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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2019

Jeremy Scerri, Barnaby Portelli, Ivan Grech, Edward Gatt and Owen Casha

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) to convert a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal to a simpler…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) to convert a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal to a simpler amplitude shift keying (ASK) scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototype is designed within the SOIMUMPs® fabrication process constraints. The fabrication constraints imposed geometric limitations on what could be tested. These constraints were used to build a mathematical model, which in turn was used to optimize the response using MATLAB®. The optimized design was tested using finite element analysis with CoventorWare®, and finally lab tests on the fabricated device were performed to confirm theoretical predictions.

Findings

Theoretical predictions compared well with lab measurements on a prototype device measuring 2.9 mm2. The prototype was tested with a carrier frequency of 174 kHz at a BPSK data rate of 3 kHz and carrier amplitude of 6 V. With these parameters, ASK modulation indices of 0.96 and 0.94 were measured at the two output sensors.

Originality/value

This study provides a MEMS solution for BPSK to ASK conversion. The study also identifies what limits betterment of the modulation index and data rate. Such a device has potential application in wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes that have energy harvesters and sensors that are also built in MEMS. Being a MEMS device, it can facilitate integration in such WSN nodes and, hence, potentially reduce size and costs.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

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