Electrical and Electronics Commons^™

Robot X, Alan Truong, Alex Haag

Computer Engineering

The following report outlines the design decisions behind Robot X for the 2012 Cal Poly Roborodentia competition held annually during Open House. This investigation includes detailed overview of Robot X's sensory system, driving system, conveyor belt system, and can compartment system. In addition, basic hardware and software design are explored.

Kreative Outlets, Travis Crist, Steve Clark, Jason Peressini

Computer Engineering

With the widespread use of smart phones and the advancement of WiFi technologies, people now have the Internet at their fingertips at all times. Home automation and control has the possibility of becoming the next big technology that can utilize the abundant availability of the Internet. This paper documents the findings and results of a project aimed at developing the infrastructure needed for a home automation system that is accessible anywhere. We implemented a system that utilized a web enabled ethernet connection and RF wireless technology to control AC outlets and provide the user with feedback information about the status …

Car Alarm System, David Lane

Electrical Engineering

This project entails the design and implementation of a car alarm system for a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle.

Rapid Battery Interchange System, Mason Borda

Electrical Engineering

As our nation strives towards a departure from widespread use of fossil fuels, we must focus on a plan for what is to be the substitute for Internal Combustion Engine vehicles as well as the infrastructure to support this. The most popular alternative to the internal combustion engine is the electrically propelled vehicle, one that can provide us with many benefits including simplified construction, lower operational costs, and for the driving enthusiasts more torque. The prevailing issue in the widespread acceptance and use of the electric vehicle thus far is “range anxiety”. Range anxiety is defined as “The fear of …

Polar Field Oriented Control With 3rd Harmonic Injection, Martin Todd Hess

Master's Theses

Abstract

POLAR FIELD-ORIENTED CONTROL

with

3^RD HARMONIC INJECTION

Martin Todd Hess

Field Oriented Control (FOC), also known as vector control, is a widely used and well documented method for controlling Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and induction motors. Almost invariably the orientation of the stator and rotor (field) fluxes are described in rectangular coordinates. In this thesis we explore the practicality of using polar coordinates.

Third harmonic injection is also a well-known technique that allows full utilization of the bus (DC-link), thus allowing the motor to run to full base speed without the use of field weakening. This technique potentially …

Equating A Car Alternator With The Generated Voltage Equation, Ervin Carrillo

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Optical Mode Pattern Study Of Gan Based Leds With And Without Nanoscale Top Grating, Gregory Chavoor

Electrical Engineering

This study analyzes optical confinement factor and light emitting mode order for three different GaN LEDs: a conventional LED, thin Film LED, and thin Film LED with a photonic crystal (PhC) grating. For the first structure, we increase the thickness of Al_xGa_1-xN from 0 to 600nm, alter the x composition in Al_xGa_1-xN from 0.05 to 0.2 in steps of 0.05, and adjust the p-GaN and n-GaN thicknesses each from 0 to 200nm. For the second structure, we alter the n-GaN substrate thickness from 300-1000nm in steps of 100nm and 1000-4000nm in steps …

Design And Production Aspects Of An Electroluminescent Segment Display, Veronica Kopp, Chris Nixon

Graphic Communication

The purpose of this study was to get a better understanding of the different ways printed circuits could be constructed and then implemented into creative, visual designs for printed electroluminescent displays. A variety of circuit design variables, such as area and length, were tested that will help create solutions for printed electronics.

This study tested different variables of circuit design, such as length of silver traces and the size of the image area, to help optimize ways to build a printed circuit. Then, findings were implemented into a segmented graphic display in order to analyze innovative ways to utilize multiple …

Auto-Tuning Antenna, John Chen, Jennifer Tighe

Electrical Engineering

Radio transmitters and antennas have differing impedances at the output and feedpoint, depending on frequency. Modern antenna tuning methods involve manual or automatic resistance and reactance network adjustment to match transmitter and antenna impedance. This reduces power reflections to the transmitter, but introduces losses and prevents full transmitter power from being radiated at the antenna. This project utilizes a variable length antenna element to tune and match transmitter and antenna impedances, allowing efficient power transfer to the antenna. The antenna length varies from 0 to 30.5 inches. The method involves an RF signal with a maximum power of 2 watts …

Impacts Of Plug-In Electric Vehicle On Residential Electric Distribution System Using Stochastic And Sensitivity Approach, Henry Chigozie Ureh

Master's Theses

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are projected to become a viable means of transportation due to advances in technology and advocates for green and eco-friendly energy solutions. These vehicles are powered partially, or in some cases, solely by the energy stored in their battery packs. The large sizes of these battery packs require large amount of energy to charge, and as the demand for PEV increases, the increase in energy demand needed to recharge these PEV batteries could pose problems to the present electric distribution system. This study examines the potential impacts of PEV on a residential electric distribution system at …

Development And Prototyping Of A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter For 3-Phase 480 Volt Systems, Matthew R. Norlander

Master's Theses

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology was first introduced in the NEC in 1971, yet four decades later the technology has not been introduced to a great extent outside of the home environment. This thesis introduces the difficulties encountered in low-voltage three phase ground fault current detection, and adopts a previously patented tripping scheme to develop and prototype a digital relay for 3-phase 480 volt systems capable of the sensitivity and speed required for personnel safety. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and suggest commercial development should be pursued. The prototype is capable of mA sensitivity and reliably detects …

Foce Medium Voltage Load Switcher, Eric Nelson, Sean Tolibas

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Constant Conduction Angle Experimental Generation For Rf Power Amplifiers, Michael Spahn

Electrical Engineering

As the demand for more devices to become wireless increases, there is a need for linear, efficient monolithic power amplifiers to deal with the variations in modulation of signals. With partial support from Cal Poly C3RP Grant #52268, this paper explains the implementation of and analyzes a circuit that actively biases a bipolar transistor to operate as a Class C amplifier. The Class C amplifier can maintain constant conduction angle over a range of output powers by using a Class B amplifier to force a scaled DC current vs. input magnitude curve on to a Class C amplifier. The knee …

Current Tracking Power Supply For Sensor Calibration, Joshua Brookley

Electrical Engineering

This report highlights the steps taken to design and develop a constant 5V power supply capable of tracking load current. The background of its previous design, its necessary specifications and steps taken to achieve specifications are highlighted throughout the report. The report also contains conclusions and final recommendations for the design chosen, including its strengths and drawbacks.

Imu Integration To The Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator Power System, Wayland Chan

Electrical Engineering

The Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator mimics the rotation dynamics of a spacecraft in orbit and acts as a test bed for spacecraft attitude control system development and demonstration. Prior to this project, the simulator measured its attitude dynamics from a total of seven sensors mounted on to the platform, including three micro-electromechanical system (MEMs) gyroscopes, and four motor encoders. This project entails the installation of an LN-200 high performance gyroscope, which will provide a greater measure of accuracy. The goal of this project is to design a power circuit that will integrate the LN-200 inertial measurement unit onto …

Heart-Rate Monitoring Control System Using Photoplethysmography (Ppg), Wesley Nguyen, Ryan Horjus

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Discrete Alarm Clock, Travis Moore, Collin Barth

Electrical Engineering

The standard alarm clock, as used daily by millions worldwide, has clear room for modification and improvement.  This paper documents an implementation that rectifies many of these flaws.  Improvements include adjustable snooze length, an IR remote for ease of use, and an RF headset for discrete alarm use or potential incorporation into a device much like a hearing aid.  The processes involved in creating a digital alarm clock, as well as the obstacles met in the implementation of the enhanced design, are detailed within.

Wireless Sensor Network For Energy And Environmental Monitoring: Helping Old Buildings Go Green, Jacob Power

Electrical Engineering

Today, the rising cost of energy and social trend of “going green” has put increasing pressure on commercial property owners to improve the efficiency of their investments.  There is good reason for this, too.  In the State of California, office buildings represent the single largest user of energy in the commercial sector.  This project consisted of the design, implementation, construction, testing, and deployment of a wireless sensor network for energy and environmental monitoring in retrofit commercial office installations.  The analyzed data generated by this system can be used by building management and owners to identify areas of inefficiency within the …

Off-Grid Public Lighting System – Design And Characterization Of An Led Luminaire, Quanghuy Le

Master's Theses

The technological advances made in the photovoltaic industry have led to a vast exploration of self-sustaining systems.  As the consumer demand for electricity rises from increasing population and development of existing technologies, new practices in system designs are required to relieve the impact on the electrical grid.

This thesis delves into a developing concept of using photovoltaic modules for roadway lighting, with emphasis on establishing the fundamental design for a “spot-lighting” luminaire.  By effectively extinguishing various sections of the luminaire in the absence of pedestrian trafficking, the proposed design and implementation will minimize the prolonged costs, as well as the …

Photovoltaic Emulator Adaptable To Irradiance, Temperature And Panel Specific I-V Curves, Joseph Gamos Durago

Master's Theses

This thesis analyzes the design and performance of a photovoltaic (PV) emulator. With increasing interest in renewable energies, large amounts of money and effort are being put into research and development for photovoltaic systems. The larger interest in PV systems has increased demand for appropriate equipment with which to test PV systems.

A photovoltaic emulator is a power supply with similar current and voltage characteristics as a PV panel. This work uses an existing power supply which is manipulated via Labview to emulate a photovoltaic panel. The emulator calculates a current-voltage (I-V) curve based on the user specified parameters of …

A Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave-Based Boundary Detection System For Determination Of Monitoring Region For An Indoor Ultra-Wideband Short Range Radar-Based Eldercare Monitoring System, Wilson Tang

Master's Theses

Falls are a cause of concern for the elderly since it can render a person immobile. A monitoring system can summon immediate aid by the automatic detection of fall events. The application of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals for a monitoring system was chosen due to its unique characteristics such as wide spectrum, immunity to interference, penetrability, and application for the detection of people. Part of this monitoring system is boundary detection with the purpose of isolating the location of fall events and to function as a mask to define an area of interest. A study of various localizing methods using measurements …

An Investigation Into Ultrasonic Communication For Near-Body Networks, Eric Joshua Escudero Jr., Gursewak Singh Rai

Electrical Engineering

The following report presents a study of body-area, free-space ultrasonic communication system. Two analog communication systems are investigated. The initial communications system setup relies upon the amplitude modulation (AM) techniques to transmit the signal. Such a system is prone to noise since the amplitude of the signal is directly affected by distance and the signal strength will deteriorate. The secondary communication system involves utilizing frequency modulation (FM). This method avoids the issue of losing information due to amplitude deterioration, but encounters delay issues. The main hardware components used in the approach outlined include ultrasonic transducers (UTs) used for both transmitting …

Programmable Household Led Light Fixture, Jordan Locano

Electrical Engineering

This report details the development and construction of a LED light fixture to be used for household lighting. This document details background information, design ideas, project specifications, production, assembly, testing, and conclusions involved with this project. The goals of this project is to design and build a cost-effective replacement for traditional room lighting that can perform better and last longer than traditional methods.

Rem Sleep Alarm, Shaun Kelsey, Brendon Soltis

Electrical Engineering

This paper explores the REM Sleep Alarm project that deals with the sleep cycle of the average human, and how it affects our ability to function when waking up in the morning.

The purpose of this project is to build a device that has the ability to wake a person up when they will feel the most rested. From research done, it appears that most people feel the most rested when woken up during the REM stage of their sleep cycle. Our goal is to have the device detect when the user is in this stage of sleep, determine how …

Variable Dc Voltage Wall Outlet For The Dc House Project, Michael Detmers, Tyler J. Blauvelt

Electrical Engineering

This senior project report will focus on explaining the design and operation of a variable DC wall outlet for use in the DC house. Testing will include the use of various loads using different input DC voltages not exceeding a maximum output of 90W.

The most important aspects of the outlet are to have a highly-efficient converter efficiency as well as system isolation from the main DC bus on the input. This report will outline the purpose and way of achieving isolation through use of a Flyback DC-DC converter. The user interface is the second significant aspect and details of …

Laser Cursor, Michael Liman

Electrical Engineering

A user controls a cursor on a computer screen using a laser pointer.  A camera picks up the laser pointer’s position and sends the data to the computer to move the cursor in the correct position.

Exercise Bicycle Dc-Dc Converter For The Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines Project, Ryan Rickard, Logan Stowe

Electrical Engineering

Project is a continuation of previous projects that seek an efficient DC to DC converter for the existing exercise bicycle system created by Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students. This DC-DC converter is to integrate with the wide range of DC voltages produced by the bicycle in order to produce a constant optimal voltage for charging a car battery. This converter will boost voltages when the bicycle outputs below the optimal voltage and buck voltages when above. The converter will take EHFEM one step closer to its overall and final goal of harvesting energy from the exercise machines in Cal Poly’s …

Programmable Solid State 12ax7 Triode Gain Stage, Ian Campbell

Electrical Engineering

This project demonstrates the viability of vacuum tube replacements made from solid state technology and programmable logic. A collection of operational amplifiers, digital converters and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) achieve this goal. The project emulates a 12AX7 vacuum tube triode as it would operate in a Fender Champ guitar amplifier. While the prototype works specifically with the Fender Champ, minor modifications could provide the versatility for operation in different amplifiers, including high end vintage hi-fi equipment. The addition of a micro controller into these amplifiers allows for the use of digital filtering and effects while not requiring modifications …

One-Pin 32 Khz Low-Power Crystal Oscillator, Aaron Plata-Ruiz

Electrical Engineering

This design is a one-pin, 32 kHz, low-power, crystal oscillator suitable for battery-operated systems. The design is based on a design published by Ali E Zadeh, “A Micropower, Battery-Operated, One-Pin Crystal Oscillator”, but redesigned for standard positive power supply configuration, which is suitable for typical n-well CMOS process.

Solar Powered Backpack, Saagar Sabharwal, Tom Poonsopin

Electrical Engineering

One popular motto in electrical engineering today is “going green.” This project will convert the sun’s energy into reusable energy. The purpose of this senior project is to develop a solar powered backpack that can charge certain portable USB devices for students. Many students walk around campus with an iPod or cell phone, which has surely died or ran low on batteries at least once when needed most. This backpack will allow students to charge their devices “on the go.” When students walk or bike around campus, the solar panels attached to the backpack will allow recharging of their portable …