Digital Electronics (block B)

Digital Electronics (block B)
1 YEAR I semester  6 CFU
Marco Re
A.Y. 2021-24
A.Y. 2024-25
Didatticaweb

Code: 80300061
SSD: ING-INF/01
(by Engineering Sciences)

PREREQUISITES

CIRCUIT THEORY, PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS

 

FORMATIVE OBJECTIVES

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge for the analysis and synthesis of the electronic systems presented during the course and the means for their resolution. The course has both theoretical and practical character, it is therefore important that the student is able to carry out concrete problems, such as those presented during the exercises.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Students will learn the analysis techniques used in the analysis of electronic systems in different operating regimes, and acquire the necessary knowledge to carry out circuit simulations through different software.

ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: students will be able to evaluate which of the existing methods has to be used to analyze and synthesize the system under consideration with the aim of simplifying the resolution of the problem. Finally, they will be able to apply the software presented to perform the analysis of electronic systems in different operating regimes.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The verification methods implemented will lead the students to 1) know how to quickly choose the methodology to be adopted for solving the proposed problems, and 2) be able to illustrate in a synthetic and analytical way the topics covered by the course using equations and schemes .

LEARNING SKILLS and AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT:
With the didactic material presented during the course (both written and video) and the list of bibliographic references proposed by the teachers, students have the opportunity to autonomously expand their knowledge on the subject by integrating topics not directly addressed in the course.

SYLLABUS

  Specification of Combinational Systems: definitions and specification level, data representation and coding, binary specification of combinational systems.

     Combinational Integrated Circuits – Characteristics and Capabilities: representation of binary variables, structure and operation of CMOS gates, propagation delays, voltage variations and noise margins, power dissipation and delay-power product, Buses and three-state drivers, circuit characterization of a CMOS-family.

     Description and Analysis of Gate Networks: definition, description and characteristics, sets of gates.

     Design of Combinational Systems – two-level gate networks: minimal two-level networks, Karnaugh maps, minimization of sum of products and product of sums, design of multiple-output two-level gate networks, two-level NAND-NAND and NOR-NOR networks, limitations of two-level networks, programmable modules: PLA and PLA.

     Design of Combinational Systems – Multilevel Gates Networks:

Transformations, alternative implementations, networks with XOR and XNOR gates, and networks with two-input multiplexers.

     Specification of Sequential Systems: synchronous sequential systems, representation of the state transition and output functions, time behavior and finite state machines, finite memory sequential systems, controllers, equivalent sequential systems and minimization of the number of states, binary specification of sequential systems, specification of different types of sequential systems.

     Sequential Networks: canonical form, high-level and binary implementations, gated latch and D flip-flop, timing characteristics, analysis of canonical sequential networks, design of canonical sequential networks, other flip-flop modules: SR, JK, T, analysis of networks with flip-flops, design using special state assignments.

POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES FOR FUTURE MOBILITY (ex Internal Combustion Engines)

POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES FOR FUTURE MOBILITY (ex Internal Combustion Engines)
1 YEAR (Block C)

2 YEAR (Blocks A|B|D|E)

II semester  9 CFU
Stefano CORDINER (6/9 cfu)
Lorenzo BARTOLUCCI (3/9 cfu)
A.Y. 2021-22

Internal Combustion Engines

Since A.Y. 2022-23

POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES FOR FUTURE MOBILITY

Code: 80300079
SSD: ING/IND/08
(by Mechanical Engineering)

PREREQUISITES: Technical Physics, Fluid Machinery

FORMATIVE OBJECTIVES

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course aims to provide students with in-depth scientific training to correctly address the problems of designing, choosing and managing new propulsion systems for sustainable mobility starting from current solutions with internal combustion engines as well as creating the conditions for the development of innovative and low environmental impact solutions. To this end, students will develop in-depth knowledge of the operating principles of propulsion systems for transport and will learn simulation procedures for their verification and sizing. Finally, particular attention is dedicated to the most recent technological development of internal combustion engine technology aimed at overcoming current limits in terms of emissions and efficiency and defining innovative scenarios for sustainable mobility.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Course aim is to provide the students with tools for the analysis of the performances and the evaluation of proper design solution for internal combustion engines and their core components. At the end of the course, the student will be able to independently understand the functional link between design variables and the performance of internal combustion engines also in case of innovative design,

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The course, through the analysis of specific problems and quantitative data, is aimed at providing the tools for analysis and evaluation of the effects of different design choices. The theme of energy efficiency and pollution reduction are at the heart of the teaching organization. The student will be able to interpret and propose design solutions, even innovative ones, adapted to the specificity of the problems that are presented to him.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
By studying theoretical and practical aspects of engine design and critically assessing the influence of different design variables, the student will be able to improve his judgment and proposal in relation to design. and the management of internal combustion engines.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The presentation of the theoretical and application profiles underlying the operation of internal combustion engines will be carried out to allow the knowledge of the technical language of the appropriate specialist terminology; The development of communication skills, both oral and written will also be stimulated through classroom discussion, participation in seminary activities and through final tests.

LEARNING SKILLS:
The learning capacity, even individual, will be stimulated through numerical exercises, the drafting of papers on specialized topics, the discussion in the classroom, also aimed at verifying the actual understanding of the topics treated. The learning capacity will also be stimulated by integrative educational aids (journal articles and economic newspapers) in order to develop autonomous application capabilities.

SYLLABUS:

Legislation evolution on Internal Combustin Engines. Definition of the performance of the propulsion systems and their operating characteristics in relation to the mission, driving cycles. Generalities on reciprocating internal combustion engines: Characteristics and classification, thermodynamic and performance analysis of reciprocating internal combustion engines.
Air supply for 4-stroke engines: volumetric efficiency and its evaluation; Design elements of intake systems: quasi-stationary effects; valve sizing; influence of other engine parameters; Variable Valve Actuation systems. 2-stroke engines: construction schemes; Non-stationary phenomena in intake and exhaust ducts: inertia and wave propagation; variable geometry systems; calculation models; Supercharging.
In cylinder charge Motion: Turbulence; swirl, squish, tumble; stratified charge engines.
Traditional and alternative fuels; Properties of motor fuels. Generalities: combustibles; stoichiometric air; calorific value Gaseous fuels: natural gas, hydrogen and mixtures. bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and DME. Characteristics and their use in engines: technical solutions, performance and emissions.
Fuel supply Premixed combustion engines; Non-pre-mixed combustion engines.
Combustion : Analytical elements of combustion; thermodynamics of combustion processes; calculation of the chemical composition and of the adiabatic equilibrium temperature ; transport phenomena ; chemical kinetics.
Pollutant emissions and abatement systems; Emissions: formation mechanisms, effects on health and the environment, measurement of emissions; influence of engine parameters; Innovative combustion solutions, Advanced Thermodynamic Cycles. Sustainable mobility. Operating principles of hybrid vehicles: series and parallel solution; motors a.c. and electrical employees; regenerative braking; lithium batteries, performance and prospects. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, i.c. engines “range extender”. Innovative control logics for optimal powersplitting between the different energy sources. Electric vehicles, characteristics and prospects. Numerical simulation tools will be presented for all course topics

ATTENDANCE

Course attendance is strongly recommended. During the course, students are invited to interact with the Professor during the class or office hours for any clarification or insight in specific topics related to the program.

NANOTECHNOLOGY

NANOTECHNOLOGY
1 YEAR II semester  6 CFU
Antonio Agresti (3cfu)
Francesca De Rossi (3cfu)
A.Y. 2021-22
Antonio Agresti (3cfu)
Fabio Matteocci (3cfu)
A.Y. 2022-23
A.Y. 2023-24
Antonio Agresti A.Y. 2024-25
Code: 8039791
SSD: ING-INF/01

(to be updated for A.A. 24-25)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The first part of the Nanotechnology course introduces thin film depositions using both physical and chemical vapour depositions. The main objective is the knowledge of the potential and limits of the different thin film depositions in the nanotechnology field. Particular attention is destinated to the deposition technique used in micro and nanoelectronics based on semiconductors using top-down and bottom-up approaches. The interaction of both approaches has been discussed with the student in order to share the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge (physics, chemistry and engineering) where the nanotechnology field is based. The final part of module 1 is destinated to the introduction of the case study of the course about the thin film fabrication of an emergent photovoltaic technology: the perovskite solar cells. In particular, the study of the optoelectronic properties of the materials and the fabrication of several device architectures is important to understand the important role of the manufacturing design in thin film photovoltaic technologies destinated at the industrial level.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Regarding the first module, at the end of the course, the student will have a clear overview of the main deposition technique studied and applied in nanotechnology for different application fields.
Regarding the second module, at the end of the course, the student will know the main characterization techniques for nanostructured materials and electronic and optoelectronic devices till nanometric size.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The student will be able to recognize the applicability areas for the various characterization and realization techniques at nanometric scales. She/He will also be able to apply the knowledge and understanding developed during the course to study and understand recent literature.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
The transversal preparation provided by the course implies
1) the student’s capability to integrate knowledge and manage complexity
2) the student’s ability to deal with new and emerging areas in nanotechnology application to energy and nanoelectronics.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The student will be able to clearly and unequivocally communicate the course content to specialized interlocutors. He will also be able to communicate the main physico-chemical characteristics of nanostructured materials and to indicate the most appropriate deposition/processing technique of these materials to technical interlocutors (example: other engineers, physicists, chemists) but not specialists in the field of electronics or devices. The student will also have a sufficient background to undertake a thesis/research work in modern nanotechnology laboratories.

LEARNING SKILLS:
The structure of the course contents, characterized by various topics apparently separated but connected by an interdisciplinary and modular vision, will contribute to developing a systemic learning capacity that will allow the student to approach in a self-directed or autonomous way to other frontier problems on nanotechnology application to energy and nanoelectronics. Furthermore, the student will be able to read and understand recent scientific literature.

 

SYLLABUS

 

First Module: 1 Prof. Antonio Agresti (3 cfu)

1) Quantum Mechanics and p-n junction

2 )Solar Cells: main electrical characterization techniques

3) Absorbance and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

4) Electron scanning microscopy (SEM)

5) Electron transmission microscopy (TEM)

6) Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)

7) Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

8) Kelvin Probe Microscopy (KPFM)

9) Raman spectroscopy

10) Bi-Dimensional Materials

 

Second module – Prof. Fabio Matteocci (3cfu)

 

1) Introduction to nanotechnology and thin film properties;
2) Thin Film Deposition: the importance of vacuum and plasma;
3) Thermal Evaporation: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition parameters and applications;
4) DC and RF Sputtering: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition parameters and applications;
5) Pulsed Laser Deposition: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition parameters and applications;
6) Chemical Vapour Deposition: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition parameters and applications;
7) Atomic Layer Deposition: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition parameters and applications;
8) Solution Processing: Spin coating, Screen Printing, Blade Coating, Slot die coating;
9) Patterning Procedures: Photolithography and Laser Ablation;
10) Introduction to Perovskite Solar Cell: Working mechanism, material properties, deposition techniques, up-scaling process and applications;
11) Building Integration Photovoltaics;

VLSI CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM DESIGN

VLSI
1 YEAR II semester  9 CFU
Luca DI NUNZIO A.Y. 2021-22
Luca DI NUNZIO (5 cfu)

Vittorio MELINI (2 cfu)

Sergio SPANO’ (2 cfu)

since A.Y. 2022-23
Code:
SSD: ING-INF/01

PREREQUISITES:

It is strictly suggested to take the “Digital Electronics” exam before attending this course. You can contact Prof. Luca DI NUNZIO for any doubts regarding the topic.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The VLSI CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM DESIGN course aims to teach the basics of combinational and sequential circuits that represent the basic blocks of any modern digital system. In addition, the course will provide the basic concepts of the VHDL language

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

At the end of the course, the student will learn the basic concepts of combinational and sequential circuits that are the basis of any system and the basic concepts of the VHDL language useful for the design of digital systems

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

Ability to analyze the characteristics of digital circuits with particular emphasis on timing and power consumption.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS:

The student will understand the acquired knowledge independently and critically to be able to connect and integrate the various aspects related to the design of digital systems

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

The student must be able to communicate their knowledge acquired during the course in clear, correct, and technical language.

LEARNING SKILLS:

Ability to critically approach a digital circuit design problem, know how to manage it, and find implementation solutions using the VHDL language

SYLLABUS:

(L. DI NUNZIO)

Digital electronics basic concepts
Floating-point and fixed-point numeric representation formats
Combinatorial circuits: encoders, decoders, multiplexers
Sequential circuits: flip flops, latch registers, counters, memories
Introduction to VHDL: entity and architecture, levels of abstraction, HDL design flow, combinatorial and sequential processes, objects in VHDL test bench
Practical activities of circuit design in VHDL

(S. SPANO’)

Central unit
ALU
System registers
Address logic
System buses
Scheduler
Branching of instructions
Interrupts
Bus synchronization
RAM memories
ROM memories
Flash memories
CAM memories

 

POWER ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL DRIVES

POWER ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL DRIVES
2 YEAR 2 semester 9 CFU
Stefano Bifaretti
A.Y. 2021-22
Stefano Bifaretti (7cfu)

Cristina Terlizzi (2cfu)

A.Y. 2022-23 1st Year I semester
A.Y. 2023-24  (NOT HELD)

A.Y. 2024-25

Code: 8039781
SSD: ING-INF/01

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The Power Electronics and Electrical Drives course aims to provide a basic understanding of the power semiconductors of the main electronic circuits used for the static conversion of electrical energy as well as the electrical drives. The student will acquire the ability to analyse and perform an initial sizing of power electronic converters operating in either direct or alternating current.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The student will be gradually guided to the knowledge of the functional characteristics and behavior of the main static power converters used, in particular, in industrial applications, in Distributed Generation Systems and in power trains of electical vehicles. In order to improve the topics understanding, the use of Matlab-Simulink specific packages for the simulation of electronic power converters is illustrated.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The knowledge acquired during the course allows the student to select the topology and size of the power converter in relation to the final design.
Different application examples, in particular devoted to distributed energy generation plants, uninterruptible power supplies and electric mobility will allow the student to improve his ability to apply the acquired knowledge.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
The student will be able to collect and process specialized technical information on power converters and verify their validity.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The student will be able to relate with power electronics specialists in order to request the technical information necessary for the development of a project activity.

LEARNING SKILLS:
The skills acquired during the course will allow the student to undertake, with a high degree of autonomy, subsequent studies or apply for technical roles in companies working in the field.

 

SYLLABUS:

POWER SEMICONDUCTORS

Power Semiconductors employed in Power Electronics converters: Diodes, BJT, MOSFET, IGBT, Thyristors, Wide Bandgap Semiconductors).

Static and dynamic behavior. Thermal behavior. Conduction and switching losses.

Technical specifications provided by manufacturers’ datasheets. Driving circuits.

POWER CONVERTER TOPOLOGIES

Behavioral characteristics: unidirectional and bidirectional energy transfer, controlled voltage sources. Analysis method of power converters.

DC-DC Converters. Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost. Switching losses reduction. Average Model. Modulation techniques (PWM, PFM, PRM). Output voltage open-loop control. Closed-loop control. Current control.Half and Full Bridge DC-DC converters.

DC-AC Converters (Inverters). Half and Full Bridge DC-AC single-phase converters based on static switches. Three-phase converters. Modulation techniques. Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE). Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM).

Rectifiers: Single-phase and three-phase diode rectifiers. Single-phase and three-phase force-commutated PWM rectifiers: topologies, voltage and current controls. Power Factor Corrector (PFC). Effects on grid side of power converters. Generalized power factor. Compliance with grid codes.
Isolated DC-DC converter.

ELECTRICAL DRIVES
Introduction to Electrical Drives. DC, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors and Induction Motors. DC motors model.

Power Electronics Applications

Power Converters simulation using Matlab-Simulink/Simpowersystem.
Photovoltaic Conversion Systems.
Power trains for electrical vehicles. Battery chargers.

 

ROBOT MECHANICS

ROBOT MECHANICS
1 YEAR (Blocks B|C)
2 YEAR (Blocks A|D|E)
1 semester 9 CFU
Marco Ceccarelli (6/9 cfu)

Matteo Russo (3/6 cfu)

A.Y. 2021-22

A.Y. 2022-23

Matteo Russo A. Y. 2023-24
A.Y. 2024-25
Code: 8039785
SSD: ING-IND/13

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will provide students with the knowledge and tools needed to model and analyse robotic manipulators in terms of mechanical performance. Students will learn how to design, evaluate, and control industrial and service robots.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will learn to analyse robotic systems by modelling their kinematics and dynamics and thus finding their key operational parameters. Furthermore, the student will learn how to design a manipulator from its operational requirements, such as workspace, velocity, and payload.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will apply this knowledge to design, model, and evaluate robots with examples of use cases. Once identified the joints and bodies that compose a robot, the student will be able to numerically characterize its operation and mobility. Furthermore, the student will be able to critically select a robot type for a given manipulation task.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS: The student will demonstrate their understanding of robot operation by developing and presenting a practical use case, in which they will examine autonomously and critically the challenges behind robot design and application.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: During the course, students discuss key topics, working on a written project on manipulation analysis of their own choice. Project results are then presented at the end of the course.

LEARNING SKILLS: During the course, students are involved in the lecture for a continuous stimulus to verify their understanding of robot mechanics. The knowledge acquired during the course is also verified in the final project on manipulation analysis.

REQUIREMENTS: The student should have already attended the fundamental courses on calculus, geometry, and physics. The understanding of rigid body mechanics and basic programming skills (MATLAB) are required, as well as knowledge of mechanism design and analysis.

PROGRAMME:

  1. Architecture and classification of industrial and service robots
    1. Definitions: kinematic chains, joints, mobility
    2. Manipulation analysis
    3. Types of manipulators
  2. Kinematics
    1. Reference frames
    2. Denavit-Hartenberg notation
    3. Forward kinematics
    4. Inverse kinematics
    5. Jacobian and singularities
    6. Workspace
    7. Path planning
  3. Statics and dynamics
    1. Equilibrium
    2. Equation of motion
    3. Grasp mechanics
  4. Other designs
    1. Actuation technologies
    2. Parallel robots
    3. Compliant robots
    4. Soft and continuum robots

EXAM:

The exam is divided into a written and oral test. The written test consists of three exercises regarding practical use-cases of industrial and service robots. In alternative, a project report developed during the course can be evaluated. In the oral test, the student will discuss with a critical perspective robot functioning. In alternative, the developed project on manipulation analysis can be presented and discussed.

INTEGRATED SENSORS

INTEGRATED SENSORS
1 YEAR (Block A|C|D|E)
2 YEAR (Block B)
1 semester 9 CFU
Corrado Di Natale A.Y. 2019-20 (new name, ex Electronic Devices and Sensors)
Alexandro Catini (6cfu)
Corrado  Di Natale (3cfu)
A.Y. 2022-23
A.Y. 2023-24
Alexandro Catini (8cfu)
Corrado  Di Natale (1cfu)
A.Y. 2024-25
Code: 8039927
SSD: ING-INF/01

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

To introduce the student to modern sensor technologies and their major applications.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

To make the student condition to analyze the sensor performance and to design simple sensors’ interface circuit.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

Capability to select sensors for each specific application MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
Evaluate in the different contexts which are the most suitable sensors and evaluate the performance using a standardized parameters set.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Capability to write synthetic reports about the working principles of sensors

LEARNING SKILLS:

To learn how to solve sensors’ circuits to determine their performance and to optimally design sensor systems.

SYLLABUS:

Electronic properties of materials: semiconductors.

General properties of sensors;

Sensitivity and resolution.

Temperature sensors: thermistors, integrated sensors, thermocouples;
Mechanic sensors: Strain gauges: Introduction to MEMS: accelerometer, gyroscope, pressure and flow sensors;

Magnetic sensors;

Optical sensors: photodiodes and image sensors;

infrared sensors; interface circuits for resistive and capacitive sensors

Innovative Materials with Laboratory (blocks B-C-C1-E)

Innovative Materials with Laboratory (blocks B-C-C1-E)
1 YEAR 1 semester 6 CFU
TATA MARIA ELISA (1cfu)
COSTANZA GIROLAMO (1cfu)
VARONE ALESSANDRA (4cfu)
A.Y. 2021-22
A.Y. 2022-23
A.Y. 2023-24 (MS TEAMS)
A.Y. 2024-25 (C1-E)
Code: 8039786
SSD: ING-IND/21

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The aim of the course is to provide an overview of novel materials recently developed and investigated for applications in mechanics, electronics, and mechatronics. Different types of materials are considered and described with particular attention on the preparation route, specific characteristics, and applications. Some of them are of basic importance for new technologies gaining increasing attention in industrial practice. The knowledge of innovative materials is strictly connected to the possibility and capability of designing new products.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Deep knowledge of the metallic structure and their mechanical behavior; in particular knowledge of innovative materials for mechatronics applications; selection of conventional material or not as a function of application, structure and properties.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Ability to define materials properties and the most suitable production technologies for the components realization; Ability to perform tests in laboratory; Ability to define appropriate treatments in order to obtain the suitable mechanical properties as a function of service conditions. Ability to select innovative materials; ability to evaluate innovative materials properties.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
Ability to investigate, select and choose metallic materials as a function of the application.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Clear and correct expression, in English language, skills on the topics covered in the course.

LEARNING SKILLS:

Ability to face a new problem, know how to manage it and find functional and correct solutions. learning ability will be evaluated by exam tests and laboratory activities.

SYLLABUS:

Metallurgy Fundamentals: crystal structure, defects, plastic deformation. Mechanical tests.

Amorphous alloys: production and applications of metallic glasses as mechatronic devices. Alloys with mixed structure (nanocrystalline and amorphous).

Ultrafine grained (UFG) materials: microstructural features and production routes.

Nanoporous and mesoporous materials: structural characterization and properties. Their applications for energy and gas storage.

Powder metallurgy, Additive Manufacturing Technologies.

Advanced composite materials: properties, applications and production routes.

Porous materials: metal foams, Open and closed porosity (micro and macro). Classification according to size and shape of the pores. Properties (sound, energy and vibration absorption, crash

behavior) and production methods. Functional and structural

applications: lightweight construction, automotive. Metal sandwich structures.

Functional and Smart Materials. Property change as a response of external stimulus: shape memory alloy (one-way and two-way shape memory), thermochromic, photomechanical. Energy conversion: piezoelectric, thermoelectric. Phase change materials. 

Applications: mechatronic, energy. Functionally graded materials.