Computer Engineering ResearchDigital and computer engineering research within the ECE department covers a wide range of interests including software engineering, computing theory, parallel computing, artificial intelligence and expert systems, computer architecture and hardware, computer vision and computer communication networks. In many instances, there is strong interaction with other research groups and the Department of Computing and Software as well as participation in federal and provincial centres of excellence.The Computer-Aided Design and Test Research Group (CADT) studies issues related to the design automation and validation of embedded computing systems. The innovative hardware structures and architectures integrated with pertinent software algorithms and methodologies aim to reduce the design productivity gap caused by the very rapid increase in the complexity of modern systems-on-a-chip (SOC). The investigated techniques enable the efficient implementation of reliable hardware and software systems for data and signal processing, fault tolerant and safety critical real-time computing, infrastructure for virtual private networks, multimedia interfaces and other embedded information appliances.The Simulation Optimization Systems (SOS) Research Laboratory is carrying out research in computer-aided engineering of systems, networks and high-frequency and microwave integrated circuits. It is strongly computer-oriented and over the past decade, has received substantial support through various strategic and equipment grants as well as through industrial interaction. General topics of interest include efficient algorithms for linear and nonlinear programming, circuit simulation, device modeling, parameter extraction, sensitivity analysis, nonlinear programming, minimax approximation, worst-case design, yield estimation and optimization, sparse matrix techniques, hierarchical decomposition for very large systems, optimization system design and artificial intelligence in statistical optimization systems. Modeling and optimization are applied to large complex systems as encountered in GaAs microwave and millimetre-wave monolithic integrated circuits, microwave filters and multiplexers and the solution of field problems for active devices and microstrip structures. In all areas, excellent interaction with industry is fostered and encouraged.Please send all inquiries about our Graduate Studies Programme (application forms, information, course offerings, etc.) to our Graduate Studies SecretaryCad / Optimization / Simulation ResearchComputer-Aided Design and Test Research Group (CADT)The Computer-Aided Design and Test Research Group (CADT) studies issues related to the design automation and validation of embedded computing systems.The innovative hardware structures and architectures integrated with pertinent software algorithms and methodologies aim to reduce the design productivity gap caused by the very rapid increase in the complexity of modern systems-on-a-chip (SOC). The investigated techniques enable the efficient implementation, verification and manufacturing test of reliable hardware and software systems for data and signal processing, fault tolerant and safety critical real-time computing, infrastructure for virtual private networks, multimedia interfaces and other embedded information appliances.More information on CADT at McMaster can be found herehttp://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/~nicola/cadt.htmlSimulation Optimization Systems (SOS) Research LaboratoryThe Simulation Optimization Systems (SOS) Research Laboratory is working on some exciting projects related to CAD/CAE of electronic devices and circuits. We focus on applications in the high speed, RF, wireless, VLSI and microwave areas such as modeling and design of active and passive components and circuits.Engineers have been using optimization techniques for device, component and system modeling and CAD for decades. One of the frontiers that remain is the successful application of optimization procedures in problems for which direct application of traditional optimization approaches is not practical. The recent exploitation of iteratively refined surrogates of "fine," accurate or high-fidelity models, and the implementation of Space Mapping and related methodologies are attempts to address this issue.We have discovered and are developing novel concepts such as Space Mapping technology, including the Aggressive Space Mapping approach to engineering design optimization and Generalized Space Mapping for engineering device modeling.Space Mapping links models of different complexities, e.g., expensive full-wave EM simulations and fast, empirical circuit-theory based simulations, to accelerate iterative design optimization of engineering structures, e.g., waveguide components and microstrip circuits. It is a simple CAD methodology, which closely follows the traditional experience and intuition of engineers, yet appears to be amenable to rigorous mathematical treatment. The exploitation of properly managed "space mapped" surrogates promises significant efficiency in engineering design.In the new Implicit Space Mapping (ISM) concept we allow preassigned parameters, not used in optimization, to change in some components of the coarse model.We have forged links between Space Mapping technology and artificial neural network (ANN) technology for device modeling and circuit optimization.Dr. John W. Bandler leads the group.Please contact bandler@mcmaster.ca.Please also see http://www.sos.mcmaster.caComputer Network ResearchThe computer networks research group conducts a variety of leading-edge research in key areas relating to wireless and wireline communication networks. These activities currently include the design and performance modelling of systems which support cellular and wireless Internet applications. This is a very important area for the telecommunications industry and the group has strong links to key Canadian companies working in this field. Some activities currently in progress:∙Resource allocation in mobile cellular communication networkso Quality-of-service provisioning for multimedia traffico Network access control and admission controlo Mobility management and handoff management∙Low cost pico-cellular networking for Internet attachment objects including work on the following topics: o Multimedia Pico-cellular Internet Access Networkso Infrastructure-based ad hoc quality of service networkingo Smart pico-cellular handsets and infrastructureo Real-time pico-cellular multimediao Low Power Protocol and Handset Design for voice/video applicationso Pico-/Macro-Cellular InterworkingThese activities include the design and characterization of networks based on existing and emerging air interface standards such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth and CDMA-based systems.Communications ResearchThe research in communications covers a wide variery of specialities described in following set of linked pages:▪Adaptive Systems Laboratory▪Advanced Signal Processing for Communications Group▪Photonics Research GroupTechnical reports of the former Communications Research Laboratory are also available.These groups have established both a national and an international reputation in signal processing, microwave theory/applied electromagnetic, radar, solid state physics, software engineering, photonics, information processing and simulation of systems and devices.The Communications groups are a major participant in Communications and Information Technology Ontario (CITO) which is funded as part of the provincial centres of excellence program.CITO funded research is currently being carried out in integrated phased array antennas, signalprocessing in support of the hands-free telephone, digital beamforming, regenerative digital satellite systems, neural networks for signal processing, robust array signal processing, high-speed networks and communications software engineering.These groups work very closely with both Canadian industry and government and currently collaborate with about twenty-five companies.Image Processing ResearchThe research conducted in the multimedia group is focused in the following areas:∙high speed image analysis with application to engineering problems∙sensory-based servo systems∙multi-camera, distributed imaging systems∙visual computing and communications∙3D visualization∙image and video compression∙image and video indexing and retrieval∙VLSI architectures for multimedia processing∙medical imaging.The group has a well-equipped state-of-the-art lab with modern facilities including high performance workstations, a wide variety of cameras and imaging hardware, a robotic arm, optical tables, scanners, an ultrasound imaging system and ATM and Wireless test beds.The group is led by faculty members, Drs. Xiaolin Wu and Shahram Shirani who are well funded by a variety of provincial and national sources including NSERC, CFI, CITO and NCE programs (AUTO21, Micronet). The group also maintains strong industrial links through many of its research projects. At any time, there are typically at least 15Signal Processing Engineering ResearchThe objective of the Advanced Signal Processing for Communications (ASPC) Group is to develop high performance, robust and efficient signal processing techniques for the advancement of moderncommunication systems. Our work covers a wide range of the development cycle: from fundamental algorithm design and analysis, through analytical and simulation-based performance evaluation and testing on `real-world' data, to the development of software for the implementation of the algorithms on Digital Signal Processor (DSP) boards. The algorithms are applied to a diverse range of communication systems, including wire-line, cellular and satellite telephony, radar and array signal processing, and target identification and tracking. In addition, the generic nature of our algorithm design and analysis has exposed further applications in optimal control, finance and computer systems.The diverse backgrounds and interests of the members of the ASPC Group provide a lively research atmosphere which fosters `cross-fertilization' and the creation of new and fruitful ideas. Indeed, our broad spectrum of work and applications is ensconced in our group philosophy: Diversity, Quality and ApplicabilityBiomedical ResearchAreas of BME research within the ECE department include:∙computer-based systems and techniques for recording and analysing physiological signals;∙computational, theoretical and experimental neuroscience in motor and sensory systems;∙speech and hearing engineering, particularly with application to devices for the hearing impaired such as hearing aids and cochlear implants;∙implantable biological sensors;∙analysis of cardiorespiratory control;∙biomedical imaging and signal processing techniques; and∙development of instrumentation for therapeutic applications of electromagnetic fields.Collaborations exist with researchers in the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences at McMaster, as well as other institutions in Canada and worldwide.BME research projects are funded by the federal and provincial governments, private foundations and Canadian companies, including Gennum Corporation.Microelectronics, Microwave, Photonics ResearchMicroelectronicsThe microelectronics research group focuses on microelectronic, nanoelectronic and optoelectronic components and systems. Ongoing projects address low-power and low-voltage radio-frequencyintegrated circuits for wireless communications, device physics, modeling and reliability, low noise issues, development of novel characterization techniques, use of microelectronics in emergingbiomedical/biochemical/medical applications, and organic and polymeric semiconductor devices.Optoelectronic integrated circuits merge thousands of microscopic integrated VCSEL laser diodes and photodetectors fabricated in GaAs onto a conventional silicon substrate containing millions of logic gates.This enabling technology combines the immense bandwidth of optics along with the processing power of silicon for high-speed networking. System-on-a-chip design and test research tackles the very rapid increase in digital integrated circuit complexity and enables novel applications on reconfigurablehardware, such as multimedia processing.Microwaves and Computational ElectromagneticsThe microwave group carries out research on a number of industrial and biomedical projects. The Computational Electromagnetics Research Laboratory is part of the microwave group providing expertise in time-domain and frequency-domain CAD tools, electromagnetic theory and methodologies.Leading-edge research is directed toward the design, simulation, optimization, fabrication, and testing of radio-frequency, microwave and millimeter-wave passive and active electronic and ultrasonic devices, circuits and antennas for the communications industry. The group is engaged in research on radiation hazards associated with modern handheld wireless devices. Another major biomedical project focuses on microwave imaging for breast cancer detection.Please also see http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/faculty/nikolova/cgi-bin/ceml.cgiPhotonicsThe photonics research group conducts leading-edge research into photonic devices and systems for applications in communications networks. A common theme of the research is design, modeling, simulation, and characterization of novel photonic devices and integrated circuits with particular emphasis on development of innovative computer-aided design methodologies and software tools. Some of the on-going research topics are advanced laser diodes, optical amplifiers, electro-optic modulators, passive photonic devices and ICs such as filters and wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers, as well as fiber-optical communication systems.Current Research FacilitesExtensive experimental and modeling/simulation facilities exist for the experimental, design and simulation aspects of our research programs in microelectronics, microwaves and photonics. Our laboratories are among the best in North America for our current and near-future research work. We have three vector network analyzer systems capable of frequency measurements from 45 MHz to 110 GHz, a noise parameter system from 2 to 26 GHz,and several spectrum analyzers from MHz to 26 GHz. These equipment are used for device and circuit testing such as mixer conversion gain, two-tones and noise characteristics, oscillators, phase-locked loops, amplifiers, and other RFICs, analog and digital ICs characterization. We also have dynamic signal analyzers and low noise current/voltage amplifiers for low frequency noise measurements for modeling, characterization and reliability research. We have two DC and microwave on-wafer measurement systems with camera for on-chip device, circuit and system testing. Semiconductor parameter analyzers, electrometer/high-end multimeters,capacitance/conductance-voltage/frequency meters, high-end current-voltage sources and a gain/phase impedance analyzer for DC and lower frequency measurements (up to 100MHz) exist in the microelectronics research laboratory. Our labs are also equipped with IC automatic test and validation equipment, high speed digital (20GHz), real-time (1GHz) and several typical laboratory oscilloscopes, high frequency signal and function generators for real-time circuit and system testing and evaluation. Temperature-varying facilities also exist for microelectronic and photonic component and system characterization and evaluation. For modeling and simulation, we have many high-end SUN workstations and personal computer systems with state-of-the-art technology, device and circuit modeling software such as CADENCE package, ADS package, Avant!, several electromagnetic simulators such as Fidelity, HFSS, Ansoft and AWR, MMICAD, Spectre RF, HSPICE, PSPICE. We also have other general purpose software such as Matlab, Mathcad and C++ for implementing routines and algorithms for parameter extraction, optimization, de-embedding etc. and for our custom physics-based modeling routines, programs and user-interfaces. System-on-a-chip design and test research uses in-house developed software interfaced to third party electronic design automation tools from Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, Syntest and CoWare.The Photonic Characterization Laboratory is being equipped to conduct leading-edge research in active, passive and functional photonic devices including semiconductor laser diodes, semiconductor optical amplifiers, EA and MZ modulators, power couplers, wavelength filters, wavelength multiplexers anddemultiplexers and their combinations through either monolithic or hybrid integrations. With emphasis on their dynamic aspects in fiber-optic communication systems and networks, device steady-state, dynamic and noise properties and their effects on system/network performance can readily be characterized in this laboratory through time and/or frequency domain measurements. Following is a list of the equipment serving for this purpose: wideband tunable laser source and thermal light source, signal generator and sweeper, short pulse generator, polarization controller and analyzer, optical spectral analyzer, lightwave signal analyzer, lightwave component analyzer, communication signal analyzer, error performance analyzer and jittering analyzer. This laboratory is also equipped by a pair of 10Gb/s lightwave transmitter and receiver as a standard point-to-point lightwave transmission testbed for device qualification. A high-end bit error rate tester (possibly up to 43 GBps) will be purchased shortly for research at 1550 nm and another tester for measurements at lower bit-rates between 500 and 900 nm for silicon-based optical receivers.。
