Collaborative Research: MEMS Frequency Converters Based on Nonlinear Resonances

这项合作研究的目标是开发利用次谐波谐振的微机电变频器。第一种方法利用N个耦合谐振器链，在最近邻之间具有2:1的内部共振，其一端接受输入频率，并提供一组输出频率，输入频率除以2^j，对于j=2,？，N沿着链。第二种方法利用振动冲击装置中的次谐波响应；这些提供频率分整数因子使用单个谐振器驱动的输入频率接近其固有频率的倍数。这两个系统将从基本动力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，并测试性能指标。变频器是一种将输入频率转换为另一种输出频率的设备。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。所提出的努力的独创性是结合使用非线性机械振动共振和微机电系统固有的设计灵活性来开发完全无源变换器，不需要大多数电子变换器中使用的缓冲器和放大器。预期的设计由于其尺寸，易于制造，与电子器件集成，频率调谐能力和低功耗要求而具有吸引力。这项工作的更广泛影响包括外展活动、学生的多学科培训、来自代表性不足群体的学生的参与、课堂材料的开发以及研究成果的传播。

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.