November 2009
WPI ECE Graduate Oportunities Informational Session (WPI Only)
Tuesday, 11/10/2009 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 230
Stop by AK 230 on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 to learn about the different graduate opportunities in ECE!
***Free Pizza and Pop***
For more information, please feel free to contact Professor Wyglinski at alexw@ece.wpi.edu or stop by AK 230.
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/12/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Vehicular communications: a way to improve driving safety, highway efficiency, and driver convenience
Speaker:
Dr. Hossein Pishro-Nik
Assistant Professor
ECE Dept., UMass, Amherst
Abstract:
Every year, more than 40,000 people are killed and 3 million people are injured in highway traffic accidents in the United States alone. Traffic accidents lead by a wide margin any other cause of death in the 15 to 34 age group. Moreover, traffic congestion wastes 40 percent of travel time, unnecessarily consumes about 2.3 billion gallons of fuel per year, and adversely impacts the environment. Many countries are planning the deployment of large scale vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) due to the potentially dramatic improvements in safety, highway efficiency, and driver convenience.
In this talk, we first give an overview of VANETs. We then provide a mathematical framework for analysis of these networks. In urban areas the geometry of roads and the placement of obstacles play an important role in determining the efficient communication strategy. Here, due to the high penetration loss of the 5.9 GH.z. wave passing through obstacles, single-hop communications between non-Line-of-Sight vehicles is not always the best choice. In our study we develop a geometrical framework to address the safety measures of urban transportation networks. Moreover we propose criteria to indicate how obstacles can degrade the safety measures of a network by hindering the Line-of-Sight of near-by vehicles.
We then present our findings from a real life implementation of a VANET prototype that exploits dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology to alert drivers of potential red light runners. The project is tested in a variety of situations to show its effectiveness for different scenarios.
Bio:
Hossein Pishro-Nik is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received a B.S. degree from Sharif University of Technology, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology, all in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Since joining UMass in 2005, Professor Pishro-Nik has built a research program focused on the mathematical analysis of communication systems, in particular, Error Control Coding, Wireless Networks, and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks. His awards include an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award, an Outstanding Junior Faculty Award from UMass, and an Outstanding Graduate Research Award from Georgia Tech.
Host: Professor Andrew Klein
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
Robotics Engineering Seminar (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/12/2009 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Fuller Laboratories, Perrault Hall-Lower Section
Title:
The Humanoid Robot Nao
Speaker:
Cédric Vaudel,
Aldebaran Robotics
Abstract
Nao is a humanoid robot developed and manufactured by Aldebaran Robotics, a French company based in Paris, France. The demonstration will show how the robot interact and the capacities of high level programming through software.
Nao stands tall in all points amongst its robotic brethren. Platform agnostic, it can be programmed and controlled using Linux, Windows or Mac OS. The hardware has been built from the ground up with the latest technologies providing great fluidity in its movements and offering a wide range of sensors. Nao contains an open framework which allows distributed software modules to interact together seamlessly. Depending on the users expertise, Nao can be controlled via Choregraphe®, our user friendly behaviour editor, by programming C++ modules, or by interacting with a rich API from scripting languages. In addition to the high level API, advanced users can take advantage of low level access to sensors and actuators humanoid home robot interacts autonomously and can, if they wish, replace our code with custom adaptations. In order to allow users to validate motion sequences, simulators are available for Microsoft Robotics Studio and Webots.
ALDEBARAN ROBOTICS was founded in 2005 in Paris to develop and market humanoid home robot companions. Since May 2008, Aldebaran is shipping its first generation robot. Nao is a 58cm tall friendly robot that includes a computer and networking capability at its core. Delivered with a full set of development tools, NAO addresses the needs of universities including RoboCup players and research labs around the world. Its an evolving platform, which is unique in its ability to handle multiple applications. Today Aldebarans regroups more than 70 people including +35 first class engineers and PhDs involved in R&D and production.
Host: Professor Taskin Padir
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/19/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Antenna Pattern Calibration of Active Phased Arrays
Speaker:
Angelo Puzella
Chief Engineer, Panel Array Development
Raytheon
Abstract:
Arrays are critical to successful radar performance. This talk will focus on the basic calibration algorithm with examples and discuss sources of calibration errors. I will also give an an introduction to the theory of phased arrays including array pattern synthesis, mutual coupling, unit cell performance, and modern integrated array hardware.
Bio:
Mr. Puzella is the Chief Engineer on Panel Array development at Raytheon Company. Upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1983 with a BA in Physics, Angelo was hired by Raytheon and was given a scholarship to the University of Utah where he earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering with specialization in microwave tubes in 1986. After the Microwave and Power Tube business was sold in 1994, Angelo went to work in the Antennas and Microwave Department concentrating on Phased Array Antenna work. In 1999, Angelo earned his MBA from Boston College. Presently, he is a struggling student at WPI and enjoying it.
Host: Professor Sergey Makarov
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
December 2009
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 12/17/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
1922: Armstrong Invents Digital Radio!
Speaker:
Joseph Sousa
Engineer
Linear Technology, North Chelmsford, MA
Abstract:
The super regenerative radio frequency detector, that Edwin Howard Armstrong invented in 1922, embodies many concepts that we have come to understand are at the
heart of modern Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversion. Some of these
concepts include sampling, nearly infinite regenerative gain and pulse width
modulation. The extraordinary energy efficiency of the super-regenerative detector has kept it as a topic of current research and it is embodied in new product designs.
Historic connections will be made alongside conceptual connections to present a broad perspective of the topic. Circuit diagrams, signal flow charts, and signal illustrations will be presented to flesh out the operation of super regenerative detection.
Bio:
Joe Sousa has designed Analog-to-Digital converters for nearly three decades. These designs evolved from discrete modular, to hybrid and monolithic technologies. Along the way, Joe has contributed several patents to help advance the state of the ADC design art. Side interests include antique electronics, and the engineering of earlier eras. He holds a full time job designing ADC's in 2009 but, for recreation, enjoys occasional time travel to design tube radios and unreasonable electronic contraptions with 1920's or 1950's technology.
Host: Professor John McNeill
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
Powered by the Social Web - Bringing people together through Events, Places, & Common Interests
November 2009
WPI ECE Graduate Oportunities Informational Session (WPI Only)
Tuesday, 11/10/2009 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 230
Stop by AK 230 on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 to learn about the different graduate opportunities in ECE!
***Free Pizza and Pop***
For more information, please feel free to contact Professor Wyglinski at alexw@ece.wpi.edu or stop by AK 230.
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/12/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Vehicular communications: a way to improve driving safety, highway efficiency, and driver convenience
Speaker:
Dr. Hossein Pishro-Nik
Assistant Professor
ECE Dept., UMass, Amherst
Abstract:
Every year, more than 40,000 people are killed and 3 million people are injured in highway traffic accidents in the United States alone. Traffic accidents lead by a wide margin any other cause of death in the 15 to 34 age group. Moreover, traffic congestion wastes 40 percent of travel time, unnecessarily consumes about 2.3 billion gallons of fuel per year, and adversely impacts the environment. Many countries are planning the deployment of large scale vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) due to the potentially dramatic improvements in safety, highway efficiency, and driver convenience.
In this talk, we first give an overview of VANETs. We then provide a mathematical framework for analysis of these networks. In urban areas the geometry of roads and the placement of obstacles play an important role in determining the efficient communication strategy. Here, due to the high penetration loss of the 5.9 GH.z. wave passing through obstacles, single-hop communications between non-Line-of-Sight vehicles is not always the best choice. In our study we develop a geometrical framework to address the safety measures of urban transportation networks. Moreover we propose criteria to indicate how obstacles can degrade the safety measures of a network by hindering the Line-of-Sight of near-by vehicles.
We then present our findings from a real life implementation of a VANET prototype that exploits dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology to alert drivers of potential red light runners. The project is tested in a variety of situations to show its effectiveness for different scenarios.
Bio:
Hossein Pishro-Nik is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received a B.S. degree from Sharif University of Technology, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology, all in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Since joining UMass in 2005, Professor Pishro-Nik has built a research program focused on the mathematical analysis of communication systems, in particular, Error Control Coding, Wireless Networks, and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks. His awards include an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award, an Outstanding Junior Faculty Award from UMass, and an Outstanding Graduate Research Award from Georgia Tech.
Host: Professor Andrew Klein
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
Robotics Engineering Seminar (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/12/2009 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Fuller Laboratories, Perrault Hall-Lower Section
Title:
The Humanoid Robot Nao
Speaker:
Cédric Vaudel,
Aldebaran Robotics
Abstract
Nao is a humanoid robot developed and manufactured by Aldebaran Robotics, a French company based in Paris, France. The demonstration will show how the robot interact and the capacities of high level programming through software.
Nao stands tall in all points amongst its robotic brethren. Platform agnostic, it can be programmed and controlled using Linux, Windows or Mac OS. The hardware has been built from the ground up with the latest technologies providing great fluidity in its movements and offering a wide range of sensors. Nao contains an open framework which allows distributed software modules to interact together seamlessly. Depending on the users expertise, Nao can be controlled via Choregraphe®, our user friendly behaviour editor, by programming C++ modules, or by interacting with a rich API from scripting languages. In addition to the high level API, advanced users can take advantage of low level access to sensors and actuators humanoid home robot interacts autonomously and can, if they wish, replace our code with custom adaptations. In order to allow users to validate motion sequences, simulators are available for Microsoft Robotics Studio and Webots.
ALDEBARAN ROBOTICS was founded in 2005 in Paris to develop and market humanoid home robot companions. Since May 2008, Aldebaran is shipping its first generation robot. Nao is a 58cm tall friendly robot that includes a computer and networking capability at its core. Delivered with a full set of development tools, NAO addresses the needs of universities including RoboCup players and research labs around the world. Its an evolving platform, which is unique in its ability to handle multiple applications. Today Aldebarans regroups more than 70 people including +35 first class engineers and PhDs involved in R&D and production.
Host: Professor Taskin Padir
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 11/19/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Antenna Pattern Calibration of Active Phased Arrays
Speaker:
Angelo Puzella
Chief Engineer, Panel Array Development
Raytheon
Abstract:
Arrays are critical to successful radar performance. This talk will focus on the basic calibration algorithm with examples and discuss sources of calibration errors. I will also give an an introduction to the theory of phased arrays including array pattern synthesis, mutual coupling, unit cell performance, and modern integrated array hardware.
Bio:
Mr. Puzella is the Chief Engineer on Panel Array development at Raytheon Company. Upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1983 with a BA in Physics, Angelo was hired by Raytheon and was given a scholarship to the University of Utah where he earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering with specialization in microwave tubes in 1986. After the Microwave and Power Tube business was sold in 1994, Angelo went to work in the Antennas and Microwave Department concentrating on Phased Array Antenna work. In 1999, Angelo earned his MBA from Boston College. Presently, he is a struggling student at WPI and enjoying it.
Host: Professor Sergey Makarov
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
December 2009
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 12/17/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
1922: Armstrong Invents Digital Radio!
Speaker:
Joseph Sousa
Engineer
Linear Technology, North Chelmsford, MA
Abstract:
The super regenerative radio frequency detector, that Edwin Howard Armstrong invented in 1922, embodies many concepts that we have come to understand are at the
heart of modern Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversion. Some of these
concepts include sampling, nearly infinite regenerative gain and pulse width
modulation. The extraordinary energy efficiency of the super-regenerative detector has kept it as a topic of current research and it is embodied in new product designs.
Historic connections will be made alongside conceptual connections to present a broad perspective of the topic. Circuit diagrams, signal flow charts, and signal illustrations will be presented to flesh out the operation of super regenerative detection.
Bio:
Joe Sousa has designed Analog-to-Digital converters for nearly three decades. These designs evolved from discrete modular, to hybrid and monolithic technologies. Along the way, Joe has contributed several patents to help advance the state of the ADC design art. Side interests include antique electronics, and the engineering of earlier eras. He holds a full time job designing ADC's in 2009 but, for recreation, enjoys occasional time travel to design tube radios and unreasonable electronic contraptions with 1920's or 1950's technology.
Host: Professor John McNeill
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
Powered by the Social Web - Bringing people together through Events, Places, & Common Interests