An integrated hierarchical modeling and simulation approach for microelectrofluidic systems

This thesis describes an integrated hierarchical design and simulation strategy for Microelectrofiuidic Systems (MEFS). The proposed strategy extends system design from component level to system level, and includes four tasks: MEFS hierarchical modeling, hierarchical design environment, hierarchical performance evaluation, and hierarchical optimization.; A definition of basic variables and elements needed to describe MEFS behavior is first presented. MEFS behavior is modeled across three layers layer, and bio/chemical application layer. In addition, the suitability of several existing simulation languages is evaluated for hierarchical design, and a hierarchical integrated design environment with SystemC is developed. Its architecture and associated functional packages are presented.; MEFS performance analysis is difficult because coupled-energy behavior creates strong links between high-level architecture and low-level component design parameter variations. This problem is addressed by trading-off behavioral fidelity with analysis efficiency to develop a hierarchical modeling and simulation methodology. This methodology encompasses both architectural system simulation with stochastic macro modeling and component simulation with lumped-element nodal modeling. Using the integrated design environment based on SystemC, this methodology is evaluated by applying it to a micro-chemical handling system.; Due to growing design complexity, fabrication process variations, and the harsh operating environments of MEFS, there is a need for hierarchical design optimization to support all aspects of product development. Several MEFS design optimization methodologies are demonstrated in this work. They include a statistical response analysis strategy for on-target design and process optimization, a robust design methodology, and a new application flexibility design methodology to leverage hardware/software co-design principle. Several special MEFS devices are designed to illustrate these optimization algorithms.; Finally, a performance comparison is presented between two types of microfluidic systems—continuous-flow systems and droplet-based systems. The comparison is based on a specific microfluidic application—a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system. The modeling and simulation of PCR are based on the SystemC design environment. The comparison includes throughput, processing capacity, correction capacity, and design complexity.; To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop a comprehensive integrated MEFS design strategy. It includes four tasks, and combines top-down and bottom-up design philosophies. It also supports hierarchical modeling and simulation from the component level to the system level. In addition, it leads to multi-objective optimization tools that address design tasks from conceptualization to final manufacturing. Moreover, by using a unique modeling and simulation language—SystemC, this design approach potentially leads to decrease in design time and life-cycle maintenance costs.