A Hands-On Approach to Advanced Undergraduate Instruction in Control and Circuitry in Power Electronics

We have developed a hands-on kit to teach control and circuits in power electronics. The kit consists of only discrete components to improve on what is missing from the contemporary IC design experience: the insight and intuition that arises from the building and testing of circuits where there is physical access to every node. The kit is modular and configurable, allowing students to explore the design space with different topologies and component values, while trading-off bandwidth, power, and accuracy, among other things.MIT Center for Materials Science and Engineering, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center funded by the National Science Foundation under award number DMR 02-13282.Grainger FoundationPeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137655/1/PEEW-03 2007.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137655/2/PEEW-03 2007.pdfDescription of PEEW-03 2007.pdf : Main ArticleDescription of PEEW-03 2007.pdf : Main Article PDF/

An Analog Neural Computer with Modular Architecture for Real-Time Dynamic Computations

The paper describes a multichip analog parallel neural network whose architecture, neuron characteristics, synaptic connections, and time constants are modifiable. The system has several important features, such as time constants for time-domain computations, interchangeable chips allowing a modifiable gross architecture, and expandability to any arbitrary size. Such an approach allows the exploration of different network architectures for a wide range of applications, in particular dynamic real-world computations. Four different modules (neuron, synapse, time constant, and switch units) have been designed and fabricated in a 2µm CMOS technology. About 100 of these modules have been assembled in a fully functional prototype neural computer. An integrated software package for setting the network configuration and characteristics, and monitoring the neuron outputs has been developed as well. The performance of the individual modules as well as the overall system response for several applications have been tested successfully. Results of a network for real-time decomposition of acoustical patterns will be discussed

Mosview

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Computação.Apresenta-se uma ferramenta gráfica chamada MOSVIEW, com a finalidade de auxiliar no projeto de circuitos analógicos MOS ao nível do transistor, além da possibilidade do uso da ferramenta de forma didática em disciplinas de projeto de circuitos integrados analógicos. A ferramenta foi desenvolvida em C++ Builder 6, com base no modelo ACM, cujas equações são válidas em todas as regiões de operação do transistor. MOSVIEW permite que o usuário visualize e explore o espaço de projeto dos circuitos analógicos básicos

Analogue filter networks: developments in theory, design and analyses

Not availabl

Enhancement of student learning in the lecture theatre by means of a radio frequency feedback system

The principal formal teaching mechanism of universities is the lecture - a cost efficient format where hundreds of students may be taught by a single lecturer. Lectures' learning outcome is less certain; the lecturer has little ability to appraise the nature of the audience's understanding. The introduction of an electronic communication path from students to the lecturer mitigates this disjuncture. This communication path has been introduced and was found to be extensively used during a series of lectures, with each student provided with a handset that is reliable, inexpensive and portable. Upon these handsets are buttons; the data is transmitted at radio frequencies to the lecturer, aggregated and displayed graphically for quick assimilation. It has been recognised that this communication path permits the direct measurement of student's educational behaviour without disturbing the lecture itself. Preliminary results indicating the value of this research methodology have been obtained. A significant correlation was identified between the percentage of questions during the lecture students answered correctly and their previous year's overall academic mark. A correlation was identified between the number of times students initiate communication with the lecturer and the number of questions during the lecture they answered correctly. Mixed evidence was found regarding a possible correlation between the evidence of satisfaction with their learning students provided using the system and the number of questions during the lecture they answered correctly. The introduction of an electronic communication path into lectures has proved to be an innovation deserving of further research and wider introduction into teaching practice

The Boston University Photonics Center annual report 2010-2011

This repository item contains an annual report that summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center in the 2010-2011 academic year. The report provides quantitative and descriptive information regarding photonics programs in education, interdisciplinary research, business innovation, and technology development. The Boston University Photonics Center (BUPC) is an interdisciplinary hub for education, research, scholarship, innovation, and technology development associated with practical uses of light.This report summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center (BUPC) during the period July 2010 through June 2011. These activities span the Center’s complementary missions in education, research, technology development, and commercialization. In education, 21BUPC graduate students received Ph.D. diplomas. BUPC faculty taught 20 photonics courses. One graduate student was funded through the Photonics Center Dean’s Fellowship Program. BUPC supported the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Biophotonic Sensors and Systems. In addition to working in the laboratories and heading to Northeastern University for shared seminars, the eight teachers split into two groups to participate in cleanroom activities. The University hosted its annual Science and Engineering Day, where the Photonics Center sponsored the Herbert J. Berman "Future of Light" Prize. Professor Goldberg’s Boston Urban Fellows Project started its sixth year. For more on our education programs, turn to the Education section on page 62. In research, BUPC faculty published journal papers spanning the field of photonics. Eleven patents were awarded to faculty this year for new innovations in the field. A number of awards for outstanding achievement in education and research were presented to BUPC faculty members. These honors include the NSF CAREER Award for Professors Altug, the 2010 R&sD 100 Award for Professor Bifano, and the Dean’s Catalyst Award for Professor Joshi. New external grant funding for the 2010-2010 fiscal year totaled $20.9M. For more information on our research activities, turn to the Research section on page 24. In technology development, this year was the beginning of a transitional period at the Photonics Center as ARL pipeline programs were completed and new research projects were proposed as part of the newly funded National Science Foundation (NSF) Industrial University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Biophotonic Sensors and Systems. As researchers finished programs for ARL development, many successfully presented programs at the first annual I/UCRC meeting in April 2011. In the I/UCRC model, industry members of the Center provide the market vision and orient research to solve urgent market needs – in an extension of the successful ARL pipeline model in which the Department of Defense’s urgent needs motivated our research goals. For more information on our technology development pipeline and projects, turn to the Technology Development section on page 49. In commercialization, the business incubator continues to operate at capacity. Its tenants include ten technology companies with a majority having core business interests primarily in photonics and life sciences. It houses several companies founded by current and former BU faculty and students and provides students with an opportunity to assist, observe, and learn from start-up companies. For more information about business incubator activities, turn to the Business Incubation chapter in the Facilities and Equipment section on page 74. In early 2010, the BUPC unveiled a five-year strategic plan as part of the University’s comprehensive review of centers and institutes. The BUPC strategic plan will enhance the Center’s position as an international leader in photonics research. For more information about the strategic plan, turn to the BUPC Strategic Plan section on page 11

The Boston University Photonics Center annual report 2012-2013

This repository item contains an annual report that summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center in the 2012-2013 academic year. The report provides quantitative and descriptive information regarding photonics programs in education, interdisciplinary research, business innovation, and technology development. The Boston University Photonics Center (BUPC) is an interdisciplinary hub for education, research, scholarship, innovation, and technology development associated with practical uses of light.This report summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center during the period July 2012 through June 2013. These activities span the Center’s complementary missions in education, research, technology development, and commercialization. The Photonics Center continues to grow as an international leader in photonics research, while executing the Center’s strategic plan and serving as a university-wide resource for several affiliate Centers. For more information about the strategic plan, read the Photonics Center Strategic Plan section on page 10. In research, Photonics Center faculty published nearly 150 journal papers spanning the field of photonics. A number of awards for outstanding achievement in education and research were presented to Photonics Center faculty members, including a Peter Paul Professorship for Professor Xue Han, an NSF Career Award for Professor Ajay Joshi, and the 2012 Innovator of the Year Award from Boston University for Professor Theodore Moustakas. New external grant funding for the 2012- 2013 fiscal year totaled over $21.8M. For more information on our research activities, read the Research section on page 24. In technology development, the Photonics Center has turned a chapter, by completing the transition from a focus on Defense/ Security applications to a focus on the healthcare market sector. The commercial sector is expected to energize the technology development efforts for the foreseeable future, but the roots in defense/security are still important and the Center will continue to pursue new research grants in this area. For more information on our technology development program and on specific projects, read the Technology Development section on page 45. In education, 20 Photonics Center graduate students received Ph.D. diplomas. Photonics Center faculty taught 32 photonics courses. The Center supported a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) site in Biophotonic Sensors and Systems for 10 middle school and high school teachers. The Photonics Center sponsored the Herbert J. Berman “Future of Light” Prize at the University’s Scholars Day. For more on our education programs, read the Education section on page 54. In commercialization, Boston University’s Business Innovation Center (BIC) currently hosts seven technology start-up companies. There is a healthy turnover in the Innovation Center space with a total of 19 companies residing at BIC over the past year. The mix of companies includes: life sciences, biotechnology, medical devices, photonics, and clean energy; and nine of the 19 companies originated from within BU. All the BIC tenants are engaged in the commercialization of new technologies of importance to society and all are active in the BU community in terms of offering internships, employment opportunities or research collaborations. For more information about Business Innovation Center activities, read the Business Innovation Center chapter in the Facilities and Equipment section on page 66

The Boston University Photonics Center annual report 2009-2010

This repository item contains an annual report that summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center for the period from July 2009 through June 2010. The report provides quantitative and descriptive information regarding photonics programs in education, interdisciplinary research, business innovation, and technology development. The Boston University Photonics Center (BUPC) is an interdisciplinary hub for education, research, scholarship, innovation, and technology development associated with practical uses of light.This report summarizes activities of the Boston University Photonics Center (BUPC) during the period July 2009 through June 2010. These activities span the Center’s complementary missions in education, research, technology development, and commercialization. In education, twenty-three BUPC graduate students received Ph.D. diplomas. BUPC faculty taught thirty-one photonics courses. Five graduate students were funded through the Photonics Fellowship Program. BUPC supported a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site in Photonics, which hosted summer interns in a ten-week program. Each REU student presented their research results to a panel of faculty and graduate students. Professors Goldberg and Swan continued their work with K-12 student outreach programs. Professor Goldberg’s Boston Urban Fellows Project started its sixth year. Professor Swan’s collaborative Four Schools for Women in Engineering program entered its third year. For more on our education programs, turn to the Education section on page 67. In research, BUPC faculty published journal papers spanning the field of photonics. Twelve patents were awarded to faculty this year for new innovations in the field. A number of awards for outstanding achievement in education and research were presented to BUPC faculty members. These honors include NSF CAREER Awards for Professors Altug, Dal Negro and Reinhard. New external grant funding for the 2009-2010 fiscal year totaled $21.1M, including$4.0M through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). For more information on our research activities, turn to the Research section on page 24. In technology development, the Department of Defense (DoD) continued to support the COBRA prototype systems. These photonics-technologies were pioneered by BUPC faculty and staff and have been deployed for field test and use at the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases. New technology development projects for nuclear weapon detection, biodosimetry and terahertz imaging were launched and previously developed technologies for bacterial and viral sensing advanced toward commercial transition. For more information on our technology development pipeline and projects, turn to the Technology Development section on page 54. In commercialization, the business incubator continues to operate at capacity. Its tenants include more than a dozen technology companies with core business interests primarily in photonics and life sciences. It houses several companies founded by current and former BU faculty and students and provides students with an opportunity to assist, observe, and learn from start-up companies. For more information about business incubator activities, turn to the Business Incubation chapter in the Facilities and Equipment section on page 84. In early 2010, the BUPC unveiled a five-year strategic plan as part of the University’s comprehensive review of centers and institutes. The BUPC strategic plan will enhance the Center’s position as an international leader in photonics research. For more information about the strategic plan, turn to the BUPC Strategic Plan section on page 8