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Library Resources for Research

by Mark England

NDSU Libraries

Abstract

Topics to be covered:

1. Approaching a literature search logically -- how to analyze your information need and use this analysis to search strategically and efficiently.
2. Resources available at NDSU in Electrical Engineering -- what catalogs, databases, and indexes are available.
3. Reminders related to efficient library use -- general tips on acquiring resources located in your literature search.
4. Getting help with your research from a librarian -- contact information for librarians at NDSU.

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A New Parallel Architecture for Low Power Linear Feedback Shift Registers

by Abdullah Mamun

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

Low power dissipation is very critical in today's electronic designs. Components which are widely used in design, such as sequence generators like linear feedback shift registers (LFSR), should consume as little power as possible.

Two recent works on parallel architecture of LFSR, one by M. Lowy and another by M. E. Hamid and C. I. H. Chen, have reduced dynamic power consumption significantly compared to the conventional architecture and showed the way to generate multiple outputs.

In this seminar design improvements on these parallel architectures are proposed. The proposed method reduces dynamic power dissipation significantly, simplifies design process for single and multiple output generation, and eliminates the need of some hardware.

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Titin's Effect on Visco-elasticity of Failing Hearts

by Bruce Wheeler

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

Extensive myocyte remodeling is often seen with heart failure and may include altered titin levels that dramatically affect the cardiac myocyte's viscoelastic properties, which ultimately results in a myocardium with different visco-elastic properties. If the myocardium's internal viscous friction is elevated in heart failure, then hemodynamic energy is lost as heat ultimately reducing the amount of external work available for producing pressure and flow. This raises the question - how are alterations in titin (N2BA:N2B ratio) related to overall cardiac viscoelasticity and how does this affect cardiac performance? The link from molecular changes to myocardial viscoelasticity has not been described before in human heart failure.

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Genetic algorithm based digital IIR filter design

by Mike Schmitz

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

The multi-modal least squared error surface for a digital IIR filter with an arbitrary magnitude response is difficult to optimize with traditional strategies due to premature convergence at local optima. To counter this, a genetic algorithm based on evolutionary ideology that can globally optimize is proposed. The foundations of both the genetic algorithm and digital IIR filters will be presented along with the intricacies and difficulties of marrying the two together to create a filter design tool.

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Wind Speed Forecasting by Expectation Maximization

by Krithika Seetharaman

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

Wind speed forecasting plays an important role in estimating the energy production of wind farms interfaced to the utility. Here, the recorded wind speed data is analyzed to fit a model to it and thereby predict the future values. The process involves identification of approximate models from the correlation functions, parameter estimation using the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm and prediction using the weighted averages of previous observations. The advantages of the EM algorithm including its abilities to handle large data sets are explored.

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Support Vector Machines as a Classification Tool for Brain Computer Interface Systems

by Monobina Bhowmick

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is defined as an augmentative communication system between man and machine which is independent of the brain's normal output pathways to nerves and muscles. A successful BCI should be able to detect the user's intentions which in turn can be used to control an augmentative device. The electrical signals of the brain (electroencephalogram: EEG) arise from neurons in the cerebral cortex. Analysis of the EEG signals can lead to classification of different thoughts of the subject. The key technical challenge is to reliably and accurately detect and classify features of the EEG. This presentation will talk about Support Vector Machines (SVM) as a novel tool for EEG classification and shed light on the performance of SVM as tool in BCI research.

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A Novel Circuit Model for PEM Fuel Cells

by Dachuan Yu

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is being investigated as an alternate power source for various applications like transportation and emergency power supplies. Our group developed a novel circuit model for a PEM fuel cell that can be used to design and analyze fuel-cell power system. The PSPICE-based model uses BJTs and LC elements available in the PSPICE library with some modification. The model includes the phenomena like activation polarization, ohmic polarization, and mass transport effect present in a PEM fuel cell. The static and dynamic characteristics obtained through simulation are compared with experimental results obtained on a commercial fuel-cell module. The performance of the fuel cell module when feeding a boost converter is studied and the waveforms are presented.

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Maintenance Scheduling of Generation and Transmission Systems Using F 17 February, 2009 1:37 PM "http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/about_us/directory/mark_england.php" --> Dr. M.Y. El-Sharkh

ECE Dept.,
University of South Alabama

Abstract

Maintenance scheduling (MS) of power-system generating units and transmission lines is one of the typical power-system long-term operation and planning problems. MS is an important tool for increasing both generating equipment availability and system reliability while minimizing both system operational and maintenance costs.

Maintenance scheduling is an optimization problem subjected to maintenance and system constraints. The MS problem can be decomposed into two interrelated subproblems namely, the maintenance subproblem and the power-system subproblem. The classical decomposition methods impose additional constraints on both subproblems to allow a unique solution. A new solution technique for the decomposed problem is introduced. The proposed technique is based on evolutionary programming (EP) to search for a near-optimal solution and the feasibility watch of the hill-climbing technique. The search nature of the EP allows the sequential solution of the two subproblems without additional constraints.

The MS problem has many uncertainties. These include load uncertainties, market price changes for maintenance and fuel. Ignoring these uncertainties may yield to misleading results or a local optimal solution. To achieve an improved solution, the MS problem formulation is extended to include the above mentioned uncertainties using fuzzy techniques. The integrated fuzzy model for the MS problem is then solved by the evolutionary programming-based technique. The results of the proposed solution approach are the fuzzy overall production and maintenance cost that reflect the uncertainties associated with the MS problem.

To test the proposed approach, a modified IEEE 30-bus test system with 41 lines and 6-generating units and the IEEE 118-bus test system with 179 lines and 33 generating units were used. Test results on the IEEE 30-bus system using the proposed approach against those obtained using the complementary decision variables approach indicates improvement of results by the proposed approach and established its viability to solve the MS problem.

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Economic Analysis of Congestion Management Rules in Interconnected Electricity Markets

by Dr. Sung-Kwan Joo

Advanced Power Technologies Center,
University of Washington

Abstract

In recent years, the restructuring of electricity markets has led electrical engineers and economists to pay careful attention to the design of electricity market rules and how they affect the strategic behaviors of power producers in a market. As electricity markets continue to expand beyond national borders or traditional state boundaries, many firms in one country (or state) now compete with generators in other countries (or states) in interconnected electricity markets. Different operation entities may have different market structures and rules to clear the energy market and handle congestion. Especially, how congestion inside a country is handled has important implications on power flows and prices in various countries. However, the impact of congestion management rules on the social cost of an individual market has not been investigated systematically for grids with multiple markets.

In this talk, I will show how congestion management rules can be designed in such a way that it gives preference to the local generators over foreign generators in neighboring markets. Case studies will be presented to illustrate that the more profitable market rules can change depending on whether the foreign generators contribute to congestion or relieve congestion inside its own country.

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Cardiac Elastance Measurement

by Jeff Wandler

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

Previous work on the heart has created a model which translates into an electrical model of resistance and capacitances. Current research in the Cardiovascular lab has been working on determining values for these parameters. These calculated values can be difficult to determine depending on the data collected. A technique is being investigated to directly measure the values to improve the model of the heart.

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Examination of Radiated Emissions from Electrically Large Dipole and Loop Antennas in a Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic Cell

by Michael Reich

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

The Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic (GTEM) cell has been in use for over a decade as a tool for performing radiated emissions and radiated susceptibility testing. For electrically small devices, studies have shown good correlation between radiated emissions measurements made in a GTEM cell and measurements made at an Open-Air Test Site (OATS), the standard radiated emissions measurement facility. However, one area that is not well understood is how radiated emissions from an electrically large source, such as a unit under test with attached cabling, can be accurately modeled. This presentation discusses a proposed research plan to determine a model for two simple, electrically large structures, specifically dipole and loop antennas.

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Probing and Shielding Issues for Multi-Gigabit Signals

by Douglas Smith

D.C. Smith Consulting ,
Los Gatos, California

Abstract

Probing high-speed signals can result in significant errors, both in the measured result and in the original signal as well. The effects can be subtle, causing problems the investigator is unaware of. Characteristics of some multi-GHz probes will be discussed. Measured results and live simulations will be used to illustrate points and sources of errors.

Additional note

(from Dr. Robert Nelson)

Doug Smith is known internationally for his technical knowledge and interesting presentations of high-frequency probe effects. I have attended many of his talks and have always greatly enjoyed them. He will be in Fargo for other reasons, but has graciously offered to provide a seminar at NDSU on this important topic. Please come and enjoy an interesting talk that will be sprinkled with live demonstrations to illustrate the points being made. It will be GREAT! Questions? Contact me at r.m.nelson@ieee.org

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Analysis of Electric Field Strengths from Prairie Public Broadcasting Transmitters

by Doaa Hassan Abouzeid

ECE Dept.,
NDSU

Abstract

In recent years, the transition from analog to digital television has increased the need for a more reliable technique to validate the previously used electric field strength prediction algorithms. This thesis presents the study and analysis of electric field strength measurements of several stations used by Prairie Public Broadcasting (PPB), based in Fargo, North Dakota. A field measurement campaign for two TV channels and one radio channel of PPB, namely KFME, KFME-DT and KDSU was conducted to study the electric field strength spatial variation over their coverage area. Eight sets of E-field strength measurements were taken at two different radii (10 and 30 miles) from the transmitter. The corresponding predicted values were estimated using the ITM algorithm. A suite of MATLAB programs was developed to process the measurements and plot the measured versus the predicted. Electric Field Comparison (EFC) software tool was developed, using LABVIEW program, which can be used by PPB or any other broadcaster to do a similar test. A statistical analysis process was carried out to compare the predicted E-field strengths to the measured ones.

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Research activities of the Wave Electromagnetics Group / UNICAMP

by Dr. Hugo E. Hernández-Figueroa

Department of Microwaves and Optics,
State University of Campinas, Campinas - SP, Brazil

Abstract

This talk will start with a brief overview of the research lines and facilities of the Wave Electromagnetics Group headed by Dr. Hernández-Figueroa in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Then, the new design aspects for photonics and microwave devices will be discussed in connection with the so-called electromagnetic band gap (EBG) materials, which are also known as photonics band gap (PBG) materials, or simply metamaterials. Challenges and tendencies of numerical modeling related to these new devices will be discussed. An exciting new kind of waves called Localized Waves will also be discussed. Its amazing features and its potential applications will be addressed, which may range from a variety of medical applications (e. g. ultrasound imaging and microwave cancer detection), optical tweezers and even highly efficient electromagnetic bombs.

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