Search

This paper compares the analytical approach and optimization algorithm for designing a two-bilinear-section-based two-port transfer function hinged on a numerical sweep with the intention of implementing fractional-order (FO) systems in many sensing areas. The study compares analytical and algorithm-based design approaches and tests their effectiveness in designing a two-port system that accommodates phase shifts within the 10° to 80° range and with various phase ripple limits. The impact of phase changes on usable bandwidth (yield maximization) is also explored. The proposed algorithm represents the most optimal approach and calculates zeros/poles frequencies to precisely keep the required mean phase value and phase ripple value for the defined center frequency. Experimental results are provided, utilizing two bilinear sections featuring the current feedback amplifier. Moreover, the implementation of the novel two-port Cole model as an application example of the proposed design is presented and evaluated. The approaches presented are useful in sensing, modeling, and instrumentation.

To meet the extremely stringent but diverse requirements of Beyond Fifth-Generation (B5G) networks, traffic-aware adaptive utilization of network resources is becoming essential. To cope with that, a detailed traffic data analysis enables opportunities for mobile network operators to improve the Quality of Service (QoS) in the next-generation mobile communication systems. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the real world data collected from an operator’s 4G+ and 5G infrastructure during a seven-month campaign. Efficient Machine Learning (ML) based network traffic predictions are presented together with a statistical model to develop optimal resource allocation strategies by using the data gathered during the pandemic, an era when the data volume, as well as the bandwidth requirements and the end users’ expectations, were significantly elevated in terms of QoS, given the huge shift to the online world. Data analysis confirmed the assumption that there are traffic changes during the day and the whole week, which helped us to find new research directions regarding resource allocation optimization of next-generation mobile networks. Furthermore, we introduce the Predictive Energy Saver for Baseband Units (PESBiU) algorithm, which utilizes traffic prediction and power consumption analysis to manage the power states (sleep or active) of BBUs in a network. The PESBiU algorithm utilizes the results from ML predictions to effectively balance energy efficiency and network performance, demonstrating its potential for practical deployment in future mobile communication networks by transitioning BBUs to sleep mode during low-traffic periods, thereby achieving significant power savings.

This paper presents the results of research conducted in the field of the technology of surface hardening of castings from unalloyed and low-alloy nodular cast iron using the laser remelting method. The range of studies included macro- and microhardness measurements using Rockwell and Vickers methods as well as metallographic microscopic examinations using a scanning electron microscope. Moreover, abrasive wear resistance tests were performed using the pin-on-disk method in the friction pair of nodular cast iron—SiC abrasive paper and the reciprocating method in the friction pair of nodular cast iron—unalloyed steel. Analysis of the test results shows that the casting surface layer remelting by laser for unalloyed nodular cast iron results in a greater improvement in its resistance to abrasive wear in the metal–mineral system, as compared to low-alloy cast iron. Additionally, carrying out the laser hardening treatment of the surface layer made of the tested grades of nodular cast iron is justified only if the tribological system of the cooperating working parts and allowable dimensional changes during their operation are known.

A simple single parameter adjustable immittance concept designed with modular active devices, fabricated in I3T $25~0.35~\mu \text{m}$ 3.3 V CMOS process of ON Semiconductor, is introduced. The proposed devices employ an integer-order capacitor and specifically designed fractional-order capacitors (sometimes called constant phase elements). The proposed active topology consists of two simple active elements, namely a linearly voltage adjustable operational transconductance amplifier and a voltage differencing unity gain voltage follower/buffer, and only two passive elements, i.e. redundancy is minimized. The designed topology offers generation of an adjustable immittance having both the capacitive and inductive character. The importance of the order as well as the value of the pseudo-capacitance for design and analyzes are shown, including all important parasitic features for estimation of expected operational bandwidth which have to be considered in the design. The operational bandwidth is determined by high values of approximants of fractional-order capacities (225, 56 and $8.8~\mu \text{F}$ /sec^1- $\alpha $ , where $\alpha $ represents the order equal to 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75, respectively). These parameters result into ranges between tens of Hz and units-tens of kHz. The adjustability of the transconductance from 70 to $700~\mu \text{S}$ by the driving voltage between 0.05 and 0.5 V offers approximately one decade change of equivalent capacitance and inductance. Laboratory-based experiments done with a fabricated prototype confirmed the theoretical presumptions.

This work deals with the design of a simple double output voltage phase detector, using a specific type of analog multiplier, and its application in a frequency demodulator. The design of active parts was performed in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) $0.18~\mu \text{m}$ 1.8 V CMOS technology. The intention is devoted to design the circuitry in such a way to avoid low-frequency signal processing with large values of capacities that are not available in case of on-chip implementation. The idea consists in the processing of significantly faster signal (tens of kHz) carrying modulated low frequency information. Then the coupling capacity may have significantly smaller value. The operation of the demodulator was tested for carrier frequency 50 kHz and for modulation signal with frequency of 10 Hz and 500 Hz. Differences of these frequencies approximately determine the values of capacitors required for AC coupling. Simulations (Cadence Spectre simulator) as well as experimental measurement, using fabricated ASIC prototypes, are provided to verify the proposed circuits in both the time and frequency domain.

A design of a fractional-order (FO) integrator is introduced for the operation of the resulting solution in the current mode (CM). The solution of the integrator is based on the utilization of RC structures, but in comparison to other RC structure based FO designs, the proposed integrator offers the electronic control of the order. Moreover, the control of the proposed integrator does not require multiple specific and accurate values of the control voltages/currents in comparison to the topologies based on the approximation of the FO Laplacian operator. The electronic control of a gain level (gain adjustment) of the proposed integrator is available. The paper offers the results of Cadence IC6 (spectre) simulations and more importantly experimental measurements to support the presented design. The proposed integrator can be used to build various FO circuits as demonstrated by the utilization of the integrator into a structure of a frequency filter in order to provide FO characteristics.

This paper introduces design of the linearly tunable quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using modern off-the-shelf active elements suitable for the design of electronically adjustable applications. The simplified topology was achieved using non-inertial stabilization of amplitude. It allows targeting adjustability of the oscillation frequency only into lossless integrator part of the topology. This arrangement simplifies the design and the tenability also. Derived symbolical expressions indicate that gain adjustment of used amplifiers (that are still in single path) does not influence amplitude and phase shift ratio of generated waveforms, which is a beneficial feature. The performances of the circuit are tested experimentally in band of units of MHz and results confirmed expected behavior. Initial study of the oscillator with fractional-order capacitors is presented and discussed. Results are supported by laboratory measurements.

This paper introduces a novel electronic system for simplex low-bitrate infra-red (IR) communication applications. The transmitter is implemented completely by analog building blocks, formed with the help of a recently fabricated chip that includes active elements allowing various modular interconnections. For the design of this chip, the ON Semiconductor C035 0.35μm I3T25 technology was chosen due to the trade-off between cost, efficiency and obtainable parameters. The designed transmitter operates as a voltageto-duty cycle converter, using pulse width modulation that causes ON/OFF keying of the carrier signal for infra-red (IR) diode. The duty cycle variable between 7% and 83% is modulated by the input voltage (in the range of ±0.8 V) of the transmitter. The use case of the proposed concept in the measurement of illuminance within the range of 30 lx and 550 lx is also presented. The quality of the transmission was evaluated as the error between the transmitted and received values of the duty cycle (kept mostly below 10 %). The maximal power consumption of the transmitter reaches 180 mW.

This paper presents a new concept of a capacitance multiplier using the topology of differential voltage buffer and current conveyor, where the capacitor is connected to the current input terminal. The presented topology overcomes the typical issue known from similar solutions, i.e. creation of an undesired lossy character of the impedance plot. The added feedback path in the structure serves for minimization of the serial parasitic resistance of the current input terminal as well as the output resistance of differential voltage buffer. The electronic driving of the current and voltage internal gains of the active elements allows the adjustment of the capacitance multiplication factor as well as readjustment of the overall capacitance structure between the lossy and lossless modes of operation. The adjustment of the multiplication factor intentionally targets low ranges of gains. Despite that the multiplication factor equals or is less than 1, the range of adjustability is very wide. Simple modifications of the proposed concept leading to the differential-mode operation and enhancement of the multiplication factor are shown and explored. They were experimentally tested in more than 2 decades, from 0.03 to 5.8 nF, and controlled by single DC voltage from 0.1 to 1.0 V. The outputs of experimental measurements meet with the PSpice simulations and confirm the design validity.

The article presents the results of research on the properties of molding sands in Alphaset technology (alkaline-phenolic). These sands are often used in steel foundries, producing large castings. However, knowledge about them, and especially about the changeability of their properties with the change of environmental conditions (seasons), is still insufficient. Various compositions of molding sand were analyzed based on fresh chromite sand and reclaimed sand. A binder and hardener in various mass ratios were used to prepare the mass. The research methodology included, among others, tests of tensile and bending strength, permeability, abrasion, gas emissivity, and ignition losses. These tests were carried out for summer and winter conditions. The results showed the optimal proportions of resin and hardener, showed the influence of ambient temperature on the properties of the molding sand, and the possible ratio of reclaimed sand in relation to fresh sand. However, you should always remember to verify them under the conditions of a specific foundry.

The authors researched the physical, metallurgical, and mechanical characteristics of A354 alloy (Al-Si-Mg-Cu) reinforced with 5, 10, and 15 wt% of fly ash metal matrix composites. A baseline alloy and three composites were fabricated by a liquid metallurgy route and poured into a permanent mold to obtain cast rods of dimension Φ32 mm × 156 mm. The metallurgical characterization of the developed alloy and metal matrix composites was conducted using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction. All the developed composites showed a pore-free nature, but only A354 alloy reinforced with 5 wt% of fly ash (AF5) possessed a homogeneous distribution and perfect bonding of the fly ash with the A354 matrix. Therefore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was performed on the sample AF5. All developed alloys and metal matrix composites were subjected to hardness and mechanical property tests. It was observed that the AF5 sample had 170 ± 5.6 HV and tensile strength of 216 ± 2.3 MPa, 18.8% and 24.8% higher than the A354 matrix, but the ductility (6.5 ± 0.43%) was reduced by 23% from the baseline alloy. Finally, the fractography analysis was conducted on all the samples using FESEM to analyze the fracture mode. The fabricated 5 wt% fly ash-based metal matrix composite showed better mechanical performance than other samples. Hence, sample AF5 is suggested for manufacturing components in automotive and structural parts.

This contribution presents and experimentally analyzes the idea how to reach the constant magnitude as well as the phase response in the fractional-order (FO) phase when shifting two-ports. The straightforward method employing the automatic gain control circuit (AGC) in a cascade after so-called constant phase block approximating FO integrator or differentiator is studied. The variable gain amplifier utilized in AGC and simple RC-based FO constant phase elements (approximating capacitors with order alpha = 1/4 and alpha = 1/2 as an example) connected in the feedback of operational amplifier-based integrator are established in the experimental setup. The operation indicated in three decades (between 100 Hz and 100 kHz) is evaluated. The known solutions of the standard FO phase shifting circuits are discussed and generally compared with the features obtained in this paper, together with the supposed effects of AGC on their performances.

A novel solution of reconnection-less electronically reconfigurable filter is introduced in the paper. The filter is designed based on unknown nodal voltages method (MUNV) using operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) and variable gain amplifier (VGA). The structure can provide all-pass, band-stop, high-pass 2nd order functions, high-pass function of the 1st order and direct transfer from the same topology without requirement of manual reconnection. The proposed structure also offers the electronic control of the pole frequency. Moreover, fractional-order design of the proposed filter is also provided. The behaviour is verified by simulations using Cadence IC6 (spectre) software.

In this paper the authors present a multifunctional reconfigurable fractional-order filter performing a low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject transfer function. The filter is based on two types of active elements, OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier) and ACA (Adjustable Current Amplifier). It provides pole frequency control, depending on the values of the transconductance of the OTA elements. The quality factor is also electronically controlled, depending on the amplification of the ACA element. The order of the filter can be changed by switching the fractional-order capacitor having various values of the order. The circuit was implemented as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and measured in laboratory conditions. Measurement results are compared with the simulation results. The behavioural models were used for the purpose of the simulation. DOI: 10.5755/j01.eie.25.1.22732

This article presents the results of experiments on the optimization of down sprue geometry in the process of pouring sand molds. Theoretical assumptions and computer simulation tests are presented. The starting point was the theory and experience of gas entrapment caused mainly by a poorly designed gating system and the down sprue. Simulations were performed using Magmasoft software. First, initial studies were carried out to determine how the geometry (mainly the channel cross-section) of the sprue affects the problem, and then a detailed experiment was carried out on the so-called ‘short sprue’ version. The air entrapment process was analyzed, as were the parameters of the liquid alloy flow that passes through the analyzed channels. Nine geometric versions of the sprue were proposed and analyzed, and the results allowed us to conclude which sprue geometry is the best from the point of view of minimization of the gas entrapment problem.

Presented work focuses on methods for the extended electronic control in the designs of inductance simulators based on single-loop feedback topology. Implementation is based on diamond transistors as voltage-to-current converters and two voltage-mode multipliers connected to different positions in topology (providing amplification or control of equivalent resistance). Presented solutions achieve significantly extended adjustability of equivalent inductance value in comparison to standard approaches based on CMOS differential pair-based operational transconductances amplifiers. Proposed designs of synthetic inductors are based on utilization of integer-order as well as fractional-order (constant phase element) capacitor. Their features are verified both via PSpice simulations and experimental measurements. Results confirmed intended purposes of designs implementing discussed methods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eie.24.3.20976

In this paper, the fuel properties of mixtures of diesel fuel and ethanol and diesel fuel and butanol in the ratio of 2.5% to 30% were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the blends such as the cetane number, cetane index, density, flash point, kinematic viscosity, lubricity, CFPP, and distillation characteristics were measured, and the effect on fuel properties was evaluated. These properties were compared with the current EN 590+A1 standard to evaluate the suitability of the blends for use in unmodified engines. The alcohols were found to be a suitable bio-component diesel fuel additive. For most physicochemical properties, butanol was found to have more suitable properties than ethanol when used in diesel engines. The results show that for some properties, a butanol–diesel fuel mixture can be mixed up to a ratio of 15%. Other properties would meet the standard by a suitable choice of base diesel.

The article reviews the progress made on bronze alloys processed through various casting techniques, and focuses on enhancements in the microstructural characteristics, hardness, tensile properties, and tribological behaviour of Cu-Sn and Cu-Sn-Ti alloys. Copper and its alloys have found several applications in the fields of automobiles, marine and machine tools specifically for propellers in submarines, bearings, and bushings. It has also been reported that bronze alloys are especially used as an anti-wear and friction-reducing material to make high performance bearings for roller cone cock bits and warships for defence purposes. In these applications, properties like tensile strength, yield strength, fatigue strength, elongation, hardness, impact strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are very important; however, these bronze alloys possess only moderate hardness, which results in low wear resistance, thereby limiting the application of these alloys in the automobile industry. The major factor that influences the properties of bronze alloys is the microstructure. Morphological changes in these bronze alloys are achieved through different manufacturing techniques, such as casting, heat treatment, and alloy addition, which enhance the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion characteristics. Alloying of Ti to cast Cu-Sn is very effective in changing the microstructure of bronze alloys. Reinforcing the bronze matrix with several ceramic particles and surface modifications also improves the properties of bronze alloys. The present article reviews the techniques involved in changing the microstructure and enhancing the mechanical and tribological behaviours of cast Cu-Sn and Cu-Sn-Ti alloys. Moreover, this article also reviews the industrial applications and future scope of these cast alloys in the automobile and marine industries.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the fuel properties of Fischer–Tropsch diesel blends with conventional diesel. Incorporating this advanced fuel into conventional diesel production will enable the use of waste materials and non-food materials as resources, while contributing to a reduction in dependence on crude oil. To evaluate the suitability of using Fischer–Tropsch diesel, cetane number, cetane index, CFPP, density, flash point, heat of combustion, lubricity, viscosity, distillation curve, and fuel composition ratios using multidimensional GC × GC-TOFMS for different blends were measured. It was found that the fuel properties of the blended fuel are comparable to conventional diesel and even outperform conventional fuel in some parameters. All measurements were performed according to current standards, thus ensuring the repeatability of measurements for other research groups or the private sector.

The aim of the article is to determine the properties of fuel mixtures of Fischer–Tropsch naphtha fraction with traditional gasoline (petrol) to be able to integrate the production of advanced alternative fuel based on Fischer–Tropsch synthesis into existing fuel markets. The density, octane number, vapor pressure, cloud point, water content, sulphur content, refractive index, ASTM color, heat of combustion, and fuel composition were measured using the gas chromatography method PIONA. It was found that fuel properties of Fischer–Tropsch naphtha fraction is not much comparable to conventional gasoline (petrol) due to the high n-alkane content. This research work recommends the creation of a low-percentage mixture of 3 vol.% of FT naphtha fraction with traditional gasoline to minimize negative effects—similar to the current legislative limit of 5 vol.% of bioethanol in E5 gasoline. FT naphtha fraction as a biocomponent does not contain sulphur or polyaromatic hydrocarbons nor benzene. Waste materials can be processed by FT synthesis. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis can be considered a universal fuel—the naphtha fraction cut can be declared as a biocomponent for gasoline fuel without any further necessary catalytic upgrading.

The introduction of new design solutions of cast components to the powertrain systems of passenger cars has resulted in an increased demand for optimization of mechanical properties obtained during heat treatment, assuring—at the same time—a suitable level of production capacity and limitation of manufacturing costs. In this paper, research results concerning non-standard T6 heat treatment of a combustion engine cylinder head made of AlSi7Cu3Mg alloy are presented. It has been confirmed that the optimal process of heat treatment of this component, taking into consideration the criterion of material hardness, involves solutioning at a temperature of 500 °C for 1 h, and then aging for 2 h at 175 °C. As a result, HBS10/1000/30 hardness in the range of 105–130 was obtained, which means an increase from 35% to 60% in comparison to the as-cast, depending on the position of the measurement and spheroidization of precipitations of eutectic silicon.

The article presents issues related to melting ductile iron grade EN-GJS-400-15, with different proportions of feedstock (steel scrap and pig iron). The main attention was paid to determining the impact of silicon carbide on the structure and properties of melted cast iron. In the conducted melts, carbon and silicon deficiencies were supplemented with a suitably chosen carburizer, ferrosilicon, and SiC metallurgical silicon carbide. The percentage of silicon carbide in the charge ranged from 0 to 0.91%. The basic condition for the planning of melts was to maintain the repeatability of the chemical composition of the output cast iron and cast iron after the secondary treatment of liquid metal with various charge compositions. Based on the tests, calculations, and analyses of the results obtained, it was concluded that the addition of SiC may increase the number and size of graphite precipitates. Increasing the SiC content in the charge also caused a change in the solidification nature of the alloy and the mechanism of growth of spheroidal graphite precipitates, causing their surface to form a scaly shell. The influence of the addition of silicon carbide on the reduction of the temperature of liquidus in the alloys was also observed. Silicon carbide had a positive effect on the structure and properties of melted alloys. The introduction of SiC into the melting in the studied range caused an increase in the content of carbon and silicon without causing an increase in the amount of impurities in the alloy.

This article presents the results of experiments related to the process of replacement of the currently used furfuryl resin molding sand technology with a new alkali-phenolic technology. The new binder is characterized by a set of technological advantages and is considered more ecological compared to the furfuryl resin. However, the molding sand produced on the basis of the alkali-phenolic resin features lower strength compared to the sands containing furfuryl resin. This article presents a comparative study of sands made using various alkali-phenolic binders, aimed at the selection of a resin with strength parameters and other features that are both desirable and useful for new technology applied in a foundry.

The article presents the issue of electrical resistivity measurement of carbon materials. The device that was developed by the authors is described and is the subject of a Polish patent. The innovative approach of the setup is based on the possibility of measuring the resistivity of grainy (powdered, dusty) materials without having to conduct their preliminary pressing. The material that is to be analyzed is placed inside the chamber made of electrically non-conducting material. The sample is then compacted with pneumatically driven pistons and the compaction force can be controlled by the air pressure. The device as proposed by the authors works at a pressure of 900 kPa, which is equal to the compaction force of 1.2 kN. Resistivity is calculated on the basis of the voltage drop recorded on the sample length. The research covers the analysis of the influence of carbon material grade and compaction force on the resistivity value. It was stated that the resistivity of the graphite materials that were analyzed here changed within the range of 43⁻172 µm: petroleum coke—360⁻780 µm; the anthracite—1900⁻3900 µm. The experimental method presented here can be used whenever carbon materials are present in the form of grains.