Engineering Commons^™

Assuring Netlist-To-Bitstream Equivalence Using Physical Netlist Generation And Structural Comparison, Reilly Mckendrick, Jeffrey Goeders, Keenan Faulkner

Faculty Publications

Hardware netlists are generally converted into a bitstream and loaded onto an FPGA board through vendor-provided tools. Due to the proprietary nature of these tools, it is up to the designer to trust the validity of the design’s conversion to bitstream. However, motivated attackers may alter the CAD tools’ integrity or manipulate the stored bitstream with the intent to disrupt the functionality of the design. This paper proposes a new method to prove functional equivalence between a synthesized netlist, and the produced FPGA bitstream. The novel approach is comprised of two phases: first, we show how we can utilize implementation …

Finding Ideal Parameters For Recycled Material Fused Particle Fabrication-Based 3d Printing Using An Open Source Software Implementation Of Particle Swarm Optimization, Shane Oberloier, Nicholas G. Whisman, Joshua M. Pearce

Michigan Tech Publications

As additive manufacturing rapidly expands the number of materials including waste plastics and composites, there is an urgent need to reduce the experimental time needed to identify optimized printing parameters for novel materials. Computational intelligence (CI) in general and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms in particular have been shown to accelerate finding optimal printing parameters. Unfortunately, the implementation of CI has been prohibitively complex for noncomputer scientists. To overcome these limitations, this article develops, tests, and validates PSO Experimenter, an easy-to-use open-source platform based around the PSO algorithm and applies it to optimizing recycled materials. Specifically, PSO Experimenter is used …

Synaptic Plasticity Emulation By Natural Biomaterial Honey-Cnt-Based Memristors, Zoe Templin, Md Mehedi Hasan Tanim, Feng Zhao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Artificial synaptic devices made from natural biomaterials capable of emulating functions of biological synapses, such as synaptic plasticity and memory functions, are desirable for the construction of brain-inspired neuromorphic computing systems. The metal/dielectric/metal device structure is analogous to the pre-synapse/synaptic cleft/post-synapse structure of the biological neuron, while using natural biomaterials promotes ecologically friendly, sustainable, renewable, and low-cost electronic devices. In this work, artificial synaptic devices made from honey mixed with carbon nanotubes, honey-carbon nanotube (CNT) memristors, were investigated. The devices emulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity, with synaptic weight as high as 500%, and demonstrated a paired-pulse facilitation gain of 800%, which is …

The Need For Energy Storage On Renewable Energy Generator Outputs To Lessen The Geeth Effect, I.E. Short-Term Variations Mainly Associated With Wind Turbine Active Power Output, Tony Kealy

Articles

Many studies investigating the short-term variations associated with the power output from wind turbine generators utilise simulated or modelled data in the analysis. This current study uses short-term empirical data downloaded directly from operational wind turbines via electrical power quality meters. The empirical data shows that the short-term variations (one-second or sub-one-second timeframe) occur continuously over most of the power output range. A novel name is proposed, the Geeth Effect, for this variability phenomenon. The Geeth Effect is measured using the coefficient of variation mathematical expression and is likely contributing to (i) lower-than-expected financial and environmental benefits associated with …

Safety-Aware Autonomous Robot Navigation, Mapping And Control By Optimization Techniques, Tingjun Lei

Theses and Dissertations

The realm of autonomous robotics has seen impressive advancements in recent years, with robots taking on essential roles in various sectors, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and healthcare. As these highly intelligent machines continue to integrate into our daily lives, the pressing imperative is to elevate and refine their performance, enabling them to adeptly manage complex tasks with remarkable efficiency, adaptability, and keen decision-making abilities, all while prioritizing safety-aware navigation, mapping, and control systems. Ensuring the safety-awareness of these robotic systems is of paramount importance in their development and deployment. In this research, bio-inspired neural networks, nature-inspired intelligence, deep …

Adaptive Traction, Power And Torque Control Strategies And Optimization In An All-Electric Powertrain, Aymane Hidara

Theses and Dissertations

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles lean heavily on intricate control algorithms to provide smooth, reliable, and secure operations under any driving conditions. Three distinct supervisory control strategies have been developed, each aiming to improve reliability and vehicle performance of a dual-motor electric vehicle equipped with an all-wheel-drive, fully electric powertrain. These algorithms are adept at dynamically modulating and constraining the torque provided to the wheels, leveraging two autonomous permanent magnet electric drive units. This study utilizes a vehicle model jointly provided by MathWorks and General Motors in partnership with industry sponsors. The these strategies were implemented in the model and enhanced …

Neural Networks For Improved Signal Source Enumeration And Localization With Unsteered Antenna Arrays, John T. Rogers Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Direction of Arrival estimation using unsteered antenna arrays, unlike mechanically scanned or phased arrays, requires complex algorithms which perform poorly with small aperture arrays or without a large number of observations, or snapshots. In general, these algorithms compute a sample covriance matrix to obtain the direction of arrival and some require a prior estimate of the number of signal sources. Herein, artificial neural network architectures are proposed which demonstrate improved estimation of the number of signal sources, the true signal covariance matrix, and the direction of arrival. The proposed number of source estimation network demonstrates robust performance in the case …

Improved Methodology For Conducted Emi Assessment Of Power Electronics And Line Impedance Measurement, Mark Anthony Didat

Theses and Dissertations

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), primarily common mode (CM), is problematic in a wide range of electronic circuits due to its propensity to radiate, particularly in high power applications. It is routine for much effort and resources to be dedicated to its characterization and reduction as EMI compliance is a requirement for most electronic systems and devices, including power electronics. Many well-known factors contribute to a system’s EMI performance including intentional coupling from system components as well as unintentional coupling from parasitics. Sources of intentional coupling may include Y-capacitors intended to mitigate EMI as part of a filter. Unintentional coupling is more …

Network Layer Reliability And Security In Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks, Jing Yang

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become pivotal in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart healthcare applications. However, the challenges of energy consumption and security, particularly concerning the reliance on large battery-operated nodes, pose significant hurdles for these networks. Energy-harvesting wireless sensor networks (EH-WSNs) emerged as a solution, enabling nodes to replenish energy from the environment remotely. Yet, the transition to EH-WSNs brought forth new obstacles in ensuring reliable and secure data transmission.

In our initial study, we tackled the intermittent connectivity issue prevalent in EH-WSNs due to the dynamic behavior of energy harvesting nodes. Rapid shifts between ON and OFF …

Traffic Light Detection And V2i Communications Of An Autonomous Vehicle With The Traffic Light For An Effective Intersection Navigation Using Mavs Simulation, Mahfuzur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

Intersection Navigation plays a significant role in autonomous vehicle operation. This paper focuses on enhancing autonomous vehicle intersection navigation through advanced computer vision and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication systems. The research unfolds in two phases. In the first phase, an approach utilizing YOLOv8s is proposed for precise traffic light detection and recognition, trained on the Small-Scale Traffic Light Dataset (S2TLD). The second phase establishes seamless connectivity between autonomous vehicles and traffic lights in a simulated Mississippi State University Autonomous Vehicle Simulation (MAVS) environment resembling a small city with multiple intersections. This V2I system enables the transmission of Signal Phase and Timing …

Energy Harvesting Sensors And Their Role In Fostering Sustainable Air Quality Monitoring, Tomas Valentin, Li Geng

Publications and Research

This research presents a comprehensive investigation into Energy Harvesting Sensors and their role in fostering sustainable air quality monitoring. The primary objective is to explore the viability of energy harvesting technologies in energizing sensor networks devoted to the real-time collection of air quality data, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impact and maintenance demands. The study delves into the integration of energy harvesting mechanisms, including solar and piezoelectric kinetic energy, to power advanced sensor nodes capable of detecting pollutants, particulate matter, and gas concentrations. The findings of this research highlight the significant benefits of energy harvesting sensors, including enhanced sustainability, long-term …

Maximising Captured Power And Battery Management For Heaving Wave Energy, Omsalama Mubarak Mohamed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sea waves are considered the most potent energy carriers among all sources of renewable energy. This research work is concerned with developing technologies to enhance performance and improve power capturing and conversion capabilities of a single heaving wave energy converter (WEC) actuated by a PMLG (Permanent Magnet Linear Generator). The objective of this dissertation is achieved by three techniques. The first one considers maximizing conversion between the mechanical and electrical powers. It is implemented by designing intrinsic resistance using a rapid procedure involving the mechanical and electrical models of the converter and considering its operating constraints. A robust PID (proportional …

Modular Open-Source Design Of Pyrolysis Reactor Monitoring And Control Electronics, Finn K. Hafting, Daniel G. Kulas, Etienne Michels, Sarvada Chipkar, Stefan Wisniewski, David Shonnard, Joshua M. Pearce

Michigan Tech Publications

Industrial pilot projects often rely on proprietary and expensive electronic hardware to control and monitor experiments. This raises costs and retards innovation. Open-source hardware tools exist for implementing these processes individually; however, they are not easily integrated with other designs. The Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD) is a framework that provides many open-source devices which can be connected to create more complex data acquisition and control systems. This article explores the feasibility of using BREAD plug-and-play open hardware to quickly design and test monitoring and control electronics for an industrial materials processing prototype pyrolysis reactor. Generally, pilot-scale pyrolysis …

Microwave-Photonic Vernier Effect Enabled High-Sensitivity Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors For Point-Wise And Quasi-Distributed Sensing, Chen Zhu, Osamah Alsalman, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper reports a sensitivity-improved fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system based on microwave-photonic interferometry and the Vernier effect. an incoherent microwave photonics system based on a broadband light source is employed to interrogate the FBG sensor using the wavelength-to-delay mapping technique combined with interferometry. Specifically, the sensing FBG together with a reference FBG is used to construct a microwave photonics Michelson interferometer (MI). Changes in the Bragg wavelength of the sensing FBG subject to external perturbations are encoded into the spectral shifts of the microwave interferogram of the MI. a virtual interferometer is then generated from the sensing MI …

Vertical Free-Swinging Photovoltaic Racking Energy Modeling: A Novel Approach To Agrivoltaics, Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

To enable lower-cost building materials, a free-swinging bifacial vertical solar photovoltaic (PV) rack has been proposed, which complies with Canadian building codes and is the lowest capital-cost agrivoltaics rack. The wind force applied to the free-swinging PV, however, causes it to have varying tilt angles depending on the wind speed and direction. No energy performance model accurately describes such a system. To provide a simulation model for the free-swinging PV, where wind speed and direction govern the array tilt angle, this study builds upon the open-source System Advisor Model (SAM) using Python. After the SAM python model is validated, a …

Recycled Polycarbonate And Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Feedstocks For Circular Economy Product Applications With Fused Granular Fabrication-Based Additive Manufacturing, Alessia Romani, Marinella Levi, Joshua M. Pearce

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM) holds enormous promise for enabling a circular economy. Most DRAM studies have focused on single thermoplastic waste stream. This study takes three paths forward from the previous literature: 1) expanding DRAM into high-performance polycarbonate/ acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blends, 2) extending PC/ABS blend research into both recycled materials and into direct fused granular fabrication (FGF) 3-D printing and 3) demonstrating the potential of using recycled PC/ABS feedstocks for new applications in circular economy contexts. A commercial open source large-format FGF 3-D printer was modified and used to assess the different printability and accuracy of …

Learning And Control For Complex Multiagent Systems, Vrushabh S. Donge

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Complex multiagent systems (MASs) are pervasive in various fields, from power system networks, and autonomous robotics to traffic management, where groups of agents interact to achieve collective objectives. Effective coordination and control of such systems pose significant challenges due to their inherent complexity and the need for adaptive, efficient strategies. This dissertation explores combining data-driven approaches, reinforcement learning (RL), and control theory to address these challenges. We present novel methodologies for learning and controlling complex MASs, emphasizing the development of adaptive algorithms that can autonomously adapt to dynamic environments, collaborate with other agents, and optimize system-wide performance. Our findings offer …

Simulation Modelling Of Silicon Gated Field Emitter Based Electronic Circuits, Robert Hay, Ranajoy Bhattacharya, Winston Chern, Girish Rughoobur, Akintunde I. Akinwande, Jim Browning

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vacuum transistors (VTs) are promising candidates in electronics due to their fast response and ability to function in harsh environments. In this study, several oscillator and logic gate circuit simulations using VTs are demonstrated. Silicon-gated field emitter arrays (Si-GFEAs) with 1000 × 1000 arrays were used experimentally to create a VT model. First, transfer and output characteristics sweeps were measured, and based on those data, an LTspice vacuum transistor (VT) model was developed. Then, the model was used to develop Wein and Ring oscillator circuits. The circuits were analytically simulated using LTspice, where the collector bias voltage was 200 V …

Applications Of The Guided-Mode Resonance Sensor In Multiparametric, Transmissive, And Picomolar Regimes, Joseph Anthony Buchanan-Vega

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensors are developed and implemented for multiparametric label-free sensing, transmission sensing, enhanced reflection sensing, and low analyte concentration sensing; these are the topics presented in this work. The complete biosensor – capable of label-free multiparametric data collection – is designed, fabricated, and implemented. Multiparametric data collection has previously been relegated to one variable on the sensor surface and one bulk media variable. We use a lookup table and the novel application of an inversion algorithm to simultaneously determine two variables on the sensor surface and one bulk media variable. Multiparametric data sets are required to monitor multiple …

Investigating Mems Devices In Flow Conditions Relevant To Flow-Through Systems., Mohammad Shafquatul Islam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in microscale actuating technologies has substantially expanded the possibilities of interacting with the surrounding environment. Microstructures that deflect in response to mechanical forces are one of the largest application areas of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). MEMS devices, functioning as sensors, actuators, and support structures, find applications in inertial sensors, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, and robotics, among others. Driven by the critical role of catalytic membrane reactors, this dissertation aims to evaluate enzyme activity on polymeric membranes and explore how fabrication methods from the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) can incorporate sensing and actuation into these porous surfaces. Toward …

Adaptive Personalized Drug Delivery Method For Warfarin And Anemia Management: Modeling And Control., Affan Affan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Personalized precision medicine aims to develop the appropriate treatments for suitable patients at the right time to obtain optimal results. Personalized medicine is challenging due to inter- and intra-patient variability, narrow therapeutic window, the effect of other medications, comorbidity (more than one disease at a time), nonlinear patient dynamics, and time-varying patient dose response characteristics which include bleeding (internal and external). This research aims to develop a framework for an adaptive personalized modeling and control method with minimum clinical patient specific dose response data for optimal drug dosing. The proposed methodology is applied to anemia and warfarin management. It is …

Design, Fabrication, And Integration Of Robotic Skin Sensors For Human Robot Interaction., Olalekan Olakitan Olowo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Enhancing physical human-robot interaction in modern robotics relies on refining the tactile perception of robot skin sensors. This research focuses on crucial aspects of the development process, including fabrication techniques, miniaturization, and integration for a more efficient collaborative human-robot interface. The fabrication process of robot skin sensors, designed to mimic human skin, is explored both within and outside cleanroom environments. An enhanced technique is presented to increase fabrication yield and create more miniaturized sensor designs with feature sizes in the tens of microns. These sensors function as piezoresistive arrays using organic polymers like PEDOT: PSS as the pressure-sensing medium. Various …

Hybrid Wall Outlet For Ac Or Dc Power Delivery, Garrett Knoller, Kerr Allan, Greg Perini

Electrical Engineering

The goal of this project is to develop hybrid DC and AC wall outlets for an efficient, flexible power interface. A DC plug standard is also proposed to allow DC devices to be safely powered by the outlet with the correct DC voltage for each device. The primary objective is to create a power outlet compatible with the proposed DC plug as well as NEMA 5-15 AC plugs, enabling the same outlet to power both types of load as needed. The outlet is intended for buildings and systems transitioning to an isolated DC grid to encourage DC development and adoption. …

Dc To Ac Inverter For A Microgrid-Inspired Power Distribution Architecture For Electric Vehicles, Bryan A. Carrillo Martinez, Eli Blacklock, Paul A. Samson, William S. Holt-Hillis

Electrical Engineering

This project builds upon the prototyping of a microgrid-inspired power distribution architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). The efficacy of this prototype aims to inform a full-scale power distribution system that charges an EV battery, supports the electric grid with important ancillary services, performs peer-to-peer EV charging, and works in conjunction with other AC and DC sources and loads. The scope of this report focuses specifically on the design, construction, and testing of the DC/AC inverter. Future development of this distribution architecture will incorporate synchronous generators, a battery management system, and an Arduino/Raspberry Pi-based communication system to fully simulate an electric …

Digital Filter Implementation On A Dsp Development Board, Tien Le, Helen Zhang

Electrical Engineering

This project to implement digital filters on a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) development board intends to demonstrate viability for future use in teaching digital signal processing lab courses. The digital filter types covered, including Finite Impulse Response (FIR) and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters of various basic frequency responses, will mirror current DSP lab projects to fulfill course learning objectives for filter design and characterization. Design features will include speed optimization to enable real-time digital signal processing. This project will investigate the use of Code Composer Studio to compile C and assembly code to the DSP. Alternatives for currently available …

4-Band Personal Eq Device, Carson Kellerman

Electrical Engineering

The device is a 4-band EQ with 3.5mm audio input and output jacks. The device has 4 adjustable EQ bands. Each of the 4 bands are adjustable via knob potentiometers, and are able to boost or cut their respective center frequencies of 150Hz, 400Hz, 2500Hz, and 10kHz from -15dB to +15dB. The device is battery powered off of 1 9V battery and is able to function for 10 hours before needing to replace the batteries. The device has a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 1% and a Signal to Noise Ratio greater than 60dB. Overall, this device allows music …

Design Of An Angle Measurement Device Using Ultrasonic Pairs, Shadi Khanpour Doustkar

Electrical Engineering

In this paper, a new concept for ultrasonic indoor positioning built upon instantaneous frequency of ultrasonic signals is presented. Ultrasonic sensors are inexpensive and manageable sensors; they are currently not used to good advantage with their potential for the electronics industry. The current ultrasonic sensors in the market only present a distance value to the nearest object for the user and due to this kind of feedback, it’s not attainable to find the relative position of the object from the sensor in a detection area; examples vary from workpieces and robots to even people. By using an algorithm and multiple …

Resilient, Sustainable, And Secure Systems Support For Ultra-Low-Power Computational Things, Nicole Tobias

All Dissertations

Wireless battery-free and energy-harvesting devices are expanding the reach and vision of the Internet of Things, where trillions of embedded computational things interconnect ubiquitously around us and inform many different aspects of our everyday lives. Designing these systems without batteries and interconnecting wires lowers maintenance, environmental, and economic costs while also extending device lifetime and deployment opportunities. Over the last decade, research on these ultra-low-power embedded sensors and systems has dramatically increased — enabling new and exciting prospects in many different scientific fields, from smart building and health monitoring applications to animal and activity tracking.

These systems are not without …

Graphene-Based Chemiresistor Sensors For Drinking Water Quality Monitoring, Mason Mcgarrity, Feng Zhao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Monitoring the quality of drinking water is a crucial responsibility for all water infrastructure networks, as it guarantees access to clean water for the communities they serve. With water infrastructure deteriorating due to age and neglect, drinking water violations are on the rise in the US, underscoring the need for improved monitoring capabilities. Among the different sensor technologies, graphene-based Chemi resistors have emerged as a promising technology for water quality monitoring due to advantages such as simple design, sensitivity, and selectivity. This review paper provides an overview of recent advances in the development of graphene-based Chemi resistors for water quality …

Virtual Structures Based Autonomous Formation Flying Control For Small Satellites, Tyson K. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Many space organizations have a growing need to fly several small satellites close together in order to collect and correlate data from different satellite sensors. To do this requires teams of engineers monitoring the satellites orbits and planning maneuvers for the satellites every time the satellite leaves its desired trajectory or formation. This task of maintaining the satellites orbits quickly becomes an arduous and expensive feat for satellite operations centers. This research develops and analyzes algorithms that allow satellites to autonomously control their orbit and formation without human intervention. This goal is accomplished by developing and evaluating a decentralized, optimization-based …