-static and x-ray-proof, allowing surveillance systems to operate reliably in a harsh environment. The memory cards also feature high quality MLC flash memory chip and customised firmware optimised management tools, such as write protect which prevents precious data from being written over or erased by mistake. Furthermore, the memory cards support ECC to reduce data error arising from constant overwrite, and wear-leveling and S.M.A.R.T. techniques which automatically monitor memory health status, improving product reliability and lifespan. Ref:KY32-K9T1G08U0M-YIBOKY32-CY7C1357S-100AXCKY32-70V639S10BC8

How can quantum information be stored as long as possible? An important step forward in the development of quantum memories has been achieved by a research team of TU Wien.Conventional memories used in today's computers only differentiate between the bit values 0 and 1. In quantum physics, however, arbitrary superpositions of these two states are possible. Most of the ideas for new quantum technology devices rely on this "Superposition Principle". One of the main challenges in using such states is that they are usually short-lived. Only for a short period of time can information be read out of quantum memories reliably, after that it is irrecoverable.A research team at TU Wien has now taken an important step forward in the development of new quantum storage concepts. In cooperation with the Japanese telecommunication giant NTT, the Viennese researchers lead by Johannes Majer are working on quantum memories based on nitrogen atoms and microwaves. The nitrogen atoms have slightly different properties, which quickly leads to the loss of the quantum state. By specifically changing a small portion of the atoms, one can bring the remaining atoms into a new quantum state, with a lifetime enhancement of more than a factor of ten. These results have now been published in the journal Nature Photonics.Nitrogen in diamond"We use synthetic diamonds in which individual nitrogen atoms are implanted", explains project leader Johannes Majer from the Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics of TU Wien. "The quantum state of these nitrogen atoms is coupled with microwaves, resulting in a quantum system in which we store and read information."However, the storage time in these systems is limited due to the inhomogeneous broadening of the microwave transition in the nitrogen atoms of the diamond crystal. After about half a microsecond, the quantum state can no longer be reliably read out, the actual signal is lost. Johannes Majer and his team used a concept known as "spectral hole burning", allowing data to be stored in the optical range of inhomogeneously broadened media, and adapted it for supra-conducting quantum circuitsand spin quantum memories.Dmitry Krimer, Benedikt Hartl and Stefan Rotter (Institute of Theoretical Physics, TU Wien) have shown in their theoretical work that such states, which are largely decoupled from the disturbing noise, also exist in these systems. "The trick is to manoeuver the quantum system into these durable states through specific manipulation, with the aim to store information there," explains Dmitry Krimer.Excluding specific energies"The transitions areas in the nitrogen atoms have slightly different energy levels because of the local properties of the not quite perfect diamond crystal", explains Stefan Putz, the first author of the study, who has since moved from TU Wien to Princeton University. "If you use microwaves to selectively change a few nitrogen atoms that have very specific energies, you can create a "Spectral Hole". The remaining nitrogen atoms can then be brought into a new quantum state, a so-called "dark state", in the center of these holes. This state is much more stable and opens up completely new possibilities.""Our work is a 'proof of principle' – we present a new concept, show that it works, and we want to lay the foundations for further exploration of innovative operational protocols of quantum data," says Stefan Putz.With this new method, the lifetime of quantum states of the coupled system of microwaves and nitrogen atoms increased by more than one order of magnitude to about five microseconds. This is still not a great deal in the standard of everyday life, but in this case it is sufficient for important quantum-technological applications. "The advantage of our system is that one can write and read quantum information within nanoseconds," explains Johannes Majer. "A large number of working steps are therefore possible in microseconds, in which the system remains stable."Reference: S29GL032N11FFIS42S29GL064N90FFIS30S29AS016J70BFA040  

SummaryAs the development of socialty,basically a family will own one car even in the development country. In the future over-the-air updates keep them constantly up to date,and thus also secure.  In the future, car owners will be able to enhance their car’s security, intelligence, and performance without getting up from the sofa. In the future, updating their car’s software will be as simple as updating apps on their smartphones today. A swipe of the smartphone will be enough to automatically update vehicle software or to download new functions directly from the cloud – without any need to visit the repair shop.    Situation AnalysisMore electronics, more functions, more software: the car is turning into a smartphone on wheels. Keeping vehicle software up to date is thus becoming increasingly important. New functions can provide extra convenience, even after the vehicle has been bought. Over-the-air software updates will therefore soon be a standard feature.Today’s vehicles feature as many as 100 control units. Even compact cars have between 30 and 50. Their software governs nearly every function in the vehicle. In addition, more and more vehicles are now connected – with the internet, other cars, and the infrastructure. This means a greater risk of weak links in vehicle software, as well as of manipulation. In this context, software updates over the cloud offer a solution that keeps cars constantly up to date, and thus also secure. In addition, the cloud updates mean that ever more functions can be added, with ever greater scope.If the necessary hardware is already installed, a new software function can be tried out and subsequently downloaded. In this way, lane-keeping or park-assist functions can be added, for example. And it is not just drivers that benefit from over-the-air software updates: in 2015, 15 percent of recalls in the automotive industry in the U.S. had to do with software errors. Four years previously, this figure was only 5 percent, according to a U.S. study based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). For automakers and their customers alike, such repair-shop visits are a huge waste of time and money, and online updates can significantly reduce this.  Over-the-air Software UpdateThe over-the-air software updates work priciple is secure,fast and simple. On the driver's smartphone or the car’s infotainment system, the online security updates are started and any new functions that need to be downloaded are selected. This information is sent to the cloud, which acts like a kind of app store, holding the updates in readiness and starting the process of downloading software to the vehicle. The data can either be downloaded in the background while the car is moving, or overnight when it is parked in its garage. As soon as the vehicle is in a secure condition (once it has parked, for example), the software updates are installed on the appropriate control units, where they are immediately activated. Security and the smooth interaction of automotive electronics, cloud, and software are decisive for an over-the-air update. Data security is ensured by the latest encryption technologies. A complex security architecture with end-to-end encryption protects the data transmission against unauthorized access. At the car-cloud interfaces, secure protocols and filters act like a firewall to ward off any hacking attempts. To ensure that an over-the-air update is not just secure, but also fast and reliable, fast update technologies such as delta and compression mechanisms are used. These accelerate the update process and reduce cost, since the data volume for the transmission remains low. One further security measure is to transmit the updates in sequences. If problems occur, the update process can be stopped and adjusted. Article resources: BoschArticle edited by kynix 

SummaryAs is known,one of the main barriers to a wider adoption of OLED technology resides in its lack of efficiency compared to fluorescent lamps or Light-emitting diodes(LED).  The SOLED project hoped to solve this problem using chiral organic semiconductor structures. The difference is undisputable: when put side by side with an LED display (display modules), its OLED counterpart will stand out thanks to its sharper images, better contrast and crisp colours.  BodyEnergy efficiency, however, is a key concern for consumers, and OLED is still lagging behind other technologies in this regard. In fact, the only type of display it can top is LCD, but only marginally.To solve this problem, the Weizmann Institute kicked off the SOLED (Chiral organic semiconductor structures) project in January 2016. They aimed to tackle the OLED efficiency problem at its source: ‘The low efficiency of OLED technology is a result of low light emission yield due to the formation of triplet electronic states, in which the two electrons have the same orientation,’ explains Prof. Ron Naaman, coordinator of SOLED.The project’s plan was to use electrons’ spin control with a view to reducing the probability of producing triplet states. This is known as the spin-LED/OLED concept: electrons injected into and from the light-emitting species have a predetermined spin, which helps avoid the formation of ‘dark’, non-emitting triplet states. The team had already benefitted from past experience in this field. They could capitalise on their earlier research on the Chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, and proposed to develop chiral organic semiconductor structures to control the spin state of injected electrons and holes in OLEDs.As they initiated the SOLED project, they expected this effect to be able to increase the energy efficiency of OLED devices by a factor of four. Prof. Naaman said "The chiral-induced spin selectivity effect is supposed to allow full control of the electrons’ spin orientation by ensuring that the electron that leaves the emitting molecule has the same spin orientation as the electron entering into the molecule." "Whilst the concept was successfully demonstrated in principle, the team quickly realised that further research would be required to reach their objective. In collaboration with the group of Richard Friend from Cambridge and E. W. (Bert) Meijer from Eindhoven, we could demonstrate our ability to affect the spin orientation in the OLED, but the efficiency of the process was not very high." . "The reason for it is the organisation of the molecules in the OLED. Now, we pursue this work with our collaborators towards better control of material organisation." Until this problem is solved, the team has had to postpone the pre-commercialisation measures they had originally planned for. However, Prof. Naaman is still hopeful that the technology will help OLED technology spread throughout European homes in the form of flexible light emitters. He also underlines the realisation that material organisation is the key factor in achieving spin control as a major outcome for the project. At the end,Prof. Naaman concluded:"We intend to study molecules that self-assemble into three dimensional organised structures, like micro-crystals. We hope to do that under either the FET-OPEN programme or other specific programmes."