Engineering Commons^™

Artificial Dielectrics : Characteristics At Low And Microwave Frequencies, Nitish Agrawal

Theses

Artificial Dielectrics have been characterized using transmission line and s- parameter measurements. The complex dielectric constant and loss of graphite filled and non-poled piezoelectric-aggregate (Polyvinylidene Fluoride, PVDF) filled plastic (PMMA) has been characterized at low (1kHz-10kHz range, i.e., the VLF, very low frequency, range) and microwave frequencies. The average diameter diameter of graphite particles used was thirty microns. Measurements were performed on very fine graphite (one micron diameter grains) and 30 micron sized grains for comparison purposes. Fine grain graphite particles exhibited a, larger real dielectric constant, probably owing to a larger dipole effect. The dielectric constant characterization has also …

An Adaptive Correlator Receiver For Combined Suppression Of Co-Channel Interference And Narrow-Band Jammers In A Slowly Fading Channel, Raymond Carbone

Theses

This work deals with the adaptive correlation of a direct sequence spread spectrum signal in the presence of narrow-band, multipath and multiple user interference. The Least Mean Square and Recursive Least Square algorithms are employed for the adaptive convergence of the correlator receiver to minimize the mean squared error.

The performance of the adaptive correlator is compared with the matched filter correlator receiver and the conventional prediction filter for the suppression of narrow-band interference by calculating the bit error probability rate. The adaptive correlator is also compared with the RAKE receiver for multipath suppression and compared to the decorelating detector …

Control Of Smart Structure Using Adaptive Dither, Tian Hong

Theses

In this thesis, a mathematical model of a piezoelectric stack actuator is presented to describe its voltage versus displacement hysteresis characteristices. This model can accommodate a wide range of piezoelectric materials, including the PZT (lead zirconate-lead titanate) type which is most popular in industrial applications.

Besides describing the conventional "single-loop" hysteresis, this model also accounts for the off-axis minor loops by augmenting the algorithm with loop indexing.

It is shown that the PZT hysteresis possesses certain "weak scalability" that enables the use of spectral analysis to measure the level of nonlinearity.

After a suitable mathematical model has been obtained, a …

Cad Study Of Linear Tapered Slot Antenna, Anthony W. Kwan

Theses

Linear Tapered Slot Antenna (LTSA) is an attractive candidate as a radiating element in frequency scanning arrays. LTSA element backed by a rectangular cavity had been investigated and is proven to posses various physical design parameters suitable to optimize its performance. This study is focused on the feed position variation to optimize the performance while maximum of the current density variation is maintained in the slot region. It was observed that if the stub base of the microstrip feed structure is located in the middle of the slot region, current maximum can be obtained within the slot region at the …

Influences Of Cardiac And Respiratory Parameters On Heart Rate Variability, Melissa Leifer

Theses

Heart rate variability is a result of variation in the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Methods have been developed to determine the level of parasympathetic activity by observing the heart rate variability spectrum. Most of the previously published research uses only level of parasympathetic activity and respiratory rate to draw conclusions about the interactions of the autonomic nervous system with physiological parameters. In order to gain a complete understanding of the autonomic nervous system and the mechanisms responsible for heart rate variability, respiratory volume, cardiac variables and pulmonary variables need to be considered. In addition, amount of …

Data Broadcasting And Reduction, Prefix Computation, And Sorting On Reduced Hypercube (Rh) Parallel Computers, Arup Mukherjee

Theses

The binary hypercube parallel computer has been very popular due to its rich interconnection structure and small average internode distance which allow the efficient embedding of frequently used topologies. Communication patterns of many parallel algorithms also match the hypercube topology. The hypercube has high VLSI complexity. however. due to the logarithmic increase in the number of connections to each node with the increase in the number of dimensions of the hypercube. The reduced hypercube (RH) interconnection network. which is obtained by a uniform reduction in the number of links for each hypercube node. yields lower-complexity interconnection networks when compared to …

Decentralized Optimal Control In Descriptor Systems, Hag-Yeon Park

Theses

Application of Matrix Minimum Principle to a linear decentralized optimal control in descriptor systems is studied in this thesis. Linear-quadratic index of performance with Gaussian initial state is considered. The necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality are derived

An additional constraint is imposed such that the controllers are linear function of output y(t) rather than of the state vector x(t). The optimal gain matrix G_i^* is then specified by the necessary conditions.

Two examples are developed to illustrate the concept.

An Analysis Of Approaches To Efficient Hardware Realization Of Image Compression Algorithms, Kamran Iravani

Dissertations and Theses

In this thesis an attempt has been made to develop a fast algorithm to compress images. The Reed-Muller compression algorithm which was introduced by Reddy & Pai [3] is fast, but the compression factor is too low when compared to the other methods. In this thesis first research has been done to improve this method by generalizing the Reed-Muller transform to the fixed polarity Reed-Muller form. This thesis shows that the Fixed Polarity Reed-Muller transform does not improve the compression factor enough to warrant its use as an image compression method. The paper, by Reddy & Pai [3], on Reed-Muller …

High Level Preprocessor Of A Vhdl-Based Design System, Karthikeyan Palanisamy

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis presents the work done on a design automation system in which high-level synthesis is integrated with logic synthesis. DIADES, a design automation system developed at PSU, starts the synthesis process from a language called ADL. The major part of this thesis deals with transforming the ADL -based DIADES system into a VHDL -based DIADES system. In this thesis I have upgraded and modified the existing DIADES system so that it becomes a preprocessor to a comprehensive VHDL -based design system from Mentor Graphics.

The high-level synthesis in the DIADES system includes two stages: data path synthesis and control …

Minimization Of Generalized Reed-Muller Expansion And Its Sub-Class, Xiaoqiang Zeng

Dissertations and Theses

Several classes of AND-EXOR circuit expressions have been defined and their relationship have been shown. A new class of AND-EXOR circuit, the Partially Mixed Polarity Reed-Muller Expression(PMPRM), which is a subclass of the Generalized Reed-Muller expression, is created, along with an efficient minimization algorithm. This new AND/EXOR circuit form has the following features: • Since this sub-family of ESOP (with a total of n2n-I22n-i - (n-1)2n forms which includes the 2n Fixed-Polarity Reed-Muller forms) is much larger than the Kronecker Reed-Muller(KRM) expansion(with 3n forms), generally the minimal form of this expansion will be much closer to the minimal ESOP than …

Reflection And Refraction Of Light From Nonlinear Boundaries, Mohammad Azadeh

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis deals with the topic of reflection and refraction of light from the boundary of nonlinear materials in general, and saturating amplifiers in particular. We first study some of the basic properties of the light waves in nonlinear materials. We then develop a general formalism to model the reflection and refraction of light with an arbitrary angle of incidence from the boundary of a nonlinear medium. This general formalism is then applied to the case of reflection and refraction from the boundary of linear dielectrics. It will be shown that in this limit, it reduces to the well known …

Low Cost Schottky Barrier Solar Cells Fabricated On Cdse And Sb2S3 Films Chemically Deposited With Silicotungstic Acid, O. Savadogo, K. C. Mandal

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Current Voltage Characteristics Of Electron Beam Controlled Thin Film Diamond Switches, Christopher Anthony Molina

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The dark current of natural diamond thin films and the induced current due to electron-beam irradiation was measured up to a range of 7000Ncm'. The contact material was aluminum, annealed and unannealed. Switching experiments were performed with electron energies ranging from 70keV to 172keV. The switching results obtained are strongly dependent on the biasing polarity, incident electron energy, and whether the contact is blocking or Ohmic in nature. A simple model which takes traps into consideration allows us to explain the various switching responses. The range of electrons which define, in part, the switch mode was measured for one sample …

Generalized Reverse Theorems For Multipass Applications In Matrix Optics, Lee W. Casperson, Anthony A. Tovar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The reverse theorem that governs backward propagation through optical systems represented by transfer matrices is examined for various matrix theories. We extend several reverse theorems to allow for optical systems represented by matrices that may or may not be unimodular and that may be 2 × 2 or take on an augmented 3 × 3 form. As an example, we use the 3 × 3 form of the reverse theorem to study a laser with intracavity misaligned optics. It is shown that, by tilting one of the laser's mirrors, we can align the laser output arbitrarily, and the mirror tilt …

A Novel Microwave Method For Detection Of Long Surface Cracks In Metals, Chin-Yung Yeh, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel microwave technique for detecting long surface cracks in metals is described. This technique utilizes an open-ended waveguide to probe the surface of a metal. In the absence of a crack the metal surface is seen as a relatively good short-circuit load. However, in the presence of a crack higher order modes are generated which in turn change the reflection properties at the waveguide aperture. This change brings about a perturbation in the standing wave characteristics which is then probed by a diode detector. The experimental and theoretical foundations of this technique are given, along with several examples. It …

Biofeedback Gait Training Auditory Vs. Visual Techniques, Timothy D. Hiemenz

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Training lower extremity amputees to walk normally is quite a difficult task. Amputees must wear a prosthesis so they can walk at all. This allows them some mobility, but their walking pattern may be unnatural. If their gait is temporally asymmetric, they need to exert more energy to move about. This research was initiated to help lower extremity amputees to walk more efficiently using biofeedback gait training. Two types of feedback were developed and tested to determine which method gave the most understandable feedback, validating its use in a clinical setting.

A normal gait cycle uses the lower limbs to …

Complex Index-Of-Refraction Measurements For Rp-1 Liquid Rocket Fuel, Dennis R. Alexander, Ramu Kaiwala, Robert D. Kubik, Scott A. Schaub

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Complex index-of-refraction values of RP-1 liquid rocket fuel are reported at laser wavelengths of 0.193 m (ArF excimer), 0.4765 m (argon ion), 0.488 im (argon ion), 0.5145 ji.m (argon ion), 0.532 m (Nd-YAG, frequency doubled), 0.6328 pm (He-Ne), 1 .064 im (Nd-YAG), and 10.5915 im (C02). The imaginary part of the index of refraction (k) is determined by traditional transmission methods. The real part (flr) at the specific laser lines is determined using reflectance measurements, critical-angle measurements, Mueller matrix elements, and Michelson interferometric measurements. Reflectance measurements are used to obtam n at a wavelength of 0.193 m. The critical-angle method …

Circuit Modeling Of Switched Linear Networks, Fardin Ansari

Dissertations and Theses

The use of switched linear networks is prevalent in power processing systems such as dc-to-dc power converters. These converters provide regulated dc output power and are widely used in the power supplies for computers and peripherals. As with most systems where high performance is a criterion, the power converter is usually enclosed in a feedback loop. Feedback design usually entails the use of small signal (linear) models with linear feedback design techniques. There exists a large number of small signal models, but most of them are ad hoc. A describing function approach has previously been presented which determines the exact …

The Impact Of Electronic Ballast Compact Fluorescent Lighting On Power Distribution Systems, Reid Iwao Sasaki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

Due to the high costs of expanding generation and transmission capacities, utilities have been initiating programs to reduce peak power demand by the customer. A number of these programs, which are commonly referred to as demand side management programs, have turned to the promotion of electronic ballast compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) as an alternative to traditional incandescent lamps. These lamps provide a higher luminance and increased life as compared to their incandescent counterparts. Unfortunately, electronic ballast CFLs consume large amounts of harmonic current which may prove detrimental to the power distribution system. This thesis presents an introduction to the electronic …

Polarized Light Reflectometer, R. M.A. Azzam

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The modulated reflected and nonreflected light fluxes, measured as the azimuth of incident linearly polarized light is varied, yield the absolute reflectances R_p, and R_s, of a dielectric or semiconductor surface. Application to a reflective Si detector determines the refractive index and thickness of a SiO₂ film on the detector surface.

An Appraisal Of Electricity Supply In Nigeria And The Privatisation Option, E. I. K. Sule, C. M. Anyanwu

CBN Occasional Papers

Incessant electric power cuts in most parts of the country has become a normal feature of electricity supply throughout Nigeria. The power outages cause much inconvenience and economic losses to all and sundry. This study has shown that the most critical factor behind the incessant power failure is the problem of inadequate funding of the industry at a time it was forced to accommodate rapid expansion. Other factors include lack of autonomy, inefficiency, poor organization as well as lack of skilled manpower. The paper has examined these problems on the basis of which suggestions are made on how the worrisome …

Diffraction Grating Photopolarimeters And Spectrophotopolarimeters, Rasheed M.A. Azzam

University of New Orleans Patents

A division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter based on conical grating diffraction includes a diffraction grating and at least four photodetectors. An incident light beam is directed at the grating at an oblique incidence angle

Modeling Power Bus Decoupling On Multilayer Printed Circuit Boards, James L. Drewniak, Todd H. Hubing, Thomas Van Doren, P. Baudendistal

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Power bus decoupling designs on multilayer printed circuit boards must adequately account for the power bus interplane capacitance and its consequences for the design. Lumped element models for a power bus on a multilayer printed circuit board where an appreciable or entire portion of a layer is devoted to power and ground have been developed. The models are applicable below the distributed resonances of the board. Analytical, circuit simulation, and experimental studies have been conducted to test the models, investigate the effects of the distributed interplane capacitance of the power bus, and the effect of interconnect inductance associated with surface-mount …

Identifying And Quantifying Printed Circuit Board Inductance, Todd H. Hubing, Thomas Van Doren, James L. Drewniak

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The concepts of inductance and partial inductance play a key role in printed circuit board (PCB) modeling. The inductance of the signal path is an important parameter in high-speed signal integrity calculations. Delta_I noise modeling, crosstalk calculations, and common-mode source identification all rely heavily on accurate estimations of the partial inductance associated with traces, vias, and signal return paths on printed circuit boards. The paper begins by identifying and quantifying the parameters that affect the inductance of typical PCB geometries. Closed-form equations are provided for estimating the partial inductances of simple trace, via, and ground plane configurations. Finally, the issue …

Common Mode Currents Induced On Wires Attached To Multilayer Printed Wire Boards With Segmented Ground Planes, R. Lee Hill, Thomas Van Doren, Todd H. Hubing, James L. Drewniak, Franz Gisn

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An investigation has been undertaken to further study the fundamental mechanisms responsible for inducing high frequency common mode currents on wires attached to multilayer printed wire boards (PWBs). Previous work reported in the EMC literature has demonstrated that the presence of unintended common mode currents on the external cables of electronic equipment is often the primary source of radiated EMI at frequencies above 30 MHz. In an attempt to reduce the magnitude of these currents to yield `quieter' electronic products, many EMC engineers have implemented segmented or `gapped' ground plane geometries in mulilayer PWB designs. The objective of this study …

The Multirate Method For Simulation Of Power System Dynamics, J. G. Chen, Mariesa Crow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, the multirate method is introduced to analyse power system behavior for systems with widely varying time constants. Estimates for computational speed-up are derived based on a linear system approach. The method is applied to a small power system example and the results, both in terms of accuracy and computation time, are compared to traditional simulation methods

Investigation Of Fundamental Mechanisms Of Common-Mode Radiation From Printed Circuit Boards With Attached Cables, James L. Drewniak, Todd H. Hubing, Thomas Van Doren

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Fundamental mechanisms leading to common-mode radiation from printed circuit boards with attached cables have been studied. Two primary mechanisms have been identified, one associated with a differential-mode voltage that results in a common-mode current on an attached cable, and another associated with a differential-mode current that results in a common-mode current on the cable. The two mechanisms are demonstrated through numerical and experimental results.

Performance Analysis Of Antennas For Hand-Held Transceivers Using Fdtd, Michael A. Jensen, Yahya Rahmat-Samii

Faculty Publications

The design of antennas for hand-held communications devices depends on the implementation of simulation tools that can accurately model general topologies. The paper presents the analysis of small antennas mounted on hand-held transceivers using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The key features of the FDTD implementation are discussed, with particular emphasis placed upon modeling of the source region. The technique is used to predict the gain patterns and broadband input impedance behavior of monopole, planar inverted F, and loop antenna elements mounted on the handset. Effects of the conducting handset chassis, the plastic casing around the device, and lumped elements …

Schottky Effect At A Metal-Polymer Interface, G. Rikken, David Braun, E. Staring, R. Demandt

Electrical Engineering

We report the observation of the Schottky effect at the interface between a metal and a semiconducting polymer by means of internal photoemission spectroscopy. The bias dependence of the barrier provides information on the electrical properties of the polymer.

State-Of-The-Art: In Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes Neome Polymer Led Mini Symposium (15–17 September 1993, Eindhoven, The Netherlands), David Braun, Adam Brown, Emiel Staring, E. W. Meijer

Electrical Engineering

A symposium focused on recent progress in the field of polymer light-emitting diodes was held in Eindhoven during the period 15–17 September 1993. The following is a brief summary of highlights of the symposium. There will be no published proceedings.