This thesis examines the design of high-speed wireline receivers that can be adapted to a variety of operating conditions. In particular, the ability to adapt to varying received signal strengths, channel losses and operating frequencies is explored. In order to achieve this flexibility, this thesis examines several key components of such a receiver. First, a 15 Gb/s preamplifier with 10-dB gain control for the input stage of an analog front end (AFE) is presented that automatically adjusts its power consumption to suit the gain and linearity requirements of the AFE for various received signal strengths. The gain of this preamplifier, along with the amount of peaking delivered by a linear equalizer in the AFE are controlled using a new adaptation technique, which adds only a small amount of overhead to the receiver. This adaptation scheme is able to sense changes in the received signal conditions and automatically adjust the equalization and gain of the AFE in order to optimize the vertical opening of the received eye. In addition, this thesis presents the first clock multiplier with both a wide operating frequency range and the ability to transition between completely off and fully operational modes in under 10 cycles of the reference clock. This multiplier relies on the careful use of several injection-locked oscillators (ILOs) with an aggregate lock range of 55.7% of the 3.16-GHz centre frequency. The design of these ILOs was facilitated by the use of a new method for modeling the injection locking behaviour of oscillators. This model differs from existing techniques in the way that it relies on the simulated response of an oscillator to injected stimuli, instead of complex equations using quasi-physical parameters, to predict the behaviour of an ILO.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Sandstone and shale samples were selected within the systems tracts for laboratory analyses. The sidewall and core samples were subjected to petrographic thin section analysis, mineralogical analyses which include x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes geochemistry to determine the diagenetic alteration at deposition and post deposition in the basin. The shale samples were subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) prior to gas chromatographic (GC) and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analyses of the rock extracts, in order to determine the provenance, type and thermal maturity of organic matter present in sediments of the Orange Basin. The results revealed a complex diagenetic history of sandstones in this basin, which includes compaction, cementation/micritization, dissolution, silicification/overgrowth of quartz, and fracturing. The Eh-pH shows that the cements in the area of the basin under investigation were precipitated under weak acidic and slightly alkaline conditions. The δ18O isotope values range from -1.648 to 10.054 %, -1.574 to 13.134 %, and -2.644 to 16.180 % in the LST, TST, and HST, respectively. While δ13C isotope values range from -25.667 to -12.44 %, -27.862 to -6.954% and -27.407 to -19.935 % in the LST, TST, and HST, respectively. The plot of δ18O versus δ13C shows that the sediments were deposited in shallow marine temperate conditions. / South Africa

The object of this research is to develop robust wire-line systems which demonstrate high performance while simultaneously consuming low power. The main focus of this work is the Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) system, which is the primary circuit of any modern wire-line transceiver. Different techniques starting from circuit-level to system-level have been investigated in this work to improve the performance of multi-gigabit CDRs. A 62 GHz bandwidth amplifier has been presented to address the need for a scalable amplifier for CDR needs. A new technique has been proposed to improve the radiation immunity of latches, to reduce the BER in CDRs occurring due to package radiations. An injection-lock based clock recovery method was investigated as an alternative to PLL based CDRs as they can be used for burst-mode wire-line communication. The investigation yielded the vulnerability of the method to jitter (false-locking and high jitter transfer), the attenuation of which is critical to commercial CDRs. A novel false-lock detector system has been proposed and demonstrated for the first time as a robust solution to the issue of false-locking of CDRs due to repetitive patterns. The implementation of the final CDR system required the use of an L-C tank VCO, the components of which are generic for all commercial CDRs. A new systematic layout technique for the VCO has been proposed and demonstrated in this work to substantially improve the layout area and the associated parasitics, approximately by 70 %. This new layout addresses a critical yet often neglected part of VCO design. Furthermore, a new concept has been proposed to optimize static dividers with respect to their power consumption and number of devices.

The objective of the research in this dissertation is to demonstrate the viability of using silicon-germanium (SiGe) bipolar/complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) technologies in novel high-speed, high-performance wireless and wireline applications. These applications include self-healing integrated systems, W-Band phased array radar systems, and multi-gigabit wireline transceiver systems. The contributions from this research are summarized below: 1. Design of a wideband 8-18 GHz signal source with the best reported tuning range and die area combination for self-healing applications [95]. 2. Design of a robust, multi-band 8-10/ 16-20 GHz signal source with amplitude-locking for self-healing applications. A figure-of-merit (FoM) is proposed that combines tuning range and die area, and this work achieves the best FoM compared with state-of-the art [51]. 3. First ever reported on-die healing of image-rejection ratio of an 8-18 GHz mixer integrated with the multi-band test signal source [52], [96]. 4. Design of a 94 GHz differential Colpitts oscillator with 14% tuning range that spans 86-99 GHz for phased-array radar systems. 5. Identification of technology platform related bottlenecks in multi-gigabit wireline systems. A novel study of linearity of switching transistors in a current-mode logic (CML) gate. 6. A novel FoM that can be used to predict large-signal CML delay using small-signal Y-parameter techniques [97].

SiGe BiCMOS technology has many advantageous properties that, when leveraged, enable circuit design for extreme environments. This work will focus on designs targeted for space system avioinics platforms under the NASA ETDP program. The program specifications include operation under temperatures ranging from -180 C to +125 C and with radiation tolerance up to total ionizing dose of 100 krad with built-in single-event latch-up tolerance. To the author's knowledge, this work presents the first design and measurement of a wide temperature range enabled, radiation tolerant as built, RS-485 wireline transceiver in SiGe BiCMOS technology. This work also includes design and testing of a charge amplification channel front-end intended to act as the interface between a piezoelectric sensor and an ADC. An additional feature is the design and testing of a 50 Ohm output buffer utilized for testing of components in a lab setting.

Network Coding is a technique which looks beyond traditional store-and-forward approach followed by routers and switches in communication networks, and as an extension introduces maps termed as ‘local encoding kernels’ and ‘global encoding kernels’ defined for each communication link in the network. The purpose of both these maps is to define rules as to how to combine the packets input on the node to form a packet going out on an edge. The paradigm of network coding was formally and for the first time introduced by Ahlswede et al. in [1], where they also demonstrated its use in case of single-source multiple-sink network multicast, although with use of much complex mathematical apparatus. In [1], examples of networks are also presented where it is shown that network coding can improve the overall throughput of the network which can not otherwise be realized by the conventional store-and-forward approach. The main result in [1], i.e. the capacity of single-source multiple-sinks information network is nothing but the minimum of the max-flows from source to each sink, was again proved by Li, Yeung, and Cai in [2] where they showed that only linear operations suffice to achieve the capacity of multicast network. The authors in [2] defined generalizations to the multicast problem, which they termed as linear broadcast, linear dispersion, and Generic LCM as strict generalizations of linear multicast, and showed how to build linear network codes for each of these cases. For the case of linear multicast, Koetter and Medard in [3] developed an algebraic framework using tools from algebraic geometry which also proved the multicast max-flow min-cut theorem proved in [1] and [2]. It was shown that if the size of the finite field is bigger than a certain threshold, then there always exists a solution to the linear multicast, provided it is solvable. In other words, a solvable linear multicast always has a solution in any finite field whose cardinality is greater than the threshold value. The framework in [3] also dealt with the general linear network coding problem involving multiple sources and multiple sinks with non-uniform demand functions at the sinks, but did not touched upon the key problem of finding the characteristic(s) of the field in which it may have solution. It was noted in [5] that a solvable network may not have a linear solution at all, and then introduced the notion of general linear network coding, where the authors conjectured that every solvable network must have a general linear solution. This was refuted by Dougherty, Freiling, Zeger in [6], where the authors explicitly constructed example of a solvable network which has no general linear solution, and also networks which have solution in a finite field of char 2, and not in any other finite field. But an algorithm to find the characteristic of the field in which a scalar or general linear solution(if at all) exists did not find any mention in [3] or [6]. It was a simultaneous discovery by us(as part of this thesis) as well as by Dougherty, Freiling, Zeger in [7] to determine the characteristics algorithmically. Applications of Network Coding techniques to wireless networks are seen in literature( [8], [9], [10]), where [8] provided a variant of max-flow min-cut theorem for wireless networks in the form of linear programming constraints. A new architecture termed as COPE was introduced in [10] which used opportunistic listening and opportunistic coding in wireless mesh networks.

The conventional approach for estimation of in-situ porosity is the combined use of neutron and density logs. These nuclear borehole measurements are influenced by fundamental petrophysical, fluid, and geometrical properties of the probed formation including saturating fluids, matrix composition, mud-filtrate invasion and shoulder beds. Advanced interpretation methods that include numerical modeling and inversion are necessary to reduce environmental effects and non-uniqueness in the estimation of porosity. The objective of this dissertation is two-fold: (1) to develop a numerical procedure to rapidly and accurately simulate nuclear borehole measurements, and (2) to simulate nuclear borehole measurements in conjunction with inversion techniques. Of special interest is the case of composite rock formations of sand-shale laminations penetrated by high-angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells. In order to quantify shoulder-bed effects on neutron and density borehole measurements, we perform Monte Carlo simulations across formations of various thicknesses and borehole deviation angles with the multiple-particle transport code MCNP. In so doing, we assume dual-detector tool configurations that are analogous to those of commercial neutron and density wireline measuring devices. Simulations indicate significant variations of vertical (axial) resolution of neutron and density measurements acquired in HA/HZ wells. In addition, combined azimuthal- and dip-angle effects can originate biases on porosity estimation and bed boundary detection, which are critical for the assessment of hydrocarbon reserves. To enable inversion and more quantitative integration with other borehole measurements, we develop and successfully test a linear iterative refinement approximation to rapidly simulate neutron, density, and passive gamma-ray borehole measurements. Linear iterative refinement accounts for spatial variations of Monte Carlo-derived flux sensitivity functions (FSFs) used to simulate nuclear measurements acquired in non-homogeneous formations. We use first-order Born approximations to simulate variations of a detector response due to spatial variations of formation energy-dependent cross-section. The method incorporates two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) capabilities of FSFs to simulate neutron and density measurements acquired in vertical and HA/HZ wells, respectively. We calculate FSFs for a wide range of formation cross-section variations and for borehole environmental effects to quantify the spatial sensitivity and resolution of neutron and density measurements. Results confirm that the spatial resolution limits of neutron measurements can be significantly influenced by the proximity of layers with large contrasts in porosity. Finally, we implement 2D sector-based inversion of azimuthal logging-while-drilling (LWD) density field measurements with the fast simulation technique. Results indicate that inversion improves the petrophysical interpretation of density measurements acquired in HA/HZ wells. Density images constructed with inversion yield improved porosity-feet estimations compared to standard and enhanced compensation techniques used commercially to post-process mono-sensor densities. / text

The Community Broadband Investment Act, introduced in the Georgia legislature in 2012 and 2013 is a reflection of a broader national debate over the role of government investment in broadband infrastructure. The bill would limit local governments' ability to invest in broadband infrastructure for their communities because of arguments that government entry into the telecommunications sector crowds-out private competition, does not serve the public adequately, and lacks a comprehensive business model or best practices. A closer look at the history of utility regulation and various economic perspectives on the proper government role in utility provision reveals that government has had an extensive historical role in utility infrastructure investment and regulation, and several economic doctrines support the conclusion that government can be helpful in facilitating effective broadband service to their communities. Case studies of different models of municipal broadband networks in Georgia reveal that government entry can facilitate private sector competition, often provides quality service, and has a set of best practices. The success of municipal broadband reveals an evolution in the approach to telecommunications regulation from a regulated monopoly approach to a public-private cooperation approach which considers public participation with private entities on a dynamic scale. Government-entry into the broadband market was a rational decision for several Georgia communities due to their unique set of circumstances, and while municipal broadband may not be the answer to many communities' problems with meeting public demand, communities should be allowed to maintain flexibility in their decision-making about how to best serve their residents, effectively allowing them to decide which combination of public and private advantages they can leverage to meet the demand of their communities in relation to their unique local characteristics.

A seqüência mesozóica da bacia de Ucayali é a maior produtora de gás e condensado do Peru. A área do trabalho, denominada Grande Camisea, fica na parte sul da bacia e, na atualidade, pertence à companhia Plupetrol Peru Corporation. Neste trabalho, foi aplicado um método de interpretação de perfis de indução em um poço petrolífero no sector San Martin do campo Camisea (QuickLook Interpretation method). O objetivo consiste na caracterização do reservatório de San Martín utilizando um método de interpretação rápida de perfis elétricos e, assim, fornecer uma visão geral no entendimento de parâmetros de poços e reservatórios, de zonas produtivas e suas características petrofísicas de porosidade e de saturação do óleo. Para validar a interpretação, foram utilizadas a descrição geológica de testemunhos e amostras de calha, descrição e informação do sistema petrolífero do campo e a geologia regional da zona de interesse da bacia. Desta forma, foi possível apresentar uma comparação entre os valores obtidos através dos métodos detalhados executados pela Pluspetrol e o método rápido de interpretação aplicado aqui, assim como o desvio entre ambos os resultados. / The Mesozoic sequence of the Ucayali basin is the main producer of gas and condensate of Peru. The work area is called Gran Camisea, located in the south part of the basin, and, in the present time, belongs to the company Plupetrol Peru Corporation. In this work, a well log interpretation method was used in a gas well in San Martin area, part of the Camisea field. The goal is the characterization of the reservoir of San Martín using a Quick Look log interpretation method, and thus to supply a general view in the understanding of well and reservoirs parameters, productive zones and its petrophysics characteristics of porosity and saturation. To validate the interpretation, besides using the geologic description of well cores and cutting sampling, it was used the description and information of the petroleum system of Camisea gas field and its regional geology. It was possible to present a comparison between Pluspetrol values, obtained through detailed methods, and those from the Quick Look log interpretation method used here, as well as an analysis of convergence between both results.

A seqüência mesozóica da bacia de Ucayali é a maior produtora de gás e condensado do Peru. A área do trabalho, denominada Grande Camisea, fica na parte sul da bacia e, na atualidade, pertence à companhia Plupetrol Peru Corporation. Neste trabalho, foi aplicado um método de interpretação de perfis de indução em um poço petrolífero no sector San Martin do campo Camisea (QuickLook Interpretation method). O objetivo consiste na caracterização do reservatório de San Martín utilizando um método de interpretação rápida de perfis elétricos e, assim, fornecer uma visão geral no entendimento de parâmetros de poços e reservatórios, de zonas produtivas e suas características petrofísicas de porosidade e de saturação do óleo. Para validar a interpretação, foram utilizadas a descrição geológica de testemunhos e amostras de calha, descrição e informação do sistema petrolífero do campo e a geologia regional da zona de interesse da bacia. Desta forma, foi possível apresentar uma comparação entre os valores obtidos através dos métodos detalhados executados pela Pluspetrol e o método rápido de interpretação aplicado aqui, assim como o desvio entre ambos os resultados. / The Mesozoic sequence of the Ucayali basin is the main producer of gas and condensate of Peru. The work area is called Gran Camisea, located in the south part of the basin, and, in the present time, belongs to the company Plupetrol Peru Corporation. In this work, a well log interpretation method was used in a gas well in San Martin area, part of the Camisea field. The goal is the characterization of the reservoir of San Martín using a Quick Look log interpretation method, and thus to supply a general view in the understanding of well and reservoirs parameters, productive zones and its petrophysics characteristics of porosity and saturation. To validate the interpretation, besides using the geologic description of well cores and cutting sampling, it was used the description and information of the petroleum system of Camisea gas field and its regional geology. It was possible to present a comparison between Pluspetrol values, obtained through detailed methods, and those from the Quick Look log interpretation method used here, as well as an analysis of convergence between both results.