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Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Biosensors

What are biosensors?

A biosensor is an analytical device which converts a biological response into an electrical signal. The term 'biosensor' is often used to cover sensor devices used in order to determine the concentration of substances and other parameters of biological interest even where they do not utilise a biological system directly. This very broad definition is used by some scientific journals (e.g. Biosensors, Elsevier Applied Science) but will not be applied to the coverage here. The emphasis of this Chapter concerns enzymes as the biologically responsive material, but it should be recognised that other biological systems may be utilised by biosensors, for example, whole cell metabolism, ligand binding and the antibody-antigen reaction. Biosensors represent a rapidly expanding field, at the present time, with an estimated 60% annual growth rate; the major impetus coming from the health-care industry (e.g. 6% of the western world are diabetic and would benefit from the availability of a rapid, accurate and simple biosensor for glucose) but with some pressure from other areas, such as food quality appraisal and environmental monitoring. The estimated world analytical market is about £12,000,000,000 year-1 of which 30% is in the health care area. There is clearly a vast market expansion potential as less than 0.1% of this market is currently using biosensors. Research and development in this field is wide and multidisciplinary, spanning biochemistry, bioreactor science, physical chemistry, electrochemistry, electronics and software engineering. Most of this current endeavour concerns potentiometric and amperometric biosensors and colorimetric paper enzyme strips. However, all the main transducer types are likely to be thoroughly examined, for use in biosensors, over the next few years.

A successful biosensor must possess at least some of the following beneficial features:

1. The biocatalyst must be highly specific for the purpose of the analyses, be stable under normal storage conditions and, except in the case of colorimetric enzyme strips and dipsticks (see later), show good stability over a large number of assays (i.e. much greater than 100).

2. The reaction should be as independent of such physical parameters as stirring, pH and temperature as is manageable. This would allow the analysis of samples with minimal pre-treatment. If the reaction involves cofactors or coenzymes these should, preferably, also be co-immobilised with the enzyme.

3. The response should be accurate, precise, reproducible and linear over the useful analytical range, without dilution or concentration. It should also be free from electrical noise.

4. If the biosensor is to be used for invasive monitoring in clinical situations, the probe must be tiny and biocompatible, having no toxic or antigenic effects. If it is to be used in fermenters it should be sterilisable. This is preferably performed by autoclaving but no biosensor enzymes can presently withstand such drastic wet-heat treatment. In either case, the biosensor should not be prone to fouling or proteolysis.

5. The complete biosensor should be cheap, small, portable and capable of being used by semi-skilled operators.

6. There should be a market for the biosensor. There is clearly little purpose developing a biosensor if other factors (e.g. government subsidies, the continued employment of skilled analysts, or poor customer perception) encourage the use of traditional methods and discourage the decentralisation of laboratory testing.

The biological response of the biosensor is determined by the biocatalytic membrane which accomplishes the conversion of reactant to product. Immobilised enzymes possess a number of advantageous features which makes them particularly applicable for use in such systems. They may be re-used, which ensures that the same catalytic activity is present for a series of analyses. This is an important factor in securing reproducible results and avoids the pitfalls associated with the replicate pipetting of free enzyme otherwise necessary in analytical protocols. Many enzymes are intrinsically stabilised by the immobilisation process, but even where this does not occur there is usually considerable apparent stabilisation. It is normal to use an excess of the enzyme within the immobilised sensor system. This gives a catalytic redundancy (i.e. h <<>

When the reaction, occurring at the immobilised enzyme membrane of a biosensor, is limited by the rate of external diffusion, the reaction process will possess a number of valuable analytical assets. In particular, it will obey the relationship shown in equation. It follows that the biocatalyst gives a proportional change in reaction rate in response to the reactant (substrate) concentration over a substantial linear range, several times the intrinsic Km. This is very useful as analyte concentrations are often approximately equal to the Kms of their appropriate enzymes which is roughly 10 times more concentrated than can be normally determined, without dilution, by use of the free enzyme in solution. Also following from equation is the independence of the reaction rate with respect to pH, ionic strength, temperature and inhibitors. This simply avoids the tricky problems often encountered due to the variability of real analytical samples (e.g, fermentation broth, blood and urine) and external conditions. Control of biosensor response by the external diffusion of the analyte can be encouraged by the use of permeable membranes between the enzyme and the bulk solution. The thickness of these can be varied with associated effects on the proportionality constant between the substrate concentration and the rate of reaction (i.e. increasing membrane thickness increases the unstirred layer (d) which, in turn, decreases the proportionality constant, kL, in equation). Even if total dependence on the external diffusional rate is not achieved (or achievable), any increase in the dependence of the reaction rate on external or internal diffusion will cause a reduction in the dependence on the pH, ionic strength, temperature and inhibitor concentrations.

Main components of a biosensor

Schematic diagram showing the main components of a biosensor. The biocatalyst (a) converts the substrate to product. This reaction is determined by the transducer (b) which converts it to an electrical signal. The output from the transducer is amplified (c), processed (d) and displayed (e).

The key part of a biosensor is the transducer (shown as the 'black box' in Figure 6.1) which makes use of a physical change accompanying the reaction. This may be

1. the heat output (or absorbed) by the reaction (calorimetric biosensors),

2. changes in the distribution of charges causing an electrical potential to be produced (potentiometric biosensors),

3. movement of electrons produced in a redox reaction (amperometric biosensors),

4. light output during the reaction or a light absorbance difference between the reactants and products (optical biosensors), or

5. effects due to the mass of the reactants or products (piezo-electric biosensors).

There are three so-called 'generations' of biosensors; First generation biosensors where the normal product of the reaction diffuses to the transducer and causes the electrical response, second generation biosensors which involve specific 'mediators' between the reaction and the transducer in order to generate improved response, and third generation biosensors where the reaction itself causes the response and no product or mediator diffusion is directly involved.

The electrical signal from the transducer is often low and superimposed upon a relatively high and noisy (i.e. containing a high frequency signal component of an apparently random nature, due to electrical interference or generated within the electronic components of the transducer) baseline. The signal processing normally involves subtracting a 'reference' baseline signal, derived from a similar transducer without any biocatalytic membrane, from the sample signal, amplifying the resultant signal difference and electronically filtering (smoothing) out the unwanted signal noise. The relatively slow nature of the biosensor response considerably eases the problem of electrical noise filtration. The analogue signal produced at this stage may be output directly but is usually converted to a digital signal and passed to a microprocessor stage where the data is processed, converted to concentration units and output to a display device or data store.

Schematic diagram showing the main components of a biosensor. The biocatalyst (a) converts the substrate to product. This reaction is determined by the transducer (b) which converts it to an electrical signal. The output from the transducer is amplified (c), processed (d) and displayed (e).

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Nokia E90

Nokia E90 Planned in the second quarter of 2007


Get high-speed mobile broadband connections via 3G for Internet browsing and file transfer
Take your office with you – open and edit documents and email attachments on the move
Talk on every continent with WCDMA and quad-band GSM global roaming
Access voice and data functions quickly and easily with convenient shortcut keys
Be in the right place at the right time with versatile calendar functions and integrated GPS
Dimensions
  • Volume: 140 cc
  • Weight: 210 g
  • Length: 132 mm
  • Width: 57 mm
  • Thickness (max): 20 mm
Display
  • Inner: Active matrix color display (800 x 352 pixels), 16 million true colors
  • Outer: Active matrix color display (240 x 320 pixels), 16 million true colors
    User Interface
  • S60 Platform 3.1 Edition
  • Symbian OS Version 9.2
  • Java™ MIDP 2.0

Imaging
  • 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and autofocus
  • QCIF camera for video calling

Multimedia
  • Video calling
  • FM radio
  • Music player (MP3, AAC)
  • Realplayer (streaming audio, video and MP4 video files)

Back to top

Memory Functions
  • Up to 128 MB free memory for user data and applications
  • Expandable up to 2GB with microSD memory card

Messaging
  • Supports POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP Support for mobile email, including Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email 8. and a variety of third-party email clients: Mail for Exchange 1.5 (delivered via Nokia Downloads! Application), Visto Mobile v5.5, and RIM BlackBerry Connect v2.1
  • View, open, and edit email attachments with Quickoffice (documents, spreadsheets, and presentations), Zip Manager, and Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Text-to-speech message reader
  • MMS and SMS

Back to top

Applications
  • Quickoffice tools with editors
  • Maps application for location-based services
  • Nokia Office Tools 1.1 (including Active notes)
  • VoIP 2.1
  • Download! Application to get more applications
  • Support for Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite
  • WorldMate, Wireless Presenter, and Global Race – Raging Thunder - available for download via Downloads! application

Connectivity
  • Integrated WLAN
    • WLAN: 802.11b, 802.11g*
    • WLAN Security: WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA-Personal
    • WLAN Quality of Service: WMM, U-APSD
  • Mini USB, USB 2.0 full-speed
  • Bluetooth wireless technology 2.0
  • 2.5mm Nokia A/V connector with ECI
  • Infrared (up to 115 kbps)

* WiFi Alliance Certifications pending

Back to top

Browsing
  • Web browser (x)HTML
  • JavaScript 1.3 and 1.5 supported
  • Flash Lite 2.0 supported

Data Transfer
  • WLAN 802.11b, 802.11g*
  • HSDPA up to 3.6Mbit/s enabled
  • WCDMA 2100 MHz with simultaneous voice and packet data
  • GPRS/EGPRS (Class A, MSC 32)
  • 3GPP rel 5
  • Dual transfer mode MSC11, SAIC rel v1

* WiFi Alliance Certifications pending

Back to top

Voice Features
  • Voice dialing
  • Voice commands for menu short cuts, keypad lock, and profiles
  • Voice recording for making notes or recording conversations
  • Internet Call release 2.1 for making VoIP (voice over IP) calls
  • Text-to-speech message reader
  • Enhanced voice commands with speaker-independent name dialing (SIND), and voice aid for eyes-free control of core functions
  • Integrated handsfree speaker
  • Push to talk (PoC)

Personal Information Management (PIM)
  • Nokia Team Suite
  • Calendar attachment support
  • Meeting requests to calendar
  • Contacts with images
  • Nokia Active Notes application
Other Features
  • Integrated GPS
  • Support for Nokia Intellisync file sync and device management
  • Stereo FM radio
Sales Package Contents
  • Nokia E90 Communicator
  • Nokia Battery BP-4L (1500 mAh)
  • Nokia Wired Stereo Headset (HS-47)
  • Nokia Travel Charger (AC-4)
  • Nokia Connectivity Cable (DKE-2)
  • Memory card (microSD 512MB) - content may vary at country level
  • Quick Start Guide
  • User Manual
  • DVD ROM including the Nokia PC suite application
  • Leather Pouch
Power Management

Battery Talk time* Standby time*
BP-4L GSM: Up to 5 hrs GSM: Up to 14 days

* Operation times vary depending on the network and usage

The availability of the product and its features depends on your area and service providers, so please contact them and your Nokia dealer for further information. These specifications are subject to change without notice.

For more information http://www.nokia.co.in/nokia/0,,102187,00.html

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Want to make a TV

INTRODUCTION

Incredibly small video cameras have recently become available at reasonable prices. Small televisions are available for very little money at online auction sites such as eBay. It is now possible to build a miniature short-range wireless video system with off-the-shelf parts. This wireless nature of this circuit is not suitable for long distance operation, the video modulator just provides a simple method for interfacing the video signal to a standard TV. Transmission distance is limited to a few feet.
TheoryThe 12VDC supply provides power for the camera and video modulator circuits. The video from the camera is fed into the video input of the modulator circuit. The modulated RF from the modulator is fed into a small antenna. Use of a dipole antenna that is resonant at the frequency of the modulator can extend the signal range. The RF travels across a short distance to the Sony Watchman TV receiver. A black and white image magically appears on the TV screen.
ConstructionThe camera's video signal is connected to the video modulator with an RCA jumper cable. Power to the camera and video modulator is connected to the 12V power supply. Be careful with polarity, reversing the leads may damage the modulator. The camera that was used had reverse polarity protection built in. The modulator's RF output signal is connected to a small antenna, the antenna can be made with two short lengths of #16 gauge solid wire. Alternately, for long distance wired operation, the RF signal can be fed into a length of 75 ohm coax cable with a 75 ohm terminating resistor across the far end of the cable. Connect the remote center conductor of the cable to the TV antenna through a 330 ohm resistor.
UseTurn the power for the camera and modulator on, turn on the TV. Tune the TV to the channel of the RF modulator, fine-tune the TV for the best picture. For full-time operation, use the appropriate AC adapter for the watchman. If battery operation is desired, run the TV from its internal batteries and use a 12V battery for powering the camera and modulator. A rechargeable lead acid battery with a series fuse (and a recharging circuit) is recommended.
A fun use for this system would be to create an engineer's view of a model train layout. A loop of wire near the track would make a good receiving antenna. Power could be pulled from the engine motor circuit using a bridge rectifier feeding into an electrolytic capacitor, just make sure not to exceed the camera's 12V maximum supply voltage.
Parts
Miniature black and white video camera, 12VDC, Model PC-206XP
Video modulator block, Jameco 141639CJ or equivalent
Sony Watchman miniature TV
12V DC power supply, beware of wall-warts - they often have inaccurate voltage ratings.
Miscellaneous wires and cables
Source : http://www.solorb.com/elect/video/microvid/index.html

Want to make a TV

INTRODUCTION

Incredibly small video cameras have recently become available at reasonable prices. Small televisions are available for very little money at online auction sites such as eBay. It is now possible to build a miniature short-range wireless video system with off-the-shelf parts. This wireless nature of this circuit is not suitable for long distance operation, the video modulator just provides a simple method for interfacing the video signal to a standard TV. Transmission distance is limited to a few feet.
TheoryThe 12VDC supply provides power for the camera and video modulator circuits. The video from the camera is fed into the video input of the modulator circuit. The modulated RF from the modulator is fed into a small antenna. Use of a dipole antenna that is resonant at the frequency of the modulator can extend the signal range. The RF travels across a short distance to the Sony Watchman TV receiver. A black and white image magically appears on the TV screen.
ConstructionThe camera's video signal is connected to the video modulator with an RCA jumper cable. Power to the camera and video modulator is connected to the 12V power supply. Be careful with polarity, reversing the leads may damage the modulator. The camera that was used had reverse polarity protection built in. The modulator's RF output signal is connected to a small antenna, the antenna can be made with two short lengths of #16 gauge solid wire. Alternately, for long distance wired operation, the RF signal can be fed into a length of 75 ohm coax cable with a 75 ohm terminating resistor across the far end of the cable. Connect the remote center conductor of the cable to the TV antenna through a 330 ohm resistor.
UseTurn the power for the camera and modulator on, turn on the TV. Tune the TV to the channel of the RF modulator, fine-tune the TV for the best picture. For full-time operation, use the appropriate AC adapter for the watchman. If battery operation is desired, run the TV from its internal batteries and use a 12V battery for powering the camera and modulator. A rechargeable lead acid battery with a series fuse (and a recharging circuit) is recommended.
A fun use for this system would be to create an engineer's view of a model train layout. A loop of wire near the track would make a good receiving antenna. Power could be pulled from the engine motor circuit using a bridge rectifier feeding into an electrolytic capacitor, just make sure not to exceed the camera's 12V maximum supply voltage.
Parts
Miniature black and white video camera, 12VDC, Model PC-206XP
Video modulator block, Jameco 141639CJ or equivalent
Sony Watchman miniature TV
12V DC power supply, beware of wall-warts - they often have inaccurate voltage ratings.
Miscellaneous wires and cables
Source : http://www.solorb.com/elect/video/microvid/index.html

Make Your Own Solar Powered Reading Lamp

Solar Powered Reading Lamp
(C) G. Forrest Cook July 31, 2004
IntroductionThe goal of this project was to produce a self contained reading lamp that could be used by students in developing countries for reading at night. The circuit can be used for a wide variety of lighting applications.
The reading lamp consists of a small solar panel, a standard UPS style lead acid battery, and an LED circuit board. The circuit board contains a low power solar charge controller (regulator), a set of 8 white LEDs, a switch, an LED current regulator, and a low voltage disconnect circuit. The circuitry will insure a long battery life by preventing over charging and excessive discharging. The circuit was designed to work with lead acid batteries, it should also work with a string of 10 NiCd cells. Both the charge controller and LED regulator circuits can be used independently for other applications.
Newer VW and Audi automobiles come with small solar panels for keeping the battery charged in the sales lot. These panels are available on eBay for around $15 and are a perfect fit for this project. An inexpensive 12V 7AH lead acid gell-cell battery that is typically found in a computer UPS is also a good fit for this circuit. Be sure to use a new battery.
SpecificationsSolar charging current: 150 ma - 1 Amp
Voltage drop through charge controller: 0.5V typical
Nominal battery voltage: 12 Volts
Battery rating: 3-7 amp hours
LED lamp current: 100ma regulated, 25ma per LED pair (1.2W nominal)
LED regulation range: constant light level from 11V to >15V
Low voltage disconnect: gradual current drop from 10.8V to 9.8V
Night time battery current drain with LED off: almost zero
Light duration: approximately 70 hours with a 7AH battery
Charge time: approximately 40 hours max, several hours typical
TheoryCharge Controller: The charge controller section consists of an LM2941CT low dropout voltage regulator and a 1N5817 schottky diode. The regulator determines the battery full voltage, this set-point is adjusted by the 5K 20 turn trimmer potentiometer. The 1N5817 schottky diode prevents the battery from discharging through the voltage regulator during the night. It also protects the circuitry against reverse battery connection. The V727 part is a transzorb, it absorbs lightning induced voltage spikes above 27V. The fuse prevents short circuits from burning up the battery wiring.
LED Circuitry: The 8 white LEDs are connected in series with an LM317L IC that is wired as a constant current regulator. The 13 ohm resistor sets the regulated current to 100ma. This current is split evenly through the four pairs of LEDs. The 33 ohm resistors help to keep the current through the four LED pairs balanced evenly. The 2N3904 transistor, 1N5239 zener diode, and 470 ohm resistor form the Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) circuit. Current through the LED starts to drop when the battery voltage drops below 10.8V, the circuit shuts off almost all of the current when the battery drops below 10V. The 1N5817 schottky diode blocks current flow in the event of a reverse battery connection.
ConstructionThe lamp consists of a small wood battery box and a vertical board for holding the LED assembly and solar panel. A small carrying handle protrudes from the top of the vertical board. The LED assembly consists of a small printed circuit board and the various parts. It is sandwiched between a piece of hard-board and a piece of clear plexiglass to protect the circuitry from physical damage and short-circuiting. The battery used for this device is a standard 12V-7 Amp-hour gell cell UPS battery. The solar panel is home-made, two or three parallel-wired GM-684 12V 60ma solar panels (p/n 08SLC09 from Elecronix Express), would be a good substitute.
Alignment
  • Connect the board's BAT - terminal to the battery - terminal.
    Connect the board's BAT + terminal to the battery + terminal.
    Connect the board's PV - terminal to the solar panel - terminal.
    Connect the board's PV + terminal to the solar panel + terminal.
    Point the solar panel toward the sun.
  • Measure the connected solar panel's voltage with the meter.
    Measure the battery voltage with the meter.
  • The solar panel must be at a higher voltage than the battery for the
    circuit to charge the battery.
  • Turn the potentiometer, VR1 25 turns clockwise.
  • Monitor the battery voltage, as the battery charges, the voltage should
    rise above 13V.
  • When the battery voltage has reached 13.8V or the desired full point,
    turn VR1 counter-clockwise until the battery voltage stabilizes.
  • Let the battery charge for several minutes at the full setting, then
    re-adjust VR1 for the final desired full voltage setting.
    UseDaytime: Place the solar panel in a location that gets at least a
    few hours of direct sunlight each day. Turn the LED switch off.
    If the battery is extremely discharged, it may take several days in
    the sun to fully recharge.
    Night: Use the lamp as you would use any other reading lamp.
    If the lamp starts to dim, the battery is almost completely empty,
    shut the light off. If you forget to shut off the lamp, the LVD circuit
    will shut the lamp off when the battery is nearly empty.
    If the lamp is recharged daily, the battery should
    rarely reach the Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) point.

Make your own AA Battery Solar Charger

AA Battery Solar Charger
For higher power solar systems, see the CirKits solar charge controller circuit board kits.

IntroductionThis almost trivial circuit may be used to charge a pair of AA or AAA sized rechargeable battery cells from sunlight. The circuit has been used to keep a Palm Pilot and walkman radio running perpetually. This is an unregulated charger, proper charging is achieved by placing the unit in the sun for a known amount of time, this time varies according to the battery type.
SpecificationsOpen Circuit Voltage: about 4.0V
Closed Circuit Current: about 25ma (depending on the solar cell types)
Charge Current: < 25ma (depending on the solar cell types)
Charge Time AA cells: approximately 1 full day of direct sunlight
Charge Time AAA cells: approximately 1/2 full day of sunlight
TheoryEach of the solar cells develops about 0.5 volts across itself when in full sunlight. The string of 8 solar cells puts out around 4V with no load. When the solar cells are connected to a battery, a current will flow and the battery will charge.
Two versions of the circuit are shown in the schematic, the 8 solar cell panel with a diode is the recommended circuit. The diode prevents the battery from discharging through the cells at night and the 8th cell boosts the voltage up enough to compensate for the voltage drop across the diode. For an 8 solar cell panel, connect jumper J2 and disconnect J1. For a 7 solar cell panel, connect jumper J1 and eliminate SC8 and D1. Typically, the jumpers are not necessary, they are shown in the schematic to illustrate two ways to to build the circuit.
For operation in cloudy weather, it may be useful to add one or two additional solar cells. It is a good idea to temporarily insert an amp (microamp) meter in series with the battery to measure the charging current in various light conditions.
Since solar cells are current-limited devices, it is possible to use the circuit as-is to charge a single battery cell. If one cell is all you ever need to charge, five solar cells and a series diode will be sufficient for the task.
ConstructionLay out the solar cells to determine the size of the circuit board, allow for about 1/4" (1cm) of extra space around all four sides. Cut out one piece of perforated circuit board, one piece of solid PC board, and one piece of 1/8" clear plexiglass in this dimension. File all 3 pieces to achieve smooth edges.
Drill 2 holes down the center line of the 3 pieces while holding them together allowing room for the screws to pass between the solar cells. Mount the two battery holders on the blank piece of circuit board with screws or silicon rubber glue. If the solar cells don't have wire connections, solder thin wires to the cells. Wire-wrap wire works well for this. Be careful not to overheat the solar cells, use a small soldering iron and only touch the cells for a few seconds at a time. The solar cells should be secured to the perf board with a drop of silicon rubber on the back side, or they can be held in place with the wires of the solar cell if you have the right kind of cell. Wire all of the cells in series, plus to minus, connect the two end wires to longer wires that go to the diode and battery holder. Typically, the positive connection is the metal on the back of the solar cell and the negative connection is the wire grid on the blue (front) side.
Using a pair of 3/4 inch 6-32 machine screws and nuts or washers, make a sandwich of the 3 boards. Use the nuts or washers to make gaps between the board layers, it is important to prevent any contact between the solar cells and the plexiglass. The solar cells are very brittle and will break under compression.
If you want to make the panel waterproof, cut 4 thin strips of solid circuit board or other plastic to fit around the sides of the sandwich. Glue these boards to the sides of the assembly with silicon rubber. Apply a small drop of glue to where the screws go through the plexiglass.
AlignmentNone required unless you count pointing the panel at the sun.
UseInsert two rechargeable cells in the battery holders, point the device at the sun, and let batteries charge for a few hours. Larger cells will need more charging time. The solar array should be placed in direct sun, it should not be shaded in any way. It might be a good idea to monitor the battery voltage during the first few charge cycles to get an idea of how much time is needed to reach a full charge.
Do not let the rechargeable cells overheat. If the charger is left outdoors in the summer, the excess heat can cause the cells to leak out their electrolyte goo, ruining the cells. Operating the charger indoors behind a window may help to reduce the heat. Operation behind a window will also cause a drop in the charge current, resulting in a longer charge time.
This circuit works with rechargeable alkaline cells, NICD cells, or any other rechargeable that has a potential of 1.5V or lower per cell. If you build the 7 cell version (no diode), remove the cells at night to prevent discharge through the solar cells.
It is advisable to connect a volt meter across the battery with a pair of alligator clips to observe the battery voltage as it charges. If you have a lot of batteries to charge, it is best to charge cells that are matched by brand. If possible, use cell pairs that start with a similar voltage, this allows both cells to finish charging at the same time.
The NiCd Memory EffectKeep in mind that the so-called NiCd "memory effect" is largely an urban legend that started from a legitimate early 1960s Nasa experiment involving first generation NiCd cells charged and discharged within a very tight voltage range. The two biggest killers of modern NiCd cells are overheating during charging, and reverse voltages applied to the weak cells as the result of the complete discharge of multi-cell NiCd packs. The NiCd cells in cheaper appliances such as cordless phones and portable vacuum cleaners will last a lot longer if they aren't left on the charger 24 hours a day.
Overheating can cause the loss of electrolyte, resulting in lowered cell capacity. Reverse voltage can cause conductive dendrites to grow in the cells making them self-discharge more rapidly. So called "memory effect" dischargers can actually cause the reverse voltage problem if used on multiple cell packs. The weakest cell in a pack will go to zero volts, then negative volts as the stronger cells discharge. Discharging can be a good way to insure that all cells are charged from the same starting point, just be sure to limit the minimum discharge voltage to around 1V per cell. The BatteryUniversity.com has a good article on the behavior of aging NiCD cells, and tips on cell restoration.
PartsSC1-SC8 single photovoltaic solar cell, .5V, 20 to 50 ma output each in full sun
D1 1x 1N5818 Schottky Diode
Battery Holder 1x 2 cell AA or AAA battery holder
Battery 2x AA or AAA NiCD or NiMH rechargeable cells
Perf Board 1x for mounting solar cells
PC board 1x solid piece for mounting battery holder
Plexiglass 1x approx. 1/8" thick, cut to size
misc hardware, wire

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology the new emerging field has many serets with it. It is a field of applied science and technology covering a broad range of topics. The term "nanotechnology" was defined by Tokyo Science University Professor Norio Taniguchi in a 1974. One nanometer (nm) is one billionth, or 10-9 of a meter. For comparison, typical carbon-carbon bond lengths, or the spacing between these atoms in a molecule, are in the range .12-.15 nm, and a DNA double-helix has a diameter around 2 nm. On the other hand, the smallest cellular lifeforms, the bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma, are around 200 nm in length.

As nanotechnology is a very broad term, there are many disparate but sometimes overlapping subfields that could fall under its umbrella. The following avenues of research could be considered subfields of nanotechnology. Note that these categories are fairly nebulous and a single subfield may overlap many of them, especially as the field of nanotechnology continues to mature.

Nanomaterials

This includes subfields which develop or study materials having unique properties arising from their nanoscale dimensions.

  • Colloid science has given rise to many materials which may be useful in nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotubes and other fullerenes, and various nanoparticles and nanorods.
  • Nanoscale materials can also be used for bulk applications; most present commercial applications of nanotechnology are of this flavor.
  • Progress has been made in using these materials for medical applications; see Nanomedicine.

Although there has been much hype about the potential applications of nanotechnology, most current commercialized applications are limited to the use of "first generation" passive nanomaterials. These include titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreen, cosmetics and some food products; silver nanoparticles in food packaging, clothing, disinfectants and household appliances; zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens and cosmetics, surface coatings, paints and outdoor furniture varnishes; and cerium oxide nanoparticles as a fuel catalyst. The Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars' Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies hosts an inventory of consumer products which now contain nanomaterials.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology