Extremely High Performance Systems

In the time frame of 10 years, we believe the 2.5-D integration will enable the VLSI systems to achieve superior performance that is impossible for their monolithic implementations. In this section we discuss two such examples. 

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The avidin-biotin complex, known for its extremely high affinity (Green, 1975), has been studied experimentally more extensively than most other protein-ligand systems. The adhesion forces between avidin and biotin have been measured directly by AFM experiments (Florin et al., 1994 Moy et al., 1994b Moy et al., 1994a). SMD simulations were performed on the entire tetramer of avidin with four biotins bound to investigate the microscopic detail of nnbinding of biotin from avidin (Izrailev et al., 1997). 

The physical form of the thermocouples varies significantly according to appHcations. Most spacecraft power suppHes utilize separate thermocouples that can be checked for performance at successive stages of manufacturing and be replaced if necessary. This approach fits in very well with the extremely high rehabihty requirements imposed on such systems. In terrestrial systems where such individualized attention is not economically feasible, modular assembhes are generally used, which can contain tens to hundreds of couples in a single unit. 

The rise in popularity of HPLC is due in large part to its high-performance nature and the advantages offered over the older, noninstrumental open-column method described in Chapter 11. Separation and quantitation procedures that require hours and sometimes days with the open-column method can be completed in a matter of minutes, or even seconds, with HPLC. Modern column technology and gradient solvent elution systems, which will be described, have contributed significantly to this advantage in that extremely complex samples can be resolved with ease in a very short time. 

Summing up, a robust and easy to handle SMB-design uses 4 zones, a recycling pump fixed in respect to the columns and two pumps for the control of the outlet flow rates. Extremely high precision of all technical components of the SMB is needed. All pumps and valves have to be exactly synchronized. The flow rates should not vary by more thanl % from the preset value. All connections between the different parts of the system must be carefully optimized in order to minimize the dead volume. All columns should be stable and nearly identical in performance. If the SMB-technology is to be used in Biotechnology, GMP issues (cleaning, process and software validation) also have to be considered. In addition and as with any continuous process in that particular area, the definition of a batch could be a problem. 

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