Digital Commons Network^™

Class-F Power Amplifier With Maximized Pae, Kai Shing Tsang

Master's Theses

Due to the rapid development of telecommunication devices, operating speeds are getting faster and more power is being consumed by those devices. Therefore, there is a big concern on how to prolong the battery life in order to fit consumers’ needs. Power amplifiers (PA) at the front end of wireless equipment have drawn a big concern from engineers because of their large power consumption in the system. There is a lot research conducted on PA solutions for improving power-added efficiency (PAE) of amplifiers. PAE is a figure of merit representing how efficient the PA converts DC power to RF power. …

Enhanced Cal Poly Super System Simulink Model, Matthew Ogden Mcfarland

Master's Theses

The Cal Poly Sustainable Power for Electrical Resources (SuPER) project is a solar power DC distribution system designed to autonomously manage and supply the energy needs of a single family off-the-grid home. The following thesis describes the improvement and re-design of a MATLAB Simulink model for the Cal Poly SuPER system. This model includes a photovoltaic (PV) array, a lead-acid gel battery with temperature effects, a wind turbine model, a re-designed DC-DC converter, a DC microgrid, and multiple loads. This thesis will also include several control algorithms such as a temperature controlled thermoelectric (T.E.) cooler, intelligent load switching, and an …

Asynchronous Mips Processors: Educational Simulations, Robert L. Webb

Master's Theses

The system clock has been omnipresent in most mainstream chip designs. While simplifying many design problems the clock has caused the problems of clock skew, high power consumption, electromagnetic interference, and worst-case performance. In recent years, as the timing constraints of synchronous designs have been squeezed ever tighter, the efficiencies of asynchronous designs have become more attractive. By removing the clock, these issues can be mitigated. How- ever, asynchronous designs are generally more complex and difficult to debug. In this paper I discuss the advantages of asynchronous processors and the specifics of some asynchronous designs, outline the roadblocks to asynchronous …

Teaching Adult Students Who Are Apprehensive About Making Art, Donna M. Clement

Master's Theses

Many adults stopped making art while they were children and are now fearful and apprehensive of taking up art again. These individuals believe that only talented artists are allowed to create art. This study follows students through experimental art classes proving that they can learn art-making successfully. Difficulties and adaptations to teaching this population are discussed as well as the importance of teaching to the learning style of each student. From the history of how art began as a functional part of everyday life to how art exists today on a metaphorical pedestal is studied. All individuals who desire to …

Influence On Career Development: Dysfunctional Career Thoughts, Perfectionism, And Career Decision Self-Efficacy, Lindsay Marie Andrews

Master's Theses

Considerable research has been focused on how career decision self-efficacy is related to constructs such as certainty (Betz, Klein, & Taylor, 1996), fear of commitment (Betz & Sterling, 1993), and adaptive career beliefs (Luzzo & Day, 1999). The purpose of this study was to identify relationships among career-specific barriers in the career decision-making process, specifically regarding dysfunctional career thoughts, perfectionism, and career decision self-efficacy in a sample of 300 undergraduate students. Results of the study included: (a) a positive relationship between overall perfectionism and dysfunctional career thinking; (b) a negative relationship between dysfunctional career thoughts and career decision self-efficacy; (c) …

St. Jude Medical: An Object-Oriented Software Architecture For Embedded And Real-Time Medical Devices, Atila Amiri

Master's Theses

Medical devices used for surgical or therapeutic purposes require a high degree of safety and effectiveness. Software is critical component of many such medical devices. The software architecture of a system defines organizational structure and the runtime characteristic of the application used to control the operation of the system and provides a set of frameworks that are used to develop that. As such, the design of software architecture is a critical element in achieving the intended functionality, performance, and safety requirements of a medical device. This architecture uses object-oriented design techniques, which model the underlying system as a set of …

An F4-Style Involutive Basis Algorithm, Miao Yu

Master's Theses

How to solve a linear equation system? The echelon form of this system will be obtained by Gaussian elimination then give us the solution. Similarly, Gröbner Basis is the “nice form” of nonlinear equation systems that can span all the polynomials in the given ideal [4]. So we can use Gröbner Basis to analyze the solution of a nonlinear equation system.

But how to compute a Gröbner Basis? There exist several ways to do it. Buchberger’s algorithm is the original method [2]. Gebauer-Möller algorithm [6] is a refined Buchberger’s algorithm. The F4 algorithm [5] uses matrix reduction to compute efficiently. …

Power Quality Analysis Of A Three-Phase Cycloconverter Under Variable Operating Conditions, Kevin Palani

Master's Theses

The objective of this study is to observe the correlations between variable operating conditions and power quality parameters for a three-phase to single-phase cycloconverter. The cycloconverter is examined in its most straightforward form without additional output filters or elaborate control methods. Variable operating conditions include input frequency, output frequency, and resistive load size. The power quality parameters of interest are power factor, input current total harmonic distortion (THD), output voltage THD, and efficiency. The scope of the project includes analytical calculations, PSpice simulations, as well as a hardware implementation. The results show that output frequency has minimal effect on power …

The Use Of Contextual Clues In Reducing False Positives In An Efficient Vision-Based Head Gesture Recognition System, Brian M. Blonski

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the use of head gesture recognition as an intuitive interface for computer interaction. This research presents a novel vision-based head gesture recognition system which utilizes contextual clues to reduce false positives. The system is used as a computer interface for answering dialog boxes. This work seeks to validate similar research, but focuses on using more efficient techniques using everyday hardware. A survey of image processing techniques for recognizing and tracking facial features is presented along with a comparison of several methods for tracking and identifying gestures over time. The design explains an efficient reusable head gesture recognition …

Remediation Of Soil Hydrophobicity On A Coastal Usga Sand-Based Golf Green, Troy David Thompson

Master's Theses

Managing soil hydrophobicity caused by localized dry spots (LDS) on sand based golf greens has become one of the greatest challenges for golf course superintendents and managers, especially as water restrictions intensify. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of thirteen soil surfactants in eliminating LDS and in maximizing root zone soil moisture on a sand based USGA golf green located on the California Central Coast. Potential water repellency of air dried cores (measured utilizing the water droplet penetration time (WDPT) method), phytotoxicity, and climate were analyzed during two experimental trials. Phytotoxicity data was collected for Trial …

Enhanced Light Extraction Efficiency From Gan Light Emitting Diodes Using Photonic Crystal Grating Structures, Simeon S. Trieu

Master's Theses

Gallium nitride (GaN) light emitting diodes (LED) embody a large field of research that aims to replace inefficient, conventional light sources with LEDs that have lower power, higher luminosity, and longer lifetime. This thesis presents an international collaboration effort between the State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics in Peking University (PKU) of Beijing, China and the Electrical Engineering Department of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Over the course of 2 years, Cal Poly’s side has simulated GaN LEDs within the pure blue wavelength spectrum (460nm), focusing specifically on the effects of reflection gratings, transmission gratings, top and bottom …

Effects Of Recycled Water On Landscape Plants, Casey R. Miranda

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT EFFECTS OF RECYCLED WATER ON LANDSCAPE PLANTS Casey Ray Miranda Recycled water is water that has been previously used, has suffered a loss of quality, and has been properly treated for redistribution (Wu et al. 2001). The use of recycled water as an alternative to fresh water in the landscape can have positive and negative effects. Experimentation on 40 different plant species during a 32 week period (2 phases of 16 weeks), was conducted to analyze the effects of recycled water irrigation on the appearance of landscape plants. Each species of plant was planted into 10 individual number 2 …

Reducing Cluster Power Consumption By Dynamically Suspending Idle Nodes, Brian Michael Oppenheim

Master's Theses

Close to 1% of the world's electricity is consumed by computer servers. Given that the increased use of electricity raises costs and damages the environment, optimizing the world's computing infrastructure for power consumption is worthwhile. This thesis is one attempt at such an optimization. In particular, I began by building a cluster of 6 Intel Atom based low-power nodes to perform work analogous to data center clusters. Then, I installed a version of Hadoop modified with a novel power management system on the cluster. The power management system uses different algorithms to determine when to turn off idle nodes in …

Applied System Identification For A Four Wheel Reaction Wheel Platform, Seth F. Silva

Master's Theses

Applied System Identification for a Four Wheel Reaction Wheel Platform

By

Seth Franklyn Silva

At the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo there is a four-wheel reaction wheel pyramidal simulator platform supported by an air-bearing. This simulator has the current capability to measure the wheel speeds and angular velocity of the platform, and with these measurements, the system identification process was used to obtain the mass properties of this simulator. A handling algorithm was developed to allow wireless data acquisition and command to the spacecraft simulator from a “ground” computer allowing the simulator to be free of induced torques …

A Comparison Of Lidar Generated Channel Features With Ground-Surveyed Channel Features In The Little Creek Watershed, Ryan M. Hilburn

Master's Theses

Detecting change in stream channel features over time is important in understanding channel morphology and the effects of both natural and anthropogenic influences. Channel features historically, and now currently, are being measured using a variety of ground survey techniques. These surveys require substantial time commitments and funding to complete. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is an airborne laser mapping technology that holds promise to provide an alternative to ground-based survey methods. For this study, ground surveys were used to verify the accuracy of data collected using airborne LiDAR. Fifty nine cross-sectional profiles were surveyed in the Little Creek watershed at …

Comparison Of Two Potential Streamgage Locations On Scott Creek At Swanton Pacific Ranch, California, Matthew C. Scrudato

Master's Theses

Two locations on Scott Creek, located 12 miles north of Santa Cruz California, are being considered for the installation of a streamgage to measure discharge. Each location offers unique considerations and challenges in gage construction and discharge measurement capabilities. A detailed flood frequency analysis was completed using a direct watershed comparison, direct equations developed by Waananen and Crippen, a Log Pearson Type III Frequency Distribution, a regional analysis, and two-station comparisons. Final results indicate a 100-year recurrence interval of 6,310 ft3/s at the Upper Scott Creek location and 6,520 ft3/s at the lower location. A detailed indirect measurement revealed that …

Real-Time Visualizations Of Ocean Data Collected By The Norus Glider, Daniel M. Medina

Master's Theses

Scientific visualization computer applications generate visual representations of large and complex sets of science data. These types of applications allow scientists to gain greater knowledge and insight into their data. For example, the visualization of environmental data is of particular interest to biologists when trying to understand how complex variables interact. Modern robotics and sensors have expanded the ability to collect environmental data, thus, the size and variety of these data-sets have likewise grown. Oftentimes, the collected data are deposited into files and databases where they sit in their separate and unique formats. Without easy to use visualization tools, it …

Preference Driven University Course Scheduling System, Heather A. Bellardo

Master's Theses

University course planning and scheduling is the process of determining what courses to offer, how many sections are needed, determining the best term to offer each section, assigning a faculty member to instruct each section, and scheduling each section to a timeslot to avoid conflicts. The result of this task has an impact on every student and faculty member in the department. The process is typically broken down into three major phases: course offering planning, faculty assignment to planned course sections, and course scheduling into timeslots.

This thesis looks at each of these phases for the Industrial and Manufacturing department …

Lateral-Torsional Vibration Of A Side-Loaded Rotor With Asymmetric Shaft Stiffness, Clinton T. Judd

Master's Theses

Using energy equations a four degrees of freedom analytical model is developed for a two-disk rotor with shaft stiffness asymmetry. A radial constant force is applied to the outboard disk to emphasize the effects of gravity or aerodynamic side loading. Special emphasis is placed on characterizing the lateral and torsional vibration trends associated with shaft asymmetry which may be used to identify failing shafts in operational rotor systems. Simulation reveals distinct patterns in lateral and torsional response, with strong dependencies on the magnitude of the side load, magnitude of the asymmetry and proximity of the lateral and torsional natural frequencies. …

Influences Of Environmental Education Programs On The Participant's Affinity For Nature, Justin Alan Schmillen

Master's Theses

This study was conducted to determine the change, and the factors influencing the change, in the participant’s affinity for nature resulting from an environmental education experience. In addition, this study also examined the change and factors of change in aspects of the participant’s affinity for nature that directly relate to marine and coastal resources and environments. An adapted version of the Affinity for Nature scale, an outcome measuring instrument used by the American Camp Association was used to collect data from participants (n=529) at Rancho El Chorro Outdoor School and Camp Ocean Pines, whose experience included an overnight component and …

Negative Conductance Load Modulation Rf Power Amplifier, Cody R. Neslen

Master's Theses

The number of mobile wireless devices on the market has increased substantially over the last decade. The frequency spectrum has become crowded due to the number of devices demanding radio traffic and new modulation schemes have been developed to accommodate the number of users. These new modulation schemes have caused very poor efficiencies in power amplifiers for wireless transmission systems due to high peak-to-average power ratios (PAPR). This thesis first presents the issue with classical power amplifiers in modern modulation systems. A brief overview of current attempts to mitigate this issue is provided. A new RF power amplifier topology is …

Pulse Density Modulated Soft Switching Cycloconverter, Jesse Timothy Adamson

Master's Theses

Single stage cycloconverters generally incorporate hard switching at turn on and soft switching at turn off. This hard switching at turn on combined with the slow switching speeds of thyristors (the switch of choice for standard cycloconverters) limits their use to lower frequency applications.

This thesis explores the analysis and design of a pulse density modulated (PDM), soft switching cycloconverter. Unlike standard cycloconverters, the controller in this converter does not adjust thyristor firing angles. It lets only complete half cycles of the input waveform through to the output. This allows and requires a much greater frequency step down from the …

Monocular Vision And Image Correlation To Accomplish Autonomous Localization, Matthew Paul Schlachtman

Master's Theses

For autonomous navigation, robots and vehicles must have accurate estimates of their current state (i.e. location and orientation) within an inertial coordinate frame. If a map is given a priori, the process of determining this state is known as localization. When operating in the outdoors, localization is often assumed to be a solved problem when GPS measurements are available. However, in urban canyons and other areas where GPS accuracy is decreased, additional techniques with other sensors and filtering are required.

This thesis aims to provide one such technique based on monocular vision. First, the system requires a map be generated, …

Water Conservation For The County Of San Luis Obispo, Dimitri Theodore Antoniou

Master's Theses

This study is an academic research project completed to satisfy the California Polytechnic Master Thesis Requirement for the Master Degree of City and Regional Planning in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.

The County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department is the client for this professional project. The project was requested by the County of San Luis Obispo to assist in its water conservation efforts and to help achieve a 20 percent per capita reduction of water use by the year 2020.

The project consists of two documents: A Handbook of Water Conservation Technologies and Practices (Handbook) …

Textured Hierarchical Precomputed Radiance Transfer, Harrison Lee Mckenzie Chapter

Master's Theses

Computing complex lighting simulations such as global illumination is a computationally intensive task. Various real time solutions exist to approximate aspects of global illumination such as shadows, however, few of these methods offer single pass rendering solutions for soft shadows (self and other) and inter-reflections. In contrast, Precomputed Radiance Transfer (PRT) is a real-time computer graphics technique which pre-calculates an object's response to potential incident light. At run time, the actual incident light can be used to quickly illuminate the surface, rendering effects such as soft self-shadows and inter-reflections. In this thesis, we show that by calculating PRT lighting coefficients …

Development Of A Meshless Method To Solve Compressible Potential Flows, Alejandro Ramos

Master's Theses

The utility of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for solving problems of engineering interest has experienced rapid growth due to the improvements in both memory capacity and processing speed of computers. While the capability now exists for the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations about complex and complete aircraft configurations, the bottleneck within the process is the time consuming task of properly generating a mesh that can accurately solve the governing partial differential equations (PDEs). This thesis explored two numerical techniques that attempt to circumvent the difficulty associated with the meshing process by solving a simplified form of the continuity equation within …

Benchmarked Hard Disk Drive Performance Characterization And Optimization Based On Design Of Experiments Techniques, Yu-Wei Lin

Master's Theses

This paper describes an experimental study offered by Designs of Experiments (DOE) within the defined factor domains to evaluate the factor effects of simultaneous characteristics on the benchmarked hard disk drive performance by proposing well-organized statistical models for optimizations. The numerical relations of the obtained models permit to predict the behaviors of benchmarked disk performances as functions of significant factors to optimize relevant criteria based on the needs.

The experimental data sets were validated to be in satisfying agreement with predicted values by analyzing the response surface plots, contour plots, model equations, and optimization plots. The adequacy of the model …

Novel Inverse Airfoil Design Utilizing Parametric Equations, Kevin A. Lane

Master's Theses

The engineering problem of airfoil design has been of great theoretical interest for almost a century and has led to hundreds of papers written and dozens of methods developed over the years. This interest stems from the practical implications of airfoil design. Airfoil selection significantly influences the application's aerodynamic performance. Tailoring an airfoil profile to its specific application can have great performance advantages. This includes considerations of the lift and drag characteristics, pitching moment, volume for fuel and structure, maximum lift coefficient, stall characteristics, as well as off-design performance.

A common way to think about airfoil design is optimization, the …

Determining The Optimum Operating Parameters Of A Unipolar Pwm Inverter, Michael James Mccarty

Master's Theses

This study presents a determination of the optimum operating parameters of a unipolar PWM inverter through theoretical and experimental analysis. The inverter is investigated in its simplest form without input DC-DC conversion or output filtering. The intent of this study is to understand the core of the inverter thoroughly before adding peripheral elements such as output filtering. Variations on the input voltage level and switching frequency were investigated to determine their impacts on the operation of the inverter and harmonics produced. Theoretical modeling and calculations confirmed by experimental measurements and analysis allow determination of the inverter operating conditions which allow …

Differences In Aerobic Response To Wheelchair Locomotion, David Pomfret

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the aerobic response to wheeling between wheelchair dependent individuals and able-bodied individuals of similar genders and ages. Five wheelchair dependent men (WC) and five able-bodied men (AB) performed a 13 minute wheeling test (5 min. at rest, 8 min. wheeling) at 4.0 km∙hr-1. Heart rate (HR) and VO2 were recorded using a Vmax ST system during the constant speed test. There was no significant difference in HR or VO2 between the two groups during rest. Both HR and VO2 were higher for WC during exercise. The mean METS during …