Engineering Commons^™

A Novel Readout Method For Focal Plane Array Imaging In The Presence Of Large Dark Current, Changqing Qiu

Dissertations

This research was an investigation of a novel readout method for focal plane array (FPA) optical imaging, especially for very sensitive detectors with large dark current. The readout method is based on periodically blocking the optical input enabling the removal of the dark current integration from the output. The research demonstrated that it is feasible to modulate the optical input with the designed readout circuit and thus achieve longer signal integration time to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio.

Study of a proposed circuit model showed that in theory the correlated readout method could increase the output voltage swing and reduce the …

An Interactive System For The Estimation Of Emissivity Of A Wafer In A Rapid Thermal Processing Chamber, Maurizio Fulco

Theses

Rapid thermal processing (RTP) is a method of thermally processing wafers for the manufacture of integrated circuits. During the thermal processing of wafers, it is essential that the wafer temperature follow a pre-specified temperature trajectory and that the temperature across the wafer be uniform especially at high temperatures. To ensure that the above objectives of RTP temperature control be met at any time during the process, the estimation of some parameters of the process is of fundamental importance in the design of the control system.

This thesis demonstrates the implementation of an interactive software system in which the emissivity of …

Photoreflectance Investigations Of The Bowing Parameter In Algan Alloys Lattice-Matched To Gan, Tomasz J. Ochalski, Bernard Gil, Pierre Lefebvre, Nicolas Grandjean, Mathieu Leroux, Jean Massies, Shuji Nakamura, Hadis Morkoç

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Room temperature photoreflectance investigations have been performed on a series of AlGaN layers grown both by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy and molecular beam epitaxy on c-plane sapphire substrates. The aluminum composition was ranging between 0% and 20%, and was determined independently in the different growth laboratories, by various methods. It is found that within the experimental uncertainty, there is no detectable bowing parameter in these alloys. This contradicts some previous experimental investigations and confirms other ones.

Fundamentals Of Linear State Space Systems, John Bay

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Scholarship

This book addresses two primary deficiencies in the linear systems textbook market: a lack of development of state space methods from the basic principles and a lack of pedagogical focus. The book uses the geometric intuition provided by vector space analysis to develop in a very sequential manner all the essential topics in linear state system theory that a senior or beginning graduate student should know. It does this in an ordered, readable manner, with examples drawn from several areas of engineering. Because it derives state space methods from linear algebra and vector spaces and ties all the topics together …

Micro Hydro Power, Frederick J. Munster

Maine Collection

Micro Hydro Power

by Frederick J. Munster

Department of Economic and Community Development, August, Me. 1999 (?).

Contents: Introduction / History of Hydropower in Maine / Renewables / Why Micro Hydro / Determining Flow / Determining Head / Estimating Energy Potential / Hydro Turbines / Dams, Impoundments, Penstocks and Power Houses / Utility Interconnected Systems / Battery Charging Systems / Operation and Maintenance / Economics / Regulation of Hydro Development / For More Information / References

Sonar Three-Dimensional Image Formation For Underwater Vehicular Collision Avoidance, Gary Robert Boucher

Doctoral Dissertations

The last ten years have shown a marked increase in research into Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. A key component of this research is the ability to “look” ahead of the vehicle's projected path and translate active sonar returns into three-dimensional (3-D) computer data structures used to navigate and avoid obstacles. This need to avoid obstacles is also common to other underwater vehicles including submersibles.

Of special interest to this research is the “Occupancy Grid Framework.” This technique divides the forward looking sonar field into cells. These cells can be maintained either in spherical or cartesian coordinate systems.

This research demonstrates a …

A Strategy For Extending The House Of Quality To Obtain Preliminary Design Specifications, Patricia Brackin, Jonathon Colton

Faculty Publications - Electrical and Computer Engineering

No abstract provided.

Square Planar Monopole Antenna, Max Ammann

Conference papers

A planar monopole may be realised by replacing the wire element of a conventional monopole with a planar element. In this case, the planar element which is square, is located above a groundplane and fed using an SMA connector as illustrated. The square monopole has a simple geometry and a smaller bandwidth compared to the circular-disc monopole. However, it is still a broadband antenna with a typical impedance bandwidth of 75 % at S band. This broadband antenna shows a constant radiation pattern over the impedance bandwidth. A simple formula for the frequency corresponding to the lower edge of the …

Meade: A Modular, Extensible, Adaptable Design Environment For Asic And Fpga Development, Gary Spivey

Faculty Publications - Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

We present MEADE, a Modular, Extensible, Adaptable Design Environment. MEADE has been developed to answer the need for an adaptive design framework for encapsulation of Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools and management of the massive amounts of data associated with the design process. Other frameworks have existed but lacked the critical open source requirement that enables rapid adaptation to a rapidly advancing design methodology. While the initial application and development of MEADE is targeted toward ASIC and FPGA design, the MEADE engine can be easily adapted to abstract any procedural application.

MEADE allows the definition of procedures, which are defined …

Efficient Training Techniques For Classification With Vast Input Space, Donald C. Wunsch, Emad W. Saad, J. J. Choi, J. L. Vian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Strategies to efficiently train a neural network for an aerospace problem with a large multidimensional input space are developed and demonstrated. The neural network provides classification for over 100,000,000 data points. A query-based strategy is used that initiates training using a small input set, and then augments the set in multiple stages to include important data around the network decision boundary. Neural network inversion and oracle query are used to generate the additional data, jitter is added to the query data to improve the results, and an extended Kalman filter algorithm is used for training. A causality index is discussed …

Design Considerations And Thermodynamic Feasibility Study Of A Meso-Scale Refrigerator, Nabil Shovon Ashraf

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in micro-fabrication technology have ushered a new era in miniaturization of chemical, environmental and energy systems. This foreseeable trend towards miniaturization in chemical, environmental and mechanical systems is expected to revolutionize the ways the human life is being perceived today. The high volume and mass reproducibility is seen as the striking aspect of micro-fabrication based miniature systems, offering economies far exceeding than the economies of scale obtained in large plants. The focus of this thesis work is directed at the thermodynamic feasibility and preliminary prototype design for a meso-scale refrigerator. Miniaturization to sub-centimeter domain will enable configuring these …

Predictive Head Tracking For Virtual Reality, Donald C. Wunsch, Emad W. Saad, T. P. Caudell

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In virtual reality (VR), head movement is tracked through inertial and optical sensors. Computation and communication times result in delays between measurements and updating of the new frame in the head mounted display(HMD). These delays result in problems, including motion sickness. We use recurrent and time delay neural networks to predict the head location and use it to calculate the new frame. A predictability analysis is used in designing the prediction system

Direct Current High-Pressure Glow Discharges, Robert H. Stark, Karl H. Schoenbach

Bioelectrics Publications

Stabilization and control of a high-pressure glow discharge by means of a microhollow cathode discharge has been demonstrated. The microhollow cathode discharge, which is sustained between two closely spaced electrodes with openings of approximately 100 μm diam, serves as plasma cathode for the high-pressure glow. Small variations in the microhollow cathode discharge voltage generate large variations in the microhollow cathode discharge current and consequently in the glow discharge current. In this mode of operation the electrical characteristic of this system of coupled discharges resembles that of a vacuum triode. Using the microhollow cathode discharge as plasma cathode it was possible …

Direct Current Glow Discharges In Atmospheric Air, Robert H. Stark, Karl H. Schoenbach

Bioelectrics Publications

Direct current glow discharges have been operated in atmospheric air by using 100 μm microhollow cathode discharges as plasma cathodes. The glow discharges were operated at currents of up to 22 mA, corresponding to current densities of 3.8 A/cm² and at average electric fields of 1.2 kV/cm. Electron densities in the glow are in the range from 10¹² to 10¹³  cm⁻³. Varying the current of the microhollow cathode discharge allows us to control the current in the atmospheric pressure glow discharge. Large volume atmospheric pressure air plasmas can be generated by operating microhollow cathode discharges …

Combining Wavelets And Hotelling Transforms In Image Query, Sol Neeman Ph.D.

Engineering Studies Faculty Publications and Creative Works

In the "content based" image query, also referred to as "query by example," "similarity retrieval" or "sketch retrieval," the query image is provided by the user either as a sketch of the object, as the output of a scanner or a video camera. Some of the difficulties associated with content based image query are described in [1], e.g. significant difference between the "query image" and the "target image," artifacts and poor resolution of the query image make a straightforward comparison of images using L1 and l2 metrics not effective.

In [2] a new strategy is suggested based on wavelet decomposition …

A Classification Of Techniques For The Compensation Of Time Delayed Processes. Part 1: Parameter Optimised Controllers, Aidan O'Dwyer, John Ringwood

Conference papers

An extensive literature exists on the compensation of time delayed processes. It is possible to identify themes that are common to many of the available techniques. The intention of the two parts of this paper is to provide a framework against which the literature may be viewed; Part 1 of the paper considers the use of parameter optimised controllers for the compensation problem, with Part 2 of the paper considering the use of structurally optimised compensators. Conclusions are drawn at the end of Part 2.

Estimation Of The Parameters Of A Delayed Process Using Open Loop Time Domain Techniques, Morena Stolfa, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

In this paper, we present three different approaches to fit the experimental data of a process with time delay in the time domain. Two of the proposed methods are based on the step response, and the third is based on the pulse response. The effectiveness of these techniques is verified by simulation results and by real-time experimental data. Only first order lag plus time delay models are considered in this paper.

Performance Characteristics Of A Cascaded Two-Level Converter, Keith Corzine, C. A. Whitcomb, S. D. Sudhoff

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A cascaded two-level power converter is proposed which utilizes two six-transistor inverters and is capable of producing voltages which are identical to those of three-level and four-level converters. Since the machine voltages are the same, the converter performance is the same as is verified through laboratory tests. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed cascaded converter are explored. The proposed converter is simpler to construct and offers more nonredundant switching states per number of active semiconductors than standard multi-level converters

Analog Hardware Implementation Of Continuous-Time Adaptive Filter Structures, John G. Harris, Jui Kuo Juan, Jose C. Principe

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We have implemented a four-tap adaptive filter in a continuous-time analog VLSI circuit. Since an ideal delay is impossible to implement in continuous-time hardware, we implemented the delay line as a cascade of low-pass filters (called the gamma filter). Since many years of research in our lab has shown that the gamma filter outperforms the ideal delay line for a wide range of applications, the gamma filter should not be considered merely a crude approximation of the ideal delay line. We show measured results from an analog chip that solves the problem of system identification-identifying an unknown linear circuit from …

A Distributed Algorithm For The Classification Of Images On A Network Of Workstations, S. R. Subramanya

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Image databases require content-based queries and retrievals. Fast and accurate retrievals for user queries depend on efficient indexing and searching schemes. The classification of images into different categories (classes) is an important task which facilitates the indexing and searching process. The classification of huge amounts of image data place enormous demands on computational requirements. Network of workstations (NOWs, also sometimes called clusters) are a cost-effective way of providing the much-needed computational power in such applications. This paper presents a distributed scheme for the classification of images in an image database, using a network of workstations. The results of the classification …

Hardware-Software Co-Verification In An Undergraduate Laboratory, Hardy J. Pottinger, Daryl G. Beetner

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Skills in hardware-software co-design are quickly becoming critical to product development in high-technology computer industries. Systems-on-silicon typically include a considerable amount of software as well as custom hardware and are increasingly difficult to develop using traditional techniques. To satisfy a growing demand in industry, students in electrical Engineering; computer Engineering; and computer science should be introduced to concepts of hardware-software co-design at the undergraduate level. This paper examines a new laboratory at the University of Missouri-Rolla in which students in Electrical and Computer Engineering are exposed to modern system design concepts through the use of hardware-software co-simulation. Key tools used …

A Continually Online Trained Artificial Neural Network Identifier For A Turbogenerator, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The increasing complexity of modern power systems highlights the need for advanced modelling techniques for effective control of power systems. This paper presents results of simulation and practical studies carried out on identifying the dynamics of a single turbogenerator connected to an infinite bus through a short transmission line, using a continually online trained (COT) artificial neural network (ANN).

On The Global Stabilization Of Nonlinear Systems Via Switching Manifolds, Stephen P. Banks, Meti̇n U. Salamci, M. Kemal Özgören

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The global stabilization of nonlinear systems is investigated by using switching surfaces. The nonlinear system is forced to a lower order switching manifold, which is designed to be stable by construction. Thus, the stability of the reduced-order system is guaranteed and parameter selection for the switching surface is avoided. The method is extended to a class of uncertain nonlinear systems and exemplified with some fictitious dynamic models.

A Simple Formula Obtained Using Tabu Search Algorithm For The Radiation Efficiency Of A Resonant Rectangular Microstrip Antenna, Dervi̇ş Karaboğa, Keri̇m Güney

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

A new simple formula for the radiation efficiency of a resonant rectangular microstrip patch antenna is presented. The formula is obtained by using a tabu search algorithm, which is a quite new optimization technique based on the principles of intelligent problem solving. The formula is valid for substrates with relative permittivities between 1 and 12.8 and for the complete range of thicknesses normally used. The results obtained by using this new simple formula are in conformity with those reported elsewhere. The formula can also be used in the calculation of the radiation efficiency of dipoles.

Effects Of Parasitic Elements On Oscillation Frequency Of Ota-C Sinusoidal Oscillators, Ari̇f Nacaroğlu, Ergun Erçelebi̇

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

An oscillator circuit which incorporates Operational Transconductance Amplifiers is presented. The circuit is designed using three OTAs and two grounded capacitors. The frequency of oscillation is tunable over a wide frequency range. The effects of the parasitic elements on the oscillation frequency and the oscillation condition are studied. The theoretical results are compared with the experimental results for a practical oscillator circuit.

Implementation And Performance Study Of Image Data Hiding/Watermarking Schemes, Arkadiusz Edward Komenda

Theses

Two data hiding / watermarking techniques for grayscale and color images are presented. One of them is DCT based, another uses DFT to embed data. Both methods were implemented in software utilizing C/C++. The complete listings of these programs are included. A comprehensive reliability analysis was performed on both schemes, subjecting watermarked images to JPEG, SPIRT and MPEG-2 compressions. In addition, the pictures were examined by exposing them to common signal processing operations such as image resizing, rotation, histogram equalization and stretching, random, uniform and Gaussian noise addition, brightness and contrast variations, gamma correction, image sharpening and softening, edge enhancement, …

Analysis Of A Novel Four-Level Dc/Dc Boost Converter, Keith Corzine, Sonal K. Majeethia

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, novel two-quadrant buck/boost and one-quadrant boost four-level DC/DC converters are introduced. The primary application for these converters is that of interfacing a low voltage DC source, such as a fuel cell or battery, to a high-voltage four-level inverter. One important feature of the four-level DC/DC converters proposed herein is the ability to perform the power conversion and balance the inverter capacitor voltages simultaneously. With the capacitor voltage balancing, it is possible to obtain the full voltage from the inverter. For the boost converter, the steady-state and nonlinear average-value (NLAM) models are developed. The NLAM is verified against …

Double-Talk Robust Fast Converging Algorithms For Network Echo Cancellation, T. Gansler, Steven L. Grant, J. Benesty, M. M. Sondhi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Echo cancelers which cover longer impulse responses (greater than or equal to 64 ms) are desirable. Long responses create a need for more rapidly converging algorithms in order to meet the specifications for network echo cancelers devised by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). In general, faster convergence implies a higher sensitivity to near-end disturbances, especially "double-talk". Recently, a fast converging algorithm called proportionate NLMS (normalized least mean squares) algorithm (PNLMS) has been proposed. This algorithm exploits the sparseness of the echo path. In this paper we propose a method for making the PNLMS algorithm more robust against double-talk. The slower …

Implementation Of An Adaptive Neural Network Identifier For Effective Control Of Turbogenerators, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper describes an on-line identification technique for modelling a turbogenerator system. The dynamics of a single turbogenerator infinite bus system are modelled using an adaptive artificial neural network identifier (AANNI) based on continual online training (COT). This paper goes further to show that multilayered perceptrons with deviation signals as inputs and outputs trained using the standard backpropagation algorithm retain past learned information despite COT. Simulation and practical results are presented.

A Cloud-Removal Algorithm For Ssm/I Data, David G. Long, Douglas L. Daum, Quinn P. Remund

Faculty Publications

Microwave radiometers, while traditionally utilized in atmospheric and oceanic studies, can also be used in land surface applications. However, the problem of undesirable atmospheric effects caused by clouds and precipitation must be addressed. In this paper, temporal composite surface brightness images are generated from special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) data with the aid of new algorithms to eliminate small-scale distortion caused by clouds or precipitation. Mean, second-highest value, modified maximum average (MMA), and hybrid compositing algorithms are compared. The effectiveness of each algorithm is illustrated through simulation and real data distribution analysis. The results show that the second-highest value algorithm is …