Microelectrofluidic Systems Modeling and Simulation

In this book, readers will find top-down automation approaches for microelectrofluidic systems. Those with a background in electronic design automation will use this book to apply their expertise to composite system design. On the other hand, readers from the fluidics domain, who have thus far been developing bottom-up, inflexible and custom microsystems, will find this book invaluable in their moves to adopt a more top-down and generic design methodology. The authors include methodologies and tools for robust design and design for flexibility as well as an attractive new application for SystemC. They also provide a complete case study that uses a microvalve as a representative MEF device.

Composite systems that integrate microelectromechanical and microelectrofluidic (MEF) components with electronics are emerging as the next generation of system-on-a-chip (SOC) designs. However, there remains a pressing need for a structured methodology for MEFS design automation, including modeling techniques and simulation and optimization tools.Integrating top-down and bottom-up design philosophies, Microelectrofluidic Systems presents the first comprehensive design strategy for MEFS. This strategy supports hierarchical modeling and simulation from the component level to the system level. It leads to multi-objective optimization tools valuable in all phases of the design process, from conceptualization to final manufacturing. The authors begin by defining the basic variables and elements needed to describe MEFS behavior, then model that behavior across three layers of abstraction: the low-level component, high-level reconfigurable architecture, and bio/chemical application layers. They have developed a hierarchical integrated design environment with SystemC and present its architecture and associated functional packages.Microelectrofluidic Systems is visionary in its leverage of electronic design principles for microsystem design and heralds a new era of automated SOC design. The strategy it presents holds the potential for significant reductions in design time and life-cycle maintenance costs, and its techniques and tools for robust design and application flexibility can lead to the high-volume production needed for the inevitably growing product market.

INTRODUCTIONModeling and Simulation Issues Modeling and Simulation NeedsOverview HIERARCHICAL MODELINGMEFS Dynamic Modeling and Simulation at Circuit Level MEFS System-Level Modeling and Simulation ConclusionSYSTEMC-BASED HIERARCHICAL DESIGN ENVIRONMENTSuitability of Modeling Languages for Hierarchical DesignBuilding Design Environment with SystemC ConclusionSYSTEM-LEVEL SIMULATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONMEFS Computing and ArchitectureHierarchical Modeling and Simulation MethodologyMicro-Chemical Handling SystemSystem Performance Analysis and Design Optimization ConclusionCIRCUIT-LEVEL OPTIMIZATIONSimulation Design MethodologyOptimization Verification On-Target Design OptimizationRobust Design OptimizationApplication Flexibility OptimizationConclusionPERFORMANCE EVALUATION IntroductionContinuous-Flow PCR System Droplet-Based PCR SystemComparison Between Continuous-Flow PCR and Droplet PCR Scheduling of Microfluidic Operations for Reconfigurable Two-Dimensional Electrowetting Arrays CONCLUSION APPENDICESVHDL Queuing Model Hierarchical Environment with SystemC Keywords: Nanoscience, Nanotechnology