Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for using a homopolar machine to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. According to the method, the invention can include the steps of applying a first DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of a primary conductive disc comprising a rotor to produce an electric current, applying a magnetic field aligned with an axis of the rotor to induce a rotation of the rotor about the axis responsive to the electric current, and coupling the rotation of the rotor to at least one secondary conductive disc disposed in the magnetic field to produce at least a second DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of the secondary conductive disc or discs.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical homopolar generator on a substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The micro-electromechanical homopolar generator includes first substrate layer having an axial rotor contact portion and a radial edge portion, each having conductive contacts. An axial contact brush and a radial edge brush are coupled to the first and second conductive contacts, respectively. At least one conductive disc is axially aligned with the axial rotor contact portion and a peripheral edge of the conductive disc is proximate the radial edge portion. The axial contact brush and the radial edge brush respectively form an electrical contact with an axial portion and a peripheral edge portion of the conductive disc. At least one magnet is spaced from the conductive disc to define a magnetic field aligned with an axis of rotation of the conductive disc.

Abstract: A compact high current source including a homopolar generator integrally formed on a substrate. An electronic circuit also can be disposed on the substrate, for example, with the homopolar generator on a single integrated circuit. The electronic circuit can be coupled to the homopolar generator to produce a pulsed high current output from a continuous lower current input. The electronic circuit can include at least one electronically controlled switch responsive to a control signal for alternately connecting the homopolar generator to a current source and to a load. A controller can be used to generate the control signal.

Abstract: A method for filtering an electrical signal. The invention includes the steps of rotating a conductive disc (105) about an axis (135), applying a magnetic field (205) to the conductive disc (105) in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation (135), electrically connecting a first and second conductor (215, 220) to the disc (105) at radially spaced locations thereon, and connecting the first and second conductors (215, 220) in at least one of a series and parallel configuration. The conductive disc (105) can be formed in a recess (130) in a substrate (125) which can have a printed circuit or an integrated circuit. The substrate (125) can consist of a semiconductor or ceramic, such as a low temperature co-fired ceramic. The first and second conductors (215, 220) and the conductive disc (105) rotating in the magnetic field (205) can define an electro-mechanical capacitor (100), which can be used for capacitively filtering a signal. An inductor also can be provided.

Abstract: Cilia-like micro surface actuators are applied to fins of a heat sink to improve heat dissipation. The surface actuators act as active surface features whose motion disrupts the boundary layer fluid flow by entraining cool fluid towards the heat transfer surfaces of the fins and ejecting relatively warmer fluid away from the surfaces. This disruption reduces the thermal resistance between the heat sink fins and the fluid (e.g., the convection resistance). The motion of the surface actuators also induces a net flow along the surface of the fin(s) and can, therefore, be viewed analogously to a “pump” moving fluid (such as air) over the surface. The surface actuators can be fabricated using plastic microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and can be actuated to generate their motion using several techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling an integrated circuit die. An integrated circuit package comprises an integrated circuit die. A cooling fluid makes contact with the integrated circuit die. In one embodiment, an interposer is disposed between the integrated circuit die and a package substrate. The integrated circuit die and/or the interposer may have microchannels in its surface.

Abstract: Cilia-like micro surface actuators are applied to fins of a heat sink to improve heat dissipation. The surface actuators act as active surface features whose motion disrupts the boundary layer fluid flow by entraining cool fluid towards the heat transfer surfaces of the fins and ejecting relatively warmer fluid away from the surfaces. This disruption reduces the thermal resistance between the heat sink fins and the fluid (e.g., the convection resistance). The motion of the surface actuators also induces a net flow along the surface of the fin(s) and can, therefore, be viewed analogously to a “pump” moving fluid (such as air) over the surface. The surface actuators can be fabricated using plastic microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and can be actuated to generate their motion using several techniques.