A Beyond-the-Rails Hybrid Delta-Sigma Modulator for Audio Applications

This thesis describes the design of a 3rd order 1-bit delta-sigma modulator whose input-signal range (0 to 1.95V) exceeds its supply voltage (1.2V). By using a passive input stage and a single-OTA resonator, this beyond-the-rails modulator realizes a 3rd order loop filter with only two amplifiers instead of the usual three and thus achieves...

Passive Earth Pressure in Narrow Cohesive-Frictional Backfills

A narrow backfill zone is formed when retaining walls are built near existing stabilized structures (e.g., rock faces). In such circumstances, the classical passive earth pressure coefficient is no longer applicable, and a correction factor is required for the design. This paper aims to develop analytical solutions for estimating the passive...

An Interface Co-modification Strategy for Improving the Efficiency and Stability of CsPbI₃Perovskite Solar Cells

Interface engineering is a simple and effective strategy for improving the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an interface co-modification strategy is proposed, using [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylenediammonium iodide (2FPPD) to modify the electron...

Experimental demonstration of poly-Si/SHJ hybrid tunnel-IBC c-Si cells

Interdigitated back-contacted solar cell (IBC) is a successful high-efficiency solar cell concept. Without a metal grid at the front side, the metal shading loss is eliminated. However, the fabrication process of an IBC cell is much more complicated than that of a FBC cell. Within the PVMD group, two poly-Si carrier-selective passivating...

Sustainable Passive Design for Building Performance of Healthy Built Environment in the Lingnan Area

Having a healthy built environment becomes increasingly important, especially under the effects of COVID-19. This paper intends to combine sustainable goals based on climate change with passive design principles to achieve a healthy built environment regarding the building performance of residential buildings. The Yuedao Residential Community in...

Transparent silicon carbide/tunnel SiO₂ passivation for c-Si solar cell front side: Enabling J_sc > 42 mA/cm² and iV_oc of 742 mV

N-type microcrystalline silicon carbide (μc-SiC:H(n)) is a wide bandgap material that is very promising for the use on the front side of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. It offers a high optical transparency and a suitable refractive index that reduces parasitic absorption and reflection losses, respectively. In this work, we...