A Modular and digitally programmable interface based on band-pass sigma-delta modulator for mixed-signal systems-on-chip

The focus of this thesis is to discuss the development and modeling of an interface architecture to be employed for interfacing analog signals in mixed-signal SOC. We claim that the approach that is going to be presented is able to achieve wide frequency range, and covers a large range of applications with constant performance, allied to digital configuration compatibility. Our primary assumptions are to use a fixed analog block and to promote application configurability in the digital domain, which leads to a mixed-signal interface. The use of a fixed analog block avoids the performance loss common to configurable analog blocks. The usage of configurability on the digital domain makes possible the use of all existing tools for high level design, simulation and synthesis to implement the target application, with very good performance prediction. The proposed approach utilizes the concept of frequency translation (mixing) of the input signal followed by its conversion to the ΣΔ domain, which makes possible the use of a fairly constant analog block, and also, a uniform treatment of input signal from DC to high frequencies. The programmability is performed in the ΣΔ digital domain where performance can be closely achieved according to application specification. The interface performance theoretical and simulation model are developed for design space exploration and for physical design support. Two prototypes are built and characterized to validate the proposed model and to implement some application examples. The usage of this interface as a multi-band parametric ADC and as a two channels analog multiplier and adder are shown. The multi-channel analog interface architecture is also presented. The characterization measurements support the main advantages of the approach proposed.

Integração regional e capital social

A Integração Regional Continental dos Estados é tema de grande relevância para a Ciência Política. O presente estudo se configura interdisciplinar ao combinar Direito Internacional com Relações Internacionais e Ciência Política. Na abordagem das principais correntes teóricas da Integração Regional, busca - se à reflexão intensiva e extensiva sobre a categoria Capital Social. Na análise histórico-analítica da Integração Regional, abordamos os legados da construção das sociedades e dos Estados-membros do MERCOSUL, contextualizando, em termos de cultura política, o tema proposto, em especial, a forma de incorporação das populações no campo político. Nas relações entre a Integração Regional e Capital Social, traçamos uma linha comparativa entre o MERCOSUL e a União Européia, a partir do modelo institucional e da adoção de políticas públicas. Tratamos também de documentos, concernentes à Integração Regional no que tange à cooperação estatal, suas relações com a soberania estatal e a conformação do modelo institucional. Na busca de demonstrar os entraves e as perspectivas da efetiva utilização do Capital Social de Integração Regional e seus possíveis efeitos positivos no Processo de Integração Continental da América do Sul.