December 2009
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 12/3/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Systems Engineering in Adaptive Optics
Speaker:
Carl Witthoft
Adaptive Optics Associates
Abstract:
This seminar will present an overview of wavefront sensors and adaptive optics systems. A variety of wavefront sensor techniques will be reviewed, along with a history of the development of A-O systems. In particular, the interplay between algorithm development and advancements in optical sensor technology, digital processors, etc. will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the 'tricks of the trade' of a Systems Engineer as part of a project development team.
Speaker Bio:
Carl Witthoft earned a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Colby College, and an M.S. in Physics from Brown University. He started his career at RCA Automated Systems, working on laser rangefinders and designators, undersea acoustical sensor systems, and other projects. For the last 25 years, he has worked at Adaptive Optics Associates on systems ranging from wavefront sensors to laser scanning systems to integrated optical signal processing systems.
Host: Professor John McNeill
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
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.
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December 2009
ECE Graduate Seminar Lecture (WPI Only)
Thursday, 12/3/2009 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories, AK 108
Title:
Systems Engineering in Adaptive Optics
Speaker:
Carl Witthoft
Adaptive Optics Associates
Abstract:
This seminar will present an overview of wavefront sensors and adaptive optics systems. A variety of wavefront sensor techniques will be reviewed, along with a history of the development of A-O systems. In particular, the interplay between algorithm development and advancements in optical sensor technology, digital processors, etc. will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the 'tricks of the trade' of a Systems Engineer as part of a project development team.
Speaker Bio:
Carl Witthoft earned a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Colby College, and an M.S. in Physics from Brown University. He started his career at RCA Automated Systems, working on laser rangefinders and designators, undersea acoustical sensor systems, and other projects. For the last 25 years, he has worked at Adaptive Optics Associates on systems ranging from wavefront sensors to laser scanning systems to integrated optical signal processing systems.
Host: Professor John McNeill
For more information, e-mail ecesec@ece.wpi.edu.
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