The work presents a simple and novel design approach to extend the bandwidth of existing Dielectric Material Based Microwave Absorber (DMBMA). The design comprises planar square patches of DMBMA placed periodically on a metal-backed FR4 sheet. For demonstration purpose, the DMBMA is synthesized by adding conducting carbon fillers in polyurethane matrix, and its electromagnetic parameters are measured in X-band. A single reflection null is observed in DMBMA owing to λ/4 resonance. In comparison, the bandwidth of 8 GHz (10-18 GHz) is achieved for -10 dB reflection for square patch based DMBMA. The thickness of proposed absorber is 2.75 mm. An additional resonant mode is observed due to capacitive coupling between the square patches. The enhanced bandwidth is attributed to the overlapping of λ/4 resonance and induced coupling mode. A good agreement between the simulated and measured data is observed.

Electromagnetic levitation system is commonly used in the field of magnetic levitation system train. Magnetic levitation technology is one of the most promised issue of transportation and precision engineering. Magnetic levitation systems are free of problems caused by friction, wear, sealing and lubrication. In this paper, a new prototype of the magnetic levitation system is proposed, designed and successfully tested via SIMLAB platform in real time. In addition, the proposed system was implemented with an efficient controller, which is linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) and compared with a classical controller which is proportional-integral-derivative (PID). The present system has been tested with two different criteria: signal test and load test under different input signals which are Sine wave and Squar wave. The findings prove that the suggested levitation system reveals a better performance than conventional one. Moreover, the LQR controller produced a great stability and optimal response compared to PID controller used at same system parameters.

Nowadays everyone needs electronic gadgets in compact size, and single device should accomplish all the tasks. A compact MIMO antenna resonating at multi-band of frequencies is proposed in the current research work. The proposed MIMO antenna consists of two elements. The edge to edge separation between the two antennas is λ0/31 and still maintains low mutual coupling levels between the two antennas. The proposed MIMO antenna resonates at 4.75 GHz, 5.89 GHz, 6.74 GHz, 8.25 GHz and 9.82 GHz. The mutual coupling is reduced by -23.78 dB at 4.75 GHz, -25.71 dB at 5.89 GHz, -29 dB at 6.74 GHz, -32.79 dB at 8.25 GHz and -21.5 dB at 9.82 GHz, respectively. The performance of the proposed MIMO system was evaluated in terms of S-parameters, Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), and Radiation Pattern. The measured and simulated results are presented.

In this paper, a 2 to 4 GHz Instantaneous Frequency Measurement (IFM) system is presented. The proposed design uses four band-pass filters to estimate the frequency value of an RF signal. The proposed design is an improvement of that presented in our previously published work. In this work, a new frequency estimator is developed, and a new methodology for designing the frequency response of the band-pass filters is proposed. These two improvements show better accuracy in estimating the frequency value. A closed form for the Standard Deviation (STD) and the bias of the new estimator were derived, and used to adjust the frequency response of the filters. The fabricated system showed a maximum error of about 11 MHz, for practical values of noise and measurements errors.

Understanding wireless channels in complex mining environments is critical for designing optimized wireless systems operated in these environments. In this paper, we propose two physics-based, deterministic ultra-wideband (UWB) channel models for characterizing wireless channels in mining/tunnel environments --- one in the time domain and the other in the frequency domain. For the time domain model, a general Channel Impulse Response (CIR) is derived and the result is expressed in the classic UWB tapped delay line model. The derived time domain channel model takes into account major propagation controlling factors including tunnel or entry dimensions, frequency, polarization, electrical properties of the four tunnel walls, and transmitter and receiver locations. For the frequency domain model, a complex channel transfer function is derived analytically. Based on the proposed physics-based deterministic channel models, channel parameters such as delay spread, multipath component number, and angular spread are analyzed. It is found that, despite the presence of heavy multipath, both channel delay spread and angular spread for tunnel environments are relatively smaller compared to that of typical indoor environments. The results and findings in this paper have application in the design and deployment of wireless systems in underground mining environments.

Matching networks for dual-band power amplifiers typically rely on complex, non-general techniques, which either use switches or result in large and lossy matching networks. In this work, mathematical optimization is employed to design the matching networks for multi-band power amplifiers. The theory of continuous modes is utilized together with accurate models for the device package to define the required impedance terminations theoretically thus allowing mathematical optimization to be used for the design. This technique depends on neither the network architecture nor the number of frequency bands. Therefore, simple and compact multi-band matching networks can be achieved. As proof of concept, a triple-band amplifier at 0.8, 1.8, and 2.4 GHz has been designed using the proposed method. The fabricated amplifier demonstrates maximum power added efficiencies of 70%, 60%, and 58% and output powers of 40 dBm, 41 dBm and 40 dBm for the three frequency bands, respectively. The presented design approach is highly suitable for the next generation of wireless systems.

The removal of ground surface influence from ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals in shallowly-buried objects is of great importance. The ultra-wideband (UWB) radar is a solution which uses short pulse to distinguish ground surface from shallowly-buried objects. In this paper, a novel method optimizes bandwidth based on designing a Gaussian signal. Experimental results confirm the proposed method efficiency.

In this paper a novel evolutionary algorithm is used for the optimization of the performance of a magnetorheological (MR) device, capable to transmit torque between two shafts and powered by a system of Permanent Magnets (PMs). The stochastic, evolutionary, global optimization algorithm is based on a modified version of the self-organizing map. It uses a dedicated simplied analytical model of the device, developed in order to obtain a fast and accurate evaluation of the torque. Then, by means this model, the cost function to find the optimal parameters of the device is defined. Once the optimal parameters are identified, the performance of the proposed device is simulated by means of a FEM software. The results in terms of magnetic flux density inside the fluid, the transmissible torque and the actuation torque necessary to perform the device activation are discussed. Finally, a preliminary experimental validation of the proposed device is performed.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas have advantages such as high data rates, improved multipath resistance and lower power consumption. In this work, UWB patch antennas based on electrically conductive adhesive were manufactured with a simple technique and evaluated in the laboratory. Results showed that the thickness of the samples ranged from 207 to 261 μm. The bandwidth optimization obtained was 200% compared to a traditional copper-layer antenna. UWB antennas showed an average bandwidth of 8.558 GHz in the region 609 MHz to 9.105 GHz. The antennas covered the whole of UHF band, L band, S band, C band and part of X band. Finally, the proposed technique allows reducing the size of patch by 70% for low frequencies of operation, while achieving a similar performance.

An analysis on the calculation of the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) of passband frequency response measurements in terms of lowpass equivalent responses is shown, in order to specify the differences in the results given from different common algorithms; differences with respect to the calculation of the IDFT for true lowpass responses are remarked. It is shown how the basic sequence has to be represented in time domain by invoking the causality, which is supported by results. Results are corroborated by an application on measured data in a reverberation chamber. The present analysis helps readers understand different IDFT algorithms used by Manufacturers and make their own codes whenever desirable.

In this paper, a novel terahertz tunable bandstop filter with constant absolute bandwidth is proposed, which consists of graphene-based three-section L resonators. In order to perform bandstop property, the L resonator is used and analyzed in details based on the traditional Z matrix and ABCD matrix. With the introduction of graphene materials, the operating frequency of bandstop filter can be extended to terahertz. Moreover, the tunable performance with constant absolute bandwidth can be achieved by only loading different chemical potentials on a graphene surface. For demonstration, a terahertz tunable bandstop filter prototype is designed and simulated with chemical potentials of 0.1, 0.3, and 1 eV. The simulated results agree well with the anticipation perfectly.

This study presents a novel technique for designing an ultra-wideband (UWB) filtering-antenna with dual sharp band notches. This design composed of a modified monopole antenna integrated with resonant structures. The monopole antenna is modified using microstrip transition between the feedline and the patch. In addition, block with a triangle-shaped slot is loaded on both sides of the ordinary circular patch to produce wide bandwidth with better return loss and higher frequency skirt selectivity. The resonant structures based on two double split ring resonators (DSRR) loaded above the ground plane of the antenna design to produce dual notched bands, and filter out WiMAX (3.3-3.7 GHz) and HiperLAN2 (5.4-5.7 GHz) frequencies. The band notch position is controlled by varying the length of the DSRR. The reconfigurability feature is achieved by using two PIN diode switches employed in the two DSRR. The measured results show that the proposed filtering-antenna provides wide impedance bandwidth from 2.58 to 15.5 GHz with controllable dual sharp band notches for WiMAX and HiperLAN, peak realized gain of 4.96 dB and omnidirectional radiation pattern.

A portable microscope has been created through our work, so that we can observe and collect images in future scientific research whenever and wherever possible. The portable microscope is made up of a small LED chip, compact lens modules, a commonly used SLR camera and a USB driven power. The microscopic morphological features can be observed through our system. We also demonstrate that this standalone system can work well in moving state. Therefore, the portable microscope that has the potential for becoming a point-of-care setup in terms of health monitoring is appropriate for on-site micro-imaging.

An innovative and general approach is proposed to the optimal, mask-constrained power synthesis of circular continuous aperture sources able to dynamically reconfigure their radiation behavior by just modifying their phase distribution. The design procedure relies on an effective a-priori exploration of the search space which guarantees the achievement of the globally-optimal solution. The synthesis is cast as a convex programming problem and can handle an arbitrary number of pencil and shaped beams. The achieved solutions are then exploited as reference and benchmark in order to design phase-only reconfigurable isophoric circular-ring sparse arrays. Numerical results concerning new-generation telecommunication systems are provided in support of the given theory.

A decoupling network for a pair of strongly coupled MIMO antennas is presented. The decoupling network is composed of two inverters and two split ring resonators (SRRs) that are also coupled. By properly transforming the mutual admittance of the original coupled antennas and properly designing the coupling between the two SRRs, more than 20dB isolation between the two antennas can be achieved while their respective matching performances remain good. To validate the concept, a microstrip decoupling network is designed and implemented for a pair of wideband printed monopole antenna elements. Measurement results have demonstrated that nearly 10% bandwidth for 20 dB isolation can be achieved. Measured radiation patterns have demonstrated a significant reduction of the correlation coefficient, which makes the proposed technique a promising candidate for both current and future generations of MIMO-enabled mobile terminals.

A novel dual-band bandstop filter based on a square, symmetric dumbbell-shaped resonator and U-shaped slot defected ground structure is presented. First, the characteristic of the fundamental structure which adopts two dumbbell-shaped resonators and one U-shaped slot is analyzed. Simulated results demonstrate that the proposed structure induces two transmission zeros within 2-8 GHz. Then, the structure adopting four dumbbell-shaped resonators and one U-shaped slot is analyzed. Simulated results point out that the characteristic of dual stopbands is better than the fundamental structure. Based on above implementation, a dual-band bandstop filter based on eight proposed dumbbell-shaped resonators and two U-shaped slots is proposed and fabricated. Two center frequencies at 4 and 6.5 GHz are reported, corresponding to the attenuation levels of 41.9 and 26.1 dB. The return losses of center frequencies are 0.04 and 0.20 dB, respectively, and the dual stopband bandwidths with 10 dB signal attenuation are 690 MHz and 250 MHz. In addition, two transmission poles at each stopband are induced for better selectivity. Owing to the symmetric dumbbell shape, the size of the filter gets reduced. It is simple to design and quite compatible with planar construction fabrication.

Compact wideband flexible monopole antennas are designed and analyzed for its performance for Body Centric Wireless Communications (BCWC). Two antennas with identical radiators on different substrates are designed and fabricated on polyamide and teslin paper substrates, deployinga modified rectangle-shaped radiator. With the aid of modifications in the radiating plane and defecting the ground plane, the polyamide based antenna is designed to operate between 1.8 and 13.3 GHz, and teslin paper based antenna is designed to operate between 1.45 and 13.4 GHz to cover the wireless communication technology frequencies and ultra-wideband range for various wireless applications. The reflection coefficient characteristics of the fabricated antennas on free space and on various sites of the body are measured and match reasonably well with the simulated reflection coefficient characteristics. The specific absorption rate (SAR) analysis is also carried out by placing the antennas on tissue layered model.

In this paper, a Multiple Split Ring Resonator (MSRR) based coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed antenna for 5.8 GHz RFID application is presented. The antenna has a compact size of 15 x 21 x 0.8 mm³. The proposed antenna is designed, fabricated and tested. The simulated results are discussed and in good compliance with the measured results. Split Ring Resonator (SRR) characteristics are also studied. The proposed antenna shows good performance at the measured resonance frequency of 5.75 GHz.

This letter presents a two-port dual-band multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, which is achieved based on a non-radiation passive circuit. The circuit is composed of two pairs of open-ended stubs and a transmission line connecting them. The decoupling condition of S₂₁ = 0 is deduced, thus a good isolation is achieved. Then this non-radiation circuit is further designed to be a structure with enough radiation without affecting the character of port isolation. Since the implementation of port isolation does not adopt complex decoupling network or decoupling structure, the process of design is simple and effective. The simulation and physical demonstration obtain good agreements for the proposed dual-band MIMO antenna.

In this paper, a circularly polarized antenna for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) application is presented. The antenna is proposed to be implemented for the airborne SAR and the spaceborne SAR. To enhance the bandwidth of the antenna, the Circular-Ring-Slot (CRS) technique is implemented on the ground plane and in a square slot in the centre of the patch. In this antennas design, the model of the slot on the radiator is also investigated. The antenna is printed on NPC-H220A substrates with the dielectric constant of 2.17 and thickness of 1.6 mm. The resonant frequency of the antenna design sets at 9.4 GHz with the minimum requirement of the bandwidth of 800 MHz. The antenna design is produced under the -10 dB bandwidth of reflection coefficient, S₁₁ of approximately 27% (8.2 GHz-10.76 GHz) and left-handed circular polarization (LHCP). The gain of the antenna is 6.5 dBic and 12.7% (8.8 GHz-9.84 GHz) for the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). This paper includes the description and presentation of the completed discussion.