Michael Liu
"Implementing an Embedded System with an EBX Form Factor PC System
and PIC Microcontrollers"

This project was concerned with the efficient and orderly processing of global
sensing through differential GPS and local sensing through a bumper mechanism, a
sonar-based local detection system, an odometer, and a digital compass, in a
durable, scalable, power-conscious embedded system. This wide range of
information was processed at different stages in both hardware and software and
output as a complete corresponding pulse-width modulated signal to the onboard
motor control system. Presentation (.ppt 12.5Mb), Report (.doc)

Alan Ghelberg
"Designing a Dead Reckoning Positioning System"

Current GPS systems available to the public are inaccurate and use signals that
are easily obstructed by buildings, tree canopies, etc. Based on either a
compass and accelerometers or a compass and odometry, a dead reckoning system
is independent of external signals and may also be used to ascertain position.
One may use such a system to supplement the GPS and create a more robust hybrid
positioning system. Presentation (ppt, 860K), Report (pdf)

Andrew Nelson
"Intelligent Bumper Design for Collision Mitigation"

Because no sensor system is perfect, a bumper is required to prevent damage
when a vehicle encounters a stealthy obstacle. The bumper senses contact at a
range that allows vehicle braking to stop the vehicle before the obstacle
contacts the chassis. The bumper also senses the obstacle location to execute
appropriate braking and avoidance maneuvers.

Andrew Graham
"Environmental Challenges in Specific Infrared Communication"

My focus was on designing and implementing a system of infrared lights and
detectors that would enable one motorized robot to follow another, while working
in various standard indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. Two different
approaches were used, columniation as well as emitting the signal at a specific
frequency, though they met with distinctly variable rates of success.
Presentation (.ppt), Report (.doc)

Jimmy Su
"Interactive Display using Wireless Communication"

Designed a wireless communication system that effectively exchanges Whitney's
real-time information to a separate computer. The information is then processed
into a graphical user interface, displaying the movements of Whitney.
Presentation (ppt), Report (.doc)

1:30 - 1:45pm
Drew Mazurek
"Optoelectronic Properties of Radiation Hard, Gravimetric Efficient InP-Based
Solar Cells"
Advisor: Prof. Jerry Woodall

In satellite operations, solar cells remain the power supply of choice. This
project is an investigation of current radiation hard, gravimetric efficient
solar cells being worked on in Professor Jerry Woodall's lab.
Presentation (.html, .ppt), Report (.doc)

1:45 - 2:00pm
An Doan
"Studies of Minority Carrier Recombination Mechanisms in Be Doped GaAs for
Optimal High Speed LED Performance"
Advisor: Prof. Jerry Woodall

In the future, high speed GaAs LEDs will be beneficial to chip-to-chip,
board-to-board optical interconnects. In order to develop optically efficient
high speed LEDs, the effects of radiative and non-radiative minority carrier
recombination as a function of doping level must be understood. We are studying
the recombination mechanisms of heavily Be doped (1*10^19 - 6*10^19) GaAs using
various semiconductor characterization techniques including Time Resolved Photo
Luminescence and Photo Luminescence vs. Pump Intensity. Results suggest that
optimal high speed LED performance can be improved beyond current
state-of-the-art. Presentation (.ppt), Report Part I (.doc), Report Part II (.doc)

2:00 - 2:15pm
Abigail Lubow
"Using GaP Avalanche Photodiodes for Photon Detection."
Advisor: Prof. Jerry Woodall

This project investigated the use of p-i-n GaP avalanche photodiodes (APDs) for
UV detection. APDs are typically made from silicon, but GaP offers three
advantages over silicon: GaP is a widely available wide bandgap material, has a
low intrinsic carrier concentration, and has a bandgap amenable to UV detection.
The device has applications in a variety of areas, from medical uses to CD data
storage. Presentation (.ppt, 420k), Report (.doc)

2:15 - 2:30pm
Hang Lee
"Noise Characterization of the A/D Converter on a PIC Microcontroller"
Advisor: Prof. Robert Grober

A/D converters integrated into PIC microcontrollers are subject to a wide range
of noise sources. If the sum of these noise contributions can be modeled as
approximately white noise, oversampling and averaging techniques can be used to
artificially enhance the resolution of a data measurement.
Presentation (.ppt), Report (.doc)

[Short break]

2:40 - 3:00pm
Jasmina Hasanhodzic
"Neural Networks for Function Approximation, Pattern Recognition, and Control"
Advisor: Prof. K. Narendra
Basic concepts and definitions are introduced. Simulation results revealing the
effectiveness of artificial neural networks in solving problems related to the
above-mentioned applications are emphasised. Report (.doc)

3:00 - 3:20pm
Jon Malkin
"Dynamic Optimizations and Their Impact across Compilers"
Advisor: Prof. Dan Friendly

Examining the effects of dynamic instruction optimization in microprocessors
across static optimization levels, and comparing results betweens different
compilers. Presentation (pdf, 96K), Report (pdf, 225K)

3:20 - 3:40pm
Kimberley Chen
"Isolating and Eliminating True Data Dependencies through Dependent
Instruction Pair Analysis"
Advisor: Prof. Dan Friendly

This project examines read-after-write (RAW) data dependencies in the Alpha
instruction set, the proposed benefit of data collapsing, and the actual benefit
derived from optimizing selected instruction pairs. Presentation (ppt, 170K), Report (pdf, 225K),

3:40 - 4:00pm
Sam Luckenbill
"Building Bayesian Networks with Analog Subthreshold CMOS Circuits"
Advisor: Prof. Richard Lethin

Bayesian networks are graphical models that map together existing beliefs about
the relationships between events and provide a mathematical rule explaining how
to change those beliefs in light of new evidence. These networks are useful in
decision-making applications such as decoding turbo codes, and translate
naturally into analog circuits. Report (pdf, 350K), Report (html)

[Short break]

4:10 - 4:30pm
Eric Stern
"Nanotechnology: Understanding, Measuring, and Designing Molecular Scale
Electronic Devices."
Advisor: Prof. Mark Reed

This paper presents work on a number of critical areas in aromatic ring-based
nanotechnology. Current-voltage measurements of previously untested molecules
further show the phenomenon of molecular negative differential resistance, NDR.
These measurements reinforced a number of shortcomings of the testing
apparatuses and better equipment was designed. Finally, current work aimed at
reducing the input power required for testing for the molecular devices and
creating a molecular assembly language of sorts is explained.

4:30 - 4:50pm
Rameez Saleh
"Planar Molecular Chip Design: Nanoparticles"
Advisor: Prof. Mark Reed

The use of Au nanoparticles and the investigation of process techniques to
increase device yield in planar molecular chips.