A low-power third-order ΔΣ modulator using a single operational amplifier
An architecture for low-power ΔΣ modulators suitable for high-resolution portable sensor systems is presented. The circuit uses a single operational amplifier to achieve a third-order noise shaping. The two-stage op-amp employs a boosting technique that increases by 5 the slew-rate. The circuit, simulated at the transistor level using a conventional 0.18-µm CMOS technology, obtains a peak SNDR of 88 dB over an input signal bandwidth of 100 kHz. The simulated power consumption is 125 µW with a 1.5-V supply voltage. The achieved Figure of Merit (FoM) is 31 fJ/conversion-level.
Noise-shaped multbit D/A convertor employing unit elements
By appropriately selecting the elements used to form each output sample of a multibit digital-to-analogue convertor, the spectrum of the error caused by element mismatch can be noise-shaped. Simulations indicate that first-order, second-order and bandpass noise-shaping are all possible. The technique enables the use of multibit feedback in delta-sigma A/D and D/A convertors.
Ocean thermal energy conversion: The promise of a clean future
Due to the world's heavy dependence on fossil fuels for electricity, pollution and global warming is on the rise. However, numerous countries are still relying on diesel generators as their main source of energy. There is a lack of practical alternative energy source that can meet the global energy demand without posing any threat to the natural environment. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a concept that has the potential to address this growing issue. It is basically a mechanism that exploits the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep ocean water, to produce electricity. Although OTEC has a low energy density, the thermal energy in the ocean is vastly abundant. OTEC development has been dormant for a long time since it was first proposed in 1881. However, it has now regained recognition worldwide as a realistic solution to our world energy issue. Instead of having a great potential for power generation, it also carries the ability to produce high value products from the large volume of Deep Sea Water (DSW) that can be released as byproducts of OTEC plant operation. These products can hold a very profitable place in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and mineral water production. Further research on ocean current and DSW properties can someday lead to the commercial used of OTEC. This paper is a review of the basic concept, present status and future prospects of OTEC around the world.