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频率转换器。 第一种方法利用N个耦合谐振器的链，其在最近的相邻谐振器之间具有2：1的内部谐振，其在一端处获取输入频率并且提供一组输出频率，所述输出频率是输入频率除以2 ^j，其中j=2，？，N沿着链条。 第二种方法利用振动冲击装置中的次谐波响应;这些提供了使用单个谐振器驱动的整数因子分频，该谐振器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，其结果将用于开发和优化MEMS设计。 由此产生的器件将被制造，实验表征，并测试性能指标。频率转换器是一种将输入频率转换为输出频率的设备。 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的固有设计灵活性，以开发完全无源转换器，不需要缓冲器和放大器中使用的大多数电子转换器。 预期的设计是有吸引力的，因为它们的尺寸，易于制造，与电子集成，频率调谐能力，和低功耗要求。 这一努力的更广泛影响包括外联活动、对学生进行多学科培训、吸收代表性不足群体的学生、编制课堂材料和传播研究成果。

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.