Papers by Alessandro Rocchi
System-Theoretical Analysis of Analog-CDMA Applied to Mixed-Signal Readout Interfaces for MEMS Gyroscopes
This paper presents a novel architecture for low noise mixed-signal readout systems for 3-axes mi... more This paper presents a novel architecture for low noise mixed-signal readout systems for 3-axes micromachined gyroscopes; the proposed solution experiments an innovative readout technique based on analog-CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) in order to extremely simplify the analog front-end which can be based on a single charge amplifier. Many family codes have been considered in order to find the best solution between performance and complexity. As a result, Walsh codes have been finally selected. Simulations prove the effectiveness of this technique in processing all the required gyro signals: the three sensing signals and one primary signal for keeping the sensor in resonance. The proposed solution can achieve good reduction of silicon area and current consumption in the analog section with reference to other multiplexing schemes. Keywords- CDMA, capacitive gyroscope, mixed-signal readout interfaces, MEMS, analog front-end, Walsh codes
VHDL-AMS Modelling and System Verification Flow
The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting the formation of coke during the elev... more The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting the formation of coke during the elevated temperature cracking of hydrocarbons. The method generally comprises adding to the hydrocarbon an effective amount of an ammonium borate, particularly ammonium biborate and ammonium pentaborate. Preferably, the ammonium borates are in a glycollic solvent or water.
Microelectronics Journal, 2014
This work moves toward the state-of-the-art for the interfaces usually employed for three-axes mi... more This work moves toward the state-of-the-art for the interfaces usually employed for three-axes micromachined gyroscopes. Several architectures based on multiplexing schemes in order to extremely simplify the analog front-end which can be based on a single charge amplifier are analyzed and compared. This paper presents a novel solution that experiments an innovative readout technique based on a special analog-CDMA (Code Division Multiplexing Access); this architecture can reach a considerable reduction of the analog front-end with reference to other multiplexing schemes. Many family codes have been considered in order to find the best trade-off between performance and complexity. System-level simulations prove the effectiveness of this technique in processing all the required signals. Finally, a case study is analyzed: a comparison with the SD740 micro-machined integrated inertial module with a triaxial gyroscope by SensorDynamics AG is provided.
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 1998
Conventional in-air ultrasonic rangefinders for robotic applications employ inexpensive analog si... more Conventional in-air ultrasonic rangefinders for robotic applications employ inexpensive analog signal processing techniques, based on threshold methods, to perform range measurements. Digital signal processing techniques using correlation methods can provide more accurate measurements, at the expense of greater system complexity and cost. We propose using a modified second-order bandwidth sampling technique for making data acquisition concomitant with frequency shift of the sampled narrow-band signals from in-air ultrasonic transducers to their equivalent baseband representations. The reduction of the frequency-analyzing interval allows one to conceive sampled baseband correlators for multiple receiving transducers with a complexity comparable to that of analog receivers. We develop a procedure of sensor calibration that is based on a stochastic model of time-of-flight noise; the effect of the receiver noise on the ranging accuracy is, thus, evaluated separately from the effect, due to environmental changes of the speed of sound. The simulation study and the experimental results obtained with our demonstration system offer promise for multichannel sampled baseband correlators, the time-of-flight estimation accuracy of which is close to the theoretical Cramér-Rao (CR) lower bound for signals in additive white Gaussian noise.
MEMS Gyroscope for Detecting Rotational Motions about an X-, Y-, and/or Z-Axis
A method for determining a about the x-axis, y-axis rotational movement and / or z-axis MEMS gyro... more A method for determining a about the x-axis, y-axis rotational movement and / or z-axis MEMS gyroscope, the MEMS gyroscope particular embodiment of three-dimensional sensor, comprising a substrate, a plurality of (at least two, preferably four a) can be moved toward a center of the radial movement of the driving mass (2) and a plurality of said driving mass (2) a drive element (7) the occurrence of runout, so that the substrate about the x when an effect rotation axis, y axis and / or z-axis of said driving mass (2) of the Coriolis force. The oscillating driving mass (2) with at least one other sensing mass (3), said sensing mass does not oscillate, but can drive the oscillating mass (2) together with the substrate about the x-axis, y-axis and / or z-axis. A plurality of sensing elements (9, 10) for detecting said sensing mass (3) and / or said driving mass (2) caused by the Coriolis force is generated with respect to the substrate bias oblique. At least two (preferably four) of anchor (5) for the spring means (4) to said sensing mass (3) is rotatably fixed on the substrate.
A 32Mb4b/cell analog flash memory supporting variable density with 3Vonly supply and serial I/O
Solid-State Circuits …, 1999
... Pier Luigi Rolandi, Marco Pasotti, Giovanni Campardo, Roberto Canegallo, Guido De Sandre, Gio... more ... Pier Luigi Rolandi, Marco Pasotti, Giovanni Campardo, Roberto Canegallo, Guido De Sandre, Giovanni Guaitini, Cedric Issartel, Frank Lhermet, Alfonso Maurelli, Alessandro ... I/O and needs only 6+1 pins: power supply (3V supply and ground), 4 serial I/O (MOSI, MISO/SDA, ...
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Papers by Alessandro Rocchi