Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses

Program | Faculty | Master's | Doctoral | Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

558 Introduction to VLSI Design (1st sem)

With lab. Introduction to VLSI design and custom design methodology in MOS. Topics include: MOS devices and circuits, fabrication, structures, sub-system and system design, layout, CAD techniques, and testing. Prerequisites: ECE 212 and 221 or equivalent. Credit, 4.

559 VLSI Design Project (2nd sem)

Lab. The design of very large scale integrated circuits. Experience in VLSI design through team projects emphasizing issues involved in the design of an entire custom chip. CAD tools used in the design process, resulting in specification of circuitry suitable for fabrication. Prerequisite: ECE 558.

563 Introduction to Communications and Signal Processing (1st sem)

Continuous-time (CT) and discrete-time (DT) signals and systems. DT processing of CT signals. DT and CT random processes and noise models. Analog communication systems and their performance in noise. Digital filter design methods. Prerequisites: ECE 313, 314.

564 Communication Systems
(2nd sem) 4 cr

With lab. Waveform coding, source coding and data compression. Pulse modulation systems: signal spaces, optimal receivers, probability of error. Baseband and bandpass data transmission. Introduction to channel coding. Prerequisite: ECE 563.

565 Digital Signal Processing (2nd sem) 4 cr

With lab. IIR and FIR digital filter design. Applications of DGT and FFT. Transform domain analysis of discrete-time (DT) linear time-invariant systems: minimum phase, allpass, linear phase systems. Implementation of DT systems. Finite wordlength effects. Multirate digital signal processing. Power spectrum estimation. Lab includes projects using digital signal processor. Prerequisite: ECE 563.

568 Computer Architecture (1st sem)

Quantitative study of pipelined processor architectures, memory hierarchy, cache memory, Input/Output, RISC processors and vector machines. Prerequisite: ECE 232.

571 Microelectronic Processing (2nd sem)

With lab. Semiconductor instructional processing laboratory (SIPL) and lectures. Principles and practice of modern microelectronic silicon device processing. Theory and practice of basic processing technology including photo-lithography, oxidation, diffusion, thin film deposition, ion implantation, packaging, yield, and process integration. State-of-the-art laboratory fabrication of working microelectronic devices and process simulation techniques. Prerequisite: ECE 344. Credit, 4.

572 Optoelectronics (1st sem)

Theory and applications of modern optoelectronic components such as waveguides and optical fibers, photodetectors, light emitting diodes, and semiconductor lasers. Emphasis on the physics and operating characteristics of optoelectronic semiconductor devices. Prerequisite: ECE 344.

580 Feedback Control Systems (1st sem)

With lab. Time domain and frequency domain analysis and synthesis techniques for linear continuous-time feedback control systems. Topics include benefits and costs of feedback, modeling of dynamic systems, steady-state and transient performance, stability, PID control, root locus, frequency response, Nyquist stability cri-terion, and introduction to loop-shaping. Prerequisite: ECE 313 or consent of instructor. Credit, 4.

581 Digital Control of Dynamic Systems (2nd sem)

Continuation of ECE 580. Controller design, design and analysis of digital controllers for sampled-data control systems, elements of nonlinear control. Prerequisite: ECE 580.

583 Systems Automations (2nd sem)

Basic concepts in systems theory. Event-driven vs. time-driven dynamics, examples. Stochastic and non-stochastic models for discrete event systems. Introduction to queueing theory and performance evaluation. Resource contention in systems, automation, routing and scheduling problems. Monte Carlo computer simulation. Applications to computer-controlled systems (manufacturing, networks, distributed processing). Prerequisites: ECE 314, Math 245/246, or senior standing in ECE.

584 Microwave Engineering I (1st sem)

With lab. Electromagnetic theory applied to microwave propagation in waveguides, coaxial lines, microstrip lines, and striplines. Microwave circuit theory applied to matching networks and passive microwave devices. S-parameters, ABCD parameters, couplers, and equivalent circuits. Prerequisite: ECE 334. Credit, 4.

585 Microwave Engineering II (2nd sem)

Analysis and design of passive microwave devices, including resonators, filters, and ferrite devices in various transmission-line media. Noise and noise effects in detectors, mixers, and modulators. Introduction to FET amplifier design. Prerequisite: ECE 584.

597 Intelligent Systems (2nd sem)

Introduction to the tools and methods in the design, analysis, optimization, and control of industrial systems. Topics include neural networks and their application in complex system modeling, fuzzy logic, information fusion methods, and optimization schemes. MATLAB used as the software platform. Prerequisites: differential equations, linear algebra, basic probability.

597B Computer Networks and Wireless Systems (2nd sem)

With lab. Introduction to the theory and practice of computer communication networks. Topics include transmission media, physical layer communication, point-to-point and shared communication, LANs, switches and routers, network protocols, internet, transport protocols, network management and wireless networks. Prerequisites: basic course in probability and experience in programming.

603 Probability and Random Processes

Elementary probability theory including random variables, p.d.f., c.d.f., generating functions, law of large numbers. Elementary stochastic process theory including covariance and power spectral density. Markov processes and applications. Prerequisite: ECE 364 or equivalent.

604 Linear Systems Theory

Matrix analysis, state variables, state space techniques for continuous time systems, matrix fraction descriptions. Controllabil-ity, observability, realization theory. Feedback and observers. Stability analysis.

606 Electromagnetic Field Theory

Electromagnetic fields in dielectric and lossy media, transmission lines, antennas and resonators treated with the concepts of duality, image theory, reciprocity, integral equations and other techniques. Boundary and initial value problems solved for several frequently encountered symmetries. Prerequisite: undergraduate electromagnetic theory.

607 Fundamentals of Solid State Electronics I

Fundamental quantum mechanical principles; basis for advanced courses in semiconductor electronics, microwave magnetics, quantum electronics, etc. Solutions of Schrodinger's equation pertinent for electrical engineers. Prerequisite: ECE 344 or equivalent.

608 Signal Theory

Unified treatment of techniques for representation of signals and signal processing operations. Emphasis on physical interpre-tation of vector spaces, linear operators, transform theory, and digital signal processing with wavelet filter banks. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

609 Semiconductor Devices

In-depth examination of semiconductor devices. The physics of semiconductors, p-n junction diodes, bipolar transistors, Schottky barriers, JFETs, MFSFETs, MIS diodes, CCDs, and MOSFETs. Prerequisite: ECE 344, or introductory semiconductor theory course.

614 Numerical Semiconductor Device Modeling

Semiconductor equations, boundary conditions, and physical parameter models. Numerical methodsscaling, discret-ization, Newton's method and matrix inversion. The Monte Carlo particle simulation method. Time-dependent and non-isothermal problems. Actual device simulation examples. Prerequisites: ECE 344 and Math 235, or consent of instructor.

618 Fundamentals of Solid State Electronics II

Physical and electronic structure of semiconductors, band theory, semiconductor statistics, scattering processes and carrier transport, optical properties, modern quantum electronic devices. Prerequisite: ECE 607.

634 System Optimization

Mathematics background and basic techniques in the optimization of static, dynamic, and combinatorial systems. Basics of linear programming, basics of nonlinear programming, calculus of variation, optimal control, dynamic programming, neuro-dynamic programming, random search, simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, ordinal optimization.

645 Digital Communications

Introduction to digital communications at the graduate level. Signaling formats, optimal receivers, and error probability calculations. Introduction to error control coding, source coding, and information theory. Prerequisite: undergraduate probability.

654 Testing and Diagnosis of VLSI Systems

Three major topic areas: Test Generation (fault models, fault-matrix, path sensitization, faults in memory, test generation, etc.); Design for Testability (testability measures, Reddy's easy testability design, Hayes design, testable PLA design, etc.); Error Correcting Codes (introduction to error correcting codes, self-checking circuits).

655 Fault Tolerant Systems

Reliability and fault tolerance techniques for commercial and special purpose computer systems. Failure models and statistics, testing, redundancy techniques, error correcting codes and self-checking circuits, reliability modeling, case studies. Prerequisites: ECE 314 and 568 or equiv-alent.

658 VLSI Design Principles

A graduate version of ECE 558 which includes additional readings in VLSI architecture, CAD, and systems. A more ambitious design project required, which can be related to the student's research or possibly another advanced ECE course such as digital signal processing, control, computer architecture, or computer graphics. Prerequisites: ECE 212 and 221 or equivalent. Credit, 4.

659 Advanced VLSI Design Project

A graduate version of ECE 559. Groups of students encouraged to work on VLSI chip designs tied into VLSI research in the Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Science departments. Involves knowledge of some additional aspects of computer architecture, circuit design, computer arithmetic, or a particular application area such as digital signal processing, control, cryptography, or computer graphics. Use of the chip within an overall sytem also stressed. Prerequisite: ECE 558.

660 Interactive Computer Graphics

Techniques of interactive computer graphics: generation and manipulation of pictures by computer; emphasis on writing applications programs for engineering, e.g., computer-aided design. Bezier and spline interpolation of curves and surfaces, perspective display of three-dimensional objects, stereo views, and hidden line removal. Interactive devices in graphics. Prerequisites: experience in high-level language, familiarity with matrices and elementary calculus.

661 Advanced Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

Continuation of ECE 660. Techniques for image manipulation and ray tracing 3D scenes. Image file formats and compression: the GIF, PNG, and JPEG file formats. Elementary image manipulations, using OpenGL. Introduction to VRML. Modeling 3D scenes. Enhancing realism: shadows, reflections, and transparency. Low level raster techniques: scan-line conversion and polygon filling. B-spline curves and surfaces and NURBS surfaces.

664 VLSI Architectures

The impact of VLSI technology on digital systems and architectures. A variety of applications of these architectures explored with emphasis on digital signal processing and other arithmetic-intensive computations. Prerequisites: ECE 558, 568.

665 Physical Design Automation for VLSI Circuits

Basic CAD techniques and algorithms for physical design and optimization of VLSI circuits. Analytical approach to computer-aided design by use of graph theory and mathematical optimization techniques. Specific topics include: floorplanning, circuit partitioning, placement, routing, compaction, and IC layout generation.

666 Digital Computer Arithmetic
(2nd sem)

Principles of algorithms for fast execution of arithmetic operations in digital computers. Basic operations in fixed-point, floating-point and unconventional number systems. More complex function eval-uation, including trigonometric functions. Prerequisite: ECE 568.

668 Computer Architecture

A graduate version of ECE 568. Quantitative study of pipelined processor architectures, memory, Input/Output, RISC processors and vector machines. Prerequisite: undergraduate courses in digital design and hardware organization.

669 Parallel Computer Architecture
(2nd sem)

Parallel processing and algorithms. Interconnection networks such as the linear array, tree, mesh, and hypercube structures, together with algorithms designed to run on such networks. Memory systems for parallel machines. Applications from signal processing and artificial intelligence. Prerequisite: undergraduate computer architecture course or consent of instructor.

671 Computer Communication Networks

A comprehensive introduction to theory and practice of computer communication networks. Topics include principles of layered protocol architectures, communication subnetwork design, transport layer protocols, implementations of network design principles in: high speed networks, wireless networks, satellite systems, ATM networks, Internet. Introduction to network simulation. Prerequisites: ECE 314 or equivalent and proficiency with a high level programming language.

673 Simulation and Evaluation of Computer Systems and Networks

Simulation techniques. Random number generators. Basic statistics for analysis of simulation results. Techniques for speeding up simulation. Simulation of processors, cache memory, and computer networks. Elementary queueing theory and Markov chains. Prerequisites: ECE 314 or equivalent; undergraduate course on computer architecture.

683 Active Microwave Circuits

Theory and techniques used in the design of modern microwave and millimeter wave active circuits. Emphasis on amplifier and oscillator circuits using devices such as FETs, HEMTs, HBTs and optoelectronic devices. Modern reference material used as much as possible. Prerequisite: ECE 585.

684 Microwave Metrology Laboratory

Lecture, laboratory. Metrology fundamentals. Advanced microwave measurement techniques including error correction, de-embedding, and noise effects in amplifiers and oscillators. Prerequisites: familiarity with microwave CAD software, basic microwave theory.

685 Active Microwave Devices

Microwave solid-state devices and their applications. Transfer-electron devices, IMPATT diodes, GaAs, MESFETs, Schottky diodes, oscillator and amplifier circuits.

686 Introduction to Radar Systems

Introduction to fundamentals of radar systems. Radar range equation, critical radar components, and system performance. Detection, modulation, noise, and propagation effects. Prerequisite: ECE 584 or equivalent.

687 Antenna Theory and Design

Analysis and synthesis of antenna elements and arrays. Topics include linear antennas, self and mutual impedances, aperture, travelling wave, and broadband antennas. Prerequisite: ECE 334 or equivalent.

697C Microwave and RF Wireless Systems

RF aspects of modern wireless telecommunications and data transmission systems. RF subsystems, including modulators, phase-locked loops, and related components. Prerequisites: ECE 314, 584, 585 or equivalent background.

699 Master's Thesis

Credit, 6.

723 Principles of Masers and Lasers

Quantum-mechanical description of typical maser and laser materials, fundamentals of maser amplification, analysis of maser and laser devices, review of applications. Prerequisite: ECE 607.

735 Stochastic Systems

Advanced topics in modern stochastic dynamic systems: stochastic differential equations; numerical methods for SDEs; large deviation theory and its application; importance sampling; point processes; filtering in queueing networks, nonlinear filtering theory; LQG control for continuous time systems; identification theory; stochastic approximation theory.

745 Advanced Communication Theory

Advanced modulation theory, performance limits, and error calculation techniques. The algebra of coding. Trellis-coded modulation. Fixed and adaptive channel equalization. Advanced signaling over fading channels. Prerequisite: ECE 603.

746 Statistical Signal Processing

Basic theories of signal parameter estimation and signal detection. Bayes and maximum likelihood decision and estimation rules. Wiener and Kalman filtering. Parametric and non-parametric spectrum estimation. Prerequisite: ECE 603.

783 Selected Topics in Solid-State Engineering

Topics of current interest in very high speed and large-scale integration of solid-state devices. Fundamental device limitations due to material physics.

784 Selected Topics in Microwave Systems

Selected topics of contemporary interest on microwave systems: advanced radars, active and passive microwave remote sensing instruments, large scale antennas, and microwave integrated circuits. Prerequisites: ECE 584 and graduate standing.

785 Selected Topics in Control Systems

Course varies according to current research trends.

786 Advanced Digital Signal Processing

Varies with research trends: signal space structures; time-frequency analysis; multiresolution analysis and wavelets; signal modeling; and spectrum estimation. Multidimensional signal processing, random processes in 2-D, fundamentals of image processing.

793, 794 Seminar in Electrical Engineering

Presentations of current research activities and literature by faculty and graduate students. Credit, 1 each semester.

899 Doctoral Dissertation

Credit, 18.