Electrical Engineering

Following classical control theory (Control Engineering I), this course utilizes modern control theory and studies the state-space method, a method to control multivariable linear dynamic systems. The focus of modern control theory is how to analyze the characteristics of a system represented by the state equation and how to design a control system to achieve desired characteristics. After learning the representation method of a multivariable dynamic system with a state equation, the course introduces basic concepts of multivariable systems, such as stability, controllability, and observability. The class also learns specific control strategies based on concepts such as pole assignment by state feedback, state estimation by an observer, and optimal control by an optimal regulator.

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. At the end of the course, the student has learned modern methods to design electronic circuits for analog and digital signals coming from experimental apparata. Students also acquire knowledge of the technological processes that are the basis of digital integrated circuits. In particular, in the laboratory session students are able to design circuits with analog components and discrete programmable digital circuits (FPGA) and verify their operation. Also, the student will possess the knowledge to design relatively complex electronic circuits for high-speed data acquisition systems. The student will finally participate to specific laboratory sessions dedicated to FPGA implementations of digital architectures and signal transmissions via high-speed electro/optical lines. The course is divided into two modules. The first module is primarily geared towards analog electronics focused on high frequency amplifiers and circuits. The second module is focused primarily on frontier FPGA implementations. Digital high frequencies, synchronization, and reading processes are covered. Each student is shown some laboratory experiences. The laboratory session consists of a series of analog and circuits demos that are shown in the classroom. Particular emphasis is paid to the digital programming pf commercial FPGAs (Xilinx families). Mini-Tesla coil is studied, simulated, and shown in a lab session.

This course introduces key concepts in analog and digital electronics. Topics include linear networks and filters, operational amplifiers, simple transistor circuits, logic gates, microcontrollers, and digital applications.

Information display is a technology for the visual presentation of images, text, or video transmitted electronically. The display is one of the major interfaces between humans and machines, which has broad applications. This course systematically introduces various display technologies as well as their current situations, helping students to engage in the display research field and industry.

In the scope of a project, students build radio astronomy components or perform radio astronomy measurements and data processing within interdisciplinary teams. They gain basic knowledge in high frequency technology and signal processing as well as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Students learn to understand the working principles of hardware and software related to radio astronomy. Using the knowledge and skills gained in other courses in electrical and computer engineering, participants are able to set up a a simple radio telescope. They document and present their work at the end of the project. After successful completion of this module, students are able to work in an interdisciplinary project team, understand general structure and components of radio telescopes, organize small interdisciplinary engineering projects, and use open source soft- and hardware tools for management and development. This course covers applied technical know-how regarding radio astronomy: e.g. characteristics of electromagnetic waves, components for transmitter and receiver circuits, antennas, transmission path, electronics, mechanics, programming, networking and other IT components etc.It discusses practical hardware, software and/or system design as well as manufacturing and implementation Students use electrical and RF measuring instruments and/or troubleshooting tools. They also study methods for planning and organizing projects and learn the technical and project documentation and presentation of the practical work.

This course discusses the basic theories and analysis methods for electromagnetic fields in vacuum and dielectric/magnetic media: Maxwell's equations, plane wave and its reflection/transmission, dielectric/magnetic media and their boundary conditions, etc. It also explores the basic principles and analysis methods for electromagnetic induction and radiation: Faraday's law, radiation from electric dipole, etc. 

This course explains the basics of semiconductor devices and electronic circuits. It also studies the fundamentals of transistor amplifier circuits for alternating current and digital circuits for logic operations.

This introductory semiconductor course is specifically designed for interdisciplinary learners. Leveraging professors from STEM (engineering, science, engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science) backgrounds, the course utilizes unit-based thematic teaching to help students understand semiconductor terminology, principles, and forward-looking applications, while also developing their ability to plan for further learning. The course features a holistic overview and does not emphasize related mathematical theories; therefore, it also serves as a general introductory course in contemporary materials science, suitable for students of all backgrounds and academic levels (including graduate students) interested in semiconductor technology. As an introductory course for interdisciplinary learners, this course first provides an overview of the current semiconductor world and how self-learners can modularly understand semiconductor technology. It then explores forward-looking chip applications and AI development to help students understand the importance of semiconductors for future societal development and even human civilization, and why undergraduate and graduate students should study semiconductor general knowledge. The course then progresses through basic solid-state physics and chemistry, materials and components, process equipment, and smart manufacturing modules, concluding with a comprehensive reflection on chip globalization and AI development. There are no exams for this course. Students  integrate the knowledge they have acquired and explore a personalized learning map by submitting handwritten study notes, group discussion assignments, and final forum poster activities.

This course gives students an overview of how to create projects in electronics. The course covers a basic overview of electronics, solder skills, use of computer chips (“microcontrollers”) to make sound, control lights, and move things, use Arduino and other easy/fun microcontroller development boards, modify (“hack”) existing programs for controlling electronics with microcontrollers, basics of how to make sound with microcontrollers (“Digital Signal Processing”), read a schematic diagram, use solderless breadboards (to quickly make electronic projects), use some tools for debugging projects, design solder boards (“Printed Circuit Boards”) using software (using KiCad), principals of Open Source, patents, project names, and Intellectual Property, skills to manufacture projects (both small-scale and mass-production), basics of starting one’s own small business, and principals of entrepreneurial thinking and hacker’s mindset. The course uses, as an example, a project called “TV-B-Gone universal remote control”, which was invented by the course instructor. With the ideas learned through the TV-B-Gone project, students are then in an excellent position to apply the lessons learned to come up with their own project ideas, and implement them in small groups and with their own projects, and present them at the end of the class.

This course provides the knowledge needed to participate in development and control of drivetrain in modern electric vehicles and in wind power generation. Lectures and arithmetic exercises include the following: Modulation and Current Control methods for power electronic circuits. This is a repetition of required prior knowledge built in the preceding course EIENnn “Power Electronic Control and Design Project”. EV drivetrains design based on vehicle performance requirements. Battery voltage level, Power electronic switching frequency, Maximum vehicle speed, Acceleration requirements, hill climbing requirements, Size requirements, Number of gears. Wind turbine design based on performance requirements. Turbine Size and rotor speed range, mechanical and electrical transmission, power optimization dependent on wind speed, ancillary services requirements. Modelling of electrical machines. Torque map, flux map, voltage limitation, current limitations, optimal operating points. Applications on both EV drives and Wind power generation. Control of electrical machines. Optimal operating points, Torque control, Magnetic flux limitations, Field weakening control, Applications on both EV drives and Wind turbines. Simulation tasks and laboratory work include electric machine (PMSM) in a vehicle drive system and electrical machine (PMSM) in a wind power system. These labs are prepared through simulation work, which is reported as a homework before the lab. After the laboratory, a report is written where simulations and measurements are compared. Assumed prior knowledge: EIENnn Power Electronic Control and Design Project, ESSF01 Analogue Circuits, ESS030/ESSF20 Physics of Devices, ESSF15 Electrical Engineering (EE, WE), MIE012/EIEF35 Electrical Engineering, basic course (ME)or EITF90 Electromagnetics and Electronics (FE) and FRT010/FRTF05 Automatic Control, Basic Course.