Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

Theory And Applications Of Compressive Sensing, Atul Divekar, Okan Ersoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

This thesis develops algorithms and applications for compressive sensing, a topic in signal processing that allows reconstruction of a signal from a limited number of linear combinations of the signal. New algorithms are described for common remote sensing problems including superresolution and fusion of images. The algorithms show superior results in comparison with conventional methods. We describe a method that uses compressive sensing to reduce the size of image databases used for content based image retrieval. The thesis also describes an improved estimator that enhances the performance of Matching Pursuit type algorithms, several variants of which have been developed for …

Optimization Design Of Electrodes For Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Via Genetic Algorithm, Junxiang Shi, Xingjian Xue

Faculty Publications

Porous electrode is the critical component of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and provides a functional material backbone for multi-physicochemical processes. Model based electrode designs could significantly improve SOFC performance. This task is usually performed via parameter studies for simple case and assumed property distributions for graded electrodes. When nonlinearly coupled multiparameters of electrodes are considered, it could be very difficult for the model based parameter study method to effectively and systematically search the design space. In this research, the optimization approach with a genetic algorithm is demonstrated for this purpose. An anode-supported proton conducting SOFC integrated with a fuel supply …

The Effect Of Intellidrive On The Efficiency Of Highway Transportation Systems, Mohammad Nekoui, Hossein Pishro-Nik, Daiheng Ni

Hossein Pishro-Nik

Recently, the IntelliDrive initiative has been proposed by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to enhance on-road safety and efficiency. In this study, we provide a mathematical framework which predicts the effect of such technologies on the efficiency of multilane highway systems prior to their real-life deployment. Our study shall encompass mixed traffic conditions in which a variety of assisted, automated and unequipped vehicles coexist. We show that intervehicular communications improves the flow of vehicles by reducing the perception-reaction (P-R) times of drivers and, in some cases, allowing for more efficient lane-changing operations. As we shall see, unlike the latter, …

Embedded Radio Frequency Identification Device License Plates For Roadside Use In Nebraska, Dwight L. Mosby Jr

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The transportation industry has many stakeholders with different needs that work with advanced technologies. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging technology that is used to track inventory and it holds promise for the transportation industry. This research identifies how to evaluate transportation stakeholder requirements for RFID technologies using a tool described as the House of Quality (HOQ). This research investigates RFID’s ability to work in license plates and may provide infrastructure to support identifying RFID enabled commercial vehicles. This research considers variables that affect the performance of a RFID License Plate System that will use a scanner located at …

Adaptive Voltage Control Methods Using Distributed Energy Resources, Huijuan Li

Doctoral Dissertations

Distributed energy resources (DE) with power electronics interfaces and logic control using local measurements are capable of providing reactive power related to ancillary system services. In particular, local voltage regulation has drawn much attention in regards to power system reliability and voltage stability, especially from past major cascading outages. This dissertation addresses the challenges of controlling the DEs to regulate the local voltage in distribution systems.

First, an adaptive voltage control method has been proposed to dynamically modify the control parameters of a single DE to respond to system changes such that the ideal response can be achieved. Theoretical analysis …

Characterization And Fabrication Of Active Matrix Thin Film Transistors For An Addressable Microfluidic Electrowetting Channel Device, Seyeoul Kwon

Doctoral Dissertations

The characterization and fabrication of active matrix thin film transistors (TFTs) has been studied for an addressable microfluidic electrowetting channel device as application. A new transparent semiconductor material, Amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO), is used for TFT, which shows high electrical performance rather than amorphous silicon based TFT; higher mobility and even higher transparency. The purpose of this dissertation is to optimize each TFT process including the optimization of a-IGZO properties to achieve robust device for application. To minimize hysteresis of TFT curves, the gate dielectric is discussed extensively in this dissertation. By optimizing gas ratio of NH3SiH4, it …

On The Solution Of A Class Of Large Body Problems With Full Or Partial Circular Symmetry By Using The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (Fdtd) Method, Wenhua Yu, Dean Arakaki, Raj Mittra

Electrical Engineering

This paper presents an efficient method to accurately solve large body scattering problems with partial circular symmetry. The method effectively reduces the computational domain from three to two dimensions by using the reciprocity theorem. It does so by dividing the problem into two parts: a larger 3-D region with circular symmetry, and a smaller 2-D region without circular symmetry. An finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm is used to analyze the circularly symmetric 3-D case, while a method of moments (MoM) code is employed for the nonsymmetric part of the structure. The results of these simulations are combined via the reciprocity theorem …

Subwoofer Frequency Response Optimization By Means Of Active Control, Luis Dominguez

Aerospace Engineering

Most subwoofer systems have difficulties producing frequencies in the low end of the hearing spectrum due to the added power requirements and instabilities. Active controls can transform the audio signal without changing physical characteristics and ultimately generating a more impressive audio system. A Linkwitz transform crossover was implemented to extend the low end frequency response of a sealed enclosure. A graphical user interface in MATLAB was written to aid in selection of components, driver and enclosure volume. The circuit board was built and integrated with a home theater system inside of a couch and tested with a Real Time Analyzer. …

Multi-Modular Integral Pressurized Water Reactor Control And Operational Reconfiguration For A Flow Control Loop, Sergio Ricardo Pereira Perillo

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation focused on the IRIS design since this will likely be one of the designs of choice for future deployment in the U.S and developing countries. With a net 335 MWe output IRIS novel design falls in the “medium” size category and it is a potential candidate for the so called modular reactors, which may be appropriate for base load electricity generation, especially in regions with smaller electricity grids, but especially well suited for more specialized non-electrical energy applications such as district heating and process steam for desalination. The first objective of this dissertation is to evaluate and quantify …

Optimal Allocation Of Tcsc Devices Using Genetic Algorithms, Almoataz Youssef Abdelaziz

Almoataz Youssef Abdelaziz

This paper presents an approach to find the optimal location of thyristor-controlled series compensators (TCSC) in a power system to improve the loadability of its lines and minimize its total loss. Also the proposed approach aims to find the optimal number of devices and their optimal ratings by using genetic algorithm (GA) with taking into consideration the thermal and voltage limits. Examination of the proposed approach is carried out on the IEEE 9-bus system.

A Classification Technique For Protection Coordination Assessment Of Distribution Systems With Distributed Generation, Almoataz Youssef Abdelaziz

Almoataz Youssef Abdelaziz

In this paper a novel approach is presented to study the impact of distributed generation on recloser-fuse coordination. This approach is based on the assessment of the recloser-fuse coordination due to the penetration of distributed generation with specified location and capacity for a given fault location. This assessment process acts as a classifier, based on finding the operating sequence of all reclosers and fuses in the path from the faulted node to the substation. This sequence is compared with a pre-required sequence obtained from the protection coordination philosophy, and then provides the distribution system operator with a result indicating whether …

Optimal Tuning Of Power System Stabilizers Using Modified Particle Swarm Optimization, Mahdiyeh Eslami, Hussain Shareef, Azah Mohamed

Dr. Mahdiyeh Eslami (مهدیه اسلامی)

No abstract provided.

Improved Particle Swarm Optimization With Disturbance Term For Multi-Machine Power System Stabilizer Design, Mahdiyeh Eslami, Hussain Shareef, Azah Mohamed, Mohammad Khajehzadeh

Dr. Mahdiyeh Eslami (مهدیه اسلامی)

No abstract provided.

Tuning Of Power System Stabilizers Using Particle Swarm Optimization With Passive Congregation, Mahdiyeh Eslami, Hussain Shareef, Azah Mohamed, S. P Ghoshal

Dr. Mahdiyeh Eslami (مهدیه اسلامی)

No abstract provided.

Design A Stable 14-To-20-Ghz Source, M. Moghavvemi, A. Attaran, Hossein Ameri Mahabadi

Hossein Ameri Mahabadi

Careful selection of key components and the use of straightforward multiplication schemes can be applied to the design of a low-noise frequency synthesizer for Ku-band signals to 20 GHz.

Control Of A High-Performance Z-Source Inverter For Fuel Cell/Supercapacitor Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Omar Ellabban, Joeri Van Mierlo, Philippe Lataire

Omar Ellabban

This paper presents a supercapacitor (SC) module connected in parallel with fuel cell (FC) stack to supply a high-performance Z-Source Inverter (HP-ZSI) feeding a three phase induction motor for hybrid electric vehicles applications. The supercapacitor is connected between the input diode and the bidirectional switch of the highperformance ZSI topology. The indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) method is used to control an induction motor speed during motoring and regenerative braking operations to produce the modulation index and a dual loop controller is used to control the Z-network capacitor voltage to produce the shoot-through duty ratio. MATLAB simulation results verified the validity …

Model-Based Analysis Of Electric Drive Options For Medium-Duty Parcel Delivery Vehicles, Robb A. Barnitt, Aaron D. Brooker, Laurie Ramroth

Publications (T)

Medium-duty vehicles are used in a broad array of fleet applications, including parcel delivery. These vehicles are excellent candidates for electric drive applications due to their transient-intensive duty cycles, operation in densely populated areas, and relatively high fuel consumption and emissions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a robust assessment of parcel delivery routes and completed a model-based techno-economic analysis of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations. First, NREL characterized parcel delivery vehicle usage patterns, most notably daily distance driven and drive-cycle intensity. Second, drive-cycle analysis results framed the selection of drive cycles used …

A Fiber Bragg Grating-Based All-Fiber Sensing Systems For Telerobotic Cutting Applications, Ginu Rajan, Dean Callaghan, Yuliya Semenova, Mark Mcgrath, Eugene Coyle, Gerald Farrell

Articles

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based strain sensing system for minimally invasive telerobotic cutting applications is presented in this paper. Investigations assume that a scissor blade can be approximated as a uniformly tapered cantilever beam. A replica of the scissor blade is produced and strain characterization has been carried out using an FBG sensor system. Results are validated against measurements obtained using conventional electrical resistance strain gauges. The scissor blade experiences both direct and lateral forces during cutting, hence the system is characterized for a direct load range of 0-30 N and a lateral load range of 0-10 N. The results …

Nanofabrication Of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Device By An Integrated Block-Copolymer And Nanoimprint Lithography Method, E. L. Yang, C. C. Liu, C. Y.P. Yang, P. F. Nealey, C. A. Steinhaus, Jack L. Skinner

Mechanical Engineering

The integration of block-copolymers and nanoimprint lithography presents a novel and cost-effective approach to achieving nanoscale patterning capabilities. The authors demonstrate the fabrication of a surface-enhanced Raman scattering device using templates created by the block-copolymers nanoimprint lithography integrated method.

High Switching Endurance In TaoX Memristive Devices, Jianhua Yang, M Zhang, John Strachan, Feng Miao, Matthew Pickett, Ronald Kelley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publication Series

We demonstrate over 1×1010 open-loop switching cycles from a simple memristive device stack of Pt/TaO��/Ta. We compare this system to a similar device stack based on titanium oxides to obtain insight into the solid-state thermodynamic and kinetic factors that influence endurance in metal-oxide memristors.

Design Of An Adaptable Run-Time Reconfigurable Software-Defined Radio Processing Architecture, Joshua R. Templin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Processing power is a key technical challenge holding back the development of a high-performance software defined radio (SDR). Traditionally, SDR has utilized digital signal processors (DSPs), but increasingly complex algorithms, higher data rates, and multi-tasking needs have exceed the processing capabilities of modern DSPs. Reconfigurable computers, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), are popular alternatives because of their performance gains over software for streaming data applications like SDR. However, FPGAs have not yet realized the ideal SDR because architectures have not fully utilized their partial reconfiguration (PR) capabilities to bring needed flexibility. A reconfigurable processor architecture is proposed that utilizes …

Incorporating Spatial Information Into Gas Plume Detection In Hyperspectral Imagery, Cameron S. Grant

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Detection of chemical plumes in hyperspectral data is a problem having solutions that focus on spectral information. These solutions neglect the presence of the spatial information in the scene. The spatial information is exploited in this work by assignment of prior probabilities to neighborhood configurations of signal presence or absence. These probabilities are leveraged in a total probability approach to testing for signal presence in a pixel of interest. The two new algorithms developed are named spatial information detection enhancement (SIDE) and bolt-on SIDE (B-SIDE). The results are explored in comparison to the clutter matched filter (CMF), a standard spectral …

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2010, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs, and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

The senior design competition helps to focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects …

Effect Of Impurities On Performance Of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Components, Kitiya Hongsirikarn

All Dissertations

It is believed that proton–exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are going to be exploited as power generation devices for stationary, automotive, and portable applications in the near future because of their high performance and environmental friendliness. Up to the present, wide spread utilization of PEMFCs is not viable because of their cost and durability in the presence of fuel and oxidant stream impurities. These impurities include NH₃, hydrocarbons, CO, CO₂, halogenated compounds, cations, etc. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of these harmful contaminants containing in the H₂ fuel stream on …

Packet Error Rate Predictive Model For Sensor Radios On Fast Rotating Structures, Lei Tang

All Dissertations

Wireless sensing technologies have raised widespread interests in the applications for monitoring fast rotating or moving machinery structures in manufacturing environments. Over the past five years, a few wireless sensor systems have been implemented and proven to feasibly work under fast rotation conditions. However, few of these studies evaluated data transmission performance of the wireless communication systems. Although the manufacturing environments are known to be harsh for wireless communication, in many cases, an excellent data throughput is critical for such systems. Conventional statistical methods for studying wireless communication channels are not sufficient in this specific field.
This dissertation presents systematic …

Studies Relevant To The Design Of Reliable Automotive Electronics, Hua Zeng

All Dissertations

This dissertation describes three independent studies related to the design of reliable automotive electronics. The topics covered are: the estimation of the radiated emissions from power bus structures, EM propagation of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and examinations of corrosion-induced faults in a connector.
The first chapter describes a method for estimating the maximum possible radiated emissions from a printed circuit board power bus. An analysis based on a lossy cavity model is performed to determine the maximum possible radiated field corresponding to a given power bus noise voltage. A closed-form expression relating the maximum power bus noise voltage to …

Design And Implementation Of A Signal Conditioning Operational Amplifier For A Reflective Object Sensor, Ankit Master

Masters Theses

Industrial systems often require the acquisition of real-world analog signals for several applications. Various physical phenomena such as displacement, pressure, temperature, light intensity, etc. are measured by sensors, which is a type of transducer, and then converted into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal obtained from the sensor, usually a few tens mV in magnitude, is subsequently conditioned by means of amplification, filtering, range matching, isolation etc., so that the signal can be rendered for further processing and data extraction.

This thesis presents the design and implementation of a general purpose op amp used to condition a reflective object …

An Investigation Of Carrier Transport In Hafnium Oxide/Silicon Dioxide Mos Gate Dielectric Stacks From 5.6-400k, Richard G. Southwick Iii

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Hafnium oxide (HfO₂) is replacing silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as the gate dielectric in metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structures driven mainly by need to reduce high leakage currents observed in sub-2nm SiO₂. The high dielectric constant of HfO₂ (~25) compared to SiO₂ (3.9 bulk) allows a thicker HfO₂ layer to be used in place of the thinner SiO₂ layer thereby reducing the gate leakage current in MOS devices while maintaining the same capacitive coupling provided by the thinner SiO₂. However, incorporating HfO₂ into MOS devices produces a SiO …

Circuit Modules For Broadband Cmos Six-Port Systems, Chaojiang Li

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates four circuit modules used in a CMOS integrated six-port measurement system. The first circuit module is a wideband power source generator, which can be implemented with a voltage controlled ring oscillator. The second circuit module is a low-power 0.5 GHz - 20.5 GHz power detector with an embedded amplifier and a wideband quasi T-coil matching network. The third circuit module is a six-port circuit, which can be implemented with distributed or lumped- lement techniques. The fourth circuit module is the phase sifter used as calibration loads. The theoretical analysis, circuit design, simulated or experimental verifications of each …

A Methodology For Implementing Rf Bists In Production Testing To Replace Rf Conventional Tests, Deepa Mannath

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Production testing of Radio Frequency (RF) devices is challenging due to the complex nature of the tests that have to be performed to verify functionality. In this dissertation a methodology to replace the complex and expensive RF functional tests with defect-oriented Built-in Self Tests (BiSTs) is detailed. If a design has sufficient margin to RF specifications then RF tests can be replaced with structural tests using a new data analysis technique called quadrant analysis, which is presented. Data from the analysis of over one million production units of said System on Chip (SoC) is presented along with the results of …