EE382C Embedded Software Systems - Spring 1997 Projects

Prof. Brian L. Evans

The research projects completed during the Spring 1997 semester are listed below. After the course was over, the students had great success in refining and publishing their work, which has resulted in 1 IEEE letter, 1 IEEE correspondence item, 4 invited conference papers, and 1 patent.

1. Gregory Allen and David Schanbacher, "Beamforming with Process Networks and Pthreads"
   This paper explores the possibility of implementing digital interpolation beamforming algorithms in real-time using POSIX threads and process networks on a single- and multi-processor Sparc workstation under the Solaris operating system.
   • Modeling: Process Networks
     
   • Implementation: POSIX Threads
   • Final Project Presentation
   • Literature Survey
   • Final Report
   • Publication:
     • G. E. Allen, D. C. Schanbacher, and B. L. Evans, "Real-Time Sonar Beamforming on a Unix Workstation Using Process Networks and POSIX Threads", Proc. IEEE Asilomar Conf. on Signals, Systems, and Computers, Nov. 1-4, 1998, Pacific Grove, CA, vol. 2, pp. 1725-1729.
     • G. E. Allen and B. L. Evans, "Real-Time Sonar Beamforming on a Unix Workstation Using Process Networks and POSIX Threads", IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing, vol. 48, no. 3, pp. 921-926, Mar. 2000.
   • Note: This work was conducted in collaboration with the Applied Research Laboratories at The University of Texas in Austin, Texas, where Greg Allen is employed. David continues to work for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.

2. Mike Kuei-Che Cheng, "Active Noise Cancellation in a Wireline Telemetry System"
   This paper discusses a noise cancellation algorithm that reduces periodic in-band noise by crosstalk between the power and data cable of a multiconductor channel in a wireline telemetry system.
   • Modeling: Synchronous Dataflow
     
   • Implementation: Analog Devices SHARC processor
   • Abstract
   • Literature Survey
   • Publication:
     • Mike Kuei-che Cheng, Improving the Performance of a Wireline Telemetry Receiver, MSEE Thesis, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1084, Aug. 1997.
   • Note: This work was conducted in collaboration with Schlumberger in Austin, Texas, where Mike worked as Summer Intern. Mike currently works at National Semiconductor in San Francisco, CA.

3. Aditya Dube and Ashutosh Kulkarni, "Benchmarking Code Generation Methodologies for Programmable Digital Signal Processors"
   Our paper presents a quantitative analysis of the performance of compilers and automated tools as code generation methodologies,
   • Modeling: Synchronous Dataflow
     
   • Implementation: KCCA C compiler and Ptolemy
   • Literature Survey
   • Final Project Report: Revised and reformatted
   • Acknowledgement: Motorola freely distributable 56000 assemblers, C compilers, and simulators on CD ROM.
   • Note: Ashutosh Kulkarni was awarded a summer internship at Lucent Bell Labs because of his work in this course, Margarida Jacome's hardware/software course, and Lizy John's superscalar architecture course. Ashu finished his MS degree in May of 1998 and works full-time in the Sun Microsystems CAD research group.

4. David Harding and Selim Tasiran, "Visual Design Tool Interfaces for AM-FM Image Modeling"
   We integrate existing amplitude modulated-frequency modulated (AM-FM) libraries into Ptolemy and Khoros to provide natural, visual interfaces to the routines with formal semantics coordinating the interaction between the routines for efficient simulation and synthesis.
   • Modeling: Synchronous Dataflow and Multidimensional Synchronous Dataflow
     
   • Implementation: Ptolemy and Khoros
   • Report: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
   • Note: Selim Tasiran was hired into a full-time position by a firm in Dallas to work in embedded telecommunications systems as a result of this course. David Harding works full-time in Austin and is a part-time MS student under Prof. Alan Bovik.

5. Biao Lu, "Implementation of Artificial Neural Networks by Using Synchronous Dataflow Models"
   Artificial Neural Networks can be modeled using Synchronous Dataflow, which allows them to be mixed naturally with signal processing and communications to form heterogeneous systems that can be simulated and synthesized.
   • Modeling: Synchronous Dataflow
   • Implementation: Ptolemy and C
   • Publication:
     • B. Lu, B. L. Evans, and D. V. Tosic, "Simulation and Synthesis of Artificial Neural Networks Using Dataflow Models in Ptolemy", Proc. IEEE Conf. on Neural Network Applications in Engineering, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Sep. 8-9, 1997, pp. 84-89.
   • Biao Lu finished her Ph.D. in Fall 2000 under Prof. Brian L. Evans, and currently works at Schlumberger in Sugarland, TX.

6. Guy Maor, "Implementing Karp and Miller Processes in Java"
   We develop a Web-based simulator for Karp and Miller processes, which are a determinate model of distributed computation in which nodes communicate over queues.
   • Modeling: Process Networks
   • Implementation: Java and Threads
   • Note: As a direct consequence of his work in this course, Guy Maor was hired in CAD Research and Development at HP EEsof in Westlake Village, CA, to develop cosimulation technologies for the Advanced Design System. The Advanced Design System enables the cosimulation and codesign of wireless communication systems, including the RF, analog, and digital subsystems. The Advanced Design System includes two key technologies from the Ptolemy software environment: Synchronous Dataflow and cosimulation of heterogeneous subsystems.

7. Matthew Felder and Jimmy Mason, "Efficient Dual-Tone Multiple-Frequency Detection Using the Non-Uniform Discrete Fourier Transform"
   
   • Modeling: Synchronous Dataflow and Cyclo-Static Dataflow
   • Implementation: Ptolemy and Motorola 56000
   • Publication:
     • M. D. Felder, J. C. Mason, and B. L. Evans, "Efficient ITU-Compliant Dual-Tone Multiple-Frequency Detection Using the Non-Uniform Discrete Fourier Transform," IEEE Signal Processing Letters, vol. 5, no. 7, pp. 160-163, Jul. 1998.
   • Provisional Patent Application filed in April 1998 and issued in April 2002: Efficient Digital ITU-Compliant, Zero-Buffering, DTMF Detection Algorithm Using the Non-Uniform Discrete Fourier Transform: Non-Confidential Specification Sheet
   • For resources on DTMF detection:
     • DTMF FAQ
     • Patents 5,588,053 and 5,392,348 and 5,644,634
     • Analog Devices Implementation
     • Mississippi State Paper
     • Matt and Jimmy's Info
   • Matt Felder currently works at SigmaTel in Austin, TX, and can be reached at matt_felder@yahoo.com. Jimmy Mason currently works at Intel in Austin, TX, and can be reached at james.c.mason@intel.com.