Can Giant Microchips Become a Big Deal?

For decades,manufacturers have boasted about how small they can make microchip components.Transistors have shrunk by about 1000-fold over the last 50 years,for example[1].But Cerebras Systems,Inc.of Sunnyvale,CA,USA takes pride in how big its chips are.Produced from a single silicon wafer,its Wafer-Scale Engine(WSE)-2 chips measure 46225 mm^(2),56 times the size of a standard Nvidia microprocessor(Fig.1)[2].

Cost-Effective Method of Gene Synthesis by Sequencing from Microchip-Derived Oligos for Droplet Cloning

Gene synthesis has provided important contributions in various fields including genomics and medicine. Current genes are 7 - 30 cents depending on the assembly and sequencing methods performed. Demand for gene synthesis has been increasing for the past few decades, yet available methods remain expensive. A solution to this problem involves microchip-derived oligonucleotides (oligos), an oligo pool with a substantial number of oligo fragments. Microchips have been proposed as a tool for gene synthesis, but this approach has been criticized for its high error rate during sequencing. This study tests a possible cost-effective method for gene synthesis utilizing fragment assembly and golden gate assembly, which can be employed for quicker manufacturing and efficient execution of genes in the near future. The droplet method was tested in two trials to determine the viability of the method through the accuracy of the oligos sequenced. A preliminary research experiment was performed to determine the efficacy of oligo lengths ranging from two to four overlapping oligos through Gibson assembly. Of the three oligo lengths tested, only two fragment oligos were correctly sequenced. Two fragment oligos were used for the second experiment, which determined the efficacy of the droplet method in reducing gene synthesis cost and speed. The first trial utilized a high-fidelity polymerase and resulted in 3% correctly sequenced oligos, so the second trial utilized a non-high-fidelity polymerase, resulting in 8% correctly sequenced oligos. After calculating, the cost of gene synthesis lowers down to 0.8 cents/base. The final calculated cost of 0.8 cents/base is significantly cheaper than other manufacturing costs of 7 - 30 cents/base. Reducing the cost of gene synthesis provides new insight into the cost-effectiveness of present technologies and protocols and has the potential to benefit the fields of bioengineering and gene therapy.

32位世界添奇葩:Microchip PIC32为MIPS核心,8～32位采用单一开发环境

2007年11月8日，8／16位单片机的佼佼者-Microchip公司宣布推出32位PIC32单片机（MCU）系列。PIC32系列在性能和存储上均有显著提升，其引脚、外设和软件也保持了与Micro-chip16位单片机／数字信号控制器（DSC）系列的兼容性。此外，新系列器件还得到Microchip免费MPLAB集成开发环境的全面支持。MPLAB集成开发环境具备广泛的兼容性，可支持该公司包括8、16及32位器件在内的完整产品线。

Rapid detection of high-risk HPV16 and HPV18 based on microchip electrophoresis

Researches on detection of human papillomavirus(HPV)high-risk samples were carried out by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)coupled with microchip electrophoresis(MCE).Herein,we introduced a simple,rapid,automated method for detecting high-risk samples HPV16 and HPV18.In this research,general primers were initially selected to obtain sufficient detectable yield by PCR to verify feasibility of MCM method for HPV detection,then type-specific primers were further used to evaluate the specificity of MCE method.The results indicated MCE method was capable of specifically detecting high-risk HPV16 and HPV18,and also enabled simultaneous detection of multiplex samples.This MCE method described here has been successfully applied to HPV detection and displayed excellent reliability demonstrating by sequencing results.The inherent capability of MCE facilitated HPV detection conducted in a small chip with automated,high throughput,massive parallelized analysis.We envision that MCE method will definitely pave a way for clinical diagnosis,and even on-site screening of cervical cancer.

Fabrication of a novel poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchips with two sharpened stretching tips

An integrated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchip with two sharpened stretching has been presented. The sample was directly introduced into the separation channel through the stretching inlet tip without complicated power switching supplies and without injection cross-channel. Operations of running buffer refreshing or channel cleaning also becomes simple by vacuumed in one end and placed another tip into solution vial. The fabrication method can be easily applied in most analytical laboratories at low cost in the absence of soft lithography and plasma bonding equipments. Characteristics of the chips were tested and it can be used to separate fluorescence labeled molecules.

Identification and Quantitation of Cashmere (Pashmina) Fiber and Wool Using Novel Microchip Based Real-Time PCR Technology

The textile industrial chain all over the world is facing a challenge of differentiating cashmere fiber from mixture of wool and other fibers in case cashmere stocks are adulterated with wool or other fibers. For identification of cashmere in such mixtures, the development of microchip based real-time PCR technology offers a very sensitive, specific, and accurate solution. The technology has been validated with cashmere and wool samples procured from distant farms, and from cashmere goats and sheep of different age and sex. Model samples with incremental raw cashmere or wool content were tested. The experimentally determined content was found to be comparable to the weighed content of the respective fibers in the samples. This technology may prove a cost cutter since it needs only 1.2 μl of the PCR reagent mix. It is substantially faster than traditional real-time PCR systems for being carried as miniature reaction volume in metal microchip. These features allow faster thermal equilibrium and thermal uniformity over the entire array of microreactors. For routine tests or in commercial set up, the microchips are available as ready-to-run with lyophilized reagents in its microreactors to which only 1 μl of the 10-fold diluted isolated DNA sample is added. The lyophilized microchips offer user-friendly handling in testing laboratories and help minimize human error.

External-cavity birefringence feedback effects of microchip Nd:YAG laser and its application in angle measurement

External-cavity birefringence feedback effects of the microchip Nd：YAG laser are presented. When a birefringence element is placed in the external feedback cavity of the laser, two orthogonally polarized laser beams with a phase difference are output. The phase difference is twice as large as the phase retardation in the external cavity along the two orthogonal directions. The variable extra-cavity birefringence, caused by rotation of the external-cavity birefringenee element, results in tunable phase difference between the two orthogonally polarized beams. This means that the roll angle information has been translated to phase difference of two output laser beams. A theoretical analysis based on the Fabry-Perot cavity equivalent model and refractive index ellipsoid is presented, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. This phenomenon has potential applications for roll angle measurement.

Analysis of arecoline in Semen Arecae decoction pieces by microchip capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection

A new method for the determination of arecoline in Semen Arecae decoction pieces by microchip capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection （MCE-CCD） was proposed. The effects of various electrophoretic operating parameters on the analysis of arecoline were studied. Under the optimal conditions, arecoline was rapidly separated and detected in 1 rain with good linearity over the concentration range of 20 1500 uM （r2=0.9991） and the detection limit of 5 uM （S/N=3）. The method was used for the analysis of arecoline satisfactorily with a recovery of 96.8 -104%.

Validation of Microchip RT-PCR COVID-19 Detection System

While meeting the pandemic demand of SARS-CoV-2 testing, clinical laboratories worldwide tend to adopt new test systems offering cost-effective and faster test outcomes. However, the reliability of SARS-CoV-2 test results has paramount importance in the management of such a health crisis. Therefore, this study sought to determine the accuracy of the test results from a novel duplex Microchip RT-PCR test system using patient saliva samples and nasal swabs stabilized in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) with reference threshold Cycle Values (Ct). The VTM used to stabilize these samples during transport was found to be inhibitory to the RT-PCR. Therefore, all the samples were subjected to spin column purification of total RNA to remove the influence of VTM. A total of 70 patient samples, including 24 positive- and 31 negative-saliva in VTM samples and 15 positive nasal swab samples, were tested. Results obtained from both the sample types were compared to their reference values and no false positive or false negatives were observed. From this data, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity were determined to be 100% applying the corresponding formulae. The limit of detection with 95% confidence probability was determined to be 2.5 copies/μl in the original sample.

Microchip嵌入式TCP/IP协议在STM32F10xx上的实现

文章介绍了mcrochip公司的以太网控制器ENC28J60和ST公司的STM32F10xx的外部接口的设计,详细描述了如何把Microchip嵌入式TCP/IP协议移植到STM32F10xx微控制器上,以满足小型系统上实现网路控制方面的应用。

Real-Time Liquid Evaporation Rate Measurement Based on a Microchip Laser Feedback Interferometer

We present a novel scheme to realize the direct real-time measurement of liquid evaporation rate and nanometer order liquid level monitoring.It is based on the phase measurement technology of Nd:YAG microchip laser frequency-shifted feedback,which not only has a high resolution and precision but also ultrahigh sensitivity.The evaporation rates of four different transparent liquids and hot water are measured.Experimental results indicate the ease and convenience of measuring and present promising application prospects in non-cooperative target measurement.

Color-Coding of Microchip RT-PCR Test System for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

An RT-PCR based microchip test system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 offers pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents in the microchip. However, the 30- and 48-microwell formats of the microchip being miniaturized and performing 1.2 μl reaction, seek visual attention during sample addition. Therefore, adding colorants as color indicator in the lyophilized matrix in the microchips or adding to sample or master mix can impart not only user-friendliness to the task of liquid handling but also precision, and color-codes for easy identification of multiple kits in the layout of the microchip without compromising PCR data quality. A panel of colorants was screened for their background intensity, spectral inertness towards detection channels of AriaDNATM analyzer, interference with the reporter dyes (FAM, Cy5 and ROX), and visibility of optimal concentration in the microwell. The concentration of the colorant displaying insignificant impact on the quality of the amplification (Ct, fluorescence, and sensitivity) in comparison to no-colorant control was chosen for inclusion in the test kit. Tartrazine, Acid Red, Brilliant Blue and FAST Green colorants lyophilized with the reagents in the SARS-CoV-2 microchips were found to be stable and suitable. Storage of microchips with Fast Green colorant was tested at 40°C, 22°C, 4°C, and -20°C for 70 days and was found to be suitable and compatible with different master mixes available as liquid or lyophilized. Additionally, the microchips pre-loaded with lyophilized reagents in the presence and absence of two colorants Tartrazine and Fast Green were validated with clinical samples of SARS-COV-2. No significant impact of these colorants both intra- and inter-microchips was observed on the Ct and intensity of amplification for the tested samples in comparison to no-colorant control. The data suggested that the tested colorants can be used to color the sample, or the master mix or PCR mix for user-friendly liquid handling in empty microchips. For the microchip with pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents, the colorant can be added to lyophilized mixture for precision liquid handling and color-coding of lyophilized kits in the microchips. The manufacturing quality of the lyophilized microchips can also improve with colorant loaded reagent mix.

Validation of Microchip Based RT-PCR ABC Test (InfA/B &COVID-19) in Clinical Samples

To contain the rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is essential to develop an accurate and sensitive test system to address pandemic bottlenecks, simplified sample collection, and no sample prep. While meeting the demand of testing large populations, the miniaturized volume of assay reagents and offering rapid results is the need in such scenarios. Moreover, in view of the reports of co-infections and overlapping symptoms of Influenza caused by Influenza A or Influenza B, and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, a test system with three targets can be supportive for accurate clinical diagnosis. In this presentation, we evaluated the performance of a test comprising Microchip RT-PCR Influenza and COVID-19 Detection System for identifying these three viral pathogens in nasal swabs and saliva specimens. A rapid and simplified total nucleic acid extraction method was developed and validated for the reliable, high-throughput simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses causing Influenza (type A and type B viruses) and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) using the microchip-based AriaDNATM platform deriving the name ABC Test. The test system was evaluated using 81 nasal swab samples, 77 clinical saliva samples, 5 blind CAP reference samples, and RNA standards. The limit of detection (LoD) was assessed using SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B RNA standards. The multiplex ABC Test microchip displayed LoD of 14 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 26 copies/μL for Influenza A, and 140 copies/μL for Influenza B, respectively. The ABC Test offers rapid multiplex one-step RT-PCR in 32 minutes for 45 cycles as the miniaturized reaction of 1.2 μL offering a highly sensitive, robust, and accurate assay for the detection of Influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2.

Efficient Passively Q-Switched Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG/LBO Microchip Laser

Performance of an LD-end-pumped passively Q-switched Nd： YA G/Cr4＋ ： YA G microchip laser operating at 1123 nm is studied. A maximum average output power of 517row with an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 12.6% and a slope efficiency of 25.8% is obtained under a pump power of 4.1 W. A minimum pulse width of 1.1 ns with a pulse repetition rate of 20.2kHz is obtained, and the corresponding pulse energy and peak power are 25.6μJ and 23.3kW, respectively. To our knowledge, the 23.3kW peak power is the highest among 1123nm lasers. Additionally, based on the 1123 nm laser, with LBO as the frequency doubler, a 288-mW green-yellow laser at 561 nm is successfully achieved.

STUDY OF CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS ON MICROCHIP BASED ON MEMS

Using a standard photolithographical procedure, chemical wet etching and thermal diffusion bonding technology, a chemical analysis device for Capillary Electrophoresis(CK) has been microfabricated on a planar glass substrate with a cross-column geometry. The channels on the microchip substrate are about 50μm deep and 150μm wide. By employing amino acids derived from 2,4-DiNitroFluoroBenzeri (DNFB) on CE chip channels, the sample manipulating system is studied based on the principle of electrodynamics.

Microchip集成并简化PIC24F单片机的图形功能 具备高达96KB的RAM

全球领先的整合单片机、模拟器件和闪存专利解决方案的供应商——Microchip Technology Inc．（美国微芯科技公司）近日推出8款PIC24FJ256DA单片机系列器件。该系列器件集成了3个图形加速单元和1个显示控制器以及96KB的RAM。这种集成因不需要外部RAM和现实控制器，既降低了系统成本，又为范围广泛的嵌入式应用增加了先进图形显示功能。通过集成用于USB和电容式触摸传感的外设，进一步节省了成本。

基于MIcrochip PIC24F单片机的无线数据传输电路软硬件设计

介绍了一种基于Microchip PIC24F单片机的无线数据传输系统,该系统主要采用了Microchip PIC24F单片机和无线收发模块Zigbee CC2530组成,包括了发射系统和接收系统两部分。给出了基于Microchip PIC24F单片机的无线数据传输系统的总体设计方案,并对各个主要电路的设计进行了详细介绍。软件设计上,对Microchip PIC24F单片机通过SPI接口对无线收发模块Zigbee CC2530的配置及发送接收流程进行了详细阐述。该系统适用于条件复杂、恶劣的安装环境,具有较高的实用价值。

利用Microchip汽车安全开发工具包保护汽车网络免受黑客攻击

Microchip TechnologyInc.（美国微芯科技公司）推出的全新Crypto Automotive汽车网络（IVN）信任锚/边界安全设备（TA/BSD）开发工具包让OEM和一级供应商能够对联网汽车系统实施安全保护,从最重要的领域开始,将最高级别的保护部署进汽车网络的每处.CryptoAutomotive TA/BSD开发工具包业内唯一的专为保证安全而设计的汽车工具,通过模拟汽车网络中的安全节点,为系统设计师提供实施安全措施的直观着手点.

Microchip LoRa无线模块助力物联网应用

Microchip TechnologyInc．（美国微芯科技公司）宣布推出采用LoRa技术、符合低数据速率无线网络标准的全新系列模块中的首款产品，可实现的物联网（IoT）和机器对机器（M2M）无线通信距离超过10英里（郊区），电池使用寿命可达10年以上，并且能够将数百万的无线传感器节点与LoRa技术网关连接起来。全新433／868MHzRN2483器件是一款已通过欧洲R＆TTE指令评估的射频模块，可显著加快开发速度并降低开发成本。此外，新模块体积小巧（尺寸仅为17．8×26．3×3mm），并备有14个GPIO，以极小的占位空间即可灵活连接和控制大量的传感器与执行器。

Archimedean-Spiral-Based Microchip Ring Waveguide for Cold Atoms

We present a scheme for generating a ring magnetic waveguide on a single-layer atom chip. The wire layout consists of two interleaved Archimedean spirals of the same size. The waveguide avoids the trapping perturbation caused by the input and output ports, resulting in an enclosed guiding loop for neutral atoms in weak-field seeking states. Such a configuration can create a tight and deep trap potential with a small current. Taking the [F = 2, mF =2} state of 87Rb as an example, the trap frequency and depth are estimated to be 18kHz and 335 μK, respectively, with adc current of 2 A.