All Topics 2009

1

Supervisor: K. Awodele Subject Area: Power Engineering

ID: KOA01

TITLE: Reliability Evaluation of distribution Networks Using Fuzzy Logic

DESCRIPTION:

Use fuzzy logic to determine the reliability of a distribution network and compare the results with that obtained using historical data.

DELIVERABLES: Test results, thesis report, draft paper for publication

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical distribution planning, Reliability

ID: KOA02

TITLE: Application of predictive reliability analysis techniques in distribution networks.

DESCRIPTION:

Historical data is commonly used for the evaluation of reliability of distribution systems. The student is to use predictive reliability techniques to determine reliability for planning purposes. The results are to be compared with those obtained with historical data.

DELIVERABLES: Identify some feeders. Use both historical data and predictive reliability technique to determine and rank their reliability for the purpose of reliability improvement.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical Distribution planning, reliability.

2

ID: KOA03

TITLE: Load modelling for Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation

DESCRIPTION:

Customer outage cost is a function of the type of activity and equipment in use during an outage. Different types of load models have been used in literature. The way the load is modelled has an effect on the cost.

DELIVERABLES: A comparison of the different load models and their effects on customer interruption cost, based on at least five models taken from a thorough literature review.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical skills

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electricity distribution planning and operation, technical and financial costing, reliability.

ID: KOA04

TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Industrial/Commercial Customers.

DESCRIPTION:

Customer outage cost is a function of the type of activity and equipment in use during an outage. The impact of frequency, duration, time of occurrence of outages and other parameters on the customer interruption costs need to be established. A designated customer area should be surveyed to determine interruption cost. A possible cost model would be developed from the data.

DELIVERABLES:

Identification of an area to survey.

Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions.

Develop a cost model

Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of outages

Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a common base for use by other researchers.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Problem analysis, good interpersonal skills to obtain necessary data.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Identify possible area to survey


3

ID: KOA05

TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Residential / Agricultural Customers.

DESCRIPTION:


DELIVERABLES:

Identification of an area to survey.

Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions.

Develop a cost model

Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of outages

Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a common base for use by other researchers.




ID: KOA06

TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Public offices.

DESCRIPTION:


DELIVERABLES:

Identification of an area to survey. Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions. Develop a cost model Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of outages. Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a common base for use by other researchers.




4

Supervisor: P. Barendse Subject Area: Power Engineering

ID: PB01

TITLE: Investigating the Potential Energy Savings in Pumping Systems by Utilising VSD’s and Energy Efficient Motors

DESCRIPTION:

The ability to vary the flow rate in a pumping system may be achieved by throttling valves or by speed control using variable speed drives (VSD’s). The latter option is far more energy efficient, especially at low speeds. Although this is well understood, the retrofitting of standard motors with energy efficient motors is less understood. Therefore the project serves to examine the possible energy savings which may be achieved by including VSD’s and energy efficient motors into existing pumping systems.

DELIVERABLES:

1) Reviewing the relevant theory on pump systems and efficiency testing 2) Conducting efficiency tests on various configurations of pumping systems 3) Quantifying the energy savings realised

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in motors, electric drives and energy. Also, an interest in a lab/hardware-based project, with some computer interfacing. Furthermore, it will require some Matlab programming and a willingness to learn/use Simulink.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines and Drives)

ID: PB02

TITLE: Detection of Inter-Turn Faults in Permanent Magnet Wind Generators

DESCRIPTION:

Due to economical and environmental benefits, Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) have received tremendous growth in the past decade. As a direct consequence comes the need for the reduction of operational and maintenance costs of these wind generators. The most effective way of reducing these costs would be to continuously monitor the condition of these generators. Fault diagnosis of electrical machines has primarily been focused on steady state operation of the machine due to the limitations in signal processing techniques. A popular method of condition monitoring utilizes the steady-state spectral components of the stator quantities. The work will be carried out on an existing Wind Energy Conversion System, situated in the machines laboratory.

DELIVERABLES:

1) conduct a literature review of the common PM machine faults and fault detection techniques and 2) simulate various fault conditions on the PM wind generator without actually damaging the machine 3) identify faults under steady state conditions using proposed detection technique 4) examine the effect of the wind generators control systems on the detection schemes ability to identify the fault 5) propose solutions to improve technique

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think clearly through the consequences of basic electrical theory. (Note: familiarisation with the Matlab/Simulink software package will take place during the thesis project).

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, drives and signal processing)

5

ID: PB03

TITLE: Implementing a sensorless control strategy for a brushless DC machine

DESCRIPTION:

This project serves to aid a larger project which is directed at developing a high speed flywheel energy storage device. The control of the electrical machine (brushless DC machine) is dependant on detecting the rotor position. The simplest method utilises hall sensors, however due to the high speeds attained by the rotor, the bandwidth of the sensor is exceeded. It is therefore necessary for sensorless control.

DELIVERABLES:

1) conduct a literature review of sensorless control strategies for brushless DC machines 2) Select at least two suitable control strategies and implement experimentally 3) Conduct a comparative investigation into the proposed techniques 4) recommend improvements

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think clearly through the consequences of basic electrical theory. (Note: familiarisation with the Matlab/Simulink software package will take place during the thesis project)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, Power Electronics and Drives)

ID: PB04

TITLE: Develop a fuel cell model for real-time control

DESCRIPTION:

Power electronic controllers are used to control fuel cells. In order to optimize the fuel cell performance a model is needed for simulation and design purposes. In addition models that can operate in real time are needed for emulation, described in the next activity. Although there has been a considerable amount of research done on modelling fuel cells, the complexity and computation time associated with some of these models is a drawback for real-time implementation. These models use linearization methods on parameters, however it is envisaged that simpler, lumped parameter models will be developed, which would allow for real-time implementation and assist in development of the emulator.

DELIVERABLES: Develop a fuel cell model for real-time control

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Modelling, analytical and mathematical skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)

6

ID: PB05

TITLE: Construction of a fuel cell emulator

DESCRIPTION:

The testing of actual fuel cells for design and control of power electronic converters, optimization, diagnosis, and parameter estimation is not always viable. In particular, to get an actual fuel cell for testing is very difficult due to a limited number of fuel cell manufacturers, the issue of balance of plant, and the high cost of the fuel cell. A fault with the testing procedure can result in expensive damage to the fuel cell. Therefore, an emulator, which is a power electronic circuit which mimics the static and dynamic characteristics of the fuel cells, is of considerable value. The lumped parameters developed in the first task will be used in the emulator development.

DELIVERABLES:

Construction of a fuel cell emulator

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Design, experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think clearly through the consequences of basic electrical theory

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)

7

Supervisor: M. Braae Subject Area: Control Systems

ID: MB01

TITLE: Filtering of VSC control action

DESCRIPTION:

Variable Structure Control is a technique that switches between two state space controllers thereby inducing sliding motion along a switching line in x-space. Current research indicates that low pass filtering of the switched control action produced by a variable structure control law can lead to problems with its ability to track setpoints asymptotically with zero error. This does not appear to occur with the pure integrator (that acts like a low pass filter). Thus the tracking behaviour of this nonlinear control system may be due to a type number phenomenon. The aim of the project is to explore the problem of reducing the activity of the input action demanded by a VSC system.

DELIVERABLES: Literature review followed by analysis and full evaluation of filtering in VSC. Application of the methods investigated to a laboratory system forms an important part of the project.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics, nonlinear dynamic systems, programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is closely related to MB02 in that both explore the problem of excessive actuator movement associated with the control method.

AREA: Control

ID: MB02

TITLE: Modification of SMC switching transition

DESCRIPTION:

Sliding Mode Control is a technique that switches between two control actions thereby inducing sliding motion along a switching line in x-space. Apart from low pass filtering (MB02), the harsh control action from a SMC can be smoothed by altering its on-off switching surface to contain a linear transition region around the switching line that provides a less lively alteration in plant input across the switching line. The aim of the project is to investigate the use of this linear transition from “ON” to “OFF” and to evaluate its efficacy through cost functions.

DELIVERABLES:

Literature review followed by analysis and full evaluation of switching surface modification. Verification of the methods investigated needs to be done on a laboratory system and forms an important part of the project.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics, nonlinear dynamic systems, programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is closely related to MB01 in that both explore the problem of excessive actuator movement associated with the control method.

AREA: Control

8

ID: MB03

TITLE: Performance of a model tracking control system

DESCRIPTION:

Control loop configurations can be factorized to aid mathematical analysis. Examples include Q-parameterization and Internal Model Control. The structure for SISO control systems proposed by Horowitz is intended to facilitate direct engineering specifications of the blocks in control systems. Specifically models of the plant and the desired closed loop are entered as a transfer functions to give direct specification of setpoint tracking dynamics, while a feedback controller is designed to deal exclusively with plant disturbances and measurement noise. The ability of the configuration to incorporate asymptotic tracking of various types of setpoint is to be investigated.

DELIVERABLES:

A report detailing the proposed loop and a thorough analysis of its performance based on standard cost-function indices and level diagrams. These should compare the proposed system against traditional one-degree-of-freedom and other two-degree-of-freedom control configurations, with particular focus on the implementation of internal model principle (Type Numbers). The control system is to be applied to a physical plant in the laboratory.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Control theory. Programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of control functions)

EXTRA INFORMATION: The comparison is to be made both in simulation and experimentation.

AREA: Control

ID: MB04

TITLE: Simulation and control of an acrobatic robot

DESCRIPTION:

Control of robots requires nonlinear methods. The aim of this project is two-fold: (1) To develop a simulation on which to evaluate control strategies and (2) To design and compare the performance of selected control systems in controlling the robot arm to track a variety of setpoints trajectories. Thus a dynamic model for a robot [See reference below] is to be simulated in Visual Basic with full graphic animation and analog input/output (where possible). The control of its links using linearization and other nonlinear methods is to be investigated.

DELIVERABLES:

Report detailing the programming, simulation/animation and the results of the control comparisons, making use of the latest evaluation techniques like cost functions and level diagrams that allow multi-dimensional visualization.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics (especially of robotic systems). Programming in Visual Basic

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Reference Xie Jim, Li Zushu, Dynamic Model and Motion Control Analysis of Three-link Gymnastic Robot on Horizontal Bar Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE, Changsha, China – October 2003

AREA: Control

9

ID: MB05

TITLE: Automated Describing Function Analyser

DESCRIPTION:

Since the 1960s Describing functions have been a well-known method for predicting limit cycles in control loops that contain nonlinear elements. The aim of this project is use FFT techniques on a digital computer to generate N(A) functions for nonlinear blocks. Unlike other methods based on the Nyquist plots, the describing function will provide an estimate of the amplitude for the limit cycle through the N(A) function. The project can be extended to include the other methods with a view to enhancing them by including such predictions of amplitude. The effect of sensor dynamics also needs to be considered thoroughly.

DELIVERABLES: A report detailing the program and demonstrating its use on a laboratory rig (like the servomotor).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of control functions, including FFT algorithms)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Other transforms might also apply to simple nonlinearities and provide considerable computational advantage over FFT in such cases. The possibility of making the system operate in “recursive” mode rather than “batch” mode should also be explored.

AREA: Control

ID: MB06

TITLE: Nonlinear Control of Tank Levels

DESCRIPTION:

Industrial plants use tanks and bins to hold material between sections. This project is to explore the use of nonlinear control techniques in optimizing the use of tanks for this purpose, yet ensuring level control that will prevent overflow and emptying – both of which can lead to equipment damage in practice. The tank system in the laboratory is to be used to demonstrate the methods, and may lead to a MIMO problem.

DELIVERABLES: Report detailing the theory and its application to digital simulation and physical units in the laboratory.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics and programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of control functions, including analogue interfacing)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Control

10

ID: MB07

TITLE: Control of Slop Angle in Fuel Tanks

DESCRIPTION:

A laboratory rig known as the Ball-and-Hoop system is designed to emulate control aspects of fuel movement in aircraft tanks during rapid roll manoeuvres. The aim of the project is study this laboratory system in depth and to develop a control method for the optimal rejection of disturbances.

DELIVERABLES: Report detailing the modelling, design and analysis of the control and its performance both in simulation and in practice.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics of optimal control and programming

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Control

ID: MB08 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Control of a laboratory helicopter

DESCRIPTION:

Pre-assigned project, started as a vacation job that prepared the hardware infrastructure for the model helicopter.

DELIVERABLES:

Working helicopter system controlled from a PC via a computer interface system. In depth control study including advanced control like nonlinear techniques, optimal control and others.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Hands-on electronic skills, extending to computer interfacing. Mathematics of control engineering.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Control

11

Supervisor: S.P. Chowdhury Subject Area: Power Systems

ID: SPC01

TITLE: Grid Integration of Wind Energy: Impact on Distribution and Sub-transmission Systems.

DESCRIPTION:

Wind generation systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean power across the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable wind velocity. However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in generated power causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations (power quality problems) and stability of the existing utility grid. This project deals with modelling and simulation of utility system and wind power plants of different capacities to see how capacity of wind plants, wind speed and loading conditions and point of integration of wind power plants affect the stability and power quality of the grid as well as the wind power plants.

DELIVERABLES:

Integrated model of utility and wind power plants of various capacities to be used for studying the impact of integration (bus voltages, frequency and short circuit capacities at buses) at different wind speeds, load conditions and point of integration.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

ID: SPC02

TITLE: Fuzzy based short term load forecasting.

DESCRIPTION:

This project involves the application of Fuzzy logic in short term load forecasting (STLF). The project should include review of previous applications of fuzzy logic in STLF and development of a fuzzy-based LF model to be used in load forecasts with temperature and humidity as the main weather parameters affecting load.

DELIVERABLES:

The fuzzy STLF model should be tested and validated with real time load data from South African networks.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in MATLAB

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System

12

ID: SPC03

TITLE: Modelling, operation and control of DG based power island

DESCRIPTION:

At present, anti-islanding protection schemes currently enforce the distributed generators (DGs) to disconnect immediately for grid faults through loss of grid (LOG) protection system. This greatly reduces the benefits of Distributed Generator (DG) deployment. This project involves software simulation of operation and control of DGs in power islands in microgrids and active distribution networks. The idea is to examine the effect of transition of the DGs from grid-connected to power island (stand-alone) modes (during grid unavailability) on DG bus voltage and frequency. The DG controller should be designed such that it exerts DG bus voltage and frequency control only in power island mode and bypassed in grid-connected mode.

DELIVERABLES:

The simulation results should be tested through several case studies with different grid configuration and loading conditions.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Distributed Generation; Microgrids

ID: SPC04

TITLE: Modelling and performance analysis of Synchronous Generator based Wind Energy Conversion Systems with variable gear box.

DESCRIPTION:

Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean power across the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable wind velocity. However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in generated power causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations and stability. This requires detailed modelling and simulation of WECSs for their performance analysis under different wind-velocity profiles and load conditions. This work involves developing an integrated dynamic model of a WECS coupled with synchronous generator (SG) with variable gearbox. The work must include modelling the wind turbine, SG, variable gearbox and the control. The WECS model should be used for dynamic performance analysis for different operating scenarios.

DELIVERABLES:

Simulation results showing the dynamic performance of the WECS under varying wind-speed and loading conditions.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB


13

ID: SPC05

TITLE: Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) based load forecasting.

DESCRIPTION:

This project involves the application of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) in short term load forecasting (STLF). The project should include review of previous applications of ANFIS in STLF and development of an ANFIS model to be used in load forecasts with temperature and humidity as the main weather parameters affecting load.

DELIVERABLES: The ANFIS STLF model should be tested and validated with real time load data from South African networks.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System

ID: SPC06

TITLE: Intelligent techniques in Distribution System loss minimization for Western Cape Network.

DESCRIPTION:

Distribution system loss minimization is needed for improving the operational efficiency of a distribution system. Several intelligent techniques are available for distribution system loss minimization. This project involves a literature survey of several intelligent techniques for loss minimization and application of one technique for the same for loss minimization in the Western Cape network.

DELIVERABLES:

Survey, selection and application of a loss minimization technique to a portion of the Western Cape network.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in C++, MATLAB and DIgSILENT

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power system operation; power system planning

14

ID: SPC07

TITLE: Modelling and performance analysis of DFIG based Wind Energy Conversion Systems.

DESCRIPTION:

Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean power across the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable wind velocity. However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in generated power causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations and stability. This requires detailed modelling and simulation of WECSs for their performance analysis under different wind-velocity profiles and load conditions. This work involves developing an integrated dynamic model of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based WECS. The work must include modelling the wind turbine, DFIG and the control. The WECS model should be used for dynamic performance analysis for different operating scenarios.

DELIVERABLES:

Simulation results showing the dynamic performance of the WECS under varying wind-speed and loading conditions.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: SPC08

TITLE: Dynamic modelling of PEM Fuel Cell based DG with Fuzzy Controller.

DESCRIPTION:

Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are preferred as environment-friendly distributed energy resource (DER) in distributed generation (DG) systems. Their main advantages are less environmental pollution, high efficiency, cleanliness and safe operation. This project involves dynamic modelling and simulation of a PEMFC based DG system with fuzzy logic controller. Fuzzy logic controller is used to control the fuel flow to the reformer of the PEMFC system as per the variation in load demand.

DELIVERABLES: Simulation results showing the dynamic behavior of the PEMFC based DG with fuzzy controller under different load conditions.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB


15

Supervisor: S.N. Chowdhury Subject Area: Power Systems

ID: SNC01

TITLE: Reliability study of distribution systems with and without DG penetration using Markov methods

DESCRIPTION:

Distribution system reliability assessment is concerned with power availability and power quality at each customer’s service entrance. The aim of the project is to study how DG (Distributed Generation) penetration at a distribution feeder may affect power quality and reliability of the existing feeder as well as operation of feeder protection. The reliability of the distribution system are to be compared before and after DG penetration by Hierarchical Markov Modelling (HMM), which can perform predictive distribution system reliability assessment. HMM decomposes the reliability model based on system topology, integrated protection systems, and individual protection devices. Small diesel generator or gas turbine may be used as the DG.

DELIVERABLES: Results of comparison of distribution system reliability before and after DG penetration.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Distribution System Reliability

ID: SNC02

TITLE: Modelling of stand-alone PV plant with MPPT technique.

DESCRIPTION:

Photovoltaic (PV) generation is a cost-effective method for renewable power generation with minimum environmental impact. Due to environmental and economic benefits, PV is widely deployed as a distributed energy resources (DER) in distributed generation systems and microgrids. This modelling and simulation project involves (a) development of mathematical model for a stand-alone polycrystalline PV plant which can account for the variation of PV output with solar irradiance and ambient temperature and (b) ensures that for a particular irradiance, the plant operates at its Maximum Power Point through its MPPT feature. The aim of the MPPT feature is to ensure that the PV plant generates its maximum power at a specific solar irradiance by operating at the maximum point of its power curve for that irradiance.

DELIVERABLES:

Results of simulation showing the power and voltage output of the PV plant (with MPPT feature) for different load profiles at various solar irradiance conditions (daily variation of solar irradiance may be considered).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


16

ID: SNC03

TITLE: Modelling and simulation of PV array and Diesel Generator and/or Gas Turbine based hybrid power plant.

DESCRIPTION:

A hybrid power plant integrates several non-conventional and renewable distributed energy resources (DERs). The aim of these power systems is to maximize economic and environmental benefits of the integrated DERs. In this hybrid power system, PV is used as the renewable DER and diesel generator or gas turbine as the non-conventional DER. This project involves modelling and simulation of PV array, diesel generator/gas turbines and the power system controller. The power output of PV may fluctuate due to fluctuation in solar irradiance over a whole day or over seasons. The controller must ensure that whenever there is a shortfall in PV power output the output of the other generator should be increased to compensate it. This will ensure a reliable power supply to the customers’ loads.

DELIVERABLES:

Results of simulation showing the power output of the PV plant, diesel generator and the total hybrid power system for different load profiles at various solar irradiance conditions (daily variation of solar irradiance may be considered).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation; Microgrids

ID: SNC04

TITLE: Optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for wide area monitoring protection and control (WAMPAC) applications for Western Cape Network.

DESCRIPTION:

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) measure voltages and currents and time-stamp these measurements with high precision. PMUs are also able to measure the phase difference at different substation buses. These measurements are utilised in wide area monitoring and protection and control (WAMPAC) applications for power systems. PMUs should be placed optimally such that a minimum number of PMUs can provide the necessary measurements for all the buses in a power network. This is known as ensuring the observability of the system. Optimum placement of PMUs can be done by intelligent techniques such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) method.

DELIVERABLES:

The placement algorithm is to be tested for any portion of the Western Cape Network and the buses where PMUs must be placed has to be determined.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in C++ and MATLAB.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power System Protection and Control

17

ID: SNC05

TITLE: Fuzzy modelling and performance analysis of PV array in embedded environment.

DESCRIPTION:

Fuzzy methods are currently being used for modelling various systems from input and output variables represented as membership functions. Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based modelling generates the fuzzy model from existing operating data by a process called training. Once properly trained, this model is finally used to generate the output variables from a new set of inputs. In this project, the fuzzy model for a PV array is to be generated from solar irradiance as the input training data and power output as the output training data. The model should be tested and validated with several sets of solar irradiance input data and the generated output compared with actual power output data.

DELIVERABLES:

The model should be used to generate power output values with several sets of solar irradiance input data and the modelling error must be computed from generated and actual power output data.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: SNC06

TITLE: Dynamic modelling of SOFC based Distributed Generation.

DESCRIPTION:

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are used as clean energy sources in distributed generation (DG) systems. The SOFC system is chosen as a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) because due to its ability to tolerate relatively impure fuels. It also can be operated at a higher operating temperature. This project involves modelling and simulation of a SOFC-based DG system and analysis of its load following load following characteristics in stand-alone mode. The control strategy of the SOFC system must maintain the active power and inverter output AC voltage at the load bus at specified set points.

DELIVERABLES: Simulation results showing the active power and voltage output for different load conditions in stand-alone mode.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


18

Supervisor: G. de Jager Subject Area: Image and Video Processing

ID: GDJ01

TITLE: Bayer pattern colour images

DESCRIPTION:

Raw colour images are obtained with a Bayer pattern of colour filters overlaid on the image. Normally each pixel gets a value of the three RGB colours assigned to by an interpolation function. It is, however, possible to do image analysis with morphological functions without this interpolation which consumes computational power. This project will investigate how well several image analysis functions perform with preprocessing methods.

DELIVERABLES:

Software functions in MATLAB

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with MATLAB. Signal processing knowledge will be helpful.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Image and video processing

ID: GDJ02

TITLE: Finding new ways of measuring image and video quality

DESCRIPTION:

Image quality is traditionally measured using statistical measures such as the mean square error. Recently new measures have been proposed and these can be applied to video sequences as well. This project will explore this topic.

DELIVERABLES: Software functions in MATLAB


EXTRA INFORMATION: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING, VOL. 18, NO. 3, MARCH 2009 p495


19

ID: GDJ03

TITLE: Tracking moving objects using cameras on wireless sensor network motes

DESCRIPTION:

Wireless sensor networks using miniature cameras have recently become available. Correlating features in image sequences allows motion detection and other sequence analysis functions.

DELIVERABLES: Software functions in MATLAB


EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: GDJ04

TITLE: Improving image quality through background subtraction

DESCRIPTION:

Many image processing functions require accurate background determination. This project will investigate different methods of determining backgrounds in colour images and video sequences.

DELIVERABLES:

Software functions in MATLAB


EXTRA INFORMATION: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING, VOL. 18, NO. 3, MARCH 2009 p613


20

Supervisor: M.E. Dlodlo Subject Area: Communications and Speech Processing

ID: MED01

TITLE: Performance Analysis of Coded Wireless Communication Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Up to FOUR projects open to students with EEE4026F Digital Communication Engineering credits only. EEE4086F RF and Microwave Systems credits would be a distinct advantage. Objectives: To develop analytic/simulation skills for designing methods of mitigating the effects of signal degradation mechanisms in mobile, wireless and personal communication environments. General Plan:

1) Follow a supervisor guided search of the literature on the latest developments around the chosen project tasks.

2) Select and design/implement a system model (either analytic, simulation or both) for testing a hypothetical problem solution preferably in the laboratory.

3) Generate and interpret results using a careful selection of performance criteria under set system parameters.

4) Present results and recommendations for further work.

DELIVERABLES:

Analytic and simulation results comparing coded and uncoded signal performance under various fading channel conditions for a fixed modulation and access scheme. Selection of channel access scheme, modulation technique and error-control coding strategy is to be agreed with the supervisor prior to project adoption.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Capability to design, test and specify a small-scale communication system to a given standard, meeting agreed performance criteria.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The interested student will identify a project idea from the reading assignments given in the course EEE4026F as well as personal extra reading from the resources provided on Vula. The idea must be discussed and an exact title and description agreed with this supervisor prior to submission to Menzies 4.35.

AREA: Wireless and Personal Communication Systems

21

ID: MED02

TITLE: A Test-to-Text Sotho-Nguni Translator Design for High Performance

DESCRIPTION:

This project is for those with an interest in applying their signal processing, programming and Web authoring skills to the enabling of South Africans to communicate across language and cultural barriers. Up to three students can work on the sub-projects. Objectives: To undertake one of the sub-projects that include developing

1) a million token corpus or 2) a Wiki-based dictionary for any two of the Sotho or Nguni languages, or 3) a word/phrase translator between any two of the languages. Knowledge of

a language in either language group would be a distinct advantage. General Project Plan:

1) Study the main issues and techniques of speech and human language technologies from the viewpoint of the communications/computer engineer.

2) Select one of the sub-projects, devise a work plan and design a flexible and scalable multilingual natural language processing model.

3) Implement and quality test the model using web development tools using appropriate design criteria.

4) Present results in a final-year thesis and publish the tool on the STAR project web site.

DELIVERABLES:

1. Either (a) A functional user-friendly and scalable general, technical, or scientific

terminology translator and parser on CD/DVD and/or Web site, or (b) a scalable corpus with an initial collection of at least a million words,

phrases, expressions and statements in common use in the chosen language, or

(c) an interactive, trainable Wiki-type GUI enabling a community of users to collaborate through a web site in developing a high quality, evolving, comprehensive dictionary over a number of years.

2. A thesis analysing the quality and value of personal contribution against other works in this field of human language technologies.


A background in either EEE4001F Digital Signal Processing or EEE4026F Digital Communication Engineering is essential. Proficiency in Computer Engineering or computing, digital signal processing, along with Web Applications Development concepts plus at least one of the languages in the Nguni-Sotho group will be essential.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

This is part of a larger nine-year funded project aimed at empowering local communities by appropriately applying signal processing, computing and communication technologies to voice-enabled interface design, man-machine voice communication, speech synthesizer design, automatic txt-to-text and text-to-speech conversion, human language translation technology. The larger project is entitled “Development of HLT Tools for South African Languages” and rests on the use of Open-Source code.

AREA: Digital/Speech Signal Processing, Speech Codec Design and Analysis, Natural Language and Linguistics Modelling, Human-Computer Interaction

22

ID: MED03

TITLE: Channel estimation and data detection in OFDM/A-type systems with receive diversity

DESCRIPTION:

Objective: To investigate the performance of uncoded or coded wireless OFDM systems over multipath fading channels. To implement an elementary design of the receiver with signal processing from either single or multiple antenna inputs and subsequent coherent detection of the data. General Project plan:

1) Do a literature study to acquire a theoretical understanding of the basic concepts of multicarrier modulation (IDFT/DFT block construction and spectrum loading).

2) Implement in software an (I-)OFDM/A transmitter (PSK/QAM modulator + IDFT).

3) Implement in software the quasi-static multipath channel model in the baseband.

4) Do a further literature study to acquire a theoretical understanding of the existing channel compensation techniques for the multicarrier systems.

5) Implement a simple pilot-assisted channel estimator (e.g., based on the LS algorithm) for each of the receiver inputs and analyse the estimation accuracy.

6) Select and implement a combining scheme for channel compensation based on the obtained channel estimates.

7) Analyse the bit-error rate (BER) of the end-to-end system to study the effect of an increase in the number of receiver antenna/e on the transmission capacity.

DELIVERABLES:

A thesis report demonstrating the acquisition of fundamental knowledge about the functioning of contemporary high-rate wireless multicarrier systems through analytic results. Evident experience in developing a basic framework including the full set of the baseband OFDM transmission components, which can be subsequently used to solve more advanced research problems. A PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with multiple access, multiplexing, digital modulation/demodulation, error correction, and fading channels.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

All the project phases can be accomplished using the MatLab/Simulink software and/or C++ for modelling and simulation purposes. Mentoring will be available, if desired.

AREA: Wireless communication systems

23

Supervisor: T. Douglas Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering

ID: TD01

TITLE: Unsupervised clustering of facial features for fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosis

DESCRIPTION:

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs as a result of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and is a serious public health problem in South Africa. Children with FAS have characteristic facial features. Traditionally, facial distance measurements are compared to reference values in order to detect deviations from the norm which are indicative of FAS; these deviations are used in addition to several other factors in FAS diagnosis. Normal reference values for facial distances have not been established for South African populations, and using those established for other populations may not be appropriate. More recently, statistical shape analysis methods have shown promise in defining the FAS facial appearance. This project will use unsupervised clustering methods (e.g. k-means clustering; fuzzy c-means clustering; Gaussian mixture models; hierarchical clustering) to group facial distances and facial shapes of children with FAS and unaffected children, in order to determine which facial features best describe FAS in a sample from a South African population. We obtain facial distances and facial shapes from stereo digital photographs.

DELIVERABLES:

Clustered facial data obtained by applying different clustering methods.

Correlations between facial clusters and diagnoses (FAS/normal).

Recommendation as to the most appropriate clustering method for the data.

- Analysis of the facial features that best define the different clusters.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Proficiency in Matlab; proficiency/interest in statistics, pattern recognition and image analysis; interest in biomedical applications.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Mutsvangwa, T. & Douglas, T. S. 2007. Morphometric analysis of facial landmark data to characterize the facial phenotype associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. Journal of Anatomy, 210(2): 209-220.

Fang, S., McLaughlin, J., Fang, J., Huang, J., Autti-Rämö, I., Fagerlund, Å, et al. 2008. Automated diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome using 3D facial image analysis. Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, 11(3): 162-171.

http://www.bme.uct.ac.za/MIRU_research_FAS_photogrammetry.htm

AREA: Biomedical pattern recognition

24

ID: TD02 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Image processing to detect malaria in blood smear images

DESCRIPTION:

The project will form part of a larger effort to automate the diagnosis of malaria in blood smears, and will address automatic detection of red blood cells infected with the Plasmodium parasite in microscope images of blood smears.

DELIVERABLES: Algorithms to identify and count red blood cells in images of blood smear slides, and identify and count those cells that are infected with the malaria parasite.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Proficiency in Matlab; proficiency/interest in pattern recognition and image analysis; interest in biomedical applications.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Biomedical image analysis

25

Supervisor: B.J. Downing Subject Area: RF and Microwaves

ID: BJD01

TITLE: Design & Development of Parabolic Antennas as a Teaching Guide

DESCRIPTION:

There is a need to establish laboratory practicals for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical Engineering students in antenna characteristics. The project involves designing and fabricating prime focus and cassegrain parabolic antennas for use in such practicals.

DELIVERABLES: Working antennas supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna characteristics in a 2 hour practical for 3rd year and 4th year students.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: You should ideally have passed EEE 4086F or at least have a good understanding of RF and Microwaves as an academic subject.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is suitable for 2 students

AREA: RF & Microwaves

ID: BJD02

TITLE: Design & Development of Microstrip Antennas as a Teaching Guide

DESCRIPTION:

There is a need to establish laboratory practicals for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical Engineering students in antenna characteristics. The project involves designing and fabricating microstrip antennas for use in such practicals.

DELIVERABLES: Working antennas supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna characteristics in a 2 hour practical for 3rd year and 4th year students.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: You should ideally have passed EEE 4086F or at least have a good understanding of RF and microwaves as an academic subject.



26

ID: BJD03

TITLE: Design & Development of Fanbeam Antennas

DESCRIPTION:

There is a need to establish laboratory for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical Engineering students in antenna characteristics. The project involves investigating various types of fanbeam antennas and designing and fabricating one type of fanbeam antenna.

DELIVERABLES: Working antenna supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna characteristics in a 2 hour practical for 3rd year and 4th year students.




ID: BJD04

TITLE: Design & Development of Circular Polarized Antennas

DESCRIPTION:

There is a need to establish laboratory practicals for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical Engineering students in antenna characteristics. Most antennas are linearly polarized and they must have the same orientation in order to operate. This project involves investigating methods of propagating circular polarized signals where the correct antenna orientation is not required in order to operate.

DELIVERABLES:

A working antenna supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna characteristics in a 2 hour practical for 3rd year and 4th year students.




27

Supervisor: O.E. Falowo Subject Area: Telecommunications and Data Networks

ID: OEF01

TITLE: Comparative Study of Joint Call Admission Control (JCAC) Algorithms in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Joint call admission control algorithms are needed to make call admission decisions in wireless networks. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare the performance of JCAC algorithms in heterogeneous wireless networks. Performance metrics such as call blocking probability, call dropping probability, and radio resource utilization will be used.

DELIVERABLES: Algorithms, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++

EXTRA INFORMATION: Successful completion of this project will create opportunity for further work in postgraduate research.

AREA: Telecommunication and data networks

ID: OEF02

TITLE: Analysis of Mobile Terminal Heterogeneity in Next Generation Wireless Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Next generation wireless networks will support heterogeneous mobile terminals. Terminal heterogeneity refers to different types of terminals in terms of number of networks supported (modality), types of services supported, display size, energy consumption, portability/weight, complexity, etc. The objective of the thesis is to analyze terminal heterogeneity in next generation wireless networks, and evaluate its effect on quality of service and radio resource utilization.

DELIVERABLES: Design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report




28

ID: OEF03

TITLE: Pricing Scheme for Heterogeneous Services in Next generation Wireless Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Next generation wireless networks (NGWN) will support heterogeneous services. Service price in NGWN will depend of the type of service, quality of service, time of service, etc. Moreover, service price will also depend of the available radio access technologies. The objective of this thesis is to develop an efficient pricing scheme for NGWN.

DELIVERABLES: Algorithm, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++, NS-2



ID: OEF04

TITLE: Traffic Load Balancing in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

DESCRIPTION:

A heterogeneous wireless network consists of multiple radio access technologies coexisting in the same geographical area. In heterogeneous wireless networks, load balancing is essential for efficient radio resource utilization, quality of service, and overall network stability. The objective of the thesis is to investigate techniques for load balancing in heterogeneous wireless networks.

DELIVERABLES:

Algorithm, simulation results, performance evaluation, report




29

ID: OEF05

TITLE: Handover Scheme for Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks

DESCRIPTION:

In heterogeneous wireless network, vertical handover incurs high delay that impedes the performance of real time applications over mobile IP. The objective of the thesis is to develop a handover scheme that reduces vertical handoff delay in heterogeneous wireless network.

DELIVERABLES: Design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++, NS-2



ID: OEF06

TITLE: Bandwidth Management Schemes for Next Generation Wireless Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Radio resources are scarce and often very expensive. Therefore, efficient utilization of radio resources is a major concern. The objective of the thesis is to investigate bandwidth allocation strategies in heterogeneous wireless networks.

DELIVERABLES:

Algorithm, design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++/NS-2



30

ID: OEF07

TITLE: Radio Resource Allocation for Multimedia Services Under Fairness Policy

DESCRIPTION:

The objective of the research is to incorporate fairness constraints into joint call admission control algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks. (1) Study fairness in radio resource utilization among different call classes (2) Incorporate fairness into joint call admission control algorithm (3) Evaluate performance in terms of call blocking probability and resource utilization

DELIVERABLES: Algorithms, simulation results, performance evaluation, report




31

Supervisor: C.T. Gaunt Subject Area: Power Systems

ID: CTG01

TITLE: Harmonics in CFLs

DESCRIPTION:

Several final year project students have investigated the harmonics generated by CFLs, but mostly looking at one lamp at a time. Silvester (2008) reported that the THD for three lamps in parallel was significantly lower than for one. The idea arises that the variability between the 'ignition' point of the CFLs might follow a normal or beta probability distribution, with the result that the harmonic level of large numbers of lamps could be projected using probabilistic approaches. Investigate.

DELIVERABLES:


EXTRA INFORMATION: The scope includes preparing a draft paper suitable for publication.

AREA: Power Systems

ID: CTG02

TITLE: Effect of emerging technologies

DESCRIPTION:

This topic requires detailed analysis of the effects of emerging technologies, especially in electric cars and renewable energy sources, on the future structure and operation of electricity delivery networks in South Africa. .

DELIVERABLES: A qualitative study (literature review) will not be adequate; the results must be quantified

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Two students could work together on different aspects of this topic, the scope being determined in consultation with each other and the supervisor.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Systems

32

ID: CTG03

TITLE: Effect of solar water heating on domestic loads

DESCRIPTION:

Detailed analysis of the impact of solar water heating on the design loads used for household electrification in South Africa. The analysis must lead to recommended parameters for planners and designers of electrification projects.

DELIVERABLES:


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Systems

ID: CTG04

TITLE: Comparison of feeder designs

DESCRIPTION:

Investigation of the extent of and reasons for the increasing cost per household of electrification connections in the South African National Electrification Programme since 2000.

DELIVERABLES:


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Systems

33

ID: CTG05

TITLE: Comparison of design methods for electrification feeders

DESCRIPTION:

A detailed analysis of the design of an LV feeder for domestic customers using probabilistic load models and the Herman Beta algorithm, compared with using the design guidelines adopted by the utility E.On in the UK.

DELIVERABLES:


EXTRA INFORMATION: (Seehttp://www.eon- uk.com/distribution/CiCdocs/01%20Technical%20Documents/CN%20Combined/Network%20Design/Network%20Design%20Manual%20v7.7.pdf for details)

AREA: Power Systems

ID: CTG06

TITLE: Non-active power in a transformer carrying geomagnetically induced currents

DESCRIPTION:

Analysis of the real, apparent and non-active power in a transformer carrying quasi-dc as induced by geomagnetic storms. The project will require the application of modern power theory (Malengret's general theory for power in m-wire systems) and practical measurement on a laboratory model.

DELIVERABLES:


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Systems

34

ID: CTG07

TITLE: Distribution technology

DESCRIPTION:

A topic on delivery system planning or design (which may include transmission or distribution systems and lines or substations), to be determined by agreement between the student, an industry advisor and the supervisor.

DELIVERABLES:

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: May be proposed by a student working for a utility, mine or industry.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Systems

35

Supervisor: S.I. Ginsberg Subject Area: Digital Electronics and Computer Engineering

ID: SIG01

TITLE: Dual HC08 Core implementation on FPGA

DESCRIPTION:

VHDL descriptions of the HC08 core are available online. These should be instruction set compatible with the HC08-based tools (CodeWarrior, Pemicro) in use in the department. This thesis calls for at least two HC08 cores and a block of memory to be implemented on an FPGA. These cores will communicate through shared on-chip memory.

DELIVERABLES: An FPGA running two truly simultaneous programs produced by a compiler producing HC08 compatible machine code

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL, Computer architecture

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer Engineering

ID: SIG02

TITLE: Emulated HCS08 on Actel, drop in to GT16 board with ICD support

DESCRIPTION:

VHDL descriptions of the HC08 core are available online. These should be instruction set compatible with the HC08-based tools (CodeWarrior, Pemicro) in use in the department. The BDM interface specifications for the GT16 microcontroller are also available. You will build a simple FPGA board that plugs in to the microcontroller socket on the GT16 microcontroller. You will run an HC08 soft core on that and design a module which emulates the debug protocol so that CodeWarrior “thinks” that it is communicating with a GT16 microcontroller.

DELIVERABLES:

An FPGA-based board that drops into the GT16 board and allows the soft core to be programmed seamlessly by CodeWarrior.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL, Computer architecture

EXTRA INFORMATION:


36

ID: SIG03

TITLE: Full featured audio power amplifier

DESCRIPTION:

Design a fully featured high fidelity audio amplifier. The system must be designed modularly, in accordance with good engineering techniques. Please note that this design will be carried out in a strictly RATIONAL way. Design decisions will be based on scientific understanding of the principles involved.

DELIVERABLES: A fully functional well featured audio power amplifier.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronics

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics

ID: SIG04

TITLE: 3D real time spectrum analyser, capable of showing real and imaginary components.

DESCRIPTION:

A normal spectrum analyser does not represent the phase shifts that a signal experiences as it travels through a system. Using a Fourier transform package, a graphics library and a data acquisition system you will design a computer-based spectrum analyser which uses a 3D display to show the phase and magnitude of a signal in real time. The system is to be oriented towards an educational environment.

DELIVERABLES: A working 3D spectrum analyser package

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong C programming. Interfacing skills

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Software

37

ID: SIG05

TITLE: General purpose consumer item hardware

DESCRIPTION:

Very many consumer “gadgets” call for fairly common hardware. Typically they will feature a medium powered CPU, LCD, Sound, memory card interface as well as an add-on to give the overall device. MP3 players, cellphones, GPS systems, PDA's and even some calculators follow this pattern. This thesis aims to build the common part of the hardware for these systems as well as simple hardware-level libraries to test the subsystems. Future work will specialize the common platform into specific devices.

DELIVERABLES:

A working board with CPU (Preferably 32 bit), graphic LCD, audio CODEC and memory card interface.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronics, Programming

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics/Digital Systems

ID: SIG06

TITLE: CNC wire bending machine

DESCRIPTION:

Supermarket trolleys, metal racks and coat hangers are among the things which are made by bending wire into shapes. This is done in industry by a computer controlled wire bending machine. Such a machine typically has two or three grippers which are driven by leadscrews and can rotate to bend the wire. This system needs to be driven from a computer's USB/serial/parallel port. Software running on the computer needs to take a program, interpret it and send it to the machine

DELIVERABLES:

A working CNC wire bending machine and driver software.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Very strong mechanical skills. Good electronics and software skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Mechatronics

38

ID: SIG07

TITLE: Digital watch using nanopower IGLOO FPGA

DESCRIPTION:

Actel has a family of low power FPGA devices called the Igloo family. They claim microwatt power consumption. This makes them suitable for very low power applications, such as a digital watch. Previously this area was closed to FPGA's because they were too power hungry. This thesis seeks to explore the use of FPGA's in very low power applications by building a low power device and testing it.

DELIVERABLES: A working digital watch, together with test results discussing the power consumption of the watch and commenting on the applicability and competitiveness of low power FPGA's in this arena.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL/digital design; Electronics

EXTRA INFORMATION: The hardware may be defined either in VHDL (If you're skilled in that area) or as a circuit diagram if your skills are in pure hardware design.

AREA: Electronics/Computer engineering

ID: SIG08

TITLE: Robotics Studio Robot Test

DESCRIPTION:

Microsoft Robotics Studio is a free (non commercial use) development environment for use in controlling robotic devices. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/robotics/default.aspx for more information. In this thesis you will build a small multi-axis robotic arm suitable for pick and place operations and provide it with an interface to a computer. You will then use Robotics Studio to program the arm to perform a sequence of operations. The system will also have a user interface for functions such as stop, go back etc.

DELIVERABLES: A robotic arm performing a sequence of moves under control of Robotics Studio.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Fair mechanical design and construction. Microcontrollers and PC interfacing

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Mechatronics.

39

Supervisor: M.R. Inggs Subject Area: RADAR, RF and Microwave systems

ID: MRI01

TITLE: Implement a SAR processing algorithm suitable for execution with MapReduce

DESCRIPTION:

Synthetic aperture radar is a radar signal processing technology which combines multiple radar pulses to form a single high resolution radar image. The chirp scaling SAR processing algorithm is suitable for implementation on both multiprocessor computers and clusters of computers. An implementation of chirp scaling or other parallelizable SAR algorithm, based on the mapreduce approach would significantly simplify the processing of large volumes of SAR data.

DELIVERABLES:

In this project, you will be required to implement a simple SAR processing algorithm using one of the many open source mapreduce libraries available. Simulated SAR data will be made available for testing the algorithm. This project includes the opportunity to test the software on a compute cluster.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing, programming (in a language of your choice)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, radar, computer engineering

ID: MRI02

TITLE: Extend the FERS multistatic radar simulator for execution on a compute cluster

DESCRIPTION:

FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) is a simulator for multistatic radar, which is currently designed to operate on a single multiprocessor computer. This project focuses on extending the simulator to allow simulations to be run over a cluster of computers. This can be achieved by breaking down the radar simulation into parallelizable pieces, and combining the results following the simulation.

DELIVERABLES:

In this project, you will be required to demonstrate running a radar simulation over multiple hosts for a pulsed radar system with multiple targets. Opportunities for extensions of the work include looking at parallelization of continuous wave (CW) and SAR simulations.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing, programming (in C++, and possibly a language of your choice).

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer engineering, simulation.

40

ID: MRI03

TITLE: Investigate the feasibility of near-realtime radar processing from a netted PCL system using a public cloud

DESCRIPTION:

The implementation Passive Coherent Location radar systems, which use continuous wave transmitters of opportunity to locate and track targets, requires a large amount of computing power, which may not be available at the radar installation site. This project is to look at the feasibility of capturing PCL radar signals at a remote site, transferring the required data to a cloud computing service for processing and fusion with data from other sensors in the network.

DELIVERABLES:

This project will include the implementation of basic PCL processing algorithms, testing their performance in the cloud, and investigating the systems level aspects (including performance, cost and security) of performing the required processing using a remote public cloud computing service. This project includes the opportunity to test the results using Amazon EC2.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital Signal Processing, programming (in a language of your choice), a wide knowledge of computing and networking would be helpful.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer engineering, simulation.

ID: MRI04

TITLE: Antenna measurement facility

DESCRIPTION:

http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/ug_projects/russell_ugthesis.pdf This project will use the API developed in the project above, together with LabView, to implement an antenna test station. The receiver will be network controlled spectrum analyser, with programmable source for RF excitation. The API provides a number of methods to control the movement and position of the pedestal on both its elevation and azimuth axes. The control algorithm used was created using the statistical analysis of key factors affecting the accurate positioning of the pedestal on its axes. The system was made to run in an Open Source environment (Ubuntu 2 8.04.1 LTS - Hardy Heron) with a Linux kernel version of 2.6.24-21. The accuracy of the azimuth axis positioning was calculated to be within 0:2915° with a standard deviation of 0:0544° and the accuracy of the elevation axis positioning was calculated to be within 0:0193° with a standard deviation of 0:0308°.

DELIVERABLES:

Working system with simple GUI to set up measurement parameters, and produce radiation pattern plot fles.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Good programming skills: LabView is a simple environment providing easy development of control GUIs.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Software, microwaves

http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/ug_projects/russell_ugthesis.pdf

41

ID: MRI05

TITLE: Cloud Computing Implementation in Eucalyptus

DESCRIPTION:

Eucalyptus is a cloud computing front end that works with many of the commercial offerings of computer resources in the cloud format. This project aims at implementing Eucalyptus and testing it with some cloud infrastructures.

DELIVERABLES: Working Eucalyptus system demonstrating some applications running.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong software skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical and Computer Engineering.

ID: MRI06

TITLE: Modelling of microdoppler from humans and animals.

DESCRIPTION:

Modelling of micro doppler returns from humans and animals based on work done by PIXAR for purposes of radar target recognition. This doppler will be from moving limbs, as well as the torso.

DELIVERABLES:

Report detailing the models, code and results from various complex targets.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, basic EM theory. Programming skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, radar

42

ID: MRI07

TITLE: Development of a Sonar for imaging

DESCRIPTION:

The sonar will be based on the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP http://www.ettus.com/), and a completed M.Sc. dissertation. The project will build on the hardware and software of this project to produce a more user friendly interface for demonstration to students.

DELIVERABLES: Working hardware and software, capable of producing detections of acoustic targets.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some electronics (transducer drivers) and software skills, especially Python.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, electronics.

ID: MRI08

TITLE: Physical optics based modelling of a ship at sea.

DESCRIPTION:

Including dynamics of sea vessel, dynamics of sea surface and the physical optics interaction of the radar pulse. This could easily lead to a Masters in this field that could feed into the CSIR RCS modelling work.

DELIVERABLES:

Analysis and modelling code, demonstrated with known test cases.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: EM theory basics, programming skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: EM modelling.

43

ID: MRI09

TITLE: Open source FDTD codes for radar cross section predictions.

DESCRIPTION:

Prof. Sevgi at Dogus University in Turkey (http://www3.dogus.edu.tr/lsevgi/) has released a number of codes implementing fnite difference time domain (FDTD) for electromagnetic modelling. This project will aim at modifying the codes to work with the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers), to obtain realistic radar cross sections of moving targets.

DELIVERABLES: Verifcation of existing tools from Dogus, and design and implementation of the interface to FERS.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Background and interest in EM theory. Reasonable programming skills in Java and Matlab

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical Engineering, EM Theory.

ID: MRI10

TITLE: Control of a 12 Channel receiver.

DESCRIPTION:

An existing 12 channel receiver, with dual IFs, (http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/mwu_thesis.pdf) requires a simplifed API to allow for a unifed network control of each of its channels. This means control of the frst and second LOs and the IF attenuation of the receiver channels through a single network port, with a well defned API. In addition, a simple GUI is required, running on a remote machine, to allow receiver control. The project could be extended to demonstrate digital beamforming i.e. the outputs of a number of receivers could be combined to produce a desired radiation pattern.

DELIVERABLES: Working code and interfaces to the receiver.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills in languages such as C, C++, Python and LabView.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF and microwaves, programming, control.

http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/mwu_thesis.pdf

44

ID: MRI11

TITLE: FEKO interface to FERS

DESCRIPTION:

FEKO (http://www.emss.co.za) is a powerful EM modelling code, and the plan is to use it to predict the radiation pattern of a target, for use in the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers). The project will defne the interfaces to handle the transfer of parameters between the two codes.

DELIVERABLES: Working code and examples from canonical (where closed form solutions exist) targets.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in EM theory, radar, and good programming skills. Knowledge of scripting in Python and programming in C++ would be best.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electromagnetics, software engineering

ID: MRI12

TITLE: Design of an L Band Radar Transceiver

DESCRIPTION:

There is a requirement to design, simulate and test a radar transceiver for use in the L Band (1.5GHz). The RF hardware will be based on previous projects in the group, and the exciter will be based on an ongoing projects using the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP http://www.ettus.com/).

DELIVERABLES:

Specifcation, design, simulation and test of key aspects of the transceiver.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF Design (EEE4086F).

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF design.

45

ID: MRI13

TITLE: Project infrastructure for the EEE4084F Course

DESCRIPTION:

This project will test various software frameworks (Matlab and System Generator, Altium, SystemView) and choose suitable hardware for laboratory work in Digitial Signal Processing for the EEE4084F course.

DELIVERABLES: Report and recommendations for laboratory infrastructure. Samples of working DSP code.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, FPGA programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: MRI14

TITLE: Install, test and interface the NEST 2B Synthetic Aperture Radar processor to FERS

DESCRIPTION:

NEST has been released by the European Space Agency. We would like to interface the output of the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) to this software, to assist in the design and evaluation of radar designs. Download and install NEST 2B for Windows and Linux at http://earth.esa.int/nest

DELIVERABLES:

Working interface between FERS and NEST, with examples of airborne and satellite imaging radar systems.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, interest in radar, good software skills (Python and C++)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, Radar, Software.

46

ID: MRI15

TITLE: Implementation of a continuous FFT

DESCRIPTION:

It is possible to formulate the FFT so that the outputs can be updated by the addition of a new sample from the time series, and discarding of the oldest. This would allow for a real time spectrogram to be displayed. The project could be extended to run on an FPGA.

DELIVERABLES: Working code in Python or C, C++. Samples of code.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, software skills. FPGA programming a bonus.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing. Coding.

ID: MRI16

TITLE: FPGA signal processing for the AstroGig.

DESCRIPTION:

The AstroGig is a 500Ms/sec device, ftted with QDR memory and a Lattice FPGA. We would like to investigate the implementation of real time signal processing for the FPGA, such as Polyphase fltering, digital downconversion, decimation, and so on. The AstroGig is described in detail in: http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/jsalkinder_thesis.pdf

DELIVERABLES:

Simulations and working code of an agreed suit of signal processing blocks.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, FPGA programming in Verilog or VHDL.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, computer engineering

47

ID: MRI17

TITLE: Broad band Balun for A/D and D/A devices

DESCRIPTION:

Modern A/D and D/A devices have analogue bandwidths extending into the GHz frequencies. This project will look at the design of baluns for some of these devices, to allow them to be utilised directly with RF systems.

DELIVERABLES: Simulations and prototypes of Baluns for the A/D and D/A devices utilised in the AstroGig project: http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/jsalkinder_thesis.pdf

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF Design (relevant 3rd year courses, EEE4086F preferred).

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF and microwaves.

ID: MRI18

TITLE: Thin clients for Net 2.0 applications

DESCRIPTION:

Applications such as Google Mail, Google Documents, etc. show how the need for local processing power is declining. However, the thin client needed to access these applications needs good web browsing capabilities. This project will use existing ITX motherboards to boot of a web server and run the web oriented services.

DELIVERABLES:

Working thin client prototypes suitable for deployment in student and academic administration staff offices.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some experience with operating systems, networks, scripting.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer Engineering.

48

ID: MRI19

TITLE: Voice over internet telephone network for laboratory

DESCRIPTION:

Asterisk (www.asterisk.org/) is an open source VOIP telephony system. This project will investigate the deployment of such a system in a laboratory, to enable each member of the laboratory to have telephone access over the internet and also landline. A high level of cost control of calls is necessary, to allow the landline to have open access, but requiring users to justify usage of the resource.

DELIVERABLES: Working system, with VOIP telephones and suitable interfaces to landlines and VOIP service providers.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Software systems in Python, C, C++

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer Engineering.

ID: MRI20

TITLE: Aigaion search engine.

DESCRIPTION:

Aigaion is a database front end oriented to the storage of academic research materials. The present search engine is very limited in that keywords are automatically in an “or” relationship, making is difficult to home in on specific documents. A more powerful search engine is required.

DELIVERABLES:

Working, advanced search engine interfaced to Aigaion.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of databases, PHP, MySQL.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer engineering

49

ID: MRI21

TITLE: Ocean current monitoring with passive radar

DESCRIPTION:

Ocean currents carry wave trains and capillary waves due to wind. These waves backscatter electromagnetic waves, and shift the signals by an amount of the bistatic doppler. Commercial broadcast services illuminate the ocean with significant amounts of EM energy. This project will investigate whether it is possible to measure coastal ocean currents from the backscatter from FM radio and TV signals.

DELIVERABLES: Report with analysis and simulations.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Basic EM Theory, some signal processing knowledge.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Remote sensing, signal processing.

ID: MRI22

TITLE: Monopulse Sonar Tracker

DESCRIPTION:

Phase and Amplitude comparison monopulse uses the output of a sum and difference of two collocated antennas to provide angle information for the tracking of targets. This project will design and built an amplitude comparison monopulse tracker, and if progress is good, interface it to a tracking pedestal (see project MRI04)

DELIVERABLES:

Report on the design, construction and test of an amplitude comparison sonar system.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analogue electronics.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical Engineering.

50

ID: MRI23

TITLE: Sparse array angle tracking system simulator

DESCRIPTION:

A target is illuminated with a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave signal, and received by a two dimensional array of receivers. These receive antennas are randomly placed in the plane, and their spacing causes ambiguous beams. This system is to be simulated with FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers)). The possibility of resolving the ambiguities with smoothing filters is to be investigated.

DELIVERABLES: Report demonstrating the outputs of the radar, and possibly the resolution of the tracking ambiguities.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, programming skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Signal processing, radar.

ID: MRI24

TITLE: Accurate propagation models for radar simulation.

DESCRIPTION:

The US Navy has made available an accurate simulation model of atmospheric propagation, known as AREPS. We would like to add this model of propagation to the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers). The model takes into account terrain and atmospheric effects.

DELIVERABLES:

Demonstration of the AREPS code working with FERS in classic, example cases of propagation.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Scripting in Python, some knowledge of C++.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Modelling, EM propagation, radar, simulation.

51

ID: MRI25

TITLE: Development of a robust telemetry link for sounding rocket applications

DESCRIPTION:

There is a requirement to develop a robust telemetry link for a small sounding rocket. The system will have to conform to tight constraints of mass, power and volume. The link will have to communicate infight performance data on a number of parameters to be received from the fight control system, which is also currently under development.

DELIVERABLES:

Survey of commercially available radio frequency links used for rockets and UAVs Definition of system requirements. Selection or definition of protocols to be used. Development of lab-bench prototype design. Prototype constructed for airborne segment. Prototype constructed for ground segment. Field testing on ground and in fight (UAV) Test in rocket application. Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: This project requires a student to have a good grasp of electronic design, good programming skills and a good understanding of radio propagation and antenna theory.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Contact Dr Peter Martinez ([email protected])

AREA: Mechanical engineering, electronic engineering

ID: MRI26

TITLE: Investigation of a corona ionisation electric engine for spacecraft propulsion.

DESCRIPTION:

Ion engines have several advantages over chemical rocket motors for deep space missions and for station-keeping of satellites. Conventional ion engines incorporate an ionisation chamber and grids to accelerate the ions. This project will explore a new concept of ion engine. Instead of electron ionization in a discharge chamber, it utilizes the more efficient corona ionization mechanism. This addresses some of the shortcomings of traditional systems, specifically ionization efficiency and erosion. Erosion becomes almost negligible, because no grids are present.

DELIVERABLES:

A demonstration engine will be constructed to validate the proof of concept. Tests will be performed to characterise engine performance against theoretical predictions. This project could easily expand into a Masters project exploring this concept in much more depth in areas such as modelling, materials, operational characteristics, fuels, etc.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: This project requires a student to have a good grasp of basic physics, an ability to develop some electronics for the control systems, an ability to plan and execute a series of experiments


AREA: Mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, physics

52

ID: MRI27

TITLE: Development of a fight control system for rocket applications

DESCRIPTION:

There is a requirement to develop a computer-based fight control system for a sounding rocket under development. The fight computer will control on-board instruments and sensors to assess fight performance, it will process and store fights data, prepare the data for transmission to the ground via telemetry and also control the deployment of the recovery system for the payload.

DELIVERABLES: Survey of commercially available fight computers for rockets and UAVs Development of requirements. Develop fight computer architecture. Prototype constructed. Test in rocket application. Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: This project requires a student to have a good grasp of electronic design, good programming skills and skills in interfacing with sensors



ID: MRI28

TITLE: Development of a rocket motor test stand

DESCRIPTION:

There is a requirement to develop a test stand to characterise the performance of small rocket motors. The test stand will obtain data on thrust and other variable at high data rates to characterise the performance of different motor designs and different fuels.

DELIVERABLES:

Definition of system requirements. Selection or definition of COTS items to be used and purpose-built components to be used. Develop sensor system Test stand frame Sensor system Data acquisition system Motor ignition system Test stand control system Test in rocket motor Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: This project requires a student to have a good grasp of electronic design, good programming skills and a good understanding of radio propagation and antenna theory.



53

Supervisor: L. John Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering

ID: LJ01 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Embedded telemedicine interface unit for medical devices

DESCRIPTION:

Design and build an embedded system that is able to receive Bluetooth packets from a prototype ECG unit that has been developed by UCT Biomedical Engineering. The system should also carry out some preliminary analysis e.g. heart-rate calculation to be displayed in real-time on the board and should transmit the data to a central server using a cellular communication protocol such as 3G. Prototype server software with a web interface should also be developed to demonstrate functionality.

DELIVERABLES:

1) Embedded system with Bluetooth and 3G (or any other suitable cellular protocol) interface (2) Real-time heart rate display (3) Prototype server software to archive and display received information via a web interface (4) Test the device by using an ECG simulator

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Embedded systems electronics, programming (embedded- Java/C/C++ and web-based PHP etc)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

(1) The student is required to select a suitable microprocessor or embedded development board – factoring in the time required to order and receive the parts. LR John will cover the purchase costs. (2) LR John will provide access to the BME ECG prototype (3) Testing will be carried out using the ECG simulator at BME

AREA: Embedded systems, Web based software, Biomedical Engineering, Signal Processing

54

Supervisor: A.W. Jongens Subject Area: Acoustic Engineering

ID: AWJ01

TITLE: Loudspeaker Response

DESCRIPTION:

The frequency response of sound emission from a loudspeaker in air is different to that when the loudspeaker radiates sound into one end of a tube. This is due to the difference in impedance of free air compared to air in a tube.

DELIVERABLES:

Revue the theory of the operation of a loudspeaker and use this to select the most suitable loudspeaker to radiate sound in a 100mm diameter tube. Validate your choice by measuring the impulse and frequency response of the chosen loudspeaker radiating sound into the tube

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electro Acoustics

ID: AWJ02

TITLE: Use of Pseudo-Random and Swept Sine Signals in the Measurement of Sound Absorption

DESCRIPTION:

A broad audio band signal is used to measure the plane wave sound absorption coefficient of material samples placed at one end of a tube. A loudspeaker located at the other end produces the audio signal. A microphone fixed halfway along the inner tube is used to measure the transfer function of the measurement surface from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.

DELIVERABLES: Compare the results of using a swept-sine signal with a pseudo-random signal applied to sound absorption measurements in terms of accuracy and signal processing complexity.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Acoustics; Signal Processing

55

ID: AWJ03

TITLE: Optimising Impulse Response of a System by Signal Processing

DESCRIPTION:

An audio signal radiated by a loudspeaker located at one end of a tube is used to measure the sound absorption coefficient of a material sample placed at the other end. A microphone fixed halfway along the inner tube is used to measure the transfer function of the sample from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.

DELIVERABLES: Investigate, apply and assess various signal processing methods to optimise the impulse response of the tube method of measuring sound absorption of materials including incorporating inverse filtering of the loudspeaker signal.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: AWJ04

TITLE: Deconvolution of Two Signals

DESCRIPTION:

A broad audio band signal radiated by a loudspeaker located at one end of a tube is used to measure the sound absorption coefficient of a material sample placed at the other end. A microphone fixed halfway along the inner tube is used to measure the transfer function of the sample from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.

DELIVERABLES: Investigate, apply and assess various signal processing methods to optimise the deconvolution (separation) of the incident and reflected signal in the tube method to measure the sound absorption of material samples.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


56

ID: AWJ05

TITLE: Sound Insulation of Light-Weight Partitions

DESCRIPTION:

All walls and especially lightweight partitions display relatively low sound insulation at low frequencies. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate means of increasing the sound insulation of partitions at low frequencies.

DELIVERABLES:

Review the theory of sound transmission through partitions. Develop a computer program to predict the sound insulation performance of a single and multiple skin partition and use this to attempt to improve the sound insulation properties of existing partitions.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Building Acoustics; Computer programming

ID: AWJ06

TITLE: Road Traffic Noise Prediction

DESCRIPTION:

South African National Standard (SANS) 10210 “Calculating and Predicting Road Traffic Noise” is used to predict noise levels at various distances from a road. A major contributor to the noise is the road surface texture.

DELIVERABLES: Measure and analyse the noise level spectrum of road traffic along several roads with different surface textures and correlate the measured results with those calculated using SANS 10210.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential. You will need your own transport, a hat and sun block

EXTRA INFORMATION: Teamwork during measurements of AWJ06 & AWJ07 will be beneficial.

AREA: Environmental Noise

57

ID: AWJ07

TITLE: Noise at Road Traffic Intersections

DESCRIPTION:

South African National Standard (SANS) 10210 “Calculating and Predicting Road Traffic Noise” contains recommended procedures to predict the noise emitted by road traffic at varying distances from roads. One wishes to test the validity of the SANS 10210 procedure for interrupted traffic flow at traffic intersections

DELIVERABLES:

Correlate measured sound levels of road traffic at various distances from a number of traffic intersections with predicted values at the same locations using the SANS 10210 calculation procedures. Assess the validity of the SANS 10210 procedure and, if relevant, propose an alternative prediction procedure that correlates more closely with measured values based on your findings.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential. You will need your own transport, a hat and sun block

EXTRA INFORMATION: Teamwork during measurements of AWJ06 & AWJ07 will be beneficial.

AREA: Environmental Noise

58

Supervisor: M.A. Khan Subject Area: Power Engineering

ID: MAK01

TITLE: Wave Power Generator

DESCRIPTION:

The endless cycle of crests and troughs associated with wave motion represents and abundant source of renewable energy. Attempts have been made to harness this energy by means of converting the linear motion of a buoy floating on the surface of the ocean to high-speed rotary motion, which is then applied to the shaft of a normal rotating machine. A recent advancement introduced a linear machine anchored to the seabed and directly connected to the buoy. The motion of the machine then mimics the translational motion of the buoy on the waves. The translator (rotor) of the machine is displaced upward as the buoy is lifted upward on wave crests. The downward displacement of the translator is by means of a spring connected to the translator, which provides a retracting force during wave troughs. The spring allows temporary energy storage, which allows the machine to produce an equal amount of power in both (upward and downward) translating directions. This thesis entails designing and prototyping a Linear Tubular Permanent Magnet (PM) Synchronous Generator suitable for wave power generation. The sizing and specifications of the machine must be based on local wave/sea conditions. Detailed design and analysis of the machine must be performed. The machine’s stator, translator, spring and support structure must be prototyped and tested in the laboratory.

DELIVERABLES: Complete working prototype of a wave power generator

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in renewable energy and electrical machines

EXTRA INFORMATION: See research by Uppsala University, Sweden: http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Education/Research/Reading/Waveenergy/

AREA: Renewable Energy and Electrical Machines

59

ID: MAK02

TITLE: Fuel Cell System and Power Converter

DESCRIPTION:

A Fuel Cell (FC) is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy, like a battery. The process by which this is done is similar to the electrochemical process by which a battery generates power. However, natural elements such a hydrogen and oxygen are used at the electrodes of a FC to assist with the energy conversion process. A further distinguishing feature of FCs is their higher energy conversion efficiency, lower or non-greenhouse gas emissions and potential for heat generation in certain types of FCs. There are many different types of FCs, with the main differences being due to the type of electrolyte used and the type of fuel. The Proton Exchange Membrane FC (PEMFC) uses gaseous hydrogen as fuel and is well suited for automotive, residential and commercial power system applications. These FCs operate at relatively low temperatures; have high power densities and rapid startup times. These FCs are typically characterised by low cell voltages (0.6-0.7V), high currents, and complex terminal impedance (V vs I) characteristics. Several variations/combinations of DC/DC (Boost) converters have been proposed to interface FCs to electrical loads. This thesis will involve the following: 1) Setting up a working FC system in the Machines Laboratory. Some critical parts of the FC system will be purchased from commercial vendors, but the rest will be manufactured during the thesis project. 2) Perform a critical review FC converters 3) Design, prototype and test a suitable converter to interface FC to an electrical load.

DELIVERABLES: As per items 1 – 3 above.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student must be keen.

EXTRA INFORMATION: See article in: IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine: “Fuel Cell High-Power Applications”, March 2009

AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics

60

ID: MAK03

TITLE: Small Wind Electrolysis Plant for Hydrogen Production

DESCRIPTION:

See MAK02 for background on Fuel Cells. A key aspect to the viable use of Fuel Cell (FC) technology is the method used for producing the hydrogen fuel required by FCs. The greenhouse gas emission benefit of FCs are almost entirely lost if the hydrogen fuel is produced from non-renewable sources. The large scale use of wind power has been proposed to power electrolysers for the production of hydrogen. This thesis will focus of the production of hydrogen for Proton Exchange Membrane FCs (PEMFC), intended for low power residential applications. The main aspects of the thesis include: 1) Design, prototyping and testing of a small Permanent Magnet (PM) Wind Generator for use with an electrolyser. The topology, sizing and design of the generator for this application would depend on the nature/requirements of the voltage, current and power of the electrolyser. 2) Design, prototyping and testing of an electrolyser to produce hydrogen. An electrolyser decomposes H2O molecules into stable H2 and O2 molecules. Suitable electrolysis principles must be reviewed and a design implemented practically. Storage of the H2 is to be considered and implemented. This is essential in order to realise the full potential of a Wind/FC system. This system enables the intermittent wind energy is stored as compressed H2, which is later converted (when required) to electrical power by the FC. 3) Design, prototyping and testing of a power electronic converter for interfacing the wind generator to the electrolyser. The converter will be required to implement maximum power tracking of the energy captured by the wind turbine as/when necessary and also to control the voltage/current of the electrolyser.

DELIVERABLES: Two students are required. Each student may select item 2 or 3 above. Deliverables as per description above.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student/s must be keen.

EXTRA INFORMATION: 2 Students required. Items 1 – 3 are part of a larger MSc research project in progress. See article in: IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine: “Fuel Cell

AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines

61

ID: MAK04

TITLE: Development of a Hybrid Solar/Wind Electric Water Pumping System

DESCRIPTION:

This thesis was set last year. An 80W PV panel and a 300W wind generator are intended to drive a 370W electric water pump. The water pump motor is a standard 380V machine, whilst the PV panel and wind generator are both intended for 12V battery charging applications. The afore-mentioned components of the system (PV, wind, water pump) are interfaced at a common DC bus. This bus voltage is constrained by the boost capability of a standard DC/DC boost converter which is typically used to interface the PV and wind generator to the bus. Furthermore, a high bus voltage is required due to the limited overmodulation ability of a normal three-phase inverter used to interface the water pump motor to the bus. This project can accommodate 3 students. Each student will focus on one of the three aspects of the system, ie. PV, wind or water pump. Each student involved with this project will: 1) Conduct a thorough assessment of converter topologies applicable to his/her aspect of the system. Agreement must then be reach on the magnitude of the DC bus voltage. This should be based on the operation of the system and converter topologies selected for each aspect of the system. 2) Design, prototype and test the converter 3) Implement suitable control for the converters for maximum point tracking of the PV panel and Wind generator and maximum flow rate of the water pump. 4) Integrate the components of the system in the Machines Laboratory and do lab testing. 5) Install and test the system on a site allocated behind the Hoeri Building.


SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student must be keen.

EXTRA INFORMATION: 3 Students required See 2008 undergrad theses of S. Munnik (Water Pump), R. Greig (Wind), S. Starck (PV)

AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electrical Drives

62

ID: MAK05

TITLE: Comparison of Standard and High Efficiency Induction Motors

DESCRIPTION:

Eskom DSM has embarked on a new energy saving drive to replace standard induction motors currently used in South African industry with high efficiency induction motors. Please visit the following URL for more info: http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/eem_index.htm Several incentives are being offered by Eskom in order to encourage industry to participate. The aim of this project is to assess the differences in efficiency of standard and high efficiency induction motors. The motors will tested according to international standards and the differences in efficiency will be quantified. The specific objectives of the project include: 1) Understanding the differences between several international standards for testing induction motor efficiency, the standards include the IEEE112 and the IEC60034. 2) Laboratory testing of standard and high efficiency induction motors according to the IEEE112 and IEC60034 standards. Analysis and comparison of the differences of the test results. 3) Laboratory testing of the performance of standard and high efficiency induction motors when subjected to a pump/fan load. Analysis and comparison of the differences of the test results. 4) Analysis and discussion on the effectiveness of retrofitting standard motors with high efficiency induction motors of the same rating. 5) Analysis and discussion on the effectiveness of this energy saving initiative by Eskom DSM, on the basis of the current motor population in South African industry.


SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Good laboratory proficiency is required. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student must be keen.

EXTRA INFORMATION: See: http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/eem_index.htm

AREA: Electrical Machines, Energy Efficiency

http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/eem_index.htm

63

ID: MAK06

TITLE: Design and prototyping of a wind generator from junk

DESCRIPTION:

As the title implies, a permanent magnet wind generator is to built from junk. An abundant source of scrap for the magnets in these generators is from computer hard drives. These magnets are high energy product NdFeB rear-earth magnets and have a peculiar magnetisation direction. A machine topology was devised last year to use the magnets to demonstrate an elementary machine. However the wind turbine and power electronic converter was not attempted. This thesis will involve the following: 1) Improving/optimising the design of the elementary machine. 2) Design and prototype turbine blades from scrap material. 3) Design, prototype and test a converter for battery charging applications. 4) Implement control strategy for battery charging applications.


SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong laboratory proficiency is absolutely essential. Also, a keen interest in the practical aspects of electrical machines is required.

EXTRA INFORMATION: See 2008 thesis of P. Krige

AREA: Renewable Energy, Electrical Machines, Power Electronics

64

Supervisor: M. Malengret Subject Area: Power Systems

ID: MM01 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Automated Inverter Circuit Board Tester

DESCRIPTION:

Power Star inverters are highly advanced bidirectional inverters, with many sophisticated features. The control circuitry consists of two main circuit boards: the Interface Card and DSP Card. The Interface Card conditions the various voltage, current and temperature signals before they are sent to the DSP Card for processing. The manufacturing process is not foolproof, and so as a result the circuit boards may contain faults. The Interface Card must therefore be tested before it is placed inside the machine, as a fault in the card may have disastrous consequences when driving high currents. The Interface Card is currently tested using a unit that requires the user to manually apply the voltages and currents to each input and then manually check that the signals are being conditioned correctly. The thesis requires an automated tester to be built that will test each card without requiring input from user. The tester should use a microcontroller to apply the various voltage and current signals to each sensor input on the Interface Card. The microcontroller must then automatically check that each signal is being correctly conditioned and measured by the card. The results of the test should be sent to a PC and saved in a spreadsheet. The results should also be saved on an EEPROM chip on the Interface Card. If time permits, the tester could be extended to automatically calibrate the Interface Card.

DELIVERABLES: A working automated Interface Card tester; PC software to control the tester; circuit diagrams and source code.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Ability to program microcontrollers in C; basic electronics; a background in power systems would be advantageous

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics, Power Electronics, Signal Processing, Embedded Systems

65

Supervisor: A. Murgu Subject Area: Telecommunication Management, Control and Signallings

ID: AM01

TITLE: Topology Control Protocol of Packet Switched Networks

DESCRIPTION:

The problem of determining the maximum ‘‘Hello” interval preserving the connectivity with high probability is an important problem in packet switching networks. Since the execution of a protocol is computationally a resource consuming task, the solution to this problem is improving the performance of the protocol in sense of power consumption and topology control overhead.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge about the packet switched networks, topology aspects, and the traffic mapping over the controlled network topologies. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical and mathematical skills, experience with Opnet. Familiarisation with the MATLAB package will take place during the thesis project.

EXTRA INFORMATION: More than one student can choose this topic.

AREA: Telecommunication Management, Control and Signalling

ID: AM02

TITLE: State Machine Modelling of Best-Effort and Diff-Serv Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Network congestion is a complex phenomenon which is becoming even more difficult with the increased demand to use the Internet for high speed, delay-sensitive applications demanding various Quality of Service (QoS) levels. There is a limit on how much control can be accomplished from the edges of the network using the end-to-end implicit congestion signalling feedback.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the understanding of flow control in TCP/IP networks and the ACK signalling mechanism. State Machine models and simulation results will be the main goal of this work. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical and logical system knowledge, experience with Opnet software. Familiarisation with the MATLAB package will take place during the thesis project.



66

ID: AM03

TITLE: Rate Monitoring in Adaptive Communication Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Due to the heavy tailed pattern of Internet traffic, it is crucial to monitor the incoming arrival rate in a Web system to preserve its performance. Adaptive rate processing mechanism is part of the design of an adaptive load balancing Web algorithm. Arrival rate is an important parameter to be monitored in a Web site to avoid the possible collapse.

DELIVERABLES: The thesis will investigate the impact of rate adaptation strategies on the performance levels of router control led to the concept of active queue management. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical and mathematical skills, experience with Opnet.



ID: AM04

TITLE: Distributed Bandwidth Access Control Scheme

DESCRIPTION:

Packet switched networks implement timer-based/threshold-based bandwidth access bandwidth access schemes in which the packet differentiation is provided by a time-out mechanism. This work is focused on researching a distributed based bandwidth access paradigm to access the slotted access networks within a DiffServ domain.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate a comprehensive literature review on the bandwidth access schemes and investigate the distributed bandwidth access requirements to solve the highly bursty network traffic, and widely differing operating conditions. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Possible alternative use of the Network Simulator.


67

ID: AM05

TITLE: Streaming Traffic Rate Accelerator

DESCRIPTION:

In general networks, the traffic acceleration grows when the capacity availability is detected via the throughput measurements. Conversely, the traffic intensity slows down when the increased throughput does not translate into increased goodput. Traditional client/server based video on demand service can be bandwidth intensive and expensive to maintain, especially for high quality video content. Streaming reduces this delay, ideally allowing users to start watching immediately.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge about traffic streaming and video on demand services. The central point is to show that the combination of cache nodes and use of end-user resources gives a low load on servers and ISPs, even when firewalls are taken into consideration and low start-up delays and fewer playback errors are possible. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, NS.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Video interface for practical demonstration

AREA: Network Processes and Operations

ID: AM06

TITLE: Stateless Control of VoIP Services

DESCRIPTION:

Flow control methodology offers inherent robustness with effective control of the communication network under widely differing operating conditions, without the need to (re)tune any topology related parameters. This is in contrast with the conventional active management schemes for Best-Effort and for Differentiated Services based networks.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge on VoIP specifications and requirements and will implement a stateless flow control scheme for the voice streams over TCP/IP networks. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Audio interface for practical demonstration


68

ID: AM07

TITLE: Network Connectivity Fault Detection by Multiple Timers

DESCRIPTION:

Detection of multiple network connectivity faults is a challenging task because these faults, although may be detectable individually can mask each other’s faulty behaviour. This is called fault masking. There are algorithms for timed Extended Finite State Machines with multiple timers which can detect the pair-wise occurrences of network faults and, hence, the fault masking.

DELIVERABLES: The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks and will provide an extensive practical set of test results based on Opnet simulations. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Graphical interface for practical case study demonstration

AREA: Service Oriented Architectures, BSS/OSS

ID: AM08

TITLE: Scalable Continuous Media Streaming

DESCRIPTION:

The main problem in the download model is the requirement to wait until the whole video object is downloaded before playback can begin. Continuous media such as video possess the unique characteristics that partial data can also be decoded and played back. Taking advantage of this property of continuous media, the download model can be modified into a streaming model where data are played back while data reception is in progress.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate how the data transfer and playback processes are pipelined, therefore significantly shortening the delay to begin media playback. The media object must be decomposable into smaller fragments that are independently or progressively (making use of the current and already received fragments) decodable and presentable. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Graphical interface for practical demonstration


69

ID: AM09

TITLE: Network Connectivity Fault Detection by Multiple Timers

DESCRIPTION:

Detection of multiple network connectivity faults is a challenging task because these faults, although may be detectable individually can mask each other’s faulty behaviour. This is called fault masking. There are algorithms for timed Extended Finite State Machines with multiple timers which can detect the pairwise occurrences of network faults and, hence, the fault masking.

DELIVERABLES: The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks and will provide an extensive practical set of test results based on Opnet simulations. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.




ID: AM10

TITLE: Service Protection Classes in IP/MPLS Networks

DESCRIPTION:

Providing differentiated survivability services based on fault tolerant networks has become an important issue in the evolution of IP networks. High-priority traffic may require very low recovery time, while other traffic may not need such a high quality of fault tolerance. Adopting a multi-level protection approach is a solution for providing differentiated survivability services for requests associated with different protection classes.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks, service differentiation, service level agreement and committed network availability grades. A JAVA software agent for service protection planning will be implemented. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, JAVA programming.



70

ID: AM11

TITLE: Hierarchical Stacking of Network Services

DESCRIPTION:

Although the reliable networking requires that some network capacity cannot be used by the working traffic, this reserve capacity reduces the time complexity of network recovery and competing services conflict resolution. Pre-planned and pre-allocation of the reserve management capacity during the offline planning of the network is considered. Network nodes have to make decision on choosing the appropriate delivered service shares and to perform simple switching operations when a resource conflict occurs.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate the service restoration speed in a resource protection scheme, subject to efficient allocation of reserve capacity. The re-routing scheme does not allocate explicit reserve resources. A JAVA software agent for service capacity control will be implemented. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, JAVA programming.


AREA: Applications of Telecommunication Networks

ID: AM12

TITLE: Distributed Implementation of Web Servers

DESCRIPTION:

The problem is to self-configure a dynamic constraint on the rate of incoming new sessions in order to guarantee the realisation of the quality requirements specified in a service level agreement (SLA). The client/server model with the content stored on a server, or server cluster, and a content distribution network (CDN) are used to increase scalability by reducing network traffic.

DELIVERABLES:

The thesis will demonstrate knowledge of streaming peer-to-peer (SPP) networks of web servers and an efficient realization by distributed use of available network resources (memory and processor speeds). The efficiency attribute also makes the SPP suitable for scenarios such as community networks with limited hardware and network resources. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Software interface for practical demonstration

AREA: Applications of Telecommunication Networks

71

Supervisor: F.C. Nicolls Subject Area: Image and Video Processing

ID: FCN01

TITLE: Visual SLAM for robots

DESCRIPTION:

Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) techniques use sensors mounted on a mobile object to estimate its position at any time and to simultaneously build up a map of the environment. Visual SLAM systems use cameras as the sensors. We have access to a baseline visual SLAM C++ software implementation developed mainly for a handheld camera and small workspaces. The aim of this project is to evaluate and extend this implementation to the task of localising a robot in a larger environment. This will involve investigating the SLAM paradigm, getting to grips with the available software, and making modifications where necessary.

DELIVERABLES: A working implementation of a visual SLAM system specialised for the task of robot localisation.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Good math skills. A high level of familiarity and competence in C++: the code on which this project is based is quite advanced and almost entirely undocumented.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer vision.

ID: FCN02

TITLE: Evaluating fruit quality using hyperspectral imaging

DESCRIPTION:

While standard RGB cameras provide information over 3 bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, hyperspectral sensors can collect data over hundreds of bands. We have an imaging spectrometer and most of the tools required for calibrating it. This project will investigate and implement methods for using this device in industrial applications. One specific objective is to evaluate the use of this device to analyse and classify fruit by colour. We also have some applications in mineral processing that could be interesting to investigate.

DELIVERABLES: Software (and possibly hardware) for capturing and manipulating hyperspectral image data.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some degree of programming (MATLAB, C, or other).

EXTRA INFORMATION: http://www.specim.fi

AREA: Image and video processing, optical sensing.

72

ID: FCN03

TITLE: Visual estimation of the trajectories of balls

DESCRIPTION:

This project involves building and testing a simple “Hawk‐Eye” system for tracking and predicting the trajectory of a moving ball. A stereo pair of two moderately high‐speed cameras will be used as the sensors, and image processing coupled with a tracking algorithm will be used to determine the trajectory in 3D space. The system will need to be calibrated so that 3D observations can be made.

DELIVERABLES: A working system for tracking balls in flight, and a full investigation into its accuracy and predictive ability.


EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: FCN04

TITLE: Estimating the surface reflectance properties of simple objects

DESCRIPTION:

The appearance of an object is a complicated function of the light sources, viewing directions, and the surface reflectance at each point. By observing a surface point under various conditions, it is possible to estimate the reflectance function, and consequently obtain information about the properties of the surface. This project will use a camera and a constrained lighting setup to capture data of different objects under different viewing and illumination conditions, and attempt to extract reflectance functions from this information. The intention is to find out the extent to which it is possible to classify objects according to their material properties, which are physically meaningful and don’t vary under different imaging conditions. Methods for estimating texture functions may also be explored, since they are quite similar.

DELIVERABLES: Implementations of algorithms for estimating reflectance functions for simple objects with known geometry, possibly with extensions to more complicated objects.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Computer vision, remote sensing.

73

ID: FCN05

TITLE: Using 3D visual cues in image segmentation

DESCRIPTION:

Segmentation involves partitioning an image into meaningful parts, usually with one segment corresponding to one object. There are hundreds of different algorithms for image segmentation, but in almost all cases their performance is limited by the fact that the problem is ill‐posed and data are missing. If one has multiple images of a scene or an object taken under different viewing conditions, then it is possible to improve the performance of a segmentation algorithm. One approach is to change the lighting, causing depth discontinuities to appear as shadows that are quite easily detected. This project will investigate the use of this type of method to improve the segmentation results that can be obtained from single images. Algorithms will be applied to the problem of segmenting rocks on a conveyor belt, and to segmenting bubbles on a froth surface in a flotation cell.

DELIVERABLES: A working multi‐view segmentation algorithm.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Image and video processing.

ID: FCN06

TITLE: Interactive image segmentation using graph algorithms

DESCRIPTION:

The process of determining which pixels in an image correspond to a specific object is called segmentation. While there are a huge number of segmentation techniques, those that are based on graph theory are proving to be very powerful. This project involves implementing a standard graph‐cut segmentation algorithm found in the literature, and possibly extending it for a specific application. The formulation is interactive in that a user guides the segmentation by marking some object and non‐object pixels in the image, and adds markers if the results are not what is desired. There are a number of other graph‐based algorithms that are relevant to image segmentation, and toolboxes that implement these algorithms are available. An extension to this project will be to use one of these alternative techniques for interactive image segmentation.

DELIVERABLES: Working software for interactive image segmentation.


EXTRA INFORMATION: http://eslab.bu.edu/software/graphanalysis/ http://www.csd.uwo.ca/~yuri/Papers/iccv01.pdf

AREA: Computer vision, graph theory.

http://eslab.bu.edu/software/graphanalysis/

http://www.csd.uwo.ca/~yuri/Papers/iccv01.pdf

74

ID: FCN07

TITLE: 3D object reconstruction and alignment

DESCRIPTION:

We have at our disposal a number of methods for generating 3D models of real objects: visual hull reconstructions, 3D scanners, and reconstructions based on single point light sources and shadows. The first part of this project will involve setting up a system for doing reconstructions using each of these methods, and becoming familiar with the implementations. Once 3D reconstructions have been obtained, one often wants to align subsequent image views or additional reconstructions with them. The second part of this project will look at methods for estimating the relative orientation of two 3D reconstructions of the same object, transforming them to a common coordinate frame, and merging them into a single high quality object model.

DELIVERABLES: 3D reconstructions of objects, and methods for estimating relative pose.


EXTRA INFORMATION: http://www.dip.ee.uct.ac.za/~kforbes/DoubleMirror/DoubleMirror.html http://www.nextengine.com http://www.vision.caltech.edu/bouguetj/ICCV98


ID: FCN08

TITLE: Industrial machine vision inspection of object and print boundaries

DESCRIPTION:

We make extensive use of cameras mounted over conveyor belts for inspection of industrially produced components. The primary difficulty in building these systems is that they must be really fast – it is not uncommon to have to inspect 3500 parts per minute. Many of the defects that occur in manufacturing appear as small breaks or dents in object edges, or small sections of printing that are missing. An edge‐based approach is good for detecting these anomalies, and can be made very fast. This project will explore ways of automatically generating object edge templates that are useful for detecting this class of defect for objects that are known in advance, and will evaluate their performance.

DELIVERABLES: A working algorithm and an analysis of performance.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Image processing, machine vision.

75

Supervisor: S. Bernard and M. Inggs Subject Area: Oceanography Motivation for all OC Projects Autonomous ocean observing systems: Please note that these projects will fall under the ambit of Prof. Mike Inggs in terms of official examination processes, and also many aspects of the technology. Dr. Bernard will provide input as user specialist. Understanding how the oceans function with changing climate is dependent upon our ability to make scientific measurements at sea: to observe the coastal and open oceans at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales. Ship-based observations are extremely costly, logistically demanding and provide a very limited “snapshot” of dynamic systems; whilst satellite-based sensors can only observe the surface of the oceans at daily intervals on coarse spatial scales. Autonomous systems are playing an increasingly important role in observing the oceans – only systems such as buoys, profiling floats and autonomous vehicles are able to sample the oceans at scales that truly increase our understanding at the process level. The projects described here are part of a South African effort to play a leading role in the technological development of a cost-effective and innovative ocean observing system – the modular platforms, control systems and sensors that will allow us to observe and understand the ocean using autonomous technology. Stewart Bernard (CSIR Ecosystem Earth Observation/UCT Oceanography) ([email protected] Tel: 021 6582755/083 6349128

ID: OC01

TITLE: Development of Telemetry Modules & Server Software for Autonomous Marine Observation Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Persistor hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an ideal development platform for autonomous control systems – small form-factor, low power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine science community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to allow autonomous burst sample data acquisition from hyperspectral Trios radiometers, principally for the purposes of satellite ocean colour validation measurements. The project will 1) develop the C-based routines to integrate GSM/GPRS OEM telemetry modules into the existing system for real-time data distribution, and 2) develop server software that will enable these data to be easily integrated into oceanographic data dissemination systems (sensor web type application). The student will need to: 1. Evaluate available GSM/GPRS OEM products based on data demand, power, communications and cost specifications, 2. Acquire suitable OEM test products and antennae, 3. Develop the software routines allowing real time data dissemination, as part of a library of open source functions for the Persistor systems under development, 4. Integrate the modem hardware into the existing data logger chassis, 5. Develop the sensor-web type server systems that identify, process and make available the real-time data streams in an OGC compliant format such as NetCDF, 6. Demonstrate the utility of the new telemetry and data server modules in a simulated (or even real, logistics dependent) field environment.

DELIVERABLES:

1. Data logger with operating real time telemetry 2. Code library for ongoing development/refinement of telemetry 3. Operating demonstration server software allowing access to real time data served from the data logger 4. Project report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis, C programming, Python or equivalent programming

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.persistor.com, www.trios.com Prototype documentation and code

AREA: Autonomous ocean observing systems

mailto:[email protected]

76

ID: OC02

TITLE: Development of New Small Form Oceanographic Autonomous Control Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Persistor CF2 hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an ideal development platform for autonomous control systems – small form-factor, low power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine science community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to allow autonomous burst sample data acquisition. The project will further develop the prototype by redesigning either specific components or the whole system to make the second prototype smaller, cheaper and non-proprietal. The student will need to: 1. Acquaint themselves with the existing CF2 processor and plug-in hardware with a view to making a “look-alike” system. This includes becoming acquainted with the Motorola MC68LK322 processor and its various peripherals. 2. Evaluate the value of redesigning the entire system against the faster and easier approach of simply redesigning the prototype and I/O board. 3. Develop 'C' libraries for the new hardware to allow a DOS-like interface for program upload and data archival. 4. Demonstrate the utility, compatibility with the existing system and reliability of the new hardware in a field environment

DELIVERABLES:

1. CF2-compatible hardware. Either the processor/CF card and prototype board or just the latter. 2. 'C' libraries to support the new hardware. 3. Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.persistor.com Prototype documentation and code


77

ID: OC03

TITLE: Sensor Integration and Software Development for Oceanographic Autonomous Control Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Persistor CF2 hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an ideal development platform for autonomous controlsystems – small form-factor, low power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine science community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to allow autonomous burst sample data acquisition from hyperspectral Trios radiometers, principally for the purposes of satellite ocean colour validation measurements. This project will 1) develop new C libraries for the integration of new sensors e.g. backscattering, and test the new system in a simulated feld environment, and 2) develop GUI based software allowing non-specialist technicians to easily configure the system as regards sensor choice, acquisition structures etc. The student will need to: 1. Develop the 'C' software libraries allowing for data to be acquired from additional sensors during burst sampling routines, as part of a library of open source functions for the Persistor systems under development. Sensor are will include Hydroscat/Wetlabs backscattering sensors, perhaps also include RDI ADCP and an Anderaa Oxygen Optode. 2. Demonstrate the function and reliability of the libraries in a field environment. 3. Develop a Windows/OSX GUI to allow non-specialist technicians to configure the CF2 system with the newly developed libraries and connect it to its various sensors.

DELIVERABLES: 1. 'C' libraries to allow acquisition of data from various sensors. 2. Windows/OSX GUI to configure the CF2 system. 3. Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C & Windows application programming,

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.persistor.com , www.hobilabs.com Prototype documentation and code


78

ID: OC04

TITLE: Development of New Small Form Oceanographic Argos-type Submersible Float with Buoyancy Engine

DESCRIPTION:

While various submersible float systems with on-board sensors are available to the oceanographic community they tend to be large, heavy and extremely expensive. The aim of this project is to evaluate and develop a small semi-disposable submersible float for coastal waters (i.e. up to 50m depth) that will include a low-power buoyancy engine with enough lifting capacity for the internal power supply and any included electronics (datalogger, sensors etc.). The student will need to: 1. Acquaint themselves with existing systems and evaluate the possibility of decreasing their size to the required limit while still allowing enough buoyancy for correct function. 2. Evaluate various forms of varying the buoyancy of the float and reducing the power requirements of the selected engine design e.g. oil pumps, pressurised gas etc 3. Develop a compact pressure vessel capable of sustaining up to 51bar pressure without leaks of breaches. The vessel itself should be relatively easy to open to allow for data download and maintenance. 4. Design and develop a buoyancy engine for the new pressure vessel. 5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new hardware in a field environment

DELIVERABLES:

1. .Pressure vessel capable of immersion to 50m without failure. 2. Buoyancy engine capable of lifting not only the float but also any electronics, sensors and batteries that it may contain. 3. Project report.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics, electronics, problem solving skills

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.webbresearch.com , www.nke.fr , other ARGO resources


79

ID: OC05

TITLE: Development of Low-cost Backscattering/Fluorescence sensors for Coastal Oceanography

DESCRIPTION:

Backscattering, turbidity and fluorescence sensors have been available to the oceanographic community for some time but tend to be expensive and, in many cases, large and heavy. There is a need in the community for a small low-cost sensor specifically designed for coastal oceanography (i.e. less than 50m). The unit will need to be low power and include sufficient rechargeable batteries to allow it to run for at least 30 days. The datalogging component (if included) will need enough data storage to store the data collected during the battery life of the instrument. The student will need to: 1. Acquaint themselves with existing systems and evaluate the possibility of redesigning these systems to ft the project profile. 2. Develop the necessary optics for the “front end” of the sensor. 3. Develop the electronics required for operation as both backscattering and fluorescence sensors. 4. Develop the software for processing the sensor data and communications for the instrument. 5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new instrument in a simulated field environment

DELIVERABLES:

1. Optics for the “front end”, integrated into the pressure vessel. 2. Electronic hardware for the collection and processing of the sensor data. 3. Software to drive the processor and communications of the device. 4. Project report. Note the relative response of the instrument is prioritised – an approximate optical geometry and lack of calibration is acceptable

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics, some electrooptics

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.hobilabs.com, www.wetlabs.com, www.turnerdesigns.com , www.seapoint.com


80

ID: OC06

TITLE: Development of Adapted Market Available Dataloggers/Telemetry Modules for Autonomous Marine Observation Systems

DESCRIPTION:

There are various manufacturers of low cost intelligent combined modems – modules with Orbcomm/GSM/GPRS and GPS capabilities, coupled to microprocessors and I/O capabilities. Manufacturers include Wavecom, Quake, Stellar, MobiApps, Falcom, Telit, etc. These products offer the capability to develop low cost (<$400) control systems capable of acquiring and transmitting data from several sensors in near real time. Wavecom devices e.g. Fastrack, Q52, offer 2 serial ports and an analogue port at <$300 – a configuration that, on the face of it, makes it very attractive for supporting the logging and real-time dissemination of data from a small selection of oceanographic sensors. The aim of this project will be to evaluate the serviceability of these systems, both for its use of available power and as a real-time datalogger and data dissemination device, and to be able to demonstrate its use in a field environment. The student will need to: 1. Evaluate available Wavecom or equivalent GSM/Orbcomm products based on data demand, power, communications and cost specifications. 2. Acquire suitable test products and antennae. 3. Develop the necessary hardware to connect two serial and one analogue instrument to the device. 4. Develop the software routines allowing real time data dissemination. 5. Integrate the modem hardware into the existing data logger chassis. 6. Demonstrate the utility of the new telemetry and data logger modules in a field environment.

DELIVERABLES:

1. Data logger with operating real time telemetry 2. Hardware for the connection of various sensors 3. Code library for ongoing development/refinement of telemetry 4. Project report

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.wavecom.com , www.quakeglobal.com , www.rfdesign.co.za , www.mobiapps.com , www.stellar-sat.com


81

ID: OC07

TITLE: Development of New Low Cost Open Source Hyperspectral Radiometers

DESCRIPTION:

Hyperspectral radiometers play an important role in oceanographic measurement and make a substantial contribution to the methods available to us for observing our oceans. Although there are already a few models of hypserspectral radiometers available to oceanographers they tend to be prohibitively expensive and often difficult to use. The aims of this project are to develop an open source radiometer based on the Boehringer Ingelheim Microoptics UV/VIS Microspectrometer Module along with front end optics, control electronics and source libraries. The radiometer should be low power, (ultimately) immersible to 50m and, above all, easy to use. The student will need to: 1. Acquire, acquaint themselves with and evaluate the UV/VIS Microspectrometer module with a view to using it in an oceanographic environment. 2. Design and develop control electronics for the acquisition of data from the modules detector array and the communication of that data via a serial port. 3. Develop or source an optical front end for the radiometer. 4. Design and develop an enclosure for the entire device. This enclosure should be immersible to 50m and easy to clamp to existing instrumentation platforms (time permitting). 5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new hardware in a field environment

DELIVERABLES:

1. Boehringer Ingelheim Microoptics UV/VIS Microspectrometer Module along with control electronics and RS232 communications interface. 2. Optical front end for the new radiometer. 3. Source code for the instrument's control electronics. 4. Enclosure for the system, immersible to 50m (time permitting) 5. Project report. Note: full radiometric calibration is not expected as part of the project

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics, electro-optics. Note the radiometer is fibre-optic based and will not require an optical bench for development.

EXTRA INFORMATION: www.trios.de , www..microparts.de las.physik.uni-oldenburg.de/publications/paper/ramses.pdf


82

Supervisor: Y. Paichard Subject Area: RF and Microwave

ID: YP01

TITLE: Software radio receiver design

DESCRIPTION:

This project aims at developing a universal receiver for analog/digital FM, TV and WiFi signals. Current limitations of software radio receivers are due to the poor selectivity of the filters at low frequency. We have therefore investigated an innovating technique of upconverting FM and TV signals in the WiFi frequency band. Such technique has been successfully employed on a previous project for the Karoo Array Telescope.

DELIVERABLES:

The design of the receiver has been previously done. In this project, you will be required to simulate and implement the whole receiver chain. You will have the opportunity to design the entire board and test it.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Hardware skills in RF and microwave.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF & microwave

ID: YP02

TITLE: Frequency synthesizer design for a software radio receiver

DESCRIPTION:

The generation and distribution of the oscillator frequency that controls the up and down conversion process in a mixer is a critical part of a RF receiver. This project focuses on the generation of a variable frequency synthesizer that would tune the frequency band of the receiver over a wide range in order to allow the reception of several frequencies (TV / FM /WiFi).

DELIVERABLES:

In this project, you will be required to implement an agile frequency synthesizer. Low-cost synthesizers are available at http://www.analog.com. Output frequencies are generated from a 10 MHz clock and controlled by a microcontroller. This project includes the opportunity to design the entire PCB board and test it.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Microcontroller programming, electronic circuit design

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF and Microwave

http://www.analog.com/

83

ID: YP03

TITLE: Design of a wireless network of RFID readers.

DESCRIPTION:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have become commonly used for military and commercial applications to identify and track various commodities (e.g. pharmaceuticals), human and animals. These information can be transmitted through a wireless network at a low cost and reasonable distance and using technologies employed in wireless sensor networks, such as ZigBee. There is a growing interest of the industry for such technologies because it offers the possibility to identify a product (with RFID) and remote control its quality through various sensors (humidity, temperature).

DELIVERABLES:

The wireless sensor network itself will be composed of ZigBee boards which will act as the nodes within the network. You will be required to design the serial interface between the RFID reader and the ZigBee board which will transmit the collected data through the wireless network to a base station. You will also implement and test the communication link between the boards and the base station.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming, interest in wireless networking.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical and computer engineering

ID: YP04

TITLE: Radio localization of RFID tags

DESCRIPTION:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have become commonly used for military and commercial applications to identify and track various commodities (e.g. pharmaceuticals), human and animals. There is currently a big interest of the industry for indoor localization of people in secured places (airports, nuclear plants, chemical factories…). RFID is becoming the solution of choice to perform identification and precise tracking of people in such places.

DELIVERABLES:

In this project, you will analyze different localization techniques using RFID semi-active tags and readers (range of around 10 m). You will compare and test coverage estimation techniques, triangulation techniques and interferometry techniques and find the most suitable one for indoor environments.


EXTRA INFORMATION: Some knowledge and interest in electromagnetics. Skill with Python to configure the radio receiver.

AREA: RF, software

84

ID: YP05

TITLE: Digital TV signal as a radar waveform.

DESCRIPTION:

A passive radar system uses transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio transmitters to detect and track targets. The system is relatively low cost and can be used for air traffic control around the airports. The Radar and Remote Sensing Group is currently building up an experimental system at UCT. It is known that digital TV signals offer some advantages over analog FM and TV signals for radar applications (constant envelope, wide bandwidth).

DELIVERABLES:

In this project you are required to evaluate the quality of the digital TV signal for radar applications. In field measurements with airliners approaching Cape Town airport will be performed with the Constantiaberg transmitter. An experimental system is available at UCT and will be used for that purpose.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF and microwave, signal processing

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF, radar

ID: YP06

TITLE: OFDM signal generation for radar

DESCRIPTION:

Orthogonal Frequency Divion Multiplexing (OFDM) is a popular multi-carrier modulation method employed in communication systems that require high data rates (WiFi, digital TV,...). It is also considered to be a promising waveform for radar applications. We have previously shown that it is possible to combine data communication and radar measurements with the same signal and over several antennas in a MIMO configuration. This project will focus on the generation of a complex OFDM signal with an arbitrary waveform generator.

DELIVERABLES:

In this project you will need to set-up an experiment showing that you are able to transmit and receive the signal over a short distance (50 m) and evaluate the degradation of the signal quality in a real environment.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, coding and modulation, python programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Data communication, radar

85

ID: YP07

TITLE: Graphical User Interface for a passive radar

DESCRIPTION:

A passive radar system uses transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio transmitters to detect and track targets. The Radar and Remote Sensing Group is currently building up an experimental system at UCT. The signal is processed in real time using blocks developed for software radio applications (http://www.gnu.org/software/gnuradio/). This python and C++ environment allows the programming of nice graphical interfaces for radar application.

DELIVERABLES:

In this project you will combine and create new blocks to create a graphical user interface that shows the rough signal before processing (in time and frequency domain) and the position of the aircraft after processing. You will need to fulfil the requirement written by the radar users (adjustable windows, zoom, ...).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Python and C programming, signal processing (FFT)

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical and computer engineering

ID: YP08

TITLE: Cognitive architecture for passive radar network

DESCRIPTION:

We believe that then future of radar lies in networks of multiple radar stations (or sensors) connected together. Such radar network would allow intelligent cooperation between all the stations to improve its coverage and detection capabilities. We have recently been able to show how a cognitive passive radar network would operate in the field. Two main architectures have been created by researcher of the University of Carnegie Melon and University of Michigan to model cognitive processes with computer-oriented language: SOAR (http://sitemaker.umich.edu/soar/home) and ACT-R (http://actr. psy.cmu.edu/).

DELIVERABLES:

In this project, you will evaluate these architectures and use the best one to model the different tasks of a cognitive passive radar network made of hundreds of stations (sniffing environment, signal selection, radar measurement , network configuration , data links architecture, intelligent reconfiguration...) and see how the stations interact together.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming, interest in new programming languages

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical and Computer engineering, cognitive architectures

http://actr/

86

ID: YP09

TITLE: Direct Path Interference Cancellation in FM Radio-Based Passive Radar

DESCRIPTION:

A passive radar system uses transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio transmitters to detect and track targets. One of the problems in such a radar is that the echo signals received from the targets are very weak compared to the direct signal coming from the transmitter. Radar designers have previously shown that analog subtraction techniques between the direct and echo signals provide significant improvement of the dynamic range of the radar (40 dB).

DELIVERABLES:

In this project you are required to design and build a module that would tune both signals in amplitude and in phase in order to subtract them. Phase shift will be achieved by a voltage control of two balanced mixers. You will need to quantify the quality of the subtraction.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF and Microwave

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: RF and Microwave

ID: YP10

TITLE: Circular FM antenna array design for passive radar

DESCRIPTION:

Passive radar system use transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio transmitters to detect and track targets. The Radar and Remote Sensing Group is currently building up an experimental system at UCT, using FM signals from Constantiaberg and Tygerberg. The signal is received by an antenna array of dipoles, matched at FM frequencies, in order to place a null in the direction of the transmitter (and avoid saturation of the receiver). Next receiver generation will use circular antenna array that offers more advantages than the linear array currently used.

DELIVERABLES:

Simulations of the performances of the antenna array. Implementation and test of the complete structure.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electromagnetics, RF and microwave

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Antenna design, RF and Microwave

87

ID: YP11

TITLE: Smart antenna for wireless sensor networks

DESCRIPTION:

In wireless sensor networks, smart antennas are used to adapt the direction and the size (gain) of the beam according to the position of the sensors. It is a way to divide the space into several cells and to minimize the radiated energy in region where sensors are close to the antenna. It requires phased array that can be easily designed with patch antennas for short ranges (100m). The signal needs to be adjusted in amplitude and in phase at each element of the array. This project is done in collaboration with the Computer Science Department.

DELIVERABLES: Simulation and design of the array with (at least) phase control of the signal to show the beam steering capability. Phase shifter will be designed with L-C circuits using voltage controlled capacitor.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electromagnetics, RF and microwave

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Antenna design, RF and Microwave

ID: YP12

TITLE: Advanced antenna tool for radar simulator

DESCRIPTION:

FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) is a sophisticated simulator for multistatic radar previously developed in the Radar Remote Sensing Group. This simulator uses XML based script files to drive the simulator. A basic antenna tool has been designed to integrate simple antenna (e.g. Yagi). It needs to be modified to integrate any type of antenna based on its 3-D pattern.

DELIVERABLES:

A new antenna tool.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Python and C programming

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electrical and Computer engineering

88

ID: YP13

TITLE: Small boats detection in sea clutter

DESCRIPTION:

Due to the non-Gaussian distribution of the sea clutter, small boats detection is one of the most challenging radar operation. This is an active research area for future coastal surveillance radars and recent research works have focused on non-Gaussian detection algorithms. The CSIR has performed measurement of various boats at various places of the South African coast (Arniston, Cape peninsula) and data have been released for researcher to improve conventional radar detectors.

DELIVERABLES: You will be required to test conventional CFAR (Constant False Alarm Rate) radar detection algorithms and advanced algorithms for sea-clutter detection. The performances of these new algorithms will be evaluated with real targets .

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong skills in signal processing and mathematics (statistics), Python or Matlab programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Radar signal processing

89

Supervisor: J.C. Tapson Subject Area: Instrumentation and Mechatronics

ID: JCT01

TITLE: Cricket Bowling Robot

DESCRIPTION:

We have tried on two previous occasions to build a robot that bowls cricket balls (as like a real bowler as possible). One of these robots was basically unsuccessful and the other achieved moderate success, managing to bowl quite effectively at 90km/h but without any automation at all, i.e. every part of the action had to be initiated or adjusted by hand. We require a new design that takes into account the successes and failures of the first two designs (one of which was electrically driven and the other pneumatically driven) and produces a robot that can bowl a cricket ball with adjustable line and length, at up to 130 km/h, using a traditional bowling action.

DELIVERABLES: A working bowling robot.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. This project requires mechanical and electrical design and construction.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is suitable for one student only, but may be extended to two students if the pair motivates for that as a team. It will not be set for two different students who are not prepared to work together.

AREA: Mechatronics

ID: JCT02

TITLE: High performance ADC interface

DESCRIPTION:

This project requires the design and construction of an ADC interface which can be connected to a PC via USB 2.0. The interface will be required to sample at least 8 channels at 16 bit ADC resolution at 1 Msample/sec, into onboard memory, and then to download the results to the PC.

DELIVERABLES: A working ADC interface system.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronic design and construction, interface software development.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics

90

ID: JCT03

TITLE: Rig for measuring bicycle drive train efficiency

DESCRIPTION:

This project requires the design and construction of a rig to measure the efficiency of a bicycle drive train, from the pedals to the back wheel. It should ideally be in the form of a “rolling road” dynamometer, which measures the power output at the back wheel, coupled to a pedal driving mechanism that can put in a calibrated amount of pedalling power. It should be able to take a standard bicycle without time-consuming adaptation to the system. It should be able to calculate the ratio of input power to output power in a straightforward manner.

DELIVERABLES:

A working system for measuring bicycle drive train efficiency.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electrical design and construction.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is suitable for one student only, but may be extended to two students if the pair motivates for that as a team. It will not be set for two different students who are not prepared to work together.

AREA: Mechatronics.

ID: JCT04

TITLE: Cylindrical Electric Field Mill

DESCRIPTION:

An electric field mill is a mechatronic device that measures the strength of a steady (DC) electric field, such as is created by a HVDC line, or atmospheric electric activity (such as is created in storms, resulting in lightning discharges). It consists of a pair of rotating capacitor plates, with a circuit to measure the movement of charge between the plates as they rotate in and out of the electric field. This project requires the design and construction of an electric field mill. It will require the design of a rotation mechanism, driven by a small electric motor; capacitor plates (preferably two halfcylinder plates to make up a cylinder); a circuit to go on the rotating capacitor plates and measure the field change; and a system for transmitting the measured result from the rotating to the stationary part of the system.

DELIVERABLES: A working cylindrical electric field mill.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electronic design and construction.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

For an example of what is required, see http://www.iop.org/EJ/article/1742- 6596/142/1/012075/jpconf8_142_012075.pdf?requestid= 94ccc18c-7340-4df6-8982-bd071b722f27

AREA: Mechatronics.

http://www.iop.org/EJ/article/1742-

91

ID: JCT05

TITLE: Fast, accurate on-demand hot water delivery system

DESCRIPTION:

It is very difficult to deliver hot water at a fixed temperature (for medical, hygiene, chemical processing, or cooking purposes). The standard solution is to use a large geyser or boiler which “soaks” at the required heat. The two problems of this approach are that it is difficult to rapidly change the temperature, and the energy usage is inefficient. In-line heaters do not work well owing to poor power delivery and control. This project proposes the use of induction heating to heat a small quantity of metal (metal shavings or metal wool) which is in contact with the water, in a through-flow pipe. By using metal shavings or wool, there is a very high surface area-to-bulk ratio for the metal, so heat generated in the metal will be very rapidly transmitted to the water. This should allow very accurate temperature control in a flow of water. In this project, a system must be built which allows the heat input and flow rate of water to be controlled in feedback, to produce very accurately controlled temperature and water flow. An induction heating system will be supplied, but the rest of the system must be constructed.

DELIVERABLES: A working on-demand hot water delivery system.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electronic design and construction. This project will require practical and theoretical application of control systems.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Mechatronics

ID: JCT06

TITLE: A 2D barcode symbology for mobile phones, optimised for encoding short strings.

DESCRIPTION:

Current 2D cameraphone barcodes, such as QR-code and semacode, are not optimised for encoding short strings of numbers, such as would be found in a normal barcode. Instead, most are optimised for encoding URLs. This project will investigate the desirable characteristics of a cameraphone-scannable 2D barcode symbology optimised for encoding a short string, and design and implement a barcode scanner and generator for the symbology.

DELIVERABLES: A complete barcode optimisezed for data transmission by cellphone camera, and comparative performance analysis.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing

EXTRA INFORMATION: This will be co-supervised by Prof U. Rivett of Geomatics.

AREA: All.

92

ID: JCT07

TITLE: Evaluation and optimization of QR code scanning using the Zxing mobile phone barcode scanning library.

DESCRIPTION:

Zxing is an open source mobile phone barcode library that includes a QR code reader. This project asks the student to investigate the operational limits of the QR code decoding algorithm used by Zxing (barcode size, barcode colour, lighting conditions, mobile phone camera characteristic) and to suggest optimization to the algorithm for more reliable scanning.

DELIVERABLES: Enhancement algorithms for the Zxing barcode library.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing

EXTRA INFORMATION: This will be co-supervised by Prof U. Rivett of Geomatics.

AREA: All.

93

Supervisor: M.S. Tsoeu Subject Area: Control Systems

ID: MST01

TITLE: An Open Source Linux SISO IDE for Continuous Time Control Design.

DESCRIPTION:

Research society is making a move towards Open Source software tools. In control systems one of the major areas is Computer Aided simulation and design. It is therefore necessary to develop Open Source tools that can be used for the analysis, design and testing of Control Systems.

DELIVERABLES: Well developed, documented and tested software that can be used to perform analysis and design of SISO LTI control systems.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Solid understanding of Classical Control systems EEE3069W or equivalent, Python, C/C++ and GUI programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project can accommodate two students.

AREA: Control Engineering

ID: MST02

TITLE: Networked Predictive Control

DESCRIPTION:

The low cost of Networked Control Systems has stimulated research towards a formal treatment of NCS. Some of the challenges of NCS are unpredictable delays, data packet losses, ensuring stability as well as a move towards Control on Demand using agent based software. The aim of this thesis is to successfully implement a network controller for one of the systems in the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory and possibly address some of the challenges.

DELIVERABLES:

A well tested and documented functional control system. Simulation information showing the work done during design.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong Control Systems knowledge, Strong mathematical background, MPC knowledge, MATLAB, Python and C/C++ programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


94

ID: MST03

TITLE: Model Predictive Control.

DESCRIPTION:

Model Predictive Control received a lot of industrial and academic attention. Some of its selling points are its systematic handling of constraints, and handling of deadtime. The aim of this thesis is to successfully implement an MPC on one of the systems in the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory and evaluate some of its selling points by way of formal comparison to other methods.

DELIVERABLES: Successfully implemented MPC, and formal evaluation results comparing it to other competing methods.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Control Systems, MPC, and Strong mathematics background. MATLAB/SciLab and Python, C/C++ programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: MST04

TITLE: A teaching tool for Model Predictive Control.

DESCRIPTION:

The aim of this thesis is to develop a CAD tool for MPC. This tool should implement the common MPC algorithms, like DMC, MAC, GPC, PFC. In addition this tool should be able to interface to the Data Acquisition and Control modules in the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory.

DELIVERABLES:

A well developed and documented MPC development tool tested and able to interface to the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory Data Acquisition and Control modules.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Control Systems, MPC, Strong mathematics background, Python, C/C++ and GUI programming.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is intended for two students.


95

ID: MST05

TITLE: A SciLab Toolbox for directly handling deadtime.

DESCRIPTION:

In control systems one of the major areas is Computer Aided simulation and design. Amongst the available options are SciLab and SciCos. Currently, SciLab still does not have a set of functions that can directly handle deadtime in continuous LTI systems, without the use of Pade's approximations. It is therefore a void to be filled and a contribution to the Control and Signal Processing community that uses SciLab.

DELIVERABLES: A fully developed and tested toolbox that performs basic engineering manipulations on LTI systems with deadtime.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Classical Control, Familiarity with MATLAB, and SciLab Programming in C/C++ Python and Tk/Qt.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: MST06

TITLE: Variable Structure Control: A Comparison of Chatter Alleviation Techniques.

DESCRIPTION:

Sliding Mode Control is one of the control approaches theoretically said to be robust to disturbances and model parameter variation. There are however, problems that prevent the theory from matching practical findings. These are: finite switching frequency and Chattering. The aim of this thesis is to investigate chattering and alleviation methods.

DELIVERABLES:

Formal Comparison results of SMC using different chatter alleviation methods and test results from a physical system.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Control Systems EEE4093F, MATLAB, Python and C/C++ programming

EXTRA INFORMATION:


96

Supervisor: N.J. Ventura Subject Area: Broadband Networking and Communication

ID: NJV01

TITLE: Intelligent Transport Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Vehicular wireless communications and networks are important technology enablers to improve vehicle safety, to enhance vehicle traffic efficiency, and to provide services to drivers and passengers. The development of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) based Vehicular Ad hoc Networks is one of the most critical issues for the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. These issues concern not only automotive and ITS research communities but also the wireless communication and networking research communities. There are many national and international collaboration projects on V2V and ITS by industries and academia. Some projects are committed to develop prototypes of next generation vehicle communication systems (VCS). Through these research and development projects, many realize that designing reliable, efficient, scalable, robust, and secured vehicular networking technologies present extraordinary challenges. We would like to attract a number of students interested in topics related to technical challenges, standardization efforts on vehicular communications, field trials of 802.11p based VANETs, security issues, channel access, routing, data dissemination, and application scenarios. Areas of interest are as follows:

1. Intelligent Traffic Management Systems measure and analyse traffic flow information and take ITS measures to reduce problems. They consist of computerised traffic signal control, highway and traffic flow management systems, electronic licensing, incident management systems, electronic toll and pricing, traffic enforcement systems and intelligent speed adaptation.

2. Intelligent Passenger Information Systems improve the knowledge base of Customer and consist of passenger information systems, in-vehicle route guidance systems, parking availability guidance systems, digital map database and variable messaging systems. 3. Intelligent Public Transport Systems include ITS measures that aim to improve public transport performance. They are consisting of intelligent vehicles, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, transit fleet management systems, transit passenger information systems, electronic payment systems, electronic licensing, transportation demand management systems and public transport priority.

DELIVERABLES: A comprehensive research review on the topic of choice to lead to a design and prototyping, or emulation and simulation studies.


A keen interest in the proposed topics for ECE, Mechatronics and EE students with an interest in wireless communications and vehicular technologies. For prototyping and emulation systems it is recommended that the student is well conversant with programming languages in particular C++. A MAXIMUM OF FOUR STUDENTS

EXTRA INFORMATION: Consult with the supervisor on the selected topic.

AREA: Wireless Communications and Vehicular Technologies

97

ID: NJV02

TITLE: A Portable Network Intrusion Detection System

DESCRIPTION:

Network security is an increasingly important topic. The goal of this project is to design, build and demonstrate a portable, cost-effective, high performance network intrusion detection system. The prototype should leverage as much as possible open source technologies. Detailed documentation of the various aspects of the project is also required.

DELIVERABLES: A working prototype


This project is appropriate for ECE and EE students in the area of Telecommunications. Strong programming skills (C++ in particular) are a prerequisite.

PREFERABLY TWO ECE SUDENTS

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Broadband Networks and Security

ID: NJV03

TITLE: Protection against Voice over IP Attacks

DESCRIPTION:

Voice over IP (VoIP) is well established in the Internet and is increasingly being adopted by Telcos as a replacement for legacy circuit-switched voice technology. Unfortunately the low-cost and accessibility of VoIP makes it attractive to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and spamming. This project aims to mitigate the risks of VoIP attacks.

DELIVERABLES:

The UCT Communications Research Group in collaboration with NEC Research Labs in Europe is working on solutions to counteract the threat of VoIP attacks. The students will be expected to perform a thorough review of VoIP vulnerabilities, become familiar with the NEC VoIP SEAL software and incorporate new modules into the system. These modules should be implemented and evaluated in a practical setting.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Moderate experience in Linux/C/C++ coding will be necessary. Two students from the ECE program, or one student from the ECE program and one from the Telecommunications program

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project has further scope for postgraduate studies.

AREA: Broadband Networks

98

ID: NJV04

TITLE: Architecture for QoS Handling in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)

DESCRIPTION:

The IMS is a framework standardized to facilitate and deploy IP Multimedia services. To control resources in this all IP environment Policy Management is used to create and enforce rules on the network devices that carry the traffic. The Communications Research Group (CRG) has released the UCT Policy Control Framework – an open source software package for use with the Open Source IMS Core that allows the creation and enforcement of policies in the transport plane. An important part of the Resource Control entity is a feedback mechanism from the transport plane – This so called Quality of Service (QoS) reporting allows the Policy Control Framework to have knowledge of the underlying technologies of the transport plane. This project involves an in depth analysis of the requirements for such a QoS reporting architecture as well as a prototype implementation to be incorporated into the UCT Policy Control Framework.

DELIVERABLES:

The investigation requires a comprehensive review of related literature (Standards documents, journals and conference proceedings) to define a full set of requirements for the QoS reporting architecture. A prototype implementation of this architecture, including basic proof of concept, is also required.


The candidates will use the Open Source IMS Testbed together with the UCT Policy Control Framework to implement the designed architecture. Linux/Java/C/C++ coding experience will be necessary. Candidates will acquire experience in NGN technology, resource/policy control, software development and complex problem solving. Two students from the ECE program, or one student from the ECE program and another from the Telecommunications program


AREA: Broadband Networking

99

ID: NJV05

TITLE: High-rate wireless multicarrier communication using spatial multiplexing based on MIMO arrays

DESCRIPTION:

Multicarrier communication systems are very popular nowadays due to their robustness to the multipath fading, high spectral efficiency and low receiver complexity. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a basic subtype of the multicarrier technology, which has already been implemented in several commercially successful standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11a/g, IEEE 802.16a/d/e, etc. The ever-growing bandwidth demand of the multimedia network services dictates search for ways to increase currently achievable throughput. This can be done by using the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) extension of the OFDM transceiver, which exploits spatial multiplexing of signals produced by array of antennas. MIMO-OFDM is considered a key technology in emerging broadband wireless communication standards such as 4G and IEEE 802.11n. In this project a student is expected to investigate the basic OFDM architecture and the principles of MIMO communication in the spatial multiplexing mode. The main objective of the work is to evaluate throughput and performance of MIMO-OFDM in comparison with the single-antenna OFDM system.

DELIVERABLES:

Using available literature the students are to study the principles of OFDM and MIMO communication. Implement baseband MIMO-OFDM with at least two transmitters and two receivers in the form of the simulation program. To assess system performance by the simulations one may use the Rayleigh flat fading channel model, which is spatially homogeneous (has independent propagation paths). The choice of the MIMO detector type is at discretion of student.


The project is recommended to students having a very good understanding of the digital communication theory and a strong background in linear algebra. An experience of the practical system design with the help of MatLab or other programming languages is highly desirable. The project is dedicated to the novel technology in the wireless communications and can serve as a basis for the advanced research on the postgraduate level. One or two students from the Telecommunications or ECE programs


AREA: Wireless broadband communications

100

ID: NJV06

TITLE: Detecting network intrusion on mobile devices

DESCRIPTION:

Mobile devices depend highly on the power obtained from batteries. These devices lack a method to avoid or combat network attacks that could drain the battery power. Since the device receives any packet that is directed to it, one could potentially send meaningless packets to the device continuously, draining the battery power much faster than normal. A simple method for preventing a network intrusion would be to implement a software-based firewall into mobile devices that monitors the activities of system ports. A potential drawback is that the program must be running in the background constantly to monitor port activities, thus draining the battery. In addition, a firewall does not necessarily point out if the device is being attacked, only if there is an unknown packet at a certain port. The candidate is to propose a scheme to detect network intrusion by monitoring power consumption.

DELIVERABLES: The student is to prove that his research leads to the detection of network intruders based on power consumption monitoring of the device.


Student should be a proficient programmer in a language of his choice using his/her development framework. 1 student, either from the ECE or the Telecommunications program

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Networking and Security

101

ID: NJV07

TITLE: A Wi-Fi based positioning system

DESCRIPTION:

GPS signals are often blocked by tall buildings in large urban areas. However, there are a growing number of other signals such as WiFi Access Points (APs) and Cellular Base stations. By using the received signal strength of WiFi APs whose actual physical location and unique identifier are known, a device could be constructed to compute its position relative to known WiFi APs without relying on a GPS device at all. If a large number of signal sources are used, then simply using the information in the beacon signal (without measuring received signal strength) to determine position is possible. Build a geographic positioning system out of signals emitted by radio Wi-Fi access points (IEEE 802.11). In the case of Wi-Fi, it is the MAC address that is typically broadcast every tenth of a second. You don't have to be logged on to a Wi-Fi access point in order to detect its beacon; just being within its broadcast range—about 50 to 200 meters—is sufficient. If a user's device knows the physical location of a large number of radio sources, it can triangulate its own position based on the set of beacons it is currently hearing. Our goal is to build such a system, complete with a database of known radio beacons and their locations, and thus provide a low-cost alternative to current location systems. This could run on devices with Wi-Fi or GSM capability—without any extra hardware.

DELIVERABLES:

Build a proof of concept prototype, complete with a database of known radio beacons and their locations, to provide a low-cost alternative to current location systems.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Student should be a proficient programmer in a language of his choice using his/her development framework.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Wireless Communications

102

ID: NJV08

TITLE: Software radio

DESCRIPTION:

In a digital communication system, many levels of signal processing and data encoding are used to increase the reliability and efficiency of transmission between users, and to simplify the hardware implementations. The processing/encoding operations include source compression, data encryption, error correction coding, line coding and modulation. In a software radio, these operations are implemented in software except for the signal amplification and transmission over the channel. Such systems are more easily reconfigured to communication standard updates or changes in the channel characteristics. This project deals with the implementation of a software radio on a Linux platform for use over the air wave medium in the commercial FM band. Specific tasks include the transformation of digital data into an analog signal that fits in the audio frequency band. The signal is then fed to a personal FM transmitter through the soundcard. At the remote end, the signal is captured using a commercial FM receiver and fed to the receiver's software through the soundcard. Full-duplex operation is a desirable requirement.

DELIVERABLES: Implementation of a software radio on a Linux platform


This project is well suited to computer engineering students with the desire to deepen their understanding of digital communication systems or electrical engineering students in the communication stream with aptitudes in the design of software.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Wireless Communications

ID: NJV09

TITLE: Optimization of next generation broadband wireless communication networks

DESCRIPTION:

OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) is a promising

technology for next-generation broadband mobile and wireless

communication, which has been adopted by emerging commercial wireless

standards, e.g. WiMAX and 3G LTE. The aim of this project is to analyze and

optimize the OFDMA scheme in order to obtain the best performance of the

network

DELIVERABLES: OFDMA research review, analysis and optimization of OFDMA schemes.


The student is expected to possess very good Mathematical backgrounds

(Matrix Manipulation and possibly Queueing Theory), good programming

skills in Matlab or C/C++, and some knowledge of wireless communications

networks.

For ECE and Telecommunication students only

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Broadband Wireless Communications

103

ID: NJV10

TITLE: Scalable video streaming in the IMS

DESCRIPTION:

The IP Multimedia Subsystem is a service orientated framework for Next Generation Networks. The IMS will allow for quick development and deployment of services with some of the more interesting services on offer likely to be video applications, such as IPTV and video conferencing. In addition to this, the ability to move video sessions between several user devices, using different access networks is also being touted as an IMS draw card. However each device, or network to which the video stream may move will have its own set of characteristics and thus the video may need to be scaled up or down accordingly. This is where scalable video streaming codec’s allowing for rate adaptation will be needed.

DELIVERABLES: The requirements for the student/s will be to investigate the various video codec’s that allow rate adaptation and using the SIP signalling of the IMS to come up with a simple demonstration of a rate adapted handoff.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Preferably 2 ECE students or 1 ECE + 1 Telecommunication student


AREA: Broadband Communications and Networks

ID: NJV11

TITLE: CDMA based MAC on top of 802.11P

DESCRIPTION:

802.11 CSMA/CA based MAC (whether DCF or EDCA) might not be an efficient medium access scheme for wireless mesh backhauls with time-critical applications. The random access and distribution coordination function of CSMA/CA, though desired in public access networks with new entities joining the network all the time, result in extra delay which is an undesirable cost for backhaul. In infrastructure backhaul network, all the communication entities will be known before hand and all of them will most probably be static. New nodes would be plugged in to the network but it would not be as frequent as in the public access network case.

Initial study on alternative medium access schemes indicates strong potential in CDMA based MAC to fulfill the latency requirements while providing extra benefits of robustness and efficiency. We propose to build a CDMA based MAC scheme which is interoperable to 802.11p and can support QoS differentiation in ITS environment.

DELIVERABLES: This project will involve implementation of a basic CDMA (Walsh code) medium access scheme in OPNET which can provide an initial platform for future enhancements

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Motivation and some experience with C++ programming are required and experience with OPNET or any simulator is preferable

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Broadband Wireless Communications

104

ID: NJV12

TITLE: Using decoys to block VOIP spam in IMS networks

DESCRIPTION:

The Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a service convergence framework that facilitates the creation and delivery of multimedia and other applications over an IP network. The IMS architecture can be visualized as a three layer model having the application plane, the control plane and the bearer plane. The application and control planes form the service control layer where user subscription and session authorization occurs. Like other Internet services, e.g., email, IMS services can be abused. This commonly takes the form unsolicited VoIP calls targeting large numbers of users. Due to the disadvantages of spam over Internet telephony (SPIT) solutions to block it are needed. One of the proposed solutions involves the use of decoys in IMS networks. This project looks at this proposal. The project involves an investigation of the work submitted for an MSc in electrical engineering degree at the University of Cape Town in 2007. The candidate is required to study the IMS architecture and operation of IMS decoys and evolve the performance evaluation framework to be fully IMS compliant. This will involve analysis of different reference points used by the decoys to interact with other IMS entities to block SPIT. The project involves an investigation of the work submitted for an MSc in electrical engineering degree at the University of Cape Town in 2007. The candidate is required to study the IMS architecture and operation of IMS decoys and evolve the performance evaluation framework to be fully IMS compliant. This will involve analysis of different reference points used by the decoys to interact with other IMS entities to block SPIT. - Extensive reading is required to understand the IMS, SIP and SDP; VoIP spam and proposed solutions and IMS decoys. - Design a SPIT decoy framework to be integrated in an IMS testbed - Implement the decoy scheme

DELIVERABLES:

Modules of the SPIT decoy for the Open IMS and evaluation results.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should be well conversant with C/C++, SQL and LinuxA keen ECE or Telecommunication student interested to tackle a challenging project.



105

ID: NJV13

TITLE: Uplink bandwidth allocation and rate control in 802.16 broadband wireless networks.

DESCRIPTION:

Although Medium Access Control signalling has been well defined in the 802.16 specifications, resource management and scheduling are crucial components to guarantee quality of service. Investigate adaptive queue-aware uplink bandwidth allocation and rate control mechanisms in a subscriber station for polling service in 802.16 broadband wireless networks. Both of these schemes exploit the queue status to guarantee the desired quality of service performance for polling service. Recently an analytical framework has been proposed to analyze the resource management model. The investigation calls for your analysis of the results and validation by simulations.

DELIVERABLES: Analysis and validation by simulation


This project is highly recommended to students interested in the convergence of networks and interest in using simulation tools. It will extend your knowledge on wireless communications. One or two students, either from the Telecommunications or the ECE program


AREA: Broadband Communications and Networking

106

ID: NJV14

TITLE: Wireless mesh networks testbed

DESCRIPTION:

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provides the intelligent link between travelers, vehicles, and infrastructure in the form of consumer products and services. On the other hand, wireless mesh networking with no pre-existing infrastructure has become a technique for the next generation wireless networks. It enables quick-and-easy extension of a local area network into a wide area. Prior efforts on wireless networks, especially multi-hop ad hoc networks, have led to significant research contributions that range from fundamental results on theoretical capacity bounds to routing and transport protocols. In this project, we will design and implement a wireless mesh network infrastructure for ITS.

(a) Perform extensive measurements to understand wireless link properties on the roads.

(b) Implement the mesh router using off-the-shelf software and hardware. (c) Design and implement novel techniques and tools for network

management, diagnostic and monitoring. (d) Investigate the use of wireless mesh network to provide Internet access for

public transport (such as buses, taxis) passengers

DELIVERABLES: Design and implementation of a wireless mesh network infrastructure for ITS>

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Conversant in C++, Linux and script languages Ideal for two to three students

EXTRA INFORMATION:


107

Supervisor: R.A. Verrinder Subject Area: Instrumentation and Mechatronics

ID: RAV01

TITLE: A hybrid GPS and dead reckoning system which can be used on a mobile robot.

DESCRIPTION:

GPS technology has revolutionised position finding and travelled path calculation, however the GPS user must be in contact with at least four global positioning satellites, at any time, for the system to work. This becomes a problem if you move indoors etc. Dead reckoning is a way to estimate your current position based on your previous movement, speed and direction measurements from a known origin. It has been used for centuries in navigational systems. It is possible to combine the signals from both systems to create a hybrid device which can work indoors and outdoors. The purpose of this project is to design a hybrid system which can track a path along which a mobile robot has travelled. The system must be portable. It must log the data and then interface with a PC which will plot the travelled path.

DELIVERABLES: A working data logging circuit which can record and measure the speed and direction of an individual using GPS and dead reckoning data. Working algorithms which can convert this data into a graphical display showing the travelled path.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong microcontrollers and instrumentation skills. C programming skills

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics, Mechatronics and instrumentation

108

ID: RAV02

TITLE: Power Harvesting Module

DESCRIPTION:

The increasing use of wireless sensors in industry is hampered by the fact that even though wireless sensors don't need network cables, they still need power, which must come either from a power cable or from batteries. Most of these systems use extremely small amounts of power - less than 1mW is not uncommon. So, if we can harvest just a small amount of power from the environment, we can avoid using batteries or cables. Available environmental power is in the form of light, motion, and electromagnetic fields. Light can be harvested with solar cells. Motion, and particularly vibration, can be harvested using piezoelectric or electromagnetic devices (think about how automatic-winding or "kinetic" watches work). Stray electromagnetic flux can be harvested with antennas or coils. In this project, an investigation is required into designing and building a harvesting module that could provide 1mW of power continuously for a wireless sensor in an industrial environment, by making use of all three of these possibilities. A full evaluation of the available energy in a typical situation must be performed, after which a working system must be built and its performance must be evaluated.

DELIVERABLES: An evaluation of the power available in a typical industrial environment, and a working power harvesting module.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics and analogue electronics.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Mechatronics, analogue electronics.

ID: RAV03

TITLE: A general purpose digital signal processing development board for use as a teaching and learning tool.

DESCRIPTION:

With the increasing number of digital signal processing intensive applications, it is important that students have a learning tool which will introduce them to the functionality of an embedded digital signal controller. This teaching tool must be simple to use and produce. It must demonstrate some of the functionality of a digital signal controller which could include digital filtering techniques, FFT functionality, simple sound processing etc.

DELIVERABLES: A completed circuit build on a PCB and software written in C to demonstrate functionality of all the components on the board

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong circuit design with a specific interest in microcontrollers and instrumentation. C programming skills

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Digital electronics

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ID: RAV04

TITLE: A rolling element condition monitoring system based on vibration measurement

DESCRIPTION:

Condition monitoring is becoming more and more popular in industrial settings as instrumentation and data logging equipment has improved. Vibration of a machine or rolling element bearings can be a good indicator of machine wear. In this project, the candidate will be required to investigate the use of different vibration monitoring methods and design a system which can log vibration over time.

DELIVERABLES:

A completed circuit design which must be built on a PCB. The system must be able to log vibration data for varying periods of time. There must be some graphical display that a user can then use to monitor different vibration patterns and it must give the user an indication of the bearing wear.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong circuit design with a specific interest in microcontrollers and instrumentation. MATLAB and C programming skills

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics and instrumentation

ID: RAV05

TITLE: A high speed multi channel ADC to PC interface for accurate energy measurement.

DESCRIPTION:

Energy measurement is very important in power engineering. The information from these devices is used in tariff calculation and load and line monitoring. These devices typically measure voltage, current, frequency, power factor, real, reactive and apparent power for single and multiphase lines. This device must be the interface device between the energy measurement transducers and a PC where the data can be analysed. It must therefore convert these analogue signals to suitable digital signals which can be processed. It must have 16 channels with at least 16-bit resolution and connect to the PC using a USB 2.0 interface. Appropriate analysis software must be provided to interpret the data.

DELIVERABLES:

A working ADC to PC interface which must be tested using the appropriate input devices.

Software to analyse the energy measurement information.

Comparison of the unit against measurements of the same lines using existing meters.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong digital electronic and embedded programming skills.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project with be co supervised by Prof. C.T. Gaunt

AREA: Digital Electronics/ Electrical and Computing/ Instrumentation

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ID: RAV06 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Development of a VSD for an AC Motor

DESCRIPTION:

Using a microcontroller and power electronics, build a variable speed drive that can control the speed of a 3 phase motor. The VSD must have soft start characteristics and be able to run the motor under full load conditions as well as have braking capabilities. The drive must be able to run, at least, a 0.5 KW motor.

DELIVERABLES: A Prototype VSD

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge in Power Electronics, Programming and AC Motors

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Power Electronics, Microcontroller, AC Motors

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Supervisor: S. Winberg Subject Area: Computer Engineering, Digital Electronics and RF

ID: SW01

TITLE: Inhomogeneous MPICH Cluster for image processing

DESCRIPTION:

The MPICH library is designed as a standardized means to combine computers into processing clusters. This project aims to develop and evaluate an inhomogeneous cluster processing infrastructure that includes a Sony PlayStation 3 (SPS3) platform and a PC platform. Motivation for this project includes establishing a method for quickly assembling and disassembling (for redeployment of equipment) a temporary cluster system suitable for microprocessor‐based reconfigurable computing (RC) application processing. The SPS3 is an advanced cell processor platform. Although it is intended as a games platform, it is the potential to be a powerful platform for high performance computing (HPC) applications, especially when made part as part of a cluster. Being able to handle parallel processing job, it can become a versatile reconfigurable computing platform. A port of the Linux operating system to the SPS3 has already been done. This project focuses on combining these platforms using MPICH, including cross‐compiling programs for distribution to notes on a cluster. This project is more an exploitative study, to see the level of complexity and time involved in establishing a temporary RC cluster of this nature.

DELIVERABLES:

Working cluster comprising SPS3 and one or more PCs. Operating implementation of parallel processing algorithms. Report showing competitive study of performance results, comparing inhomogeneous cluster, homogeneous PC cluster, and standalone (non parallel) operation.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C and C++ proficiency. Understanding of parallel programming and cell processor architectures. Completed / registered in EEE4084F.

EXTRA INFORMATION: This project should be done by one student.

AREA: Computer Engineering / Digital systems

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ID: SW02

TITLE: DIMEC coding framework for application in reconfigurable configurable computing

DESCRIPTION:

DIME‐C is a development tool developed by Nallatech which is used to convert C code into VHDL (see http://www.nallatech.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIME‐C). DIME‐C works closely with DIME‐Talk which is a modelling tool for developing FPGA‐based hardware for distributed systems. This project will involve working closely with the Cape 2 Town CHPC (Canter for High Performance Computing) in order to use the Nallatech commercial development tools. What is needed, and consequently the objective of this project, is to develop a programmer‐friendly (and thus simple to learn) multi‐threaded coding framework for installing and activating FPGA hardware. The general parts of the code framework involves: sending a hardware images (a bit stream) to one or more FPGAs, sending data to FPGA(s), activating FPGA(s), and reading data back from the FPGAs. Code and libraries for communicating with the FPGAs are in place, but need to be refined in order to make it easier to use, and to make better use of multi‐processor PCs which the FPGA platforms are connected to. The framework should include features such as timing and logging so that developers using these systems can more easily evaluate run‐time performance of applications.

DELIVERABLES:

Application framework prototype working with a Nallatech FPGA accelerator card.


EXTRA INFORMATION: VHDL coding, use of FPGAs, understanding of C � VHDL translation techniques. Student should have completed EEE3064W and successfully completed / enrolled in EEE4084F.


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ID: SW03

TITLE: uCOS OS/2 Networking on NIOS II Evaluation Board

DESCRIPTION:

The UCT electrical engineering department has a collection of FPGA development kits, namely the Altera NIOS II Evaluation Kits, which are used in both undergraduate courses and projects. These kits are both simple (in terms of FPGA development platform), but versatile. The kit come with a selection of introductory design projects, such as ones to flash LEDs and to send messages over the debug (JTAG) channel. However, an issue that is lacking in these development kits is use of the Ethernet controller. While later models of these boards have projects in which a Ethernet (e.g, a LAN91C111 device) is configure, the development kits we have are missing this aspect, which makes it difficult to transfer data to/from applications running on the boards (instead it is necessary to use a slow JTAG connection or an added RS232 communications). This project involves two parts: 1) adding an Ethernet device to an existing NIOS2 design that runs on the board; 2) Developing or porting the device driver so that the Ethernet controller works with the uCOS OS/2 (or alternatively uClinux) operating system; and 3) evaluating the network communication speed and reliability of the completed system (by sending data over UDP).

DELIVERABLES:

Demonstrating operational Ethernet TCP/IP networking using the FPGA evaluation board with a NIOS II softcore processor connecting to the Ethernet device. Speed tests. Sample code providing a starting point for a TCP/IP socket application (e.g., echo server).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL coding. Student should have completed EEE3064W and currently enrolled or successfully completed EEE4084F.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Note this project is not as simple as it may sound: a significant amount of technical know‐how and experimentation will be needed to get an operational system in place.


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ID: SW04

TITLE: Embedded Computer Model Integration Investigation

DESCRIPTION:

The Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) has developed a highly customizable generic modelling environment (GME) that can be used to create and interpret visual modelling languages (see http://www.isis.vanderbilt.edu/research/MIC). The objective of this project is to use the GME produced by ISIS to construct a modelling language to represent common building blocks for a specific embedded system platform. The language will include boundary modelling elements such as an RS232 element (for sending/receiving data) that sends via the system’s serial port and an Eth element (for sending/receiving data over an Ethernet), together with process elements (e.g., FFT for working on data) and storage elements (e.g., a block of memory). Your model interpreter (i.e. how the model in GME is translated) will output a C file and VHDL (or Verilog) file templates, each representing the correct functional prototypes (in H files) and stub code implementations (C files) for the software side of the project, and Entity outlines (in VHDL or Verilog) for the hardware side (a template Quartus II block diagram needs to be provided that will link to the automatically generated HDL file – the user can manually connect the NIOS II I/O to the VHDL block). The VHDL / Verilog code needs to be compatible with Altera Quartus II, and the C files compatible with the Altera NIOS II development suite. An example model is shown in Figure 1 below. GME provides all the necessary features for drawing modelling elements and connectors – you just need to select what kind of blocks and lines you want to use, and then use the GME SDK to described what code is written to what files when the “compile” operation is performed on a model.

Figure 1: Example ECMII model

DELIVERABLES:

Operational ECMII modeller developed using GME. Demonstrating operation of automatically generated C & VHDL codes using an FPGA evaluation board.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL / Verilog coding. Excellent C and C++ programming ability. Prior experience with FPGA hardware development and NIOS processors. Student should have completed EEE3064 and EEE3074W.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


http://www.isis.vanderbilt.edu/research/MIC

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ID: SW05

TITLE: VHDL audio device

DESCRIPTION:

The objective of this project is to construct a audio device on an FPGA platform, connecting to a minimal set of external hardware (such as a 12‐bit DAC and amplifier) in order to produce sound. The audio device is to be integrated with the NIOS2 processor; the processor can be used as a means to decode and buffer audio streamed into the platform (e.g., via a serial link from a PC). The system should be design around a low‐ to mid‐range FPGA device including a careful price budget. The project includes analysing the results of the device to determine the performance characteristics.

DELIVERABLES:

Audio device design (VHDL / Verilog and schematic describing connections to hardware components external to the FPGA), device driver, audio codec (if needed).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL / Verilog coding. C programming ability. Student should have completed EEE3064 and EEE3074W.

EXTRA INFORMATION:


ID: SW06

TITLE: OpenSource Lite Speech Synthesizer for Embedded System

DESCRIPTION:

The aim of this project is to port a text2speach synthesiser to an embedded platform. The student can decide on which platform to use, whether a softprocessor or microcontroller‐based system is used. The motivation is facilitating development of embedded system products for use by visually impaired users. The student will need to assess applicable applications for this market, evaluate existing speech synthesizes code/programs (e.g., http://espeak.sourceforge.net/ designed for Linux), and decide on a list of likely words and responses that should be perfected in the synthesizer’s vocabulary, before attempting to port or construct a synthesizer. Student is suggested to collaborate with the UCT Disability Services in doing this study.

DELIVERABLES: Prototype platform demonstrating audio support provided via speech synthesis for an embedded application; software design (UML) showing design strategy for speech support; sample code.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming ability. Understanding of embedded system design. Student should have completed EEE3074W.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

This project should be treated more as a research, rather than purely development, project. A fully functional speech synthesiser is likely to take too long to port from standard Linux to an embedded linux on a particular evaluation board (but an attempt, to investigate the difficulties involved in doing so, is recommendable to add to your findings).


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ID: SW07

TITLE: WalkieTalkie Upgrade: a digital system with serial data transfer

DESCRIPTION:

The traditional walkie‐talkie is a pretty simple product. Generally these radios are able to send and receive audio (up to about 4KHz sounds) transmissions at a radius of 1 – 2 Km, with constant transmission power of around 1W. Although you may think the technology is obsolete, these devices are still widely used. There are many ways in which simple walkie‐talkie transmissions could be improved. The transmissions are often crackly and, due to the broadcast nature of RF transmissions, you hear all transmissions within range that are on the same channel. The aim of this project is to develop a walkie‐talkie upgrade, a (preferably small) module that can be plugged into and strapped onto the radio as shown in the diagram below. Communications and signal processing techniques can then be used to take over the mic and transmit button inputs, and speaker outputs, to create a digital system. A serial data input/out added to the upgrade option can be useful for a variety of possible applications, such as being able to plug into a portable device to sending logs, meter readings, etc. While it may be more cost effective to develop a new produce from scratch, the motivation behind this project is being able to reuse existing products; and reuse of high‐end two‐way radios (which themselves can be expensive) may show cost‐saving potential.

DELIVERABLES:

Prototyped system, demonstrating ability to change modes (standard audio, digital audio, and data transfer). Report including schematic, distance tests, communication performance stats (e.g., max. baud rates at various distances).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronic circuit design. C programming. Completed EEE3017W or EEE3064.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Student can make use of an existing pair of radios, rewiring the speaker, MIC, and talk button terminal to a custom microcontroller circuit.

AREA: Electronics / RF

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ID: SW08

TITLE: Networked flood monitor

DESCRIPTION:

This idea involves constructing a low‐power device that can be installed in regions of a building (business or home) in order to detect water leaks. The system needs a simple sensor to detect presence of water (it should be operational on a variety of surfaces, e.g. tiles, bricks, wooden floors, carpet). Ideally, it should be possible to insert the device to monitor leaks within building structures (e.g., brick walls). The system could be installed in different ways: temporarily as a humidity sensor (e.g., to measure the change in humidity % while spraying the outside of a wall with water) or as a leak detector (e.g., to set of an alarm or disable a tap) when water is detected.

Figure 2: Flood detector suggested design

DELIVERABLES: Prototyped system, demonstrating response to certain moisture levels. Report including schematics, time tests, communication details (for linking to other systems).

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronic circuit design. C programming. Completed EEE3017W or EEE3064, successful completion of EEE3074W recommendable.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

AREA: Electronics / RF

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ID: SW09

TITLE: Gigabit Ethernet Network RAID

DESCRIPTION:

The first subsection below provides a brief outline of the broader idea behind this project. The second subsection indicates a more restrained project that could be implemented as part of a 4th year project.

Thanks to Alastair Penney for suggesting this idea.

Sect1: General Concept

This project involves testing a system that will possibly boost computation performance by using a dedicated hard drive server (or DHDS) (which is not the same as a file server) accessed via high‐speed Gigabit Ethernet. The system is intended to provide a RAID system without the need for internal RAID support in the host computer. The system also allows for bulk data transmission and storage (up to limited sizes, depending on DHDS internal primary memory) without having to wait for drive accesses to complete. Multiple DHDS’s installed on a dedicated LAN (the number depends on how much redundancy you want; the network could comprise multiple sets of independent DHDS servers).

Benefits of the system are:

• Lower costs : use of standard HDD in the HDHS server • Less space (used at a workstation): the HDHS could be housed remotely

from a workstation • (Possibly) more reliable: no special purpose RAID HDD controllers • (Possibly) better security: data not stored directly where it is used

The system design involves:

• Each write (e.g.): multicast UDP packet indicating filename, block and data, for DHDS i of n , it writes block i and (i+1) mod n to a file on its HDD.

• Each read (e.g.): the DHDS devices multicasts data while other DHDS servers listen in to the data to check correctness. Basically want to keep the Ethernet busy, staging the transfers so that one DHDS transmits after another.

• Handshaking would be needed – but in this project it’s more a performance tests to see what speeds are achievable that robust and correct data transmissions.

Sect2: What could be prototyped

For this project, the student could assemble two HDDS serves using a regular PC running a dependable and low‐cost operating system (e.g., GenToo Linux). It is important for this project to maximise the available primary memory space available in order to capture incoming data. A sockets program can be developed that implements a specialized UDP protocol for the data transfers, all done on a dedicated gigabit local network. The objective can be to measure speeds by broadcasting randomly generated (i.e., not read from the internal HDD) sequences of bulk data to the DHDS, in order to simulate data being written to a file. For a read access, DHDSs will read from its harddrive and broadcast. The sequencing will involve some though, but the main purpose it to do a study of what speeds are achievable.

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DELIVERABLES: Prototyped system of two HDDS servers on a local network, connecting to a PC. Demonstrating performance of large writes/reads sessions, and (esp. latency) involved in small writes/reads.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Completed EEE3017W or EEE3074W. Completion of EEE3083F rec.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Although the HDDS devices would be implemented as dedicated embedded systems, these can be effectively simulated using standard PCs running an appropriate operating system.

AREA: Computer Engineering / broadband networks

All Topics 2009

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