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prof. dr hab. inż. Stanisław Szczepański
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total: 100
Catalog Publications
Year 2024
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In-ADC, Rank-Order Filter for Digital Pixel Sensors
PublicationThis paper presents a new implementation of the rank-order filter, which is established on a parallel-operated array of single-slope (SS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The SS ADCs use an “on-the-ramp processing” technique, i.e., filtration is performed along with analog-to-digital conversion, so the final states of the converters represent a filtered image. A proof-of-concept 64 × 64 array of SS ADCs, integrated with MOS...
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Versatile Unsupervised Design of Antennas Using Flexible Parameterization and Computational Intelligence Methods
PublicationDeveloping contemporary antennas is a challenging endeavor that requires considerable engineering insight. The most laborious stage is to devise an antenna architecture that delivers the required functionalities, e.g., multiband operation. Iterative by nature (hands-on topology modifications, parametric studies, trial-and-error geometry selection), it typically takes many weeks and requires considerable engagement from a human...
Year 2023
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A Study of Mutual Coupling Suppression between Two Closely Spaced Planar Monopole Antenna Elements for 5G New Radio Massive MIMO System Applications
Publication5G NR (new radio) introduces the concept of massive MIMO (multiple-input-multiple-output) technology, in which a larger number of antenna arrays are installed on the transceiver. Due to the increased number of antenna elements allocated close to each other (approximately at half-wavelength distance), mutual coupling becomes a serious problem leading to performance degradation of the MIMO communication system. In this communication,...
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Novel Versatile Topologies and Design Optimization of Wide-Bandstop Frequency Selective Surfaces for X-Band, Ku-Band and Millimeter-Wave Applications
PublicationNovel designs of frequency selective surface (FSS) are presented for wideband applications in X, Ku and mmWave (millimeter Wave) bands. Two identical metallic layers of FSS are imprinted on both sides of the RO4003 substrate. The geometry parameters are optimized to maximize the bandstop at the specified in-band maximum transmission level of –10 dB; satisfaction of the latter condition is enforced through appropriate formulation...
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Single-Slope ADC With Embedded Convolution Filter for Global-Shutter CMOS Image Sensors
PublicationThis brief presents an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) suitable for acquisition and processing of images in the global-shutter mode at the pixel level. The ADC consists of an analog comparator, a multi-directional shift register for the comparator states, and a 16-bit reversible binary counter with programmable step size. It works in the traditional single-slope mode. The novelty is that during each step of the reference ramp,...
Year 2022
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A Comprehensive Survey on Antennas On-Chip Based on Metamaterial, Metasurface, and Substrate Integrated Waveguide Principles for Millimeter-Waves and Terahertz Integrated Circuits and Systems
PublicationAntennas on-chip are a particular type of radiating elements valued for their small footprint. They are most commonly integrated in circuit boards to electromagnetically interface free space, which is necessary for wireless communications. Antennas on-chip radiate and receive electromagnetic (EM) energy as any conventional antennas, but what distinguishes them is their miniaturized size. This means they can be integrated inside...
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An Innovative Antenna Array with High Inter Element Isolation for Sub-6 GHz 5G MIMO Communication Systems
PublicationA novel technique is shown to improve the isolation between radiators in antenna arrays. The proposed technique suppresses the surface-wave propagation and reduces substrate loss thereby enhancing the overall performance of the array. This is achieved without affecting the antenna’s footprint. The proposed approach is demonstrated on a four-element array for 5G MIMO applications. Each radiating element in the array is constituted...
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Design and Implementation of a Dual-band Filtering Wil-kinson Power Divider Using Coupled T-shaped Dual-band Resonators
PublicationThe paper introduces a novel structure of a dual-band filtering Wilkinson power divider (WPD). Its essential component is a dual-band bandpass filter (BPF), implemented using coupling lines and two T-shaped resonators. The BPF is incorporated into the divider structure to suppress the unwanted harmonics within the circuit. The latter is achieved owing to a wide stopband of the filter. The deigned dual-band WPD can suppress third...
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Highly-Miniaturized Dual-Mode Bandpass Filter Based on Quarter-Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide with Wide Stopband
PublicationThis paper presents a novel design of a highly-miniaturized dual-mode bandpass filter (BPF) employing a quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW). The QMSIW resonator is based on a square cavity with metallic vias along two sides, and open-ended edges at the remaining sides that contain orthogonal feed lines. An open slot is introduced along the two sides of the square cavity with metallic vias to form a magnetic wall....
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Miniaturized Metal-Mountable U-shaped Inductive-Coupling-Fed UHF RFID Tag Antenna with Defected Microstrip Surface
PublicationThis study presents a novel miniature ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for metallic objects. Its arrangement includes a U-shaped feeder, which is inductively coupled to two E-type connected patches. Size reduction is achieved by means of utilizing the U-shaped feeder, and introducing a defection in the connection between the two E-type patches. The defection in the connection area between the...
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Overview of Approaches for Compensating Inherent Metamaterials Losses
PublicationMetamaterials are synthetic composite structures with extraordinary electromagnetic properties not readily accessible in ordinary materials. These media attracted massive attention due to their exotic characteristics. However, several issues have been encountered, such as the narrow bandwidth and inherent losses that restrict the spectrum and the variety of their applications. The losses have become the principal limiting factor...
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Overview of planar antenna loading metamaterials for gain performance enhancement: the two decades of progress
PublicationMetamaterials (MTMs) are artificially engineered materials with unique electromagnetic properties not occurring in natural materials. MTMs have gained considerable attention owing to their exotic electromagnetic characteristics such as negative permittivity and permeability, thereby a negative refraction index. These extraordinary properties enable many practical applications such as super-lenses, and cloaking technology, and are...
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Recent and Emerging Applications of Graphene-based metamaterials in Electromagnetics
PublicationSurface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) operating in mid-infrared up to terahertz (THz) frequencies have been traditionally manufactured on expensive metals such as gold, silver, etc. However, such metals have poor surface confinement that limits the optical applications of SPPs. The invention of graphene is a breakthrough in plasmon-based devices in terms of design, fabrication and applications, thanks to its plasmonic wave distribution,...
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Wideband Highly-Selective Bandpass Filtering Branch-Line Coupler
PublicationThis paper presents a novel design of a wideband highly-selective bandpass filtering branch-line coupler (FBLC). By integrating a coupled microstrip line, and an open-ended stub at each port of a single-section BLC, bandpass filtering characteristics with excellent selectivity and broad operating bandwidth have been achieved. The proposed circuit has been verified through EM simulations and physical measurements of the fabricated...
Year 2021
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Design of a Patch Power Divider with Simple Structure and Ultra-Broadband Harmonics Suppression
PublicationThis paper introduces a simple H-shaped patch Wilkinson power divider (WPD), which provides ultra wide harmonics suppression band. The presented WPD designed at 1.8 GHz, and exhibits good performance at the operating bandwidth. In the proposed divider structure, two simple patch low-pass filters (LPFs) are employed at each branch, and three open ended stubs are added at each port. The proposed divider, implemented using the aforementioned...
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Design of High-Performance Scattering Metasurfaces through Optimization-Based Explicit RCS Reduction
PublicationThe recent advances in the development of coding metasurfaces created new opportunities in realization of radar cross section (RCS) reduction. Metasurfaces, composed of optimized geometries of meta-atoms arranged as periodic lattices, are devised to obtain desired electromagnetic (EM) scattering characteristics. Despite potential benefits, their rigorous design methodologies are still lacking, especially in the context of controlling...
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Highly Miniaturized Self-Diplexed U-Shaped Slot Antenna Based on Shielded QMSIW
PublicationThis article presents an efficient yet simple design approach to highly miniaturized cavity-backed self-diplexing antenna (SDA) with high-isolation. The structure employs a shielded quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW). Two U-shaped slots are engraved on the top conducting plane, which realize two frequency bands and significant size reduction. The slots are excited by two independent 50Ω orthogonal feed-lines to...
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Improved Modeling of Microwave Structures Using Performance-Driven Fully-Connected Regression Surrogate
PublicationFast replacement models (or surrogates) have been widely applied in the recent years to accelerate simulation-driven design procedures in microwave engineering. The fundamental reason is a considerable—and often prohibitive—CPU cost of massive full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analyses related to solving common tasks such as parametric optimization or uncertainty quantification. The most popular class of surrogates are data-driven...
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Normalized Partial Scattering Cross Section for Performance Evaluation of Low-Observability Scattering Structures
PublicationThe development of diffusion metasurfaces created new opportunities to elevate the stealthiness of combat aircraft. Despite the potential significance of metasurfaces, their rigorous design methodologies are still lacking, especially in the context of meticulous control over the scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves through geometry parameter tuning. Another practical issue is insufficiency of the existing performance metrics,...
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On Decomposition-Based Surrogate-Assisted Optimization of Leaky Wave Antenna Input Characteristics for Beam Scanning Applications
PublicationRecent years have witnessed a growing interest in reconfigurable antenna systems. Travelling wave antennas (TWAs) and leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are representative examples of structures featuring a great level of flexibility (e.g., straightforward implementation of beam scanning), relatively simple geometrical structure, low profile, and low fabrication cost. Notwithstanding, the design process of TWAs/LWAs is a challenging endeavor...
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Unity-Gain Zero-Offset CMOS Buffer with Improved Feedforward Path
PublicationA voltage unity-gain zero-offset CMOS amplifier with reduced gain error and increased PSRR (power supply rejection ratio) is proposed. The amplifier uses two feed mechanisms, negative feedback and supporting positive feedforward, to achieve low deviation from unit gain over the entire input range. The circuit, designed in a standard 180-nanometer 1.8-voltage CMOS process, is compared with two known buffers of similar topology,...
Year 2020
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A 1-nS 1-V Sub-1-µW Linear CMOS OTA with Rail-to-Rail Input for Hz-Band Sensory Interfaces
PublicationThe paper presents an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with low transconductance (0.62–6.28 nS) and low power consumption (28–270 nW) for the low-frequency analog front-ends in biomedical sensor interfaces. The proposed OTA implements an innovative, highly linear voltage-to-current converter based on the channel-length-modulation effect, which can be rail-to-rail driven. At 1-V supply and 1-Vpp asymmetrical input driving,...
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Light-Powered Starter for Micro-Power Boost DC–DC Converter for CMOS Image Sensors
PublicationThe design of a starter for a low-voltage, micro-power boost DC–DC converter intended for powering CMOS image sensors is presented. A unique feature of the starter is extremely low current, below 1 nA, supplying its control circuit. Therefore, a high-voltage (1.3 V) configuration of series-connected photovoltaic diodes available in a standard CMOS process or a small external LED working in photovoltaic mode can be used as an auxiliary...
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Low-Power Receivers for Wireless Capacitive Coupling Transmission in 3-D-Integrated Massively Parallel CMOS Imager
PublicationThe paper presents pixel receivers for massively parallel transmission of video signal between capacitive coupled integrated circuits (ICs). The receivers meet the key requirements for massively parallel transmission, namely low-power consumption below a single μW, small area of less than 205 μm2, high sensitivity better than 160 mV, and good immunity to crosstalk. The receivers were implemented and measured in a 3-D IC (two face-to-face...
Year 2019
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Enhanced uniform data sampling for constrained data‐driven modeling of antenna input characteristics
PublicationData-driven surrogates are the most popular replacement models utilized in many fields of engineering and science, including design of microwave and antenna structures. The primary practical issue is a curse of dimensionality which limits the number of independent parameters that can be accounted for in the modelling process. Recently, a performance-driven modelling technique has been proposed where the constrained domain of the...
Year 2018
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A High-Efficient Measurement System With Optimization Feature for Prototype CMOS Image Sensors
PublicationIn this paper, a gray-scale CMOS image sensor (CIS) characterization system with an optimization feature has been proposed. By using a very fast and precise control of light intensity, based on the pulsewidth-modulation method, it is avoided to measure the illuminance every time. These features accelerate the multicriteria CIS optimization requiring many thousands of measurements. The system throughput is 2.5 Gb/s, which allows...
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Multi-objective design optimization of antennas for reflection, size, and gain variability using kriging surrogates and generalized domain segmentation
PublicationCost-efficient multi-objective design optimization of antennas is presented. The framework exploits auxiliary data-driven surrogates, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm for initial Pareto front identification, response correction techniques for design refinement, as well as generalized domain segmentation. The purpose of this last mechanism is to reduce the volume of the design space region that needs to be sampled in order...
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Uniform sampling in constrained domains for low-cost surrogate modeling of antenna input characteristics
PublicationIn this letter, a design of experiments technique that permits uniform sampling in constrained domains is proposed. The discussed method is applied to generate training data for construction of fast replacement models (surrogates) of antenna input characteristics. The modeling process is design-oriented with the surrogate domain spanned by a set of reference designs optimized with respect to the performance figures and/or operating...
Year 2017
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A CMOS Pixel With Embedded ADC, Digital CDS and Gain Correction Capability for Massively Parallel Imaging Array
PublicationIn the paper, a CMOS pixel has been proposed for imaging arrays with massively parallel image acquisition and simultaneous compensation of dark signal nonuniformity (DSNU) as well as photoresponse nonuniformity (PRNU). In our solution the pixel contains all necessary functional blocks: a photosensor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with built-in correlated double sampling (CDS) integrated together. It is implemented in...
Year 2016
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Automatic tuning of a resonant circuit in wireless power supply systems for biomedical sensors
PublicationIn this paper, a tuning method of a resonant circuit suited for wireless powering of miniature endoscopic capsules is presented and discussed. The method allows for an automatic tuning of the resonant frequency and matching impedance of a full wave rectifier loading the resonant circuit. Thereby, the receiver tunes so as to obtain the highest power efficiency under given conditions of transmission. A prototype receiver for wireless...
Year 2015
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Analysis of positioning error and its impact on high frequency properties of differential signal coupler
PublicationThis paper presents the analysis of the effect of differential signal coupler positioning accuracy on its high frequency performance parameters for contact-less high speed chip-to-chip data transmission on PCB application. Our considerations are continuation of the previous works on differential signal coupler concept, design methodology and analysis for high speed data transmission monitoring. The theoretical analysis of possible...
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COMPARISON OF SYSTEM ON CHIP TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS
PublicationThe paper presents a review of technologies available for the implementation of digital and mixed signal systems, particularly the system on a chip (SoC) for space applications. The phenomena encountered in the space environment are briefly presented, together with the known solutions, regarding the design of complex electronic systems. The most important norms regarding single die integrated circuits designed for space are also...
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Multiple output differential OTA with linearizing bulk-driven active-error feedback loop for continuous-time filter applications
PublicationA CMOS circuit realization of a highly linear multiple-output differential operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) has been proposed. The presented approach exploits a differential pair as an input stage with both the gate and the bulk terminals as signal ports. For the proposed OTA, improved linearity is obtained by means of the active-error feedback loop operating at the bulk terminals of the input stage. SPICE simulations...
Year 2014
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Analysis of Positioning Error and Its Impact on High Frequency Performance Parameters of Differential Signal Coupler of Differential Signal Coupler
PublicationThis paper presents the analysis of the effect of differential signal coupler positioning accuracy on its high frequency performance parameters for contact-less high speed chip-to-chip data transmission on PCB application. Our considerations are continuation of the previous works on differential signal coupler concept, design methodology and analysis for high speed data transmission monitoring presented in [1, 2]. The theoretical...
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Bulk linearized CMOS differential pair transconductor for continuous-time OTA-C filter design
PublicationIn this paper, the MOS differential pair driven simultaneously from gates and bulk terminals is described. An approximated analytical solution of the voltage to current transfer function has been found for the proposed circuit. Four possible combinations of gate and bulk connections of the input signal are presented. Basing on the configuration giving the best linearity, the operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) has been designed...
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The contactless method of chip-to-chip high-speed data transmission monitoring
PublicationThis paper presents a technique of decoupling differential signals transmitted in a pair of microstrip lines on a printed circuit board (PCB), using dedicated coupler for high speed data transmission monitoring in chip-to-chip interconnections. The coupler used for signal probing is overlayed on the pair of microstrip lines under test, and provides a signal to the next blocks of the measurement system without disturbing transmission...
Year 2013
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A New Coupler Concept for Contactless High-Speed Data Transmission Monitoring
PublicationThis paper presents a new concept of a couplerthat can be applied to high-speed data transmission contactlessmeasurements. The proposed approach is dedicated for differentialsignal transmission monitoring in microstrip coupled lineson printed circuit boards (PCBs). The coupler, produced on aseparate PCB, is overlayed on the transmission line with thedifferential signal and delivers decoupled differential signal tothe main measurement...
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A nine-input 1.25 mW, 34 ns CMOS analog median filter for image processing in real time
PublicationIn this paper an analog voltage-mode median filter, which operates on a 3 × 3 kernel is presented. The filter is implemented in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology. The proposed solution is based on voltage comparators and a bubble sort configuration. As a result, a fast (34 ns) time response with low power consumption (1.25 mW for 3.3 V) is achieved. The key advantage of the configuration is relatively high accuracy of signal processing,...
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An Analog Sub-Miliwatt CMOS Image Sensor With Pixel-Level Convolution Processing
PublicationA new approach to an analog ultra-low power medium-resolution vision chip design is presented. The prototype chip performs low-level image processing algorithms in real time. Only a photo-diode, MOS switches and two capacitors are used to create an analog processing element (APE) that is able to realize any convolution algorithm based on a full 3x3 kernel. The proof-of-concept circuit is implemented in 0.35 µm CMOS technology,...
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Book review: Simulation-Driven Design Optimisation and Modelling for Microwave Engineering
PublicationCelem książki jest przedstawienie aktualnego stanu badań dotyczących projektowania układów mikrofalowych poprzez modelowanie i optymalizacje wspomagane symulacjami elektromagnetycznymi. Grupa międzynarodowych ekspertów zajmujących się rożnymi aspektami komputerowo wspomaganego projektowania układów mikrofalowych, podsumowuje i dokonuje przeglądu ostatnich osiągnięć w tej dziedzinie oraz przedstawia szereg praktycznych zastosowań....
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CMOS implementation of an analogue median filter for image processing in real time
PublicationAn analogue median filter, realised in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology, is presented in this paper. The key advantages of the filter are: high speed of image processing (50 frames per second), low-power operation (below 1.25 mW under 3.3 V supply) and relatively high accuracy of signal processing. The presented filter is a part of an integrated circuit for image processing (a vision chip), containing: a photo-sensor matrix, a set of...
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Hardware-Software Implementation of a Sensor Network for CityTraffic Monitoring Using the FPGA- and ASIC-Based Sensor Nodes
PublicationArtykuł opisuje prototypową sieć sensorową do monitorowania ruchu pojazdów w mieście. Węzły sieci sensorowej, wyposażone w kamerę o niskiej rozdzielczości, obserwują ulice i wykrywają poruszające się obiekty. Detekcja obiektów jest realizowana w oparciu o własny algorytm segmentacji obrazów, wykorzystujący podwójne odejmowanie tła, wykrywanie krawędzi i cieni, działający na dedykowanym systemie mikroelektronicznym typu ''System...
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Scalony regulator o małym spadku napięcia i krótkiej odpowiedzi impulsowej
PublicationW artykule zaprezentowano projekt regulatora o małym spadku napięcia. Dzięki zastosowaniu wtórnika napięciowego o małej rezystancji wyjściowej, regulator cechuje się bardzo dobrą odpowiedzią impulsową, a ponadto nie wymaga dodatkowych zewnętrznych kondensatorów kompensujących. W związku z tym, zaproponowany regulator może być całkowicie scalony na podłożu półprzewodnikowym, co jest szczególnie korzystne w systemach realizowanych...
Year 2012
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Characteristics of an image sensor with early-vision processing fabricated in standard 0.35 µm CMOS technology
PublicationThe article presents measurement results of prototype integrated circuits for acquisition and processing of images in real time. In order to verify a new concept of circuit solutions of analogue image processors, experimental integrated circuits were fabricated. The integrated circuits, designed in a standard 0.35 µm CMOS technology, contain the image sensor and analogue processors that perform low-level convolution-based image...
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Design of novel microstrip directional coupler for differential signal decoupling
PublicationThis study describes a concept of a novel microstrip directional coupler for differential signal decoupling, which can be used to digital signal overhearing on printed-circuit-boards. The complete design method is proposed with rules given analytically. Considered methodology is suitable for synthesis of couplers with low coupling factors, which have negligible influence on the transmission in main line. Theoretical considerations...
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Highly linear CMOS triode transconductor for VHF applications
PublicationA high-speed, fully balanced complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) triode transconductor is presented. The proposed approach exploits a pseudo-differential-pair triode configuration with a simple adaptive circuit stabilising the drain-to-source voltages of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. Since no additional active circuits (apart from the resistors made of the cut-off MOS devices) and no feedback...
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Local response surface approximations and variable-fidelity electromagnetic simulations for computationally efficient microwave design optimisation
PublicationIn this study, the authors propose a robust and computationally efficient algorithm for simulation-driven design optimisation of microwave structures. Our technique exploits variable-fidelity electromagnetic models of the structure under consideration. The low-fidelity model is optimised using its local response surface approximation surrogates. The high-fidelity model is refined by space mapping with polynomial interpolation of...
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Rapid antenna design optimization using shape-preserving response prediction
PublicationAn approach to rapid optimization of antennas using the shape-preserving response-prediction (SPRP) technique and coarsediscretization electromagnetic (EM) simulations (as a low-fidelity model) is presented. SPRP allows us to estimate the response of the high-fidelity EM antenna model, e.g., its reflection coefficient versus frequency, using the properly selected set of so-called characteristic points of the low-fidelity model...
Year 2011
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Accurate modelling of microwave structures using shape-preserving response prediction
PublicationArtykuł prezentuje metodologię dokładnego modelowania struktur mikrofalowych. Jest to zmodyfikowana wersja techniki opartej na procedurze przewidywania odpowiedzi z zachowaniem kształtu (shape-preserving response prediction, SPRP), która oszacowuje odpowiedź struktury mikrofalowej otrzymanej poprzez kosztowną obliczeniowo symulację elektromagnetyczną za pomocą taniego obliczeniowo modelu tejże struktury. Modyfikacja polega na wykorzystaniu...
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Analog CMOS processor for early vision processing with highly reduced power consumption
PublicationA new approach to an analog ultra-low power visionchip design is presented. The prototype chip performs low-levelconvolutional image processing algorithms in real time. Thecircuit is implemented in 0.35 μm CMOS technology, contains64 x 64 SIMD matrix with embedded analogue processors APE(Analogue Processing Element). The photo-sensitive-matrix is of2.2 μm x 2.2 μm size, giving the density of 877 processors permm2. The matrix dissipates...
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