Collaborative Research: MEMS Frequency Converters Based on Nonlinear Resonances

这项合作研究的目标是开发利用亚谐共振的微电子机械变频器。第一种方法利用N个耦合谐振器的链，在最近的邻居之间具有2：1的内部共振，它在一端取输入频率，并提供一组输出频率，对于j=2，？，N沿链的输入频率除以2^j。第二种方法利用冲击振动装置中的次谐波响应；这些响应使用单个谐振器提供整数倍的分频，该谐振器的输入频率接近其自然频率的倍数。这两个系统将从基本动力学系统的角度进行研究，结果将用于开发和优化MEMS设计。所得到的器件将被制造、实验表征并测试其性能指标。变频器是一种将输入频率转换为输出频率的器件。它们用于扩频通信系统、信号合成器、混频器、时钟发生器和传感器。建议工作的原创性是结合使用非线性机械振动共振和微电子机械系统固有的设计灵活性来开发完全无源的转换器，而不需要大多数电子转换器中使用的缓冲器和放大器。预期的设计因其尺寸、易于制造、与电子设备的集成、频率调谐能力和低功耗要求而颇具吸引力。这一努力的更广泛影响包括外联活动、对学生的多学科培训、吸纳代表性不足群体的学生、编写课堂材料和传播研究。

The goal of this collaborative research effort is to develop micro-electro-mechanical frequency converters that make use of subharmonic resonances. The first approach utilizes a chain of N coupled resonators with 2:1 internal resonances among nearest neighbors, which takes an input frequency at one end and provides a set of output frequencies that are the input frequency divided by 2^j, for j=2,?,N along the chain. The second approach makes use of subharmonic responses in vibro-impact devices; these provide frequency division by integer factors using a single resonator driven with input frequencies near multiples of its natural frequency. Both systems will be investigated from a fundamental dynamical systems point of view, and the results will be used to develop and optimize MEMS designs. The resulting devices will be fabricated, experimentally characterized, and tested for performance metrics.Frequency converters are devices that take an input frequency and change it into another frequency at the output. They are used in spread spectrum communication systems, signal synthesizers, mixers, clock generators, and sensors. The originality of the proposed effort is the combined use of nonlinear mechanical vibrational resonances and the inherent design flexibility of micro-electro-mechanical systems to develop entirely passive converters that do not require the buffers and amplifiers used in most electronic converters. The anticipated designs are appealing due to their size, ease of fabrication, integration with electronics, ability for frequency tuning, and low power requirements. The broader impacts of the effort include outreach activities, multi-disciplinary training of students, inclusion of students from underrepresented groups, development of classroom materials, and dissemination of research.