This paper presents a comprehensive method of extracting thermal to electrical parameters that appear in a thermoelectric module (TEM). A step-by-step procedure was developed and followed to succinctly extract the parameters needed to model the TEM. These parameters include the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, and thermal conductivity from a datasheet. Data extracted from the manufacturer datasheet, material properties, and geometries were successfully utilized to compute the thermal capacities and resistances necessary to perform the thermal to electrical conversion steps required for simulation accuracy. In addition, temperature variations of the intrinsic internal parameters were accounted for in this process. The aforementioned extracted parameters are compatible with the LTspice circuit simulator and other related software. The steps that it takes to simulate any thermo-electrical system with the LTspice simulator are not only found to be of two kinds, but are also thoroughly explained in this paper.

A novel monolithic VCO using a transconductance architecture and with adjustable operating and centre frequencies is presented. Oscillating frequencies from 50 MHz were attained with external capacitors. Power dissipation from a 5 V supply was 150 mW driving a 20 pF load. The die size was 400 × 1500 µm² and was fabricated using a 2 µm n-well double-metal CMOS process.

An insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) pulse generator for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation used for in vivo laboratory experiments on small animals, such as mice, is reported. The pulse generator is based upon an IGBT that can switch 700 A of current for 1 ms and that has a DC breakdown voltage of 1200 V. The duration of the design’s output pulse is controlled by, and follows, an input trigger pulse. The voltage amplitude of the output pulses is determined by an external high-voltage power supply and the energy stored in a 330 µF capacitor bank. The approach enables the amplitude of the voltage applied across the coil, the length of time the voltage is applied, and the number of times the voltage pulses are applied all to be controlled and adjusted to facilitate a wide range of experimental options. This paper provides a detailed schematic of the design, design discussions, and some representative experimental results. Additionally, the reported design can be scaled to higher currents by using an IGBT with a higher current rating.

Energy storage systems are one of the major components in today's grid-tied photovoltaic technology. The most widespread ESSs are the batteries mounted on electric vehicles. Second-life batteries, regardless of the technology, are less expensive than new battery packs. The proper sizing of concentrated photovoltaic buffers and the true economic feasibility need to be investigated thoroughly before any large-scale photovoltaic grid integration. This paper investigates the economic performance of grid-tied concentrated photovoltaics and buffers. Simulation results show that not only is the combined unit capable of connection to the grid during the day at a constant 20 kW, but also was able to shift the less valuable off-peak electric supply to the on-peak supply, where the cost of electricity was higher. This paper addresses (1) techniques behind battery-sizing scenarios, (2) battery-parameter calculations involved in concentrated photovoltaic output smoothing and/or electrical load shifting, and (3) used electric vehicle battery cost estimation. Estimates of the cost effectiveness could be positive if the energy storage system battery pack prices drop to $375/kWh or lower.

A pulse generator using an avalanche transistor operating in current-mode second breakdown driving a 780 nm laser diode is reported. The laser diode is mounted on the skull of a mouse and used in transcranial infrared light stimulation (TILS) experiments. The output current pulse width is approximately 2 ns in an attempt to generate a true impulse-like optical pulse excitation for the TILS experiments.