Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

Particle-In-Cell Simulation Of An Industrial Magnetron With Electron Population Analysis, Andong Yue, Marcus Pearlman, Mike Worthington, John Cipolla, Jim Browning

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Results from a particle-in-cell simulation study of L3Harris CWM-75 kW are presented; the continuous wave cooker magnetron typically operates at 18 kV, 5 A, 1900 G, 896–929 MHz. The startup process of the device has been simulated in 3D by using the PIC code VSim. The startup behavior was examined with (1) no priming, (2) RF priming, and (3) cathode modulation. Under no priming, the simulated device failed to oscillate in a simulation time of 1000 ns. Oscillations were achieved with both RF priming (150 ns) and cathode modulation (180 ns). Half (∼40 kW) of the device’s typical operating power …

Demonstration Of Three True Random Number Generator Circuits Using Memristor Created Entropy And Commercial Off-The-Shelf Components, Scott Stoller, Kristy A. Campbell

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, we build and test three memristor-based true random number generator (TRNG) circuits: two previously presented in the literature and one which is our own design. The functionality of each circuit is assessed using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Statistical Test Suite (STS). The TRNG circuits were built using commercially available off-the-shelf parts, including the memristor. The results of this work confirm the usefulness of memristors for successful implementation of TRNG circuits, as well as the ease with which a TRNG can be built using simple circuit designs and off-the-shelf breadboard circuit components.

Utilizing A Fully Optical And Reconfigurable Puf As A Quantum Authentication Mechanism, H. Shelton Jacinto, A. Matthew Smith, Nader I. Rafla

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, the novel usage of a physically unclonable function composed of a network of Mach-Zehnder interferometers for authentication tasks is described. The physically unclonable function hardware is completely reconfigurable, allowing for a large number of seemingly independent devices to be utilized, thus imitating a large array of single-response physically unclonable functions. It is proposed that any reconfigurable array of Mach-Zehnder interferometers can be used as an authentication mechanism, not only for physical objects, but for information transmitted both classically and quantumly. The proposed use-case for a fully-optical physically unclonable function, designed with reconfigurable hardware, is to authenticate messages …

Icdar 2021 Competition On Time-Quality Document Image Binarization, Rafael Dueire Lins, Rodrigo Barros Bernardino, Elisa Barney Smith, Ergina Kavallieratou

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The ICDAR 2021 Time-Quality Binarization Competition assessed the performance of 12 new and 49 other previously published binarization algorithms for scanned document images. Four test sets of “real-world” documents with different features were used. For each test set, the top twenty algorithms in the quality of the resulting two-tone images had their average processing time presented, yielding an account of their time complexity.

Cyber-Physical Security Assessment And Resilience Of A Microgrid Testbed, Said Ahmed-Zaid, Sin Ming Loo, Andres Valdepena-Delgado, Theron Beam

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In order to identify potential weakness in communication and data in transit, a microgrid testbed is being developed at Boise State University. This testbed will be used to verify microgrid models and communication methods in an effort to increase the resiliency of these systems to cyber-attacks. If vulnerabilities are found in these communication methods, then risk mitigation techniques will be developed to address them.

A Low-Cost, Wireless, Multi-Channel Deep Brain Stimulation System For Rodents, F. N. U. Tala, Jordan Leiber, Hayden Fisher, Naga Spandana Muppaneni, Benjamin C. Johnson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present a small (43mm x 24mm x 15mm), off-the-shelf wireless neurostimulator for rodent deep brain stimulation research. Our device enables researchers to wirelessly configure stimulator settings, such as amplitude, pulse width, channel selection, and frequency, via a phone app. The system uses impedance-independent current-mode stimulation and steers current to a selected channel. In addition to monophasic and biphasic stimulation, the system also supports arbitrary waveform stimulation using pre-stored lookup tables. The system uses a configurable grounding phase to clear residual charge and a stimulation compliance monitor to ensure safe operation. The compliance monitor wirelessly reports the current during stimulation, …

Novel Memristor Based True Random Number Generator, Scott Stoller

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Random numbers are an important, but often overlooked part of the modern computing environment. They are used everywhere around us for a variety of purposes, from simple decision making in video games such as a coin toss, to securing financial transactions and encrypting confidential communications. They are even useful for gambling and the lottery.

Random numbers are generated in many ways. Pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) generate numbers based on a formula. True random number generators (TRNGs) capture entropy from the environment to generate randomness. As our society and our devices become more connected in the digital world, it is …

Designing And Evaluating Of Mimo Systems For Millimeter-Wave Communications, Mojtaba Ahmadi Almasi

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The fifth generation (5G) of wireless communications will integrate all existing technologies while bringing its own to the system. Amongst these technologies, millimeter-wave (mmWave) is emerging as a promising solution for 5G systems. However, to fully harness the potential of mmWave communications, obstacles such as severe path loss, channel sparsity, and hardware complexity should be overcome. The existing cost-effective systems can considerably reduce the hardware complexity and partially severe path loss, while channel sparsity still remains a main problem. Other factors such as transmission reliability and coverage area should be considered in 5G mmWave communications. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is …

A Resilience Metric For Modern Power Distribution Systems, Tyler Bennett Phillips

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Modern society has become increasingly reliant on the functioning of critical infrastructure. It is considered so vital that its incapacitation or destruction would have debilitating effects on the global economy, national security, and public health and safety. The electrical power system is uniquely positioned, as it is essential for all other sectors of critical infrastructure to operate as intended. However, it is constantly at risk due to factors such as natural disasters, climate change, aging infrastructure, and cyber threats. Thus, ensuring the efficient and continuous supply of electricity is of utmost importance and the topic of this dissertation.

The work …

Inkjet-Printed Graphene-Based 1 × 2 Phased Array Antenna, Mahmuda Akter Monne, Peter Mack Grubb, Harold Stern, Harish Subbaraman, Ray T. Chen, Maggie Yihong Chen

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Low-cost and conformal phased array antennas (PAAs) on flexible substrates are of particular interest in many applications. The major deterrents to developing flexible PAA systems are the difficulty in integrating antenna and electronics circuits on the flexible surface, as well as the bendability and oxidation rate of radiating elements and electronics circuits. In this research, graphene ink was developed from graphene flakes and used to inkjet print the radiating element and the active channel of field effect transistors (FETs). Bending and oxidation tests were carried out to validate the application of printed flexible graphene thin films in flexible electronics. An …

A Cathode Support Structure For Use In A Magnetron Oscillator Experiment, Daylon Black, Ryan Harper, Patrick Ward, Jacob Davlin, Omar Bentancourt, Donald Plumlee, Jim Browning

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) material system has been used to develop a protype field emission cathode structure for use in an experimental magnetron oscillator. The structure is designed for used with 30 Gated Field Emission Array (GFEA) die electrically connected through silver metal traces and electrical vias. To approximate a cylinder, the cathode structure (48 mm long and 13.7 mm in diameter) is comprised of 10 faceted plates which cover the GFEA dies. Slits in the facet plates allow electron injection. The GFEA die (3 mm x 8 mm) are placed in axial columns of 3 and spaced …

Design Of An Offline Handwriting Recognition System Tested On The Bangla And Korean Scripts, Nishatul Majid

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a flexible and robust offline handwriting recognition system which is tested on the Bangla and Korean scripts. Offline handwriting recognition is one of the most challenging and yet to be solved problems in machine learning. While a few popular scripts (like Latin) have received a lot of attention, many other widely used scripts (like Bangla) have seen very little progress. Features such as connectedness and vowels structured as diacritics make it a challenging script to recognize. A simple and robust design for offline recognition is presented which not only works reliably, but also can be used for …

The Effects Of Radiation On Memristor-Based Electronic Spiking Neural Networks, Sumedha Gandharava Dahl

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, memristor-based spiking neural networks (SNNs) are used to analyze the effect of radiation on the spatio-temporal pattern recognition (STPR) capability of the networks. Two-terminal resistive memory devices (memristors) are used as synapses to manipulate conductivity paths in the network. Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) learning behavior results in pattern learning and is achieved using biphasic shaped pre- and post-synaptic spikes. A TiO₂ based non-linear drift memristor model designed in Verilog-A implements synaptic behavior and is modified to include experimentally observed effects of state-altering, ionizing, and off-state degradation radiation on the device. The impact of neuron “death” (disabled neuron …

Studies On Space Grade Nano-Iconic Radiation Sensors Using Additive Manufacturing Technology, Shah Mohammad Rahmot Ullah

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Though Additive manufacturing technology has been developing for 30 years, in recent years, it gets researchers’ and industries’ attention for new expansion in fabricated electronics devices, especially on a flexible substrate. This technology allows fabricating complex design of electronics devices with multi-functionality. Its application has been significantly expanded to different fields such as sensors and other device prototypes for nuclear facilities, aerospace manufacturing, bio-medical, solar energy, etc. due to its low-cost efficiency and sustainable manufacturing. It has a huge advantage over traditional methods such as lower materials waste during production, avoiding complex etching system and harmful chemicals, simplified assembly system …

Design And Characterization Of Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Arrays For Killing And Removing Bacterial Biofilms, Adam Croteau

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Present research at Boise State University (BSU) has demonstrated the ability of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) devices to remove bacterial biofilms on steel substrates. Although bacteria may easily be inactivated by plasma treatment, the remains of the organism are still present on the substrate. It is shown that single element DBD CAP discharge devices operating at 2100 Vrms with 5 LPM of hydrated argon gas etched P. fluorescens biofilm within a few minutes of exposure. Similarly, using an 8 element array of linear plasma discharges, etch removal of biofilm was …

A Novel Tri-Band Reconfigurable Microstrip Patch Antenna, Wen Tao Li, Meng Wei, Bahareh Badamchi, Harish Subbaraman, Xiaowei Shi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper, a novel tri-band reconfigurable patch antenna with simple structure is presented. By changing the on-off state of only two PIN diodes, the antenna can operate in three bands, namely X-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band. The overall size of the antenna is 0.24λ_L × 0.5λ_L × 0.019λ_L, where λ_L is the free-space wavelength of the lowest operating frequency. A prototype is fabricated and measured to verify the design. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results, which indicate that the proposed antenna can be flexibly switched between three …

Continuous Learning In A Single-Incremental-Task Scenario With Spike Features, Ruthvik Vaila, John Chiasson, Vishal Saxena

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have two key deficiencies, their dependence on high precision computing and their inability to perform sequential learning, that is, when a DNN is trained on a first task and the same DNN is trained on the next task it forgets the first task. This phenomenon of forgetting previous tasks is also referred to as catastrophic forgetting. On the other hand a mammalian brain outperforms DNNs in terms of energy efficiency and the ability to learn sequentially without catastrophically forgetting. Here, we use bio-inspired Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) in the feature extraction layers of the network …

A Self Controlled Rdp Approach For Feature Extraction In Online Handwriting Recognition Using Deep Learning, Sukhdeep Singh, Vinod Kumar Chauhan, Elisa H. Barney Smith

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The identification of accurate features is the initial task for benchmarked handwriting recognition. For handwriting recognition, the objective of feature computation is to find those characteristics of a handwritten stroke that depict the class of a stroke and make it separable from the rest of the stroke classes. The present study proposes a feature extraction technique for online handwritten strokes based on a self controlled Ramer-Douglas-Peucker (RDP) algorithm. This novel approach prepares a smaller length feature vector for different shaped online handwritten strokes without preprocessing and without any control parameter to RDP. Thus, it also overcomes the shortcomings of the …

Cyber-Physical Systems Security Introductory Course For Stem Students, Sin Ming Loo, Liljana Babinkostova

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We are witnessing the rapid development and adoption of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). CPS refers to the integration of digital and internetworked components, and physical devices in systems that affect nearly everyone in society. These devices are always connected to the internet. This connectivity gives CPS devices the capability of being in continuous monitoring mode where data and information are delivered to device owners through a proxy server. These capabilities open up all kinds of security issues for a device that has been built with such features with little regard for security considerations. At present, many Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics …

Student Perception Of Mathematical Modeling Before And After Completing A Two Joint Robot Computer Simulation Task (Rtp), Laurel Johnston, Noah Salzman

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Engineers frequently utilize computer simulation as part of their design processes to model and understand the behavior of complex systems. Simulation is also an important tool for developing students’ understanding of modeling and strengthening their intuition for problem solving in complex domains. This project uses a two-joint robot arm problem and accompanying computer simulation to demonstrate to AP BC Calculus students how and why we would use calculus concepts simultaneously in Cartesian and polar coordinate systems. We developed the simulation in a way that allows students to experience mathematical modeling in an applications-based engineering context. A small cohort of students …

Lasting Impacts Of A Summer Bridge And Outdoor Experience Program On Student Relationships: A Social Network Analysis, Noah Salzman, Ann E. Delaney, Catherine Rose Bates, Donna C. Llewellyn

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this Complete Research paper, we present a social network analysis of an academic summer bridge and outdoor experience program designed to support the social and academic integration of incoming STEM majors at Boise State University. Summer bridge programs can support students through both the development of academic skills and the creation of intentional community and peer support networks which can facilitate students’ sense of belonging in both their chosen major and at the university. Alumni from the past five years of the program received a survey asking them to indicate their connections to other participants, faculty, and staff associated …

What Is The Derivative Of Music?, Thad B. Welch, Cameron H. G. Wright, Michael G. Morrow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In our continuing effort to prove to students that Signals & Systems is not just another mathematics course taught by the ECE Department, we ask the question, “What is the Derivative of Music?”

The first-order difference (or first-difference) is an incredibly simple algorithm that very accurately approximates the numeric derivative operator, especially for oversampled signals. Its inverse also accurately approximates the numeric integration operator, but not without numeric difficulty.

Given a real-time demonstration using winDSK8, we can now show students that these mathematical operators provide powerful signal processing filtering tools for real-world signals.

During this ASEE session, we will include …

Towards The Design Of A Wideband Reflective Long Period Grating Distributed Sensor, Sohel Rana, Nirmala Kandadai, Harish Subbaraman

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper, we computationally investigate the effects of metal coating length and coating coverage on the reflected spectrum of a long period grating (LPG) over a broad bandwidth. Simulation results indicate that coating the tail end of the fiber between the LPG and the end facet of the fiber provides a reflected spectrum that mimics the LPG transmission spectrum shape over a 400 nmbandwidth. Based on single LPG simulation results, we present the design of a distributed LPG structure containing a multiple number (n) of LPGs in reflection mode for the first time. Simulation results for n …

Medusa: A Low-Cost, 16-Channel Neuromodulation Platform With Arbitrary Waveform Generation, Fnu Tala, Benjamin C. Johnson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Neural stimulation systems are used to modulate electrically excitable tissue to interrogate neural circuit function or provide therapeutic benefit. Conventional stimulation systems are expensive and limited in functionality to standard stimulation waveforms, and they are bad for high frequency stimulation. We present MEDUSA, a system that enables new research applications that can leverage multi-channel, arbitrary stimulation waveforms. MEDUSA is low cost and uses commercially available components for widespread adoption. MEDUSA is comprised of a PC interface, an FPGA for precise timing control, and eight bipolar current sources that can each address up to 16 electrodes. The current sources have a …

Secure Network-On-Chip Against Black Hole And Tampering Attacks, Luka Daoud

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The Network-on-Chip (NoC) has become the communication heart of Multiprocessors-System-on-Chip (MPSoC). Therefore, it has been subject to a plethora of security threats to degrade the system performance or steal sensitive information. Due to the globalization of the modern semiconductor industry, many different parties take part in the hardware design of the system. As a result, the NoC could be infected with a malicious circuit, known as a Hardware Trojan (HT), to leave a back door for security breach purposes. HTs are smartly designed to be too small to be uncovered by offline circuit-level testing, so the system requires an online …

High- And Low-Voltage Mitigation In Distribution Systems Using Residential Static Volt-Ampere Reactive Compensators, Andrés Valdepeña Delgado

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Power distribution systems are experiencing a fast transformation from simple one-way radial feeders to complex systems with multiple sources and bidirectional power flows. The rapid increase of Distributed Generation (DG) connected to the distribution system over the last decade, especially solar photovoltaic (PV), has been the key element to this transformation.

The variable nature of PV-based DG has increased the complexity of voltage regulation in distribution systems. Electric Utilities are facing an increasing number of voltage issues in distribution systems with high penetration of DGs, leading customers to experience voltage levels outside of range A of the ANSI C84.1 standard. …

Towards Hybrid Quantum-Classical Ciphersuite Primitives, H. Shelton Jacinto

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

With the dawn of quantum computing in scale, current secure classical primitives are at risk. Protocols with immediate risk of breach are those built on the advanced encryption standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) algorithms. To secure classical data against a quantum adversary, a secure communications ciphersuite must be developed. The ciphersuite developed in this work contains components that do not necessarily rely on quantum key distribution (QKD), due to recent insecurities found when a QKD-based protocol is faced with a quantum eavesdropper.

A set of quantum-classical ciphersuite primitives were developed using less common mathematical methods where a quantum adversary will …

Low-Cost Test And Characterization Platform For Memristors, Lyle Jones

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The electrical Testing and Characterization of the devices built under research conditions on silicon wafers, diced wafers, or package parts have hampered research since the beginning of integrated circuits. The challenges of performing electrical characterization on devices are to acquire useful and accurate data, the ease of use of the test platform, the portability of the test equipment, the ability to automate quickly, to allow modifications to the platform, the ability to change the configuration of the Device Under Test (DUT) or the Memristor Based Design (MBD), and to do this within budget. The devices that this research is focused …

Reinforcement Learning In Self Organizing Cellular Networks, Roohollah Amiri

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Self-organization is a key feature as cellular networks densify and become more heterogeneous, through the additional small cells such as pico and femtocells. Self- organizing networks (SONs) can perform self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-healing. These operations can cover basic tasks such as the configuration of a newly installed base station, resource management, and fault management in the network. In other words, SONs attempt to minimize human intervention where they use measurements from the network to minimize the cost of installation, configuration, and maintenance of the network. In fact, SONs aim to bring two main factors in play: intelligence and autonomous adaptability. …

Spatial Indexing For System-Level Evaluation Of 5g Heterogeneous Cellular Networks, Roohollah Amiri, Eren Balevi, Jeffrey G. Andrews, Hani Mehrpouyan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

System level simulations of large 5G networks are essential to evaluate and design algorithms related to network issues such as scheduling, mobility management, interference management, and cell planning. In this paper, we look back to the idea of spatial indexing and its advantages, applications, and future potentials in accelerating large 5G network simulations. We introduce a multi-level inheritance based architecture which is used to index all elements of a heterogeneous network (HetNet) on a single geometry tree. Then, we define spatial queries to accelerate searches in distance, azimuth, and elevation. We demonstrate that spatial indexing can accelerate location-based searches by …