bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiative transfer model STORM for full Stokes vector calculations in the visible and near infrared spectral range
Authors: Böttger U. , Preusker R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Based on the Matrix-Operator Method the radiative transfer code STORM (STOkes vector Radiative transfer Model) is introduced, which was developed in a joint project of DLR and Institut f{ü}r Weltraumwissenschaften-Freie Universität Berlin. STORM calculates the Stokes parameters (I, Q, U, V) in a plane parallel, multi layered atmosphere in the visible and near infrared spectral range. The scattering characteristics of aerosols are determined by Mie theory. The surface represents a Lambertian reflector or a wind ruffled water surface described by Cox-Munk model. The results of one calculation are the upward and downward directed Stokes parameters for one wavelength at a desired number of sun incident and viewing angles at varying altitudes in the principal plane and other azimuth angles. STORM is applied for an analysis in view of designing downward looking Earth observing optical remote sensing systems and values of the degree of polarization are presented as generic basis for remote sensing system design and data processing.
Investigation of RF transmission properties of human tissues
Authors: Werber D. , Schwentner A. , Biebl E. M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. RF transmission properties of human tissues were investigated in the frequency range from 50 MHz to 1 GHz. This work was motivated by the increasing interest in communication links between medically active implants and external interrogator units. We investigated theoretically and experimentally the transmission loss between an implant and an external interrogator unit. We assumed that due to the size of the implant a maximum area of only 1 cm2 is available for the printed circuit antenna. The size of the external interrogator antenna is less restricted. The maximum depth of the implant beneath the surface of the body was assumed to be 10 cm. For the simulations we took the dielectric properties of skin, fat and muscle as published in the literature. For the measurements, an artificial muscle dielectric proposed in the literature was used consisting mainly of a mixture of water, sugar and salt. In simulation and measurements the reactive part of the impedance of the antennas was compensated numerically. In simulations and measurements we obtained a transmission loss between 30 dB around 100 MHz and 65 dB around 900 MHz.
Efficient computation of source magnetic scalar potential
Authors: Hafla W. , Buchau A. , Rucker W. M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Magnetic field problems are often excited by a known source field which itself is caused by free currents. Some formulations to solve the problem require knowledge of the source magnetic scalar potential whose gradient is the source field. In general, it has to be computed as a line integral. An approach for efficient computation of this potential has been developed that is based on an algorithm that gives short integration paths as well as on application of the fast multipole method. Numerical results indicate the efficiency of this approach especially when the number of current-carrying volume elements or the number of observation points are high.
Automobile Lidar Sensorik: Stand, Trends und zukünftige Herausforderungen
Authors: Spies M. , Spies H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Lidar Sensorik gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung für die Realisierung und Verbesserung von aktuellen und zukünftigen Fahrerassistenzsystemen. Seit die Halbleiterlasertechnologie für den Temperaturbereich in der Automobilanwendung verfügbar ist (ca. 1990), gab es immer wieder mehr oder weniger erfolgreiche Versuche, Lidar Sensorik im Fahrzeug einzusetzen. Erste Anwendung ist die adaptive Geschwindigkeitsregelung (ACC). Für diese Komfort-Funktionalität haben sich bisher jedoch Radarsensoren durchgesetzt. Für Anwendungen, die den Fahrer wirklich entlasten und die Sicherheit erhöhen sollen, wie Spurwechselassistent, Stauassistent, Totwinkelüberwachung, Kreuzungsassistent und Precrashsensorik werden Sensoren benötigt, die bei gro{ß}em horizontalen Erfassungsbereich (bis zu 180°) auch eine gute Winkelauflösung aufweisen, den Nahbereich <20 m abdecken, eine hohe Datenwiederholrate haben und kostengünstig darstellbar sind. Für diese Anwendungen bietet sich die Lidar Sensorik an. Im vorliegenden Vortrag werden die Grundlagen der Lidar Sensorik kurz erläutert, anhand von Beispielen verschiedene Ausführungsformen dargestellt sowie zukünftige Technologien und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten aufgezeigt.
Novel algorithms for the characterization of n-port networks by using a two-port network analyzer
Authors: Will B. , Rolfes I. , Schiek B.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The measurement of the scattering matrices of n-port networks is an important task. For this purpose two ports of the n-port network are connected with the network analyzer and the remaining ports are connected to reflecting terminations. In order to specify the scattering matrix of a n-port network with the multi-port method (Rolfes et al., 2005), n reflecting terminations are required from which at least one reflection factor needs to be known. There are some cases, in which the multi-port method shows weak convergence properties. For example, a T-junction cannot be identified if the reflecting terminations used are short circuits and if the line length is equivalent to a multiple of a half wavelength. This is due to the fact that the two ports connected to the network analyzer become isolated. Two new algorithms, named the sub-determinant method and the wave-identification method, respectively, which employ a second set of reflection terminations that have to differ from the first set, allow to identify every n-port network without the necessity to distinguish different cases. Both methods are based on least square algorithms and allow to determine all scattering parameters of a n-port-network directly and uniquely.
Multidimensional measurement by using 3-D PMD sensors
Authors: Ringbeck T. , Möller T. , Hagebeuker B.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Optical Time-of-Flight measurement gives the possibility to enhance 2-D sensors by adding a third dimension using the PMD principle. Various applications in the automotive (e.g. pedestrian safety), industrial, robotics and multimedia fields require robust three-dimensional data (Schwarte et al., 2000). These applications, however, all have different requirements in terms of resolution, speed, distance and target characteristics. PMDTechnologies has developed 3-D sensors based on standard CMOS processes that can provide an optimized solution for a wide field of applications combined with high integration and cost-effective production. These sensors are realized in various layout formats from single pixel solutions for basic applications to low, middle and high resolution matrices for applications requiring more detailed data. Pixel pitches ranging from 10 micrometer up to a 300 micrometer or larger can be realized and give the opportunity to optimize the sensor chip depending on the application. One aspect of all optical sensors based on a time-of-flight principle is the necessity of handling background illumination. This can be achieved by various techniques, such as optical filters and active circuits on chip. The sensors' usage of the in-pixel so-called SBI-circuitry (suppression of background illumination) makes it even possible to overcome the effects of bright ambient light. This paper focuses on this technical requirement. In Sect. 2 we will roughly describe the basic operation principle of PMD sensors. The technical challenges related to the system characteristics of an active optical ranging technique are described in Sect. 3, technical solutions and measurement results are then presented in Sect. 4. We finish this work with an overview of actual PMD sensors and their key parameters (Sect. 5) and some concluding remarks in Sect. 6.
Broadband circular interferometric millimetre-wave ISAR for threat detection
Authors: Bertl S. , Dallinger A. , Detlefsen J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. To detect threats on a person's body surface the application of millimetre-waves is possible. In order to get a view of the person from all sides either the person has to be rotated standing on a turntable (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar, ISAR) or a sensor is moved on a circular path around the person (Synthetic Aperture Radar, SAR). The goal of the reconstruction is to obtain information about the shape of the threats and their positions in all three dimensions. At first the reconstruction is done along range and azimuth, which span the principal surface given by the sensor configuration. This paper reports on two methods to obtain the third spatial dimension. Due to the circular shape and its 3D focussing ability of the aperture this information can be obtained by the evaluation of the image focus. Secondly, if two coherent receiving channels are used, a possibility to achieve 3D spatial resolution is the processing of the interferometric phase. A comparison between these two will be presented.
Neuere Untersuchungen zur Prädiktion von EEG-Signalen bei Epilepsie
Authors: Niederhöfer C. , Tetzlaff R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Seit einigen Jahren ist die Analyse von EEG-Signalen bei Epilepsie Gegenstand zahlreicher wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten; Zielvorstellung ist dabei die Entwicklung von Verfahren zur Erkennung eines möglichen Voranfallszustandes. Im Vordergrund steht beispielsweise die Approximation einer so genannten effektiven Korrelationsdimension, die Bestimmung der maximalen Lyapunov-Exponenten, Detektionsverfahren für Muster bei Zellularen Nichtlinearen Netzwerken, die Bestimmung der mittleren Phasenkohärenz und Verfahren zur nichtlinearen Prädiktion von EEG-Signalen. Trotz umfangreicher Bemühungen kann bis heute eine Erkennung von Anfallsvorboten mit einer Sensitivität und Spezifität, die eine automatisierte Anfallsvorhersage ermöglichen würde, noch nicht durchgeführt werden. In diesem Beitrag werden neue Ergebnisse zur Prädiktion von EEG-Signalen bei Epilepsie vorgestellt. Dabei werden Signale, welche mittels intrakranieller electrocorticographischer (ECoG) und stereoelectroencephalographischer (SEEG) Ableitungen registriert wurden, segmentweise analysiert. Unter der Annahme, dass sich Änderungen des Systems ,,Gehirn" als Änderungen im Prädiktor, d.h. in seinen Systemparametern widerspiegeln, könnte eine nähere Betrachtung der Prädiktoreigenschaften zu einer Erkennung von Anfallsvorboten führen.
Identifikationsverfahren zur Analyse von EEG-Signalen bei Epilepsie mit Reaktions-Diffusions Netzwerken
Authors: Gollas F. , Tetzlaff R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Partielle Differentialgleichungen des Reaktions-Diffusions-Typs beschreiben Phänomene wie Musterbildung, nichtlineare Wellenausbreitung und deterministisches Chaos und werden oft zur Untersuchung komplexer Vorgänge auf den Gebieten der Biologie, Chemie und Physik herangezogen. Zellulare Nichtlineare Netzwerke (CNN) sind eine räumliche Anordnung vergleichsweise einfacher dynamischer Systeme, die eine lokale Kopplung untereinander aufweisen. Durch eine Diskretisierung der Ortsvariablen können Reaktions-Diffusions-Gleichungen häufig auf CNN mit nichtlinearen Gewichtsfunktionen abgebildet werden. Die resultierenden Reaktions-Diffusions-CNN (RD-CNN) weisen dann in ihrer Dynamik näherungsweise gleiches Verhalten wie die zugrunde gelegten Reaktions-Diffusions-Systeme auf. Werden RD-CNN zur Identifikation neuronaler Strukturen anhand von EEG-Signalen herangezogen, so besteht die Möglichkeit festzustellen, ob das gefundene Netzwerk lokale Aktivität aufweist. Die von Chua eingeführte Theorie der lokalen Aktivität Chua (1998); Dogaru und Chua (1998) liefert eine notwendige Bedingung für das Auftreten von emergentem Verhalten in zellularen Netzwerken. Änderungen in den Parametern bestimmter RD-CNN könnten auf bevorstehende epileptische Anfälle hinweisen. In diesem Beitrag steht die Identifikation neuronaler Strukturen anhand von EEG-Signalen durch Reaktions-Diffusions-Netzwerke im Vordergrund der dargestellten Untersuchungen. In der Ergebnisdiskussion wird insbesondere auch die Frage nach einer geeigneten Netzwerkstruktur mit minimaler Komplexität behandelt.
Optimized power allocation for iterative multiuser detection for a SC-CDMA uplink
Authors: Weitkemper P. , Zielinski K. , Kammeyer K.-D. , Laur R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper deals with optimization of the received power profile for iterative parallel and successive interference cancellation (PIC/SIC) in coded CDMA systems. For practical implementation additional constraints should be applied. This paper focuses on the maximum tolerable bit error rate. It will be shown that optimized power profile can considerably gain the overall system performance. Due to unequal required receive powers an allocation to certain users can be done with respect to their individual power constraints. This is important especially in near-far scenarios. Beside these constraints also the maximum number of iterations is implemented due to limiting the computational complexity in the receiver.
Analog circuits using FinFETs: benefits in speed-accuracy-power trade-off and simulation of parasitic effects
Authors: Fulde M. , Engelstädter J. P. , Knoblinger G. , Schmitt-Landsiedel D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Multi-gate FET, e.g. FinFET devices are the most promising contenders to replace bulk FETs in sub-45 nm CMOS technologies due to their improved sub threshold and short channel behavior, associated with low leakage currents. The introduction of novel gate stack materials (e.g. metal gate, high-k dielectric) and modified device architectures (e.g. fully depleted, undoped fins) affect the analog device properties significantly. First measurements indicate enhanced intrinsic gain (gm/gDS) and promising matching behavior of FinFETs. The resulting benefits regarding the speed-accuracy-power trade-off in analog circuit design will be shown in this work. Additionally novel device specific effects will be discussed. The hysteresis effect caused by charge trapping in high-k dielectrics or self-heating due to the high thermal resistor of the BOX isolation are possible challenges for analog design in these emerging technologies. To gain an early assessment of the impact of such parasitic effects SPICE based models are derived and applied in analog building blocks.
A low-power and high-quality implementation of the discrete cosine transformation
Authors: Heyne B. , Götze J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. In this paper a computationally efficient and high-quality preserving DCT architecture is presented. It is obtained by optimizing the Loeffler DCT based on the Cordic algorithm. The computational complexity is reduced from 11 multiply and 29 add operations (Loeffler DCT) to 38 add and 16 shift operations (which is similar to the complexity of the binDCT). The experimental results show that the proposed DCT algorithm not only reduces the computational complexity significantly, but also retains the good transformation quality of the Loeffler DCT. Therefore, the proposed Cordic based Loeffler DCT is especially suited for low-power and high-quality CODECs in battery-based systems.
Analysis of the impact of map-matching on the accuracy of propagation models
Authors: Neuland M. , Kürner T.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Propagation models are very important for the development and deployment of wireless communication networks. They are able to predict the path loss for different propagation conditions, but cannot include all propagation phenomena in detail. This fact leads to variations between predicted and measured field strengths. These variations can be reduced by calibrating some parameters of the propagation models with the help of exact measurement data. However, two problems occur when applying measurement data. On the one hand, the maps used for the prediction have only a limited resolution. On the other hand, the GPS data are erroneous due to the limited GPS accuracy and due to sampling errors. These errors can lead to variations up to 200 m between the measured positions and the possible positions on the road network. Therefore, a map-matching algorithm has to be applied which projects the wrong GPS positions automatically onto the street vectors used for the predictions. Thus, a good basis of data for calibration can be created.
Methods for the calibrated measurement of the scattering parameters of planar multi-port devices
Authors: Rolfes I. , Schiek B.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. In this article, the error-corrected determination of complex scattering parameters of multi-port devices by means of a 2-port vector network analyzer is presented. As only two ports of the device under test can be connected to the analyzer ports at a time, the remaining device ports have to be terminated by external reflections. In order to measure the scattering parameters of the DUT without the influence of systematic errors and of the external terminations, an error correction has to be performed besides the calibration. For this purpose, the application of the multi-port procedure is presented. This method has the advantage, that the external reflective terminations can be chosen arbitrarily. Furthermore, these terminations can be unknown except for one. An automatized measurement system based on a switching network is shown, which is optimized for the measurement of planar microwave circuits. An error model for the description of the measurement setup as well as a calibration procedure for the elimination of the systematic errors are presented.
Einfluss der Korrosion auf die Schirmdämpfung versilberter Gestricke und Gewebe
Authors: Tasser M. , Wehnert G.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Zur Abschirmung elektromagnetischer Strahlung werden unter anderem metallisierte Gestricke eingesetzt, die versilbertes Polyamid enthalten. Solche Materialien finden beispielsweise Anwendungen als flexible Verpackungen oder als Strumpfmaterialien im medizinischen Bereich, z.B. bei der Therapie des Phantomschmerzes. Versilbertes Polyamid ist dem korrosiven Angriff schwefelhaltiger Verbindungen ausgesetzt, welche die Schirmdämpfungswirkung aufgrund der Ausbildung von Silbersulfidschichten herabsetzen. Untersucht wurde, inwieweit Silbersulfidbildung die Schirmdämpfung beeinträchtigt und ob die Silbersulfidbildung durch Schutzschichten aus Titandioxid (TiO2) verhindert werden kann. Die Silbersulfidschichten wurden mit Hilfe einer alkalischen Natriumsulfid-Lösung (Tuccillo-Nielsen-Lösung) hergestellt. Titandioxid-Schichten wurden durch ein Sol-Gel-Verfahren abgeschieden. Die untersuchten versilberten Gestricke zeigten im Bereich von 300 MHz bis 4 GHz eine weitgehend konstante Schirmdämpfung von ca. 40 dB, abhängig von der Strickart. Durch Belegung der Oberfläche mit Silbersulfid nahm die Schirmdämpfung auf ca. 5–10 dB ab. Dünne, durch Sol-Gel-Verfahren abgeschiedene TiO2 -Schichten verhinderten nicht die Ausbildung von Silbersulfidschichten. Durch Reduktion des Silbersulfids mit Aluminium in Natriumchlorid-Lösung konnte die Schirmdämpfung teilweise wiederhergestellt werden, was sich an einem Anstieg der Schirmdämpfung auf ca. 25 dB zeigte.
Miniaturisation of combline filters for switched-mode power amplifier systems
Authors: Serebryakova E. , Blau K. , Hein M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper presents a coaxial combline filter for a class-S power amplifier for an operating frequency of 450 MHz. According to the measurement results, the filter provides a bandwidth of 26 MHz, an insertion loss of 0.55 dB, and a second pass-band only at 2.8 GHz. As the filter dimensions are crucial for the envisaged application, different ways to miniaturise the filter are proposed and their features and disadvantages discussed.
Model order reduction of linear time invariant systems
Authors: Radić-Weissenfeld Lj. , Ludwig S. , Mathis W. , John W.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper addresses issues related to the order reduction of systems with multiple input/output ports. The order reduction is divided up into two steps. The first step is the standard order reduction method based on the multipoint approximation of system matrices by applying Krylov subspace. The second step is based on the rejection of the weak part of a system. To recognise the weak system part, Lyapunov equations are used. Thus, this paper introduces efficient solutions of the Lyapunov equations for port to port subsystems.
Nichtlineare Rauschmodellierung von LC Tank VCOs
Authors: Thiessen T. , Bremer J.-K. , Mathis W.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird ein alternativer Ansatz zur Phasenrauschoptimierung von LC-Tank Oszillatoren (VCOs) unter Verwendung stochastischer Differentialgleichungen vorgestellt. Zunächst werden die linearen Ansätze von Leeson, Hajimiri und Lee analysiert und bewertet. Danach wird ein Konzept vorgestellt, mit dem man die Rauscheigenschaften von VCOs auf der Grundlage stochastischer Differentialgleichungen und Fokker-Planck-Gleichungen untersuchen kann. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist eine Beschreibung des Phasenrauschens auf der Basis einer nichtlinearen Rauschmodellierung, welche Parameter eines VCOs für eine Optimierung beinhaltet. Es wurde ein Matlab-Tool erstellt und die Funktionalität anhand von Simulationen verifiziert.
Ansätze für eine Bifurkationsanalyse von RF LC-Tank VCOs unter Berücksichtigung nichtlinearer Bauelementegleichungen
Authors: Zorn C. , Bremer J.-K. , Mathis W.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Es wird ein alternativer Ansatz zum Entwurf von vollintegrierten LC Oszillatoren mit Hilfe der Andronov-Hopf Bifurkationsanalyse unter Einbeziehung eines nichtlinearen Overall-Modells für MOS-Transistoren (EKV-Modell) vorgestellt. Das in dieser Arbeit vorgestellte Verfahren beschreibt die MOS-Kapazität des VCOs über geometrische Gundgrößen, die damit nur als Längen- und Weitenverhältnisse in die Bifurkationsanalyse eingehen. Zur Beschreibung der MOS-Kapazität wurde ein Basic-Charge-Modell, wie es in den Arbeiten von Enz und Vittoz vorgestellt wurde, in Verbindung einer expliziten analytischen Näherung des Oberflächenpotenzials verwendet. Das Verfahren ermöglicht es, als zusätzlichen Freiheitsgrad für den Designer auch die Amplitude zur Optimierung der Bauteilparameter heranzuziehen und vorab eine genauere Abschätzung der Parameter des Varaktors zu erhalten. Zusammengefasst in einer Toolbox führt die Anwendung des Verfahrens auf einen grafischen Optimierungsprozess, mit dessen Hilfe die Parameter analytisch bestimmt werden können. Die verwendete Methode erweitert den von Hajimiri und Ham vorgestellten Entwurfsprozess von LC-Tank VCOs um eine Stabilitätsanalyse, die Berücksichtigung harmonischer höherer Ordnung und die physikalisch exakte Modellierung der Varaktorkapazitäten.
Highly efficient integrated rectifier and voltage boosting circuits for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Maurath D. , Peters C. , Hehn T. , Ortmanns M. , Manoli Y.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper presents novel circuit concepts for integrated rectifiers and voltage converting interfaces for energy harvesting micro-generators. In the context of energy harvesting, usually only small voltages are supplied by vibration-driven generators. Therefore, rectification with minimum voltage losses and low reverse currents is an important issue. This is realized by novel integrated rectifiers which were fabricated and are presented in this article. Additionally, there is a crucial need for dynamic load adaptation as well as voltage up-conversion. A circuit concept is presented, which is able to obtain both requirements. This generator interface adapts its input impedance for an optimal energy transfer efficiency. Furthermore, this generator interface provides implicit voltage up-conversion, whereas the generator output energy is stored on a buffer, which is connected to the output of the voltage converting interface. As simulations express, this fully integrated converter is able to boost ac-voltages greater than |0.35 V| to an output dc-voltage of 2.0 V–2.5 V. Thereby, high harvesting efficiencies above 80% are possible within the entire operational range.
Realtime multiprocessor for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Jungeblut T. , Grünewald M. , Porrmann M. , Rückert U.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper introduces a real-time Multiprocessor System-On-Chip (MPSoC) for low power wireless applications. The multiprocessor is based on eight 32bit RISC processors that are connected via an Network-On-Chip (NoC). The NoC follows a novel approach with guaranteed bandwidth to the application that meets hard realtime requirements. At a clock frequency of 100 MHz the total power consumption of the MPSoC that has been fabricated in 180 nm UMC standard cell technology is 772 mW.
Low-frequency lower E-region wind and reflection height measurements as sensor for climate variability
Authors: Jacobi C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Measurements of reflection heights of low-frequency (LF) radio waves at oblique incidence and estimates of mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region horizontal winds applying the D1 spaced receiver method on LF field strength registrations are analyzed with respect to possible long-term trends and interdecadal variability in the time interval from ~1980 to date. While no clear signal of mesospheric height trend is registered during the last two decades, significant trends of MLT horizontal winds are found. These trends are non-linear, in particular a change of trends around 1990 is found, which is probably connected with changes in tropospheric and stratospheric conditions at that time.
TLM modeling and system identification of optimized antenna structures
Authors: Fichtner N. , Siart U. , Kuznetsov Y. , Baev A. , Russer P.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The transmission line matrix (TLM) method in conjunction with the genetic algorithm (GA) is presented for the bandwidth optimization of a low profile patch antenna. The optimization routine is supplemented by a system identification (SI) procedure. By the SI the model parameters of the structure are estimated which is used for a reduction of the total TLM simulation time. The SI utilizes a new stability criterion of the physical poles for the parameter extraction.
High-End Silicon PDICs
Authors: Zimmermann H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. An overview on integrated silicon photodiodes and photodiode integrated circuits (PDICs) or optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) for optical storage systems (OSS) and fiber receivers is given. It is demonstrated, that by using low-cost silicon technologies high-performance OEICs being true competitors for some III/V-semiconductor OEICs can be realized. OSS-OEICs with bandwidths of up to 380 MHz and fiber receivers with maximum data rates of up to 11 Gbps are described. Low-cost data comm receivers for plastic optical fibers (POF) as well as new circuit concepts for OEICs and highly parallel optical receivers are described also in the following.
System considerations and RF front-end design for integration of satellite navigation and mobile standards
Authors: Miskiewicz A. , Holm A. , Weigel R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The paper presents the challenges involved in a system design of a robust reconfigurable RF front-end for navigation and mobile standards. Receiver architecture is chosen from the point of view of inter-system interference and 130nm CMOS process characteristics. System concept covers the implementation of GPS, Galileo, UMTS, GSM and CDMA2000 using a Zero-IF architecture with reconfigurable analog and digital path. Feasibility studies of the system cover analysis of the wireless regulations and performance criteria, such as overall gain, noise figure (NF), and 1dB compression point (P1dB) of the RF chain, phase noise requirements and VCO tuning range [1]. The presented chip was fabricated in 130 nm CMOS technology. System considerations are confirmed with the chip measurements of gain, noise figure, and linearity. Prospects for the future work are presented including technology shrink.
79 GHz UWB automotive short range radar – Spectrum allocation and technology trends
Authors: Bloecher H.-L. , Sailer A. , Rollmann G. , Dickmann J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Automotive UWB (Ultra-Wideband) short range radar (SSR) is on the market as a key technology for novel comfort and safety systems. SiGe based 79 GHz UWB SRR will be a definite candidate for the long term substitution of the 24 GHz UWB SRR. This paper will give an overview of the finished BMBF joint project KOKON and the recently started successing project RoCC, which concentrate on the development of this technology and sensor demonstrators. In both projects, the responsibilities of Daimler AG deal with application based sensor specification, test and evaluation of realized sensor demonstrators. Recent UWB SRR frequency regulation approaches and activitites will be introduced. Furthermore, some first results of Daimler activities within RoCC will be presented, dealing with the packaging and operation of these sensors within the complex car environment.
Hydrologic balance estimation using GIS in Korinthia prefecture, Greece
Authors: Voudouris K. , Mavrommatis Th. , Antonakos A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The main objective of this work is to determine the parameters of hydrological balance for several basins in the prefecture of Korinthia (SE Greece), using hydrometeorological data and geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Multiple linear regression and GIS were used to estimate the spatial distribution of rainfall. The largest precipitation amounts occur in the SW part of the region and decrease towards the eastern and northern coastal parts. The long term mean annual rainfall is 1.39×109 m3. Based on the Thornthwaite method, infiltration and streamflow were estimated to be 0.29×109 m3/yr and 0.38×109 m3/yr, respectively. The unequal distribution of rainfall results in water surplus in the western part of Korinthia prefecture and water deficit in the eastern. We conclude that he estimation of hydrologic balance is a useful tool in order to establish sustainable water resources management in each hydrological basin.
A study of the flood events in Cyprus
Authors: Savvidou K. , Nicolaides K. A. , Michaelides S. C. , Orphanou A. , Charalambous M. , Adamou S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Almost every year, localised and in some cases more widespread floodings affect parts of Cyprus, causing damages to properties destruction to infrastructure and housing and sometimes the loss of human life. Various factors such as the meteorological situation and type and intensity of precipitation, the geomorphology, the geology and the human intervention to geomorphology are responsible for flood events. In the present study, only the meteorological situation and the associated mechanisms are examined in an attempt to gain the essential knowledge for improvement of local weather forecasts. The study period covers a thirteen-year period, from 1994 to 2006, in which 43 cases of flooding were reported, mainly over urbanized areas. The dominant favorable weather conditions for flood events are either the existence of a depression or weather conditions of convectional type. According to these two factors, the flood events were classified into two categories; the "instability'' category which includes isolated flood events of short duration, and the "depression'' category which includes widespread flood events of long duration.
Forecasting the air pollution episode potential in the Canary Islands
Authors: Milford C. , Marrero C. , Martin C. , Bustos J. J. , Querol X.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. In the frame of the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch Urban Research Meteorology and Environment programme (GURME), a system for forecasting air pollution episode potential in the Canary Islands has been developed. Meteorological parameters relevant to air quality (synoptic wind speed, wind direction, boundary layer height and temperature at 91 vertical levels) are obtained from the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) once a day for up to four days ahead. In addition, a model based on the analogue method utilising six years of historical meteorological and air quality data predicts the probability of SO2 concentration exceeding certain thresholds for a measurement station located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Meteorological forecasts are also provided from a high resolution (2 km) local area model (MM5) implemented for the Canary Islands domain. This simple system is able to forecast meteorological conditions which are favourable to the occurrence of pollution episodes for the forthcoming days.
ENVIRO-HIRLAM: on-line coupled modelling of urban meteorology and air pollution
Authors: Baklanov A. , Korsholm U. , Mahura A. , Petersen C. , Gross A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The strategy of new generation integrated Meso-Meteorological (MetM) and Atmospheric Chemical Transport (ACT) models for predicting atmospheric composition, meteorology and climate change is discussed for the Enviro-HIRLAM (HIgh Resolution Limited Area Model) integrated system. Current progress in the Enviro-HIRLAM system development and its urban on-line coupled modelling applications is considered. Results of several sensitivity studies of the urban effects (urban albedo and roughness, anthropogenic heat flux, heat island, and urban aerosols) on meteorology and air pollution at different scales are presented. Several sensitivity tests of the off-line versus on-line coupling of MetM and ACT models in Enviro-HIRLAM as well as their verification versus the ETEX experiment are considered and results are discussed.
Influence of meteorological input data on backtrajectory cluster analysis – a seven-year study for southeastern Spain
Authors: Cabello M. , Orza J. A. G. , Galiano V. , Ruiz G.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Backtrajectory differences and clustering sensitivity to the meteorological input data are studied. Trajectories arriving in Southeast Spain (Elche), at 3000, 1500 and 500 m for the 7-year period 2000–2006 have been computed employing two widely used meteorological data sets: the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis and the FNL data sets. Differences between trajectories grow linearly at least up to 48 h, showing faster growing after 72 h. A k-means cluster analysis performed on each set of trajectories shows differences in the identified clusters (main flows), partially because the number of clusters of each clustering solution differs for the trajectories arriving at 3000 and 1500 m. Trajectory membership to the identified flows is in general more sensitive to the input meteorological data than to the initial selection of cluster centroids.
Fire Weather Index application in north-western Italy
Authors: Cane D. , Ciccarelli N. , Gottero F. , Francesetti A. , Pelfini F. , Pelosini R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Piedmont region is located in North-Western Italy and is surrounded by the alpine chain and by the Appennines. The region is covered by a wide extension of forests, mainly in its mountain areas (the forests cover 36% of the regional territory). Forested areas are interested by wildfire events. In the period 1997–2005 Piedmont was interested by an average 387 forest fires per year, covering an average 1926 ha of forest per year. Meteorological conditions like long periods without precipitation contribute to create favourable conditions to forest fire development, while the fire propagation is made easier by the foehn winds, frequently interesting the region in winter and spring particularly. The meteorological danger index FWI (Fire Weather Index) was developed by Van Wagner (1987) for the Canadian Forestry Service, providing a complete description of the behaviour of the different forest components in response to the changing weather conditions. We applied the FWI to the Piedmont region on warning areas previously defined for fire management purposes. The meteorological data-set is based on the data of the very-dense non-GTS network of weather stations managed by Arpa Piemonte. The thresholds for the definition of a danger scenarios system were defined comparing historical FWI data with fires occurred on a 5 years period. The implementation of a prognostic FWI prediction system is planned for the early 2008, involving the use of good forecasts of weather parameters at the station locations obtained by the Multimodel SuperEnsemble post-processing technique.
Caliope: an operational air quality forecasting system for the Iberian Peninsula, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands – first annual evaluation and ongoing developments
Authors: Baldasano J. M. , Jiménez-Guerrero P. , Jorba O. , Pérez C. , López E. , Güereca P. , Martín F. , Vivanco M. G. , Palomino I. , Querol X. , Pandolfi M. , Sanz M. J. , Diéguez J. J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The Caliope project funded by the Spanish Ministry of the Environment establishes an air quality forecasting system for Spain to increase the knowledge on transport and dynamics of pollutants in Spain, to assure the accomplishment of legislation and to inform the population about the levels of pollutants, topics in which the European Commission has shown a great concern. The present contribution describes the first quantitative verification study performed so far with two chemistry transport models (CMAQ and CHIMERE) for a reference year (2004) at medium spatial resolution (around 20×20 km for the Iberian Peninsula). Both models perform similarly in the case of ground-level ozone. The mean normalised gross error MNGE remains below 15–20% during summertime, when ozone episodes occur, outlining the good skills of the system concerning the forecasting of air quality in Spain. Furthermore, the ongoing developments of the system towards high resolution modelling (4×4 km for Spain, 12×12 km for Europe, 1 h temporal resolution) and the integration with observations within the Caliope umbrella are described.
Continuous measurements of near surface aerosols in the south-western European (Portugal) region in 2006–2008
Authors: Pereira S. N. , Wagner F. , Silva A. M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Scattering and absorption coefficients near the ground were measured in Évora, Portugal, in the period of 2006 to 2008. The average scattering coefficient, at the wavelength of 550 nm, for the whole period of measurements was found to be 40.3 Mm−1 and the absorption coefficient, at the wavelength of 670 nm, 8.6 Mm−1. These values are comparable to those measured in rural or background locations and reflect the small size of the city and relatively low magnitude of anthropogenic production at the site. A marked seasonal variation was found for the absorption coefficient, with a significant increase from 5.8 Mm−1, in summer, to 13.4 Mm−1, in winter. Regarding black carbon mass concentrations, this twofold increase, from 0.9 to 2.0 μgm−3, is mainly attributed to the wood combustion used for heating in conjunction with lower boundary layer mixing heights. The average scattering coefficient presented a more complex behaviour, although with a tendency for higher values in winter and lower values in spring.
Average rate of phenological changes in Poland according to climatic changes – evaluation and mapping
Authors: Jatczak K. , Walawender J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The main objective of this study was evaluation and mapping of an average rate of phenological changes for example special plant s indicators as a result of climatic changes in Poland. Multi-year analysis clearly showed a tendency to earlier onset of spring events. The average advance of flowering/leafing was −1.4 days/decade and −2.4 days/1°C. Whereas the response of autumn phenophases was ambiguous. Phenological and climate data come from archives of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Analysis covered the period of 1951–1992. The relation between temperature and date of phenophases was described with Pearson's linear regression model. Statistical significance of the model parameters was checked with Student's t-test at the following levels: 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001. The results were visualised on maps. ArcGIS 9.2 Geostatistical Analyst was used to examine the data and create prediction maps. Numerous tests were performed in order to find an appropriate method of spatial interpolation. Finally kriging was chosen as the most precise.
Deriving turbulence characteristics from the COSMO numerical weather prediction model for dispersion applications
Authors: Szintai B. , Kaufmann P. , Rotach M. W.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. At MeteoSwiss an integrated modelling system is used to simulate the dispersion of radioactive material in emergency situations. For the prediction of the atmospheric flow, the COSMO numerical weather prediction model is used. The model is run operationally at 6.6 and 2.2 km horizontal resolution, respectively and uses a 1.5 order turbulence closure with a prognostic equation for turbulent kinetic energy. Both versions of the COSMO model are coupled off-line with a Lagrangian particle dispersion model (LPDM). The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of the dispersion model to different interfacing approaches between LPDM and the COSMO model. The diagnosed turbulence variables are validated on an ideal convective case and two measurement campaigns. Simulations of hypothetical pollutant releases show that the different interfacing approaches can lead to substantial changes in the forecasted concentrations.
Showcase EUROGRID – towards a European resource for gridded climate data, products and services
Authors: Klein T. , Persson C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. EUROGRID is the vision of the European network of meteorological services (EUMETNET) about a European service for gridded climate monitoring information and products responding to the needs of users from a variety of domains. The EUMETNET project Showcase EUROGRID (S-EUROGRID) presented in this paper has the main objective to provide a better understanding of the EUROGRID idea and the way forward towards its realization. In addition to the identification of user requirements on gridded climate monitoring data and services S-EUROGRID aims to demonstrate example products and services building on existing shared gridded climate monitoring information available from European meteorological and hydrological services and other initiatives. The latter includes a harmonized visualization of data, the generation of example products/services and the dissemination of raw or processed data to the user community. For these purposes S-EUROGRID needed a simple and low-cost technical solution allowing for the seamless integration and dissemination of maps and data contributed by distributed resources, leading to Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)-protocols as one promising option. In this concept, data providers can set up their own OGC-compliant services for climate data, which then can be viewed/accessed in a harmonized way, e.g. through the S-EUROGRID portal or by a user's specific client software (e.g. a GIS). Dynamic (i.e. real-time) generation of products is beyond the scope of S-EUROGRID, but the architectural choice of OGC-standards offers easy ways for client-side data processing, e.g., using the end user's GIS capacity. In addition, S-EUROGRID hosts a selection of pre-processed example products, illustrating the potential of combining gridded climate monitoring information with data and information sources from other thematic domains.
Warning! The use of meteorological information during a flash-flood warning process
Authors: Créton-Cazanave L.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Warning is a key issue to reduce flash floods impacts. But, despite many studies, local and national authorities still struggle to issue good flash floods warnings. We will argue that this failure results from a classical approach of warnings, based on a strict separation between the assessment world and the action world. We will go further than the previous criticisms (Pielke and Carbone, 2002) and show that forecasters, decision makers, emergency services and local population have quite similar practices during a flash-flood warning. Focusing on the use of meteorological information in the warning process, our case study shows that more research about the real practices of stakeholders would be another step towards integrated studies.
Temperature sensitivity of decomposition in relation to soil organic matter pools: critique and outlook
Authors: Reichstein M. , Kätterer T. , Andrén O. , Ciais P. , Schulze E.-D. , Cramer W. , Papale D. , Valentini R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Knorr et al. (2005) concluded that soil organic carbon pools with longer turnover times are more sensitive to temperature. We show that this conclusion is equivocal, largely dependent on their specific selection of data and does not persist when the data set of Kätterer et al. (1998) is analysed in a more appropriate way. Further, we analyse how statistical properties of the model parameters may interfere with correlative analyses that relate the Q10 of soil respiration with the basal rate, where the latter is taken as a proxy for soil organic matter quality. We demonstrate that negative parameter correlations between Q10-values and base respiration rates are statistically expected and not necessarily provide evidence for a higher temperature sensitivity of low quality soil organic matter. Consequently, we propose it is premature to conclude that stable soil carbon is more sensitive to temperature than labile carbon.
Methane emission and consumption at a North Sea gas seep (Tommeliten area)
Authors: Niemann H. , Elvert M. , Hovland M. , Orcutt B. , Judd A. , Suck I. , Gutt J. , Joye S. , Damm E. , Finster K. , Boetius A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The Tommeliten seepage area is part of the Greater Ekofisk area, which is situated above the Tommeliten Delta salt diapir in the central North Sea (56°29.90' N, 2°59.80' E, Norwegian Block 1/9, 75 m water depth). Here, cracks in a buried marl horizon allow methane to migrate into overlying clay-silt and sandy sediments. Hydroacoustic sediment echosounding showed several venting spots coinciding with the apex of marl domes where methane is released into the water column and potentially to the atmosphere. In the vicinity of the gas seeps, sea floor observations showed small mats of giant sulphide-oxidizing bacteria above patches of black sediments as well as carbonate crusts, which are exposed 10 to 50 cm above seafloor forming small reefs. These Methane-Derived Authigenic Carbonates (MDACs) contain 13C-depleted, archaeal lipids indicating previous gas seepage and AOM activity. High amounts of sn2-hydroxyarchaeol relative to archaeol and low abundances of biphytanes in the crusts give evidence that ANaerobic MEthane-oxidising archaea (ANME) of the phylogenetic cluster ANME-2 were the potential mediators of Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM) at the time of carbonate formation. Small pieces of MDACs were also found subsurface at about 1.7 m sediment depth, associated with the AOM zone. This zone is characterized by elevated AOM and Sulphate Reduction (SR) rates, increased concentrations of 13C-depleted tetraether derived biphytanes, and specific bacterial Fatty Acids (FA). Further biomarker and 16S rDNA based analyses of this horizon give evidence that AOM is mediated by archaea belonging to the ANME-1b group and Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) most likely belonging to the Seep-SRB1 cluster. The zone of active methane consumption was restricted to a distinct horizon of about 20 cm. Concentrations of 13C-depleted lipid biomarkers (e.g. 500 ng g-dw−1 biphythanes, 140 ng g-dw−1 fatty acid ai-C15:0), cell numbers (1.5×108 cells cm−3), AOM and SR rates (3 nmol cm−3 d−1) in the Tommeliten AOM zone are 2–3 orders of magnitude lower compared to AOM zones of highly active deep water cold seeps such as Hydrate Ridge or the Gulf of Mexico.