Research Terms
This chip-sized, electromechancial transformer is designed to be integrated with other modern electronics for voltage/current transformation, power conversion, impedance matching, and wake-up circuits. Commonly used transformers generally require large coil windings and a large ferrite core, making them too large/bulky to be integrated into many modern electronics such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and more. The hybrid electromechanical transformer has both a low footprint and profile as it does not contain a core material, making it ideal for integration in portable electronic devices. Additionally, this transformer amplifies low input voltages by roughly 30x and operates at ultra-low frequencies. In 2019, the global consumer electronics market size was $729.11 billion and is projected to surpass $989.37 billion in 2027. Clearly, the consumer electronic market is only going to rise as technology improves; adopting this technology is applicable for consumer electronic products.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a hybrid electromechanical transformer for bi-direction power conversions, allowing for an increase in voltage, current, or impedance depending on operation. It enables sub-1µW power dissipation and low driving frequency (<1.1 kHz). Additionally, the hybrid transformer uses a coupling between magnetic, mechanical, and electrical domains to exchange electrical power between electrodynamic and piezoelectric transduction ports ending with an increased voltage of 30x. Compared to common power transformers, this hybrid transformer is smaller, operates at a lower frequency, offers lower power dissipation, and has a high voltage gain (~ 30x).
Transformer that increases voltages up to 30x for use in wake-up circuits, impedance matching circuits, or AC/DC power conversions
This magnetic and piezoelectric hybrid electromechanical transformer was initially developed as a receiver for use in wireless charging of small electronic devices. This transformer passively transfers electrical power by coupling electrodynamic and piezoelectric transducers, allowing large transformations of voltage, current, or impedance. This transformer utilizes a coupling between magnetic, mechanical, and electrical domains to exchange electrical power between the input and output ports.
This alternative magnetic assembly system integrates the magnets onto micro part surfaces to enable self-assembly. Over the past few decades, electronics and photonic devices have increased in complexity as they have become more integrated. This trend toward more compact and integrated devices has challenged conventional assembly processes that rely heavily on human and robotic manipulation. Available assembly procedures for microscale electrical components are limited by cost and in speed and throughput for high volume production. Moreover, as part sizes continue to decrease, conventional component manipulators are incapable of the precision required for microscale and nanoscale fabrication.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a microscale assembly procedure that uses batch-fabricated, thin-film magnets integrated onto the micro part surfaces to enable precise self-assembly at high throughput. This system will aid the development of advanced electronics, such as micro batteries and multi-chip microsystems, revolutionizing electronic engineering.
Magnetic self-assembly of microscale parts that improve the fabrication of multi-chip microsystems, including RFID tags, microbatteries, MEMS, power systems, and electro-optics
This magnetic self-assembly of multi-chip microsystems uses miniaturized magnets integrated into the surfaces of microscale parts. The integrated magnets cause chips to bind to one another in a predetermined configuration. The micromagnets integrate easily into the chips at the wafer lever using standard, low-cost, back-end microfabrication processes. The process is very amenable to flip-chip bonding, self-packaged devices, stacked dies, thinned dies, and other devices requiring complex microassembly. During self-assembly, the micromagnets align and hold the parts in place for subsequent heating of solder bumps or other die-attach epoxies.
These nanocomposite materials, formed using unique nanoscale magnetic powder processing methods, boost electronic system performance by enhancing the soft magnetic cores of magnetic inductors and transformers used in power converters. Specialized magnetic materials are essential for modern, high-performance power sub-systems. Available passive magnetic components, however, suffer from major limitations in size, efficiency, and power-density for power systems in the 10-1000 watt range. Until now, it has been difficult to produce and integrate high-performance magnetic materials using manufacturing processes that are compatible with wafer/semiconductor or printed-circuit-board manufacturing methods.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed novel processes to manufacture and integrate nanocomposite magnetic materials, solving the long-standing problem. The approach involves batch-fabrication of soft ferromagnetic cores from nanoscale magnetic powders using scalable, low-temperature processes. The method facilitates manufacturing of inductors and transformers with core dimensions ranging from ~100 nanometers to ~10 millimeters. These nanocomposite magnetic cores enable high permeability and magnetic saturation with low core loss, while maintaining compatibility with existing batch-manufacturing processes. The passive component industry is projected to reach $21.7 billion in 2013, with magnetic components alone generating $1.2 billion.
New magnetic materials that allow for easier, less expensive production of high-performance inductors and transformers
University of Florida researchers have synthesized high-performance, composite soft magnetic core materials using a bottom-up approach. Unique magnetic compositions have explored with tailored sizes, shapes, and magnetic properties. The researchers have successfully used these methods to batch-manufacture ferromagnetic core structures with thickness ranging from 100 nanometers to 10 micrometers. The method offers opportunity to create unique magnetic properties by combining multiple exchange-coupled magnetic materials.
These sub-wavelength antennas employ composite nanowires that greatly improve magnetoelectric coupling to support ultra-compact designs that are tunable to different low frequency ranges. To achieve good performance, conventional antennas must be comparable in size to the wavelengths of the signals they transmit. Lower frequency wireless communication signals typically have longer wavelengths and, therefore, require bulkier antennas. Available antenna designs struggle to adopt smaller, sub-wavelength profiles while retaining good performance across tunable lower frequency ranges.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an antenna from magnetoelectric nanowire arrays that achieves sub-wavelength dimensions and works over tunable, low frequency ranges. The nanowire composition enhances magnetoelectric coupling, enabling the smaller antenna to operate using the mechanical resonance that occurs at lower frequencies.
Compact, sub-wavelength antennas for wireless communication over multiple low frequency ranges, such as FM, Ham radio, VLF, or VHF
The ultra-compact antenna achieves good performance even if its size is much smaller than the electromagnetic wavelength of the transmitted signal. The antenna utilizes biphasic magnetoelectric nanowires that combine piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials to produce a material magnetoelectric effect. It receives and transmits signals through this effect at the nanowires’ mechanical resonance frequencies, which are much lower than electrical resonance frequencies. Since mechanical resonance requires less space, this low frequency antenna has a far more compact profile than standard low frequency antennas. The antenna’s electrodes have gaps that are similar in size to the lengths of the assembled magnetoelectric nanowires. The gaps and sizes of the nanowires are adjustable, allowing users to tune the resonance and operating region of the antenna.
This magnetic particle spectrometer surpasses available AC susceptometers and magnetic particle spectrometers because it uses high magnetic field amplitude, large frequency range, and specialized coils and signal analysis to remove background noise in order to accurately characterize a wide variety of magnetic particle properties. Magnetic particle imaging is a new biomedical imaging modality that has potential to provide real-time 3D imaging comparable to PET scanning, but without radioactive tracers. Currently, the global medical imaging industry is estimated at $27 billion and is expected to grow to $35 billion by 2020. Researchers at the University of Florida have created a magnetic nanoparticle spectrometer to produce high-resolution dynamic magnetization measurements from small quantities of magnetic particle suspensions. This magnetic nanoparticle spectrometer provides a wide range for both field amplitude and frequency, and also provides background noise cancellation and feed-through reduction features, an improvement on available technologies. The system also has a relaxometer mode for mimicking the magnetic fields imparted by an MPI scanner. Beyond the uses in magnetic particle imaging, this magnetic nanoparticle spectrometer has potential application for characterizing magnetic particles for magnetically triggered drug delivery, biosensing and thermal cancer therapy.
Magnetic particle spectrometer to enhance the magnetic field amplitude and frequency range for characterizing magnetic nanoparticle suspensions
This magnetic particle spectrometer enhances accuracy in measurements using both hardware (balancing coils and active electronic cancellation) and software (background subtraction). It measures the underlying dynamic phenomena of the nanoparticles in suspensions. These measurements can evaluate the suitability of different particles for magnetic particle imaging applications and provide feedback to improve their synthesis. The complete system design and wide range of operation provides significant advantages over existing magnetic particle characterization technologies. The specialized coil design allows for increased sensitivity and accuracy, while decreasing background noise and the need for motion of the sample, a significant leap forward from available AC susceptometers.
These magnetic nanoparticles and specialized magnetic microneedle tips safely collect biomarkers that indicate early-stage osteoarthritis in knees, hips and other joints. Osteoarthritis affects 12.1 percent of American adults - nearly 27 million people, costing the nation an estimated $200 billion annually. Also known as "degenerative joint disease," osteoarthritis causes painful inflammation and deterioration of the cartilage that cushions joints. There is no cure, but intervention can delay osteoarthritis progression. Typically, the condition is only diagnosed after physical exams and X-rays reveal irreversible damage to connective tissue. Molecular biomarkers can help clinicians diagnose osteoarthritis much earlier. Unfortunately, obtaining these biomarkers has proven difficult. Aspiration of fluid from a joint is challenging unless the joint is swollen, and removing synovial fluid may cause pain and impair movement. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and needle tips that enable collection of osteoarthritis-specific biomarkers, without the need for synovial fluid removal. The system may also have potential as an effective osteoarthritis treatment.
Magnetic tools that facilitate the collection of specific biomarkers, enabling safe diagnosis and monitoring of early-stage osteoarthritis
University of Florida researchers have developed magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic microneedle tips that isolate and remove specific biomarkers for diagnostic (and perhaps treatment) purposes. Early-stage osteoarthritis, for example, can be diagnosed more effectively using this technology. When functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a joint, they bind to osteoarthritis-specific biomarkers. A magnetic needle, expandable in one version, is then inserted into the joint to collect, assay and quantify the biomarkers and tagged magnetic nanoparticles without significantly altering the body's cushioning and lubricating synovial fluid.
This wireless power transmission system robustly transfers electrical power to multiple devices within a large volume of space over a moderate distance. The age of battery-powered electronics has created a huge demand for convenient recharging technologies, typically accomplished through physical contact or wire connections, which can be inconvenient, costly, and difficult. Available technologies have limitations: Some require an unobstructed line of vision between the transmitter and receiver, hardly practical in dynamic, real-world situations. Other technologies require the receiver to rest directly on top of the transmitter.
University of Florida researchers have developed a wireless power transfer technology that allows for wireless charging of multiple devices within an area. Essentially, whenever a receiver comes within the range of the transmitter, wireless charging will automatically begin. Whether the receiver is in a clear line of sight, in a person’s pocket, or implanted in a person’s body, charging will automatically begin even if the receiver is in use. High-performance power transfer can be achieved under a wide variety of operating conditions, e.g. temperature variation, aqueous or metallic surroundings, etc.
Wireless power transfer system uses magnetic fields to induce wireless charging in an area. For example, a vehicular hotspot that charges multiple devices inside a vehicle; non-invasive recharging of medical implants; power supply for wireless sensor networks.
University of Florida researchers have developed a wireless power transfer system that initiates the transfer of electrical energy through magnetic fields in a given area. Freed from the requirements of unobstructed space or touching components, this technology can open the door to many varieties of use that were previously unfeasible. The system is comprised of a transmitter that generates an external magnetic field and a receiver made up of a receiving coil and magnet. In operation, the transmitter emits a magnetic field from the transmission coil, which then excites the magnet in the receiver into mechanical resonance. Then the magnet vibrates to induce voltage in the receiving coil.
The simple and compact architecture of this magnetic susceptometer makes it portable enough to detect biological pathogens in the field during outbreaks, resulting in a faster response. Foodborne illness created a $17.6 billion economic burden in 2018, according to the USDA. Fast detection of a pathogen, such as Salmonella, is crucial to public health. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a portable magnetic susceptometer that allows on-site measurements and faster response times. The susceptometer measures the rotation of magnetic microdiscs in suspension via simple, optical interrogation. The magnetic discs are functionalized to target specific pathogens, which when bound, affect the rotation of the magnetic microdiscs, enabling identification.
Portable magnetic susceptometer to detect and identify harmful pathogens
This susceptometer can quickly and effectively interrogate biological fluid samples through the rotational dynamics of magnetic microdiscs. The machine includes microfabricated magnetic microdiscs, a coil system creating a rotating magnetic field, and an optical transmission system to monitor the disc motion. The disc motion is influenced by local physical properties of the fluid and by the potential presence of biological agents that adhere to the disc surface. The disc rotational behavior is characterized by the phase-shift occurring while sweeping the magnetic field frequency. When a bacterium or other substance binds to the disc, its rotation is slowed down, increasing the phase-shift. This disc rotational dynamics change affects how the light passes through the magnetic suspension, allowing simple detection of targeted substances. The portability of the apparatus allows this detection process to occur on site.
David Arnold University of Florida 213 LARSEN HALL GAINESVILLE, FL 32611-6200
