Other Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

Solar Data Analysis, Mike C. T. Ray

Dissertations and Theses

The solar industry has grown considerably in the last few years. This larger scale has introduced more problems as well as possibilities. One of those possibilities is analyzing the data coming from the sites that are now being monitored, and using the information to answer a variety of questions.

We have four questions which are of prime importance identified in this thesis:

1. Can data from customers be trusted?

2. Can we use data from existing sites to determine which sites need the most improvement?

3. Can we implement a location-based algorithm to reduce the amount of false positives for …

A Parabolic Equation Analysis Of The Underwater Noise Radiated By Impact Pile Driving, Nathan Laws

Dissertations and Theses

Impact pile driving can produce extremely high underwater sound levels, which are of increasing environmental concern due to their deleterious effects on marine wildlife. Prediction of underwater sound levels is important to the assessment and mitigation of the environmental impacts caused by pile driving. Current prediction methods are limited and do not account for the dynamic pile driving source, inhomogeneities in bathymetry and sediment, or physics-based sound wave propagation.

In this thesis, a computational model is presented that analyzes and predicts the underwater noise radiated by pile driving and is suitable for shallow, inhomogeneous environments and long propagation ranges. The …

Position-Adaptive Localization Of An Electro-Magnetic Source Using Static And Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks, Miguel D. Gates

Doctoral Dissertations

We present new results in detection and localization of a hidden emitter using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). While this type of problem has been explored extensively, this research combines multiple dynamics, such as mobility and adaptation, to extend the value beyond the typical search mission. Using Micro-Aerial Vehicles (MAVs), in conjunction with multiple static wireless sensor nodes, we create a hybrid sensor network capable of detection and localization of a hidden electro-magnetic (EM) emitter.

In order to localize the emitter, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is used as an approximation of distance from the transmitter to the revolving receivers. …

Computer Aided Design Of Permutation, Linear, And Affine-Linear Reversible Circuits In The General And Linear Nearest-Neighbor Models, Ben Schaeffer

Dissertations and Theses

With the probable end of Moore's Law in the near future, and with advances in nanotechnology, new forms of computing are likely to become available. Reversible computing is one of these possible future technologies, and it employs reversible circuits. Reversible circuits in a classical form have the potential for lower power consumption than existing technology, and in a quantum form permit new types of encryption and computation.

One fundamental challenge in synthesizing the most general type of reversible circuit is that the storage space for fully specifying input-output descriptions becomes exponentially large as the number of inputs increases linearly. Certain …

Spatiotemporal Fluorescent Detection Measurements Using Embedded Waveguide Sensors, Mark C. Harrison, Andrea M. Armani

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Integrated waveguide biosensors, when combined with fluorescent labeling, have significantly impacted the field of biodetection. While there are numerous types of waveguide sensors, the fundamental excitation method is fairly consistent: the evanescent field of the waveguide excites a fluorophore whose emission is detected, either directly via imaging or indirectly via a decrease in power transfer. Recently, a sensor device was demonstrated which is able to back-couple the emitted light into the waveguide, allowing the signal to be detected directly. However, this previous work focused on the development of an empirical model, leaving many theoretical questions unanswered. Additionally, the results from …

Kernel Extended Real-Valued Negative Selection Algorithm (Kernsa), Brett A . Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Immune Systems (AISs) are a type of statistical Machine Learning (ML) algorithm based on the Biological Immune System (BIS) applied to classification problems. Inspired by increased performance in other ML algorithms when combined with kernel methods, this research explores using kernel methods as the distance measure for a specific AIS algorithm, the Real-valued Negative Selection Algorithm (RNSA). This research also demonstrates that the hard binary decision from the traditional RNSA can be relaxed to a continuous output, while maintaining the ability to map back to the original RNSA decision boundary if necessary. Continuous output is used in this research …

Side-Channel Analysis Of Subscriber Identity Modules, John A. Hearle

Theses and Dissertations

Subscriber identity modules (SIMs) contain useful forensic data but are often locked with a PIN code that restricts access to this data. If an invalid PIN is entered several times, the card locks and may even destroy its stored data. This presents a challenge to the retrieval of data from the SIM when the PIN is unknown. The field of side-channel analysis (SCA) collects, identifies, and processes information leaked via inadvertent channels. One promising side-channel leakage is that of electromagnetic (EM) emanations; by monitoring the SIM's emissions, it may be possible to determine the correct PIN to unlock the card. …

Low Rank Approximation Method For Efficient Green's Function Calculation Of Dissipative Quantum Transport, Lang Zeng, Yu He, Michael Povolotskyi, Xiao Yan Liu, Gerhard Klimeck, Tillmann Kubis

Birck and NCN Publications

In this work, the low rank approximation concept is extended to the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method to achieve a very efficient approximated algorithm for coherent and incoherent electron transport. This new method is applied to inelastic transport in various semiconductor nanodevices. Detailed benchmarks with exact NEGF solutions show (1) a very good agreement between approximated and exact NEGF results, (2) a significant reduction of the required memory, and (3) a large reduction of the computational time (a factor of speed up as high as 150 times is observed). A non-recursive solution of the inelastic NEGF transport equations of a …

Meat Smoker, Rhianna Topp

Electrical Engineering

This Senior Project consists of designing and building a meat smoker. The design of this meat smoker incorporates knowledge of control systems, programming, hardware, and materials manufacturing. This smoker is made to allow the user an easy experience of smoking food. The smoker provides the user with a programmable temperature and timer. It also has an automatic wood chip loader as deemed necessary to keep the correct amount of smoke distributed. Lastly, this smoker has an automatic application of the user’s choice of liquid to the meat. By designing a smoker with these capabilities, an untrained person desiring to smoke …

Monophonic Pitch Recognition, Nathan Zorndorf, Kristine Carreon

Electrical Engineering

The purpose of this project is to create a system that automatically converts monophonic music into its MIDI equivalent. Automatic pitch recognition allows for numerous commercial applications, including automatic transcription and digital storage of live performances. It is also desirable to be able to take an audio signal as an input and create a MIDI equivalent score because the MIDI information can be used to replace the original audio signal sounds with any sound the user would like. For example, if a piano composition is entered into the system, the resulting MIDI out could be used to trigger guitar samples. …

Universal-Retro Console Gamepads To Usb Adapter With Two-Player Compatibility, Miguel Buenrostro

Electrical Engineering

An Arduino board or microcontroller development board with a microprocessor can be configured to interface with a variety of wired gaming input devices. Through software and hardware design this functionality is accomplished for the use of older gaming system gamepad devices such as the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis. The Arduino development board offers up to 18 general purpose input output connections which are sufficient for the simultaneous connection of up to 6 gaming devices of the aforementioned gamepads. The microcontroller‘s firmware is changed to achieved plug-and-play compatibility so windows can recognize the device as …

Obd2 Pid Reader, Andrew Fong

Computer Engineering

The most current standard on automobiles for monitoring data is OBD-II. Using On board diagnostic Parameter ID (OBD PID) codes hobbyists and mechanics have the ability to monitor, chart, and obtain data on cars by communicating to the ECU. The OBD-II connector is often located under the driver’s side inside of the car. The hardware will consist of a generic Bluetooth OBD2 connector and a laptop running windows. The software will be an program exe created by visual basic. The software created in visual basic will allow the user to examine PID codes in order to record and discover new …

Cal Poly Brocade Challenge 2013, Chandler Morehardt, Alexa Coburn, Juan Silva, Kerry Sun, Greg Wang, Raul Chagoya, Jd Torres

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Energy Dashboard Tool For Cal Poly Dormitories, Katie Zombro

Electrical Engineering

This project defines the needs, uses, and future projects (as well as business cases and procurement) of a University Housing dashboard tool, utilized by the Red Brick Dormitories on the Cal Poly campus. This easily accessed tool provides simple information regarding energy trending data, allowing for all student residents no matter their academic discipline, to understand their energy trends and opportunities for reduction. With the Energy Dashboard in place, Cal Poly’s red brick dormitories experienced savings ranging from 10%-20% from the 2011-2012 school year baseline, by the end of the 2012-2013 academic year. With the help of the Dashboard, competitions …

Assessment For Completion Of Cp7 Integration With Revision 6 Avionics, Daniel Jennings

Electrical Engineering

he purpose of this project is the continuation of the CP7 CubeSat project, analysis for integration with new Avionics Systems, and to leave behind instruction for future work for completion of the satellite. CP7 is a satellite in development to support a mechanical and electrical system to experiment on particle damping in micro-gravity. The completion of this satellite needs to be prioritized more than it has been by the PolySat team to honor our work with Northrop Grumman, who have been supportive and helpful throughout the process. This work seeks to aid in the completion of this satellite, so that …

Methods For Efficient Synthesis Of Large Reversible Binary And Ternary Quantum Circuits And Applications Of Linear Nearest Neighbor Model, Maher Mofeid Hawash

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation describes the development of automated synthesis algorithms that construct reversible quantum circuits for reversible functions with large number of variables. Specifically, the research area is focused on reversible, permutative and fully specified binary and ternary specifications and the applicability of the resulting circuit to the physical limitations of existing quantum technologies.

Automated synthesis of arbitrary reversible specifications is an NP hard, multiobjective optimization problem, where 1) the amount of time and computational resources required to synthesize the specification, 2) the number of primitive quantum gates in the resulting circuit (quantum cost), and 3) the number of ancillary qubits …

Modeling A Sensor To Improve Its Efficacy, Nabin K. Malakar, Daniil Gladkov, Kevin H. Knuth

Physics Faculty Scholarship

Robots rely on sensors to provide them with information about their surroundings. However, high-quality sensors can be extremely expensive and cost-prohibitive. Thus many robotic systems must make due with lower-quality sensors. Here we demonstrate via a case study how modeling a sensor can improve its efficacy when employed within a Bayesian inferential framework. As a test bed we employ a robotic arm that is designed to autonomously take its own measurements using an inexpensive LEGO light sensor to estimate the position and radius of a white circle on a black field. The light sensor integrates the light arriving from a …

Sensitivity Analysis Of An Automated Calibration Routine For Airborne Cameras, Philip E. Lorenzini

Theses and Dissertations

Given a known aircraft location, a set of camera calibration parameters can be used to correlate features in an image with ground locations. Previously, these calibration parameters were obtained during preflight with a lengthy calibration process. A method to automate this calibration using images taken with an aircraft mounted camera and position and attitude data is developed. This thesis seeks to determine a partial set of circumstances that affect the accuracy of the calibration results through simulation and experimental flight test. A software simulator is developed in which to test an array of aircraft maneuvers, camera orientations, and noise injection. …

Real-Time Heading Estimation Using Perspective Features, James W. Dean

Theses and Dissertations

There are a large number of commercially available quad-rotor helicopters available from various manufacturers. All of these systems rely on a low cost MEMS based inertial measurement system for stabilization and navigation. These low cost inertial systems are all subject to rapid error growth in their attitude and position estimates unless bounded by external measurements. This thesis created real-time algorithm to integrate measurements from visual cues with measurements from onboard sensors to estimate the attitude position and velocity of a quad-rotor helicopter in a local navigation frame, a system model for the ARDrone, and a feed-back controller for the vehicle's …

A Study Of Dim Object Detection For The Space Surveillance Telescope, Stephen D. Maksim

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods of dim object detection for space surveillance make use of a Gaussian log-likelihood-ratio-test-based detector that only considers the probability that a single point in an image resulted from the propagation of a point source through space. This paper proposes the application of a correlating Gaussian log-likelihood-ratio-test-based detector, which makes use of all the pixels in the window, to the arena of dim object detection. The requirements for comparing these detectors using the same threshold of detection are established. The performance of the detectors is compared using images taken by the Space Surveillance Telescope in New Mexico of a …