National Institute of Technology, Silchar

About: National Institute of Technology, Silchar is a education organization based out in Silchar, Assam, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Control theory & Electric power system. The organization has 1934 authors who have published 4219 publications receiving 41149 citations. The organization is also known as: NIT Silchar.

Optimization of 5.5-GHz CMOS LNA parameters using firefly algorithm

Abstract: This paper presents an optimal design of low noise amplifier (LNA) using an efficient swarm-based optimizer called firefly algorithm (FA). Many researchers have used firefly algorithm to solve various nonlinear engineering problems and reported outstanding results. In view of this, FA is implemented for the first time in this paper to optimize the parameters of LNA like gain and noise figure (NF). Two case studies have been performed which includes the minimization of NF and maximization of gain. Optimization of these two parameters has been carried out by considering each parameter as a single objective function. Penalty factor method is considered for handling the constraints. Other parameters of LNA like power consumption, linearity, and stability are also discussed for both the cases. The designed LNA has a cascode structure with inductive source degeneration topology and is implemented in UMC 0.18-μm CMOS technology using CADENCE software. LNA is designed for 5.5-GHz frequency. The performance of FA in optimizing the parameters of LNA is also compared with the performance of other similar contemporary algorithms like particle swarm optimization (PSO), human behavior PSO (HB-PSO), backtracking search algorithm, and cuckoo search algorithm (CSA). The optimized value of LNA parameter using FA and other algorithms when simulated in MATLAB environment is compared with the simulated result of CADENCE. Statistical analysis is also performed for each case study, and the results are compared with the above-mentioned optimization algorithms. Simulation results, comparative study, and statistical analysis confirm the superiority of FA over other methods in terms of its computational efficiency, consistency, and robustness.

Lignocellulosic-derived modified agricultural waste: Development, characterisation and implementation in sequestering pyridine from aqueous solutions

Abstract: The development and characterisation of modified agricultural waste (MAW) by H3PO4 activation is addressed in this study for sequestering pyridine from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent is characterised by carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content of 55.53%, 3.28% and 0.98% respectively. The adsorbent also shows acidic (carboxylic, lactonic, phenolic groups) and basic carbon surface functionalities, functional groups viz. hydroxyl, carboxylic acid and bounded water molecules, BET surface area of 1254.67 m2 g−1, heterogeneous surface morphology and graphite like XRD patterns. Adsorption of pyridine is executed to evaluate the adsorptive uptake in batch (qe = 107.18 mg g−1) as well as in column system (qe = 140.94 mg g−1). The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics with the Langmuir isotherm best representing the equilibrium adsorption data. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔHo = 9.39 kJ mol−1, ΔGo = −5.99 kJ mol−1, ΔSo = 50.76 J K−1 mol−1) confirm the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process with increase in randomness at solid/solution interface. The adsorption mechanism is governed by electrostatic and π–π dispersive interactions as well as by a two stage diffusion phenomena. Thermally regenerated spent MAW exhibited better adsorption efficiency for five adsorption–desorption cycles than chemically regenerated. The low-cost of MAW (USD 10.714 per kg) and favourable adsorption parameters justifies its use in the adsorptive removal of pyridine.

Realization of Fractional Order Elements

Abstract: Fractional order (FO) element (FOE) is the building block for realization of FO systems, an important research domain. However, the realization of FO system is still a challenge. Till date, no FOE or fractor is available in the market. However, many researchers have developed various types of FOE, multi-component and single component, over past 50 years or more. This paper reviews some significant research work, along with their success and limitations, in the field of FOE realization. Also, it discusses the chronological development and a brief comparative study to present an overall idea on current stage of FOE research to the readers.

Influence of pineapple leaf particulate on mechanical, thermal and biodegradation characteristics of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced polymer composite

Abstract: Natural fibers are gaining too much attention and researchers are shifting their interest due to environmental concern and ecological benefits. The present experimental study is focused on the investigation of thermo-mechanical properties of aggro–waste pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced polymer composite under the influence of pineapple micro-particulate inclusion. For developing the hybrid composites, constant weight fraction (30%) of PALF and five different weight fractions (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) of particulates are taken. The study involves preparation, chemical treatment (with 5% NaOH solution) and characterization (XRD, FTIR and TGA) of micro particulate and results revealed that the treatment of particulate has a better crystalline index and thermal stability which improved their material characterization as well as mechanical and thermal properties. The addition of chemically treated particulates in PALF reinforced polymer composites showed better interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix that enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite. The experimental results showed that 7.5% of particulates inclusion has highest tensile, flexural, compressive and hardness properties with higher plane strain fracture toughness and thermogravimetric analysis while 2.5% of particulate inclusion has highest impact strength. The water absorption and biodegradability tests were also performed and revealed that the addition of particulates has greater water absorption and better biodegradability. The scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology behaviour with different weight fraction of particulates and also analyzed the fracture behaviour of developed hybrid composites.