Probability Distributions.- Linear Models for Regression.- Linear Models for Classification.- Neural Networks.- Kernel Methods.- Sparse Kernel Machines.- Graphical Models.- Mixture Models and EM.- Approximate Inference.- Sampling Methods.- Continuous Latent Variables.- Sequential Data.- Combining Models.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

Prior to abour 1990, the modeling of electromagnetic engineering systems was primarily implemented using solution techniques for the sinusoidal steady-state Maxwell's equations. Before about 1960, the principal approaches in this area involved closed-form and infinite-series analytical solutions, with numerical results from these analyses obtained using mechanical calculators. After 1960, the increasing availability of programmable electronic digital computers permitted such frequency-domain approaches to rise markedly in sophistication. Researchers were able to take advantage of the capabilities afforded by powerful new high-level programming languages such as Fortran, rapid random-access storage of large arrags of numbers, and computational speeds that were orders of magnitude faster than possible with mechanical calculators. In this period, the principal computational approaches for Maxwell's equations included the high-frequency asymptotic methods of Keller (1962) as well as Kouyoumjian and Pathak (1974) and the integral equation techniques of Harrington (1968) .

9 – Computational Electromagnetics: The Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

This tutorial presents an overview of the technological advances in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) circuit components, antennas, and propagation that will soon allow 60-GHz transceivers to provide multigigabit per second (multi-Gb/s) wireless communication data transfers in the consumer marketplace. Our goal is to help engineers understand the convergence of communications, circuits, and antennas, as the emerging world of subterahertz and terahertz wireless communications will require understanding at the intersections of these areas. This paper covers trends and recent accomplishments in a wide range of circuits and systems topics that must be understood to create massively broadband wireless communication systems of the future. In this paper, we present some evolving applications of massively broadband wireless communications, and use tables and graphs to show research progress from the literature on various radio system components, including on-chip and in-package antennas, radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), mixers, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). We focus primarily on silicon-based technologies, as these provide the best means of implementing very low-cost, highly integrated 60-GHz mm-wave circuits. In addition, the paper illuminates characterization techniques that are required to competently design and fabricate mm-wave devices in silicon, and illustrates effects of the 60-GHz RF propagation channel for both in-building and outdoor use. The paper concludes with an overview of the standardization and commercialization efforts for 60-GHz multi-Gb/s devices, and presents a novel way to compare the data rate versus power efficiency for future broadband devices.

http://faculty.poly.edu/~tsr/wp-content/uploads/publications/abstract17.pdf

State of the Art in 60-GHz Integrated Circuits and Systems for Wireless Communications

Here for the first time, we demonstrate novel nanodome solar cells, which have periodic nanoscale modulation for all layers from the bottom substrate, through the active absorber to the top transparent contact. These devices combine many nanophotonic effects to both efficiently reduce reflection and enhance absorption over a broad spectral range. Nanodome solar cells with only a 280 nm thick hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layer can absorb 94% of the light with wavelengths of 400-800 nm, significantly higher than the 65% absorption of flat film devices. Because of the nearly complete absorption, a very large short- circuit current of 17.5 mA/cm 2 is achieved in our nanodome devices. Excitingly, the light management effects remain efficient over a wide range of incident angles, favorable for real environments with significant diffuse sunlight. We demonstrate nanodome devices with a power efficiency of 5.9%, which is 25% higher than the flat film control. The nanodome structure is not in principle limited to any specific material system and its fabrication is compatible with most solar manufacturing; hence it opens up exciting opportunities for a variety of photovoltaic devices to further improve performance, reduce materials usage, and relieve elemental abundance limitations. Lastly, our nanodome devices when modified with hydrophobic molecules present a nearly superhydrophobic surface and thus enable self-cleaning solar cells.

/pdf/nanodome-solar-cells-with-efficient-light-management-and-4qdezv6534.pdf

Nanodome Solar Cells with Efficient Light Management and Self-Cleaning

This article discusses finite element Galerkin schemes for a number of linear model problems in electromagnetism. The finite element schemes are introduced as discrete differential forms, matching the coordinate-independent statement of Maxwell's equations in the calculus of differential forms. The asymptotic convergence of discrete solutions is investigated theoretically. As discrete differential forms represent a genuine generalization of conventional Lagrangian finite elements, the analysis is based upon a judicious adaptation of established techniques in the theory of finite elements. Risks and difficulties haunting finite element schemes that do not fit the framework of discrete differential forms are highlighted.

/pdf/finite-elements-in-computational-electromagnetism-24rt8lrhj6.pdf

Finite elements in computational electromagnetism

A microwave method based on complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) is proposed for dielectric characterization of planar materials. The technique presents advantages such as high measurement sensitivity and eliminates the extensive sample preparation procedure needed in resonance-based methods. A sensor in the shape of CSRRs working at a 0.8-1.3 GHz band is demonstrated. The sensor is etched in the ground plane of a microstrip line to effectively create a stopband filter. The frequencies at which minimum transmission and minimum reflection are observed depend on the permittivity of the sample under test. The minimum transmission frequency shifts from 1.3 to 0.8 GHz as the sample permittivity changes from 1 to 10. The structure is fabricated using printed circuit board technology. Numerical findings are experimentally verified.

Material Characterization Using Complementary Split-Ring Resonators

A novel structure based on complementary split-ring resonators (SRRs) is introduced to reduce the mutual coupling between two coplanar microstrip antennas that radiate in the same frequency band. The new unit cell consists of two complementary SRR inclusions connected by an additional slot. This modification improves the rejection response in terms of bandwidth and suppression. The filtering characteristics of the band-gap structure are investigated using dispersion analysis. Using the new structure, it was possible to achieve a 10-dB reduction in the mutual coupling between two patch antennas with a separation of only 1/4 free-space wavelength between them. Since the proposed structures are broadband, they can be used to minimize coupling and co-channel interference in multiband antennas.

Mutual Coupling Reduction Between Microstrip Patch Antennas Using Slotted-Complementary Split-Ring Resonators

The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method provides a direct integration of Maxwell’s time-dependent equations During the past decade, the FDTD method has gained prominence amongst numerical techniques used in electromagnetic analysis Its primary appeal is its remarkable simplicity Furthermore, since the FDTD is a volume-based method, it is exceptionally effective in modeling complex structures and media However, the distinct feature of the FDTD method, in comparison to the Method of Moments (MoM) and the Finite Elements Method (FEM) (see Chapters 4 and 5) is that it is a time-domain technique This implies that one single simulation results in a solution that gives the response of the system to a wide range of frequencies The time-domain solution, represented as a temporal waveform, can then be decomposed into its spectral components using Fourier Transform techniques This advantage makes the FDTD especially wellsuited for most EMI/EMC problems in which a wide frequency range is intrinsic to the simulation

The Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

A novel technique for suppressing power plane resonance at microwave and radio frequencies is presented. The new concept consists of replacing one of the plates of a parallel power plane pair with a high impedance surface or electromagnetic band gap structure. The combination of this technique with a wall of RC pairs extends the lower edge of the effective bandwidth to dc, and allows resonant mode suppression up to the upper edge of the band-gap. The frequency range for noise mitigation is controlled by the geometry of the HIGP structure.

/pdf/a-novel-power-plane-with-integrated-simultaneous-switching-46dctlus5u.pdf

A novel power plane with integrated simultaneous switching noise mitigation capability using high impedance surface

As digital circuits become faster and more powerful, direct radiation from the power bus of their printed circuit boards (PCB) becomes a major concern for electromagnetic compatibility engineers. In such multilayer PCBs, the power and ground planes act as radiating microstrip patch antennas, where radiation is caused by fringing electric fields at board edges. In this paper, we introduce an effective method for suppressing PCB radiation from their power bus over an ultrawide range of frequencies by using metallo-dielectric electromagnetic band-gap structures. More specifically, this study focuses on the suppression of radiation from parallel-plate bus structures in high-speed PCBs caused by switching noise, such as simultaneous switching noise, also known as Delta-I noise or ground bounce. This noise consists of unwanted voltage fluctuations on the power bus of a PCB due to resonance of the parallel-plate waveguiding system created by the power bus planes. The techniques introduced here are not limited to the suppression of switching noise and can be extended to any wave propagation between the plates of the power bus. Laboratory PCB prototypes were fabricated and tested revealing appreciable suppression of radiated noise over specific frequency bands of interest, thus, testifying to the effectiveness of this concept.

Omar M. Ramahi

Papers

Material Characterization Using Complementary Split-Ring Resonators

Mutual Coupling Reduction Between Microstrip Patch Antennas Using Slotted-Complementary Split-Ring Resonators

The Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

A novel power plane with integrated simultaneous switching noise mitigation capability using high impedance surface

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction from printed circuit boards (PCB) using electromagnetic bandgap structures