Abstract:
A system and method for update of firmware of a storage array controller of a storage device in a storage area network. The I/O workload of the storage device is monitored to obtain workload information regarding I/O traffic of the storage device. The workload information is analyzed to identify patterns in the I/O traffic of the storage device. Based on one or more identified patterns in the I/O traffic, future I/O workload of the storage device is forecasted, and, according to the forecasted future I/O workload, at least one firmware update is scheduled.
Abstract:
A yeast biofilm microbial fuel cell has anode and cathode chambers, each containing an electrolyte medium, separated by a proton conducting membrane. A baker's yeast biofilm is induced to form on the anode under electrical poising. A method of making the MFC includes adding baker's yeast and yeast nutrient fuel source to the anode solution, connecting a resistor across the anode and cathode to enable current flow through the resistor for a selected time for poising the anode and formation of the anodic yeast biofilm, replacing the anode solution with a fresh quantity of yeast-free solution, adding fuel source to the solution, and continuing to run the MFC for a selected time under resistance. The steps of replacing the anode solution, adding fuel source and running the cell under load are repeated until the baker's yeast has formed a suitable anodic biofilm.
Abstract:
A biomimetic system for mitigating marine bio-fouling is disclosed which is based upon the sacrificial skin mechanism found in the pilot whale species. The anti-bio-fouling system is characterized by the continuous in-situ underwater formation of a conformal protective skin around a submerged object or structure and employs a circulatory system embedded in a diffuser layer conformably fitted and secured to the structure to controllably deliver a sacrificial skin-forming material to the structural surface. The system advantageously utilizes the unique chemical properties of the skin-forming material to alter the material's viscosity in response to contact with sea water such that the material is uniformly distributed over the structure surface by a self-diffusion process, notwithstanding structural configuration or gravitational orientation, thus forming a stabilized waterproof layer or sacrificial skin. The sacrificial skin controllably self-dissolves and is shed in response to continuous contact with sea water, thereby carrying away the marine bio-fouling material.
Abstract:
A vertical winding structure for planar integrated magnetics used in switched-mode power converters maintains close coupling between the different windings but reduces the eddy current losses, lowers the DC winding resistance and reduces the number of layers of the PCB. Vertical and horizontal windings can be used together without sacrificing these performance advantages and further minimizing the capacitive coupling between the outer-leg windings and the center-leg winding. This winding structure can be used in a wide range of magnetic structures including isolated and non-isolated CDRs, interleaved CDRs, and buck and boost converters.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is provided for creating soft magnetic materials for low-loss inductive devices that achieves low eddy currents, low coercivity, and high permeability at high frequency. The soft magnetic material utilizes magnetic nanoparticles that take advantage of desired properties of two or more particle types. The magnetic nanoparticles are single domain particles that are optimized to enhance exchange coupling.
Abstract:
A method of forming nanocomposites within a polymer structure includes exposing a wettable polymer having ion-exchangeable groups pendant therefrom to an aqueous solution of a soluble salt containing metal ions, the metal ions replacing, by ion exchange, the pendant groups on the polymer. After ion exchange, the polymer is repetitively exposed to an oxidizing and/or reducing agent to form metal oxides, metal particles, metallic alloys, or combinations and mixtures thereof, trapped within the polymer structure.
Abstract:
A matrix integrated magnetics (MIM) “Extended E” core in which a plurality of outer legs are disposed on a base and separated along a first outer edge to define windows therebetween. A center leg is disposed on the top region of the base and separated from the outer legs to define a center window. The center leg is suitably positioned along a second outer edge opposite the first or between outer legs positioned along opposing outer edges. A plate is disposed on the outer legs opposite the base.
Abstract:
A power converter having input and output nodes and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power converter includes a switching circuit including first, second and third active phase legs. Each of the first, second and third active legs includes a first switch coupled to one of the input nodes and a second switch coupled to another of the input nodes and has a common switching node therebetween. The power converter further includes a magnetic device including first, second and third primary windings, and first, second and third secondary windings. The first, second and third primary windings are coupled to the common switching node of the first, second and third active phase legs, respectively. The power converter still further includes a rectifier including first, second and third rectifier elements interposed between the first, second and third secondary windings, respectively, and one of the output nodes.
Abstract:
A vertically packaged cellular power converter solves the problems associated with conventional designs and paves the way for a cellular circuit architecture with ultra-low interconnect resistance and inductance. The vertical packaging results in a power flow in the vertical direction (from the bottom to the top) with very short internal interconnects, thereby minimizing the associated conduction losses and permitting high conversion efficiency at high currents. The cellular architecture is ideally suited for generating multiple supply voltages.
Abstract:
A vertical winding structure for planar integrated magnetics used in switched-mode power converters maintains close coupling between the different windings but reduces the eddy current losses, lowers the DC winding resistance and reduces the number of layers of the PCB. Vertical and horizontal windings can be used together without sacrificing these performance advantages and further minimizing the capacitive coupling between the outer-leg windings and the center-leg winding. This winding structure can be used in a wide range of magnetic structures including isolated and non-isolated CDRs, interleaved CDRs, and buck and boost converters.