Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Boosting Belief Propagation for LDPC Codes with Deep Convolutional Neural Network Predictors

Conventional channel codes are designed to recover channel errors by adding controlled redundancy to transmit bits; however, the main underlying assumption is that information bits are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.). Short term and linear temporal correlations are assumed to be exploited by the preceding source encoders. This assumption is flawed in some scenarios since many types of data (e.g, audio samples, video frames, and sensor measurements) exhibit long-term relations and intricate dependencies that are not exploitable by conventional source encoders. Furthermore, sending plain information is still commonplace in wireless networks. Therefore, it is essential to design channel encoders that accommodate these conditions. It is well-known that the underlying hidden patterns can be captured by deep learning methods. This important capability is not yet fully utilized in channel encoder design. This work is a primary step towards developing a predictive channel decoder that learns the intricate dependencies within and between data frames using an embedded learning module at the receiver to enhance the bit decoding performance, especially in high-noise regimes. The learning module is integrated with the belief propagation algorithm over bipartite graphs appropriate for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The proposed method is universal since no specific correlation model is adopted and the learning-based prediction is performed at the bit level. The proposed method is fully implemented at the receiver side, making it compatible with generic LDPC encoders. Our simulations demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method compared to standard LDPC decoders. For instance, about 1.7 dB gain at the 10−4 BER level is achieved when recovering noisy audio files 11This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 1755984 and 2008784.
Coupled Line Forward Directional Coupler with Inherent Harmonics Suppression at 2f0

In the study, a coupled line forward directional coupler with inherent harmonics suppression at 2 $f$0 is presented. It is composed of inductor loaded parallel coupled line and a pair of open-circuited stubs. By using the inductor loaded coupled line, size reduction is achieved. And harmonics suppression is obtained with the insertion of the open-circuited stubs. Design equations of the coupler are derived using the even-odd mode decomposition analysis. For demonstration, a prototype was fabricated and measured. The measured results indicate that the relative bandwidth is 32 % under the criterion of| S11| < -15 dB and| S41| < -15 dB. While the relative bandwidth is 47 % for amplitude imbalance < 1 dB. A second harmonic suppression of over 20 dB is also achieved.
The thermodynamic stability of three near-degenerate phases of platinum dioxide

The thermodynamic stability of the three nearly energy degenerate crystal structures of PtO2 is studied here with first-principles-based calculations of their free energies. For P = 0 the α-(CdI2) structure is the thermodynamically stable phase at low temperature, while the β-(CaCl2) structure is stable at high pressure. The β'(rutile) structure represents an unstable fixed point on the potential energy surface, or is possibly just barely bound. These results reconcile seemingly contradictory findings and answer longstanding questions about PtO2.
Prioritized Periodical Communication with Timing Reservation Multiple Access for Autonomous Distributed Mobile Sensor Networks

The recent development of mobile sensing nodes, such as unmanned vehicles, has enabled novel sensing applications. In these applications, the nodes periodically send data required for control, such as the position and velocity as well as data sensed data while moving. Prioritized communication is preferable for securing reliable data transfer for control. However, existing methods used for mobile sensor networks do not offer prioritized periodical communication. Herein, we introduce prioritized periodical communication with timing-reservation multiple access. In this method, response frames are extended to communicate the priority level of the transmitted frame. Numerical results show that high-priority data can be transmitted more accurately using the proposed method compared with existing methods, even in a heavy traffic scenario.
The Wonderful World of Designer Ge Quantum Dots

Starting with our remarkable discovery of spherical germanium (Ge) quantum dot (QD) formation, we have embarked on an exciting journey of further discovery, all the while maintaining CMOS-compatible processes. We have taken advantage of the many peculiar and symbiotic interactions of Si, Ge and O interstitials to create a novel portfolio of electronic, photonic and quantum computing devices. This paper summarizes several of these completely new and counter-intuitive accomplishments. Using a coordinated combination of lithographic patterning and self-assembly, size-tunable spherical Ge QDs were controllably placed at designated spatial locations within Si-containing layers. We exploited the exquisite control available through the thermal oxidation of Si1-xGex patterned structures in proximity to Si3N4/Si layers. Our so-called "designer" Ge QDs have succeeded in opening up myriad device possibilities, including paired QDs for qubits, single-hole transistors (SHTs) for charge sensing, photodetectors and light-emitters for Si photonics, and junctionless (JL) FETs using standard Si processing.
OFDM Covert Communication System Based on the QC-LDPC and Symbol Spread Spectrum

As a new technology to solve wireless communication security problems, covert communication can not only hide the transmitted secret information, but also hide the communication process. Therefore, it has become a hot research issue in wireless communication security in recent years. Aiming at the problems of the square root law model in the practical process, this paper deduces and analyzes a constraint condition of the signal-to-noise ratio to measure the covert system. Thus, a covert communication model of OFDM system based on the combination of QC-LDPC and symbol spread spectrum is constructed. Through theoretical and simulation analysis methods, we respectively proved the Gaussian-like, low probability of detection characteristics of the model's radio frequency signal and the reliable communication performance of the system under low signal-to-noise ratio. It is proved that the model can successfully realize the covert communication with limited parameters.
DTCO including Sustainability: Power-Performance-Area-Cost-Environmental score (PPACE) Analysis for Logic Technologies

Driven by concerns on climate change, resources depletion, local and global pollution, sustainability is becoming an integral component of business and of regulations. The progress of Design Technology Co- Optimization (DTCO) methodologies and tools, building transversal knowledge from manufacturing to design, provides an opportunity to develop a framework for early sustainability assessments of logic technologies. Environmental scores can be derived together with the established Power, Performance, Area, Cost (PPAC) metrics. To demonstrate this approach, we evaluate the energy and water consumption as well as the greenhouse gas emissions trends from processing logic nodes from iN28 to iN3 with different scaling scenarios.
Reliability on Evolutionary FinFET CMOS Technology and Beyond

During the past decades, FinFET has been the main device architecture to accelerate transistor performance. Since FinFET should be scaled down with multi-function replace metal gate (RMG) and narrow and taller fin shape, the reliability issues have been concerned as well. It is very important to address the current reliability consideration on evolutionary FinFET and would be helpful to consider the new device architecture like gate all around device beyond FinFET. The baseline reliability on gate dielectric TDDB and BTI is less impacted by work-function modulation for scaled FinFET. In order to meet the wide range of Vt, the additional dipole is utilized resulting in TDDB improvement. The self-heating effect (SHE) should be considered for the intrinsic reliability with very narrower vertical fin structure. The layout dependent self-heating characterization and its model are presented. The BEOL electro-migration needs to add the transistor level self-heating in the thermal aware EM model. Since MOL and BEOL pitch is aggressive reduced, the intrinsic reliability and extrinsic reliability should be considered at the same time. For the high-volume products, the extrinsic failures should be suppressed below ppm level. Since the physical spacing all across the critical is very close to direct tunneling regime, the TTF based reliability model should be considered with power law for FEOL, MOL and BEOL for FinFET technology and beyond.
Gate Oxide Instability and Lifetime in SiC MOSFETs under a Wide Range of Positive Electric Field Stress

We investigated the positive bias temperature instability (PBTI) in 4H-SiC MOSFETs under a wide range of high oxide electric field (Eox) stress. The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of this phenomenon and experimentally evaluate the lifetime prediction model. For the first time, we analyzed the process of electron capture in SiO2 under high Eox stress by focusing on the region where electron capture is dominant and found systematical behavior of threshold voltage drift (ΔVth). Additionally, the amount of charges injected into the gate oxide (Qstress) was found to be a criterion for ΔVth in a high Eox region. Finally, it was presented that lifetime under PBTI testing exhibits a power-law relationship with Eox, resulting in longer lifetime than that predicted by the widely used E-model. Insights from the presented analyses must be beneficial for PBTI modeling and testing of SiC MOSFETs.
VaBank: Visual Analytics for Banking Transactions

To analyse and detect fraudulent patterns in banking transactions, most fraud analysts use spreadsheets which makes the overall process time-consuming and complex. In this article, we propose a visualization tool that aims to ease the analysis of banking transactions over time and the detection of the transactions’ topology and of suspicious behaviours. Our main contributions are: (i) a user-centred visual tool, developed with the aid of fraud experts; (ii) a method that characterises the transactions topology through a self-organising algorithm; (iii) the visual characterisation of transactions through complex glyphs; and (iv) a user study to assess the tool effectiveness.
Bathroom activity monitoring for older adults via wearable device

Performance on activities of daily life (ADLs) is often used to evaluate older adults’ capability of living independently. Current sensor technology has already accomplished classifying several types of ADLs automatically. However, thus far, limited studies were performed in bathroom activity monitoring. In this study, we proposed using one wearable accelerometer to monitor six types of bathroom activities: dressing, undressing, washing hands, washing face, brushing teeth and toilet using. One hidden-layer neural network model was applied for activity classification. The acceleration signal was separated into patterns, using 16s sliding window with 50% overlapping. The model was developed both with (a) 10-fold cross validation or (b) leave-one-person-out (LOPO) of the training set. The classification result was evaluated on precision, recall and F1-score. The F1-score was varied in these bathroom activities. In 10-fold cross validation, the highest average F1-score was of 91.19%, which was for toileting, and the lowest average F1-score was of 51.91%, which was for washing face. In LOPO, toileting still had the highest F1-score of 80.00%, but washing hands had the lowest F1-score of 9.62%. Additionally, we tested whether one participant’s toileting event can be monitored in 3 consecutive days in the LOPO mode. The F1-score for classifying toileting events was 85.61%. In sum, the results show that it is possible to use one wearable accelerometer to monitor toileting activity. However, for the other bathroom activities, further study is needed and personal differences in these activities’ performance should be considered.
Gate-All-Around Strained Si0.4Ge0.6 Nanosheet PMOS on Strain Relaxed Buffer for High Performance Low Power Logic Application

For the first time, we report a short channel high performance, gate-all-around strained Si<inf>0.4</inf>Ge<inf>0.6</inf> nanosheet PMOSFET with aggressively scaled dimensions. We demonstrate realization of s-Si<inf>0.4</inf>Ge<inf>0.6</inf> nanosheet with 5nm thickness and device with L<inf>G</inf>=25nm featuring record high I<inf>ON</inf>=508 µA/µm at I<inf>OFF</inf>=100nA/µm and V<inf>DS</inf>= -0.5V. This result is obtained with the combination of (a) novel Si-cap-free gate oxide solution featuring thin EOT=9.1A, low D<inf>IT</inf> and N<inf>IT</inf> for s-Si<inf>0.4</inf>Ge<inf>0.6</inf> channel, (b) record high hole mobility= 450 cm<sup>2</sup>/Vs owing to compressive strain imparted by Si<inf>0.7</inf>Ge<inf>0.3</inf> strain relaxed buffer (SRB), (c) low R<inf>EXT</inf>=150 Ω-µm due to highly active, strained source/drain SiGe process and novel p++ cap layer, (d) optimized source/drain tip and junction to minimize GIDL impact to I<inf>OFF</inf>. Additionally, the impact of operating temperature on GIDL and I<inf>OFF</inf> is comprehensively studied to prescribe optimal V<inf>CC</inf> range of operation for this technology.
Unleashing the Low-Precision Computation Potential of Tensor Cores on GPUs

Tensor-specialized hardware for supporting low-precision arithmetic has become an inevitable trend due to the ever-increasing demand on computational capability and energy efficiency in intelligent applications. The main challenge faced when accelerating a tensor program on tensor-specialized hardware is how to achieve the best performance possible in reduced precision by fully utilizing its computational resources while keeping the precision loss in a controlled manner. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing QUANTENSOR, a new approach for accelerating general-purpose tensor programs by replacing its tensor computations with low-precision quantized tensor computations on NVIDIA Tensor Cores. The key novelty is a new residual-based precision refinement technique for controlling the quantization errors, allowing tradeoffs between performance and precision to be made. Evaluation with GEMM, deep neural networks, and linear algebra applications shows that QUANTENSOR can achieve remarkable performance improvements while reducing the precision loss incurred significantly at acceptable overheads.
Optically-Driven Programmable Microwave Metasurfaces

Programmable metasurfaces have the real-time programmability for controlling electromagnetic (EM) waves, possessing many potential applications. Programmable metasurfaces were constructed typically by using the direct-current (DC) control system. However, these electronically-controlled metasurfaces need field-programmable gate arrays, power supplies and many wires. In this paper, we present an optically driven programmable microwave metasurface to implement different EM functions, such as dynamic vortex-beam generation and illusion. Our realized optically driven metasurface avoids the cross-talk between the DC signal and EM signal, and can realize noncontact remote control.
A New Surface Potential Based Compact Model for Independent Dual Gate a-IGZO TFT: Experimental Verification and Circuit Demonstration

For the first time, we proposed a continuous analytical surface potential-based compact model of the independent Dual Gate amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin film transistors (IDG a-IGZO TFTs), where percolation conduction, trap-limited conduction (TLC) and variable rang hopping (VRH) transport theories in the extended and localized states are both considered via Schroder method, physically describing the transport mechanism under different conditions of temperature and carrier density. Moreover, a single formulation of front and back surface potentials that is valid and extremely accurate in all operation regimes is developed. Based on the transport theories and surface potential, complete compact model dedicated to IDG TFTs is presented. Furthermore, the threshold compensation effect is also included in this model. To calibrate the model, we fabricated asymmetric dual gate a-IGZO TFTs. The model is validated by an excellent agreement with numerical solutions and experimental results. Finally, the compact model is coded in Verilog-A, and implemented in a vendor CAD environment. A systemically simulation of both ring oscillator (RO) and pixel circuit proves the potential application of this model in circuit design.
The Exploration and Practice of Undergraduate Talent Cultivation Model in International Perspective

In the context of the construction of new engineering disciplines, combined with the characteristics of local colleges and universities and the certification of engineering education, in order to exploring the training mode of undergraduate talents with an international perspective in ordinary universities. After extensive research and discussion, the project has determined the training goals of international students, combined with the professional certification of engineering education. Determine the students’ graduation requirements and form a training plan.
High-radiation Hardness 4H-SiC Transimpedance Amplifier featuring Stable Offset-voltage for Analog Sensors in Nuclear Power Plants

We developed a 4H-SiC transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with high radiation hardness featuring high offset-voltage stability. Regarding SiC amplifier operation, we showed that the instability of offset-voltage which was caused by local charge trap due to the crystal defect was critical. Thus, we demonstrated that by reducing surface electric field, both reliable amplifier performance and high radiation hardness can be achieved.
Terahertz Diffractive Reflection Phase Imaging

Terahertz diffractive phase imaging is demonstrated by an iterative phase retrieval processing algorithm to assess the complex diffracted wave properties. We implemented this reflection geometry using a continuous wave system working at 0.3 THz. Targeting signal to noise ratio improvement, we take advantage of high dynamic range data fusion. We obtained and reconstructed diffraction images achieving better resolution compared to a conventional diffraction limited raster scanning technique. Submillimeter lateral resolution in reflection is demonstrated together with phase reconstruction.
A high-density logic-on-logic 3DIC design using face-to-face hybrid wafer-bonding on 12nm FinFET process

A high-density-3D test-vehicle showcasing a synchronous cache coherent mesh interconnect design (Arm Neoverse® CMN-600) operational at frequencies up to 2.4 GHz and partitioned in 3D using 5. 76µm pitch face-to-face wafer-bond 3D connections on a 12nm FinFET process is presented. The test-vehicle is designed using an industry tool compatible innovative physical implementation flow and serves as the first known industry demonstration of the IEEE 1838 3DIC Design-for-Test (DFT) standard. We demonstrate a 3D aggregate bandwidth of 307 GB/s, a record bandwidth density of 3.4 TB/s/mm2, and an energy efficiency of 0.02 pJ/bit for the 3D-stacked dies. We present measurement and analysis data from 945 dies where a total of 13.5 million signal 3D wafer-bond nets and 20 million power-delivery 3D wafer-bond nets on multiple wafer-bonded pairs are tested showing robust functionality, paving the path for 3D-stacked high performance logic-on-logic applications.
Design of a 1:4 Power Divider with Vertical Probes Covering the Full N77 Band for 5G Communications

A 1:4 power divider (PD) fed by vertical probes is designed and numerically demonstrated, covering the full N77 band for the 5G communications. The vertical feedings make low profile “tiled” microwave architecture potential, which however do not affect the electrical performances of the PD. A full wave simulation shows that the transmission from the vertical input to output is about 6.2dB. In addition, the PD is shown with well-matched impedance for all input and output ports and good isolations between the outputs.
Lg = 19 nm In0.8Ga0.2As composite-channel HEMTs with fT = 738 GHz and fmax = 492 GHz

We present L<inf>g</inf> = 19 nm In<inf>0.8</inf>Ga<inf>0.2</inf>As composite-channel high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with outstanding DC and high-frequency characteristics. We adopted a composite-channel design with an In<inf>0.8</inf>Ga<inf>0.2</inf>As core layer that led to superior carrier transport properties. The device with L<inf>g</inf> = 19 nm displayed an excellent combination of R<inf>ON</inf> = 271 Ω-μm, g<inf>m_max</inf> = 2.5 mS/μm and f<inf>T</inf>/f<inf>max</inf> = 738/492 GHz. To understand the physical origin of such an excellent combination of DC and RF responses, we analyzed the effective mobility (μ<inf>n_eff</inf>) and delay time for both long- and short-L<inf>g</inf> devices, revealing a very high μ<inf>n_eff</inf> value of 13,200 cm<sup>2</sup>/V•s and an average velocity under the gate (v<inf>avg</inf>) of 6.2 × 10<sup>7</sup> cm/s. We also studied the impact of the gate-to-source spacing (L<inf>GS</inf>) and the electrostatic integrity of the device, finding that a reduction of L<inf>GS</inf> less than 0.6 μm was of little use in improving g<inf>m_max</inf> and f<inf>T</inf>. Additionally, the intrinsic output conductance (g<inf>o_int</inf>) had an important impact on f<inf>T</inf> in short-L<inf>g</inf> HEMTs.
Majorization-Minimization on the Stiefel Manifold With Application to Robust Sparse PCA

This paper proposes a framework for optimizing cost functions of orthonormal basis learning problems, such as principal component analysis (PCA), subspace recovery, orthogonal dictionary learning, etc. The optimization algorithm is derived using the majorization-minimization framework in conjunction with orthogonal projection reformulations to deal with the orthonormality constraint in a systematic manner. In this scope, we derive surrogate functions for various standard objectives that can then be used as building blocks, with examples for robust learning costs and sparsity enforcing penalties. To illustrate this point, we propose a new set of algorithms for sparse PCA driven by this methodology, whose objective function is composed of an $M$-estimation type subspace fitting term plus a regularizer that promotes sparsity. Simulations and experiments on real data illustrate the interest of the proposed approach, both in terms of performance and computational complexity.
Anti-inflammatory constituents from the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata

College of Pharmacy, Catholic University, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do 420-743, KoreaReceived March 24, 2011, Accepted May 2, 2011Key Words :Saposhnikovia divaricata, Anti-inflammatory, Coumarin, Chromone, Phenyl propanoid fattyacid esterSaposhnikovia divaricata Schischk. belongs to the familyUmbelliferae and grows in the eastern Siberia and northernAsia.
Quality control of conductive ink distribution using terahertz spectroscopy

In this work, we are studying novel terahertz (THz) spectroscopic methods for quality control of printable electronics suitable for the industrial environment. Using a metallic checkboard metamaterial laying out the Babinet principle transmission, we demonstrate that THz waves are very sensitive for probing ink distribution, and may represent a future solution for replacing the optical microscope in the in-situ ink distribution tracking for printable electronic production