Ultra Wide Band Impulse Radio and Impulse Radar
We pursue novel integrated radio solutions in standard nanoelectronics that facilitate inexpensive wireless systems and are easily combined with sensors and/or microprocessors. The Continuous-Time Binary-Value (CTBV) design paradigm is explored for implementing impulse radio ultra wideband (IR-UWB) systems. As a related field, short-range radar with precise localization and electromagnetic cameras using beam-forming are under investigation. The first single-chip CMOS UWB radar reported in the literature is exploring CTBV design.
Robust low power digital nanocircuits
During recent years the work has been focused on implementation and prototyping of ultra low voltage / low power logic and memory, for fault- and defect tolerant nanoarchitectures. This includes radiation hardened architectures for space electronics. Manufacturable high yield ultra low voltage / low power circuits and systems have not matured into widespread applications yet. One aim is to contribute towards that, through publications and patents.
Low-voltage digital and analog CMOS
The research is focused on ultra low-voltage digital and analog CMOS circuits. Digital logic styles and analog current mode and amplifiers are explored for mixed signal design operating at supply voltages down to 200mV. Speed and performance, i.e. energy-delay-product, may be adapted to meet specific requirements.
Data conversion
Our group has pioneered the field of FDSM Delta-Sigma converters and has co-authored the world record in low-supply voltage (and at that time in low-power) analog to digital converters.
On-Chip Combination of MEMS and CMOS
The research is focused on designing RF MEMS components that can be integrated on-chip with CMOS circuitry to reduce interconnection parasitics and increase the overall performance. The MEMS are made from the CMOS metal-dielectric layer stack, and we apply a maskless post-processing of CMOS chips for releasing the mechanical parts (CMOS-MEMS). Mechanical resonators, filters and mixers have been successfully implemented.
Neuromorphic Electronics and Biomedical Implants
Assoc. Professor Philipp Häfliger
Neuromorphic electronics mimics operation principles of the nervous system, resulting in very different characteristics compared to more traditional electronics: e.g. sub-threshold operation inspired by the energy efficiency of biological organisms, and biocompatible signaling, which also suggests using them in implants. The project GlucoSense/SenseCell concerned itself with a micro-implant for continuous blood glucose monitoring, with a tremendous potential impact for millions of diabetes patients world wide.