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AWARD WINNING PROJECT - 2ND PLACE
Wavelet-Based ADC Mixed Signal Testing
P.I: Dr. Cajetan M. Akujuobi, RA: Emad Awada

Synopsis: In today's advanced signal processing, most applications are performed in electronic systems (digital signal processing), where mixed signal analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) play an important role as a gateway between the digital world and the real world (analog). Therefore, ADC performance testing is important to ensure the integrity and the performance of the entire mixed signal systems. However, ADC testing is extremely expensive and time consuming due to the significant number of sampling data required by the conventional methods of testing (fast Fourier transform and sine-wave histogram). Therefore, a new technique of testing has been explored and developed to test mixed signal analog-to-digital converters parameters (ENOB and DNL) utilizing LabView software for automated testing and Wavelet Transform Technique for superior testing qualities (i.e., less time consumption, sampling points, data storage, and over all less cost) (►info).

AWARD WINNING PROJECT - 3RD PLACE
Novel Technique for Vibration Detection using Wavelets for the
Pathfinder Plus Aircraft
P.I: Dr. Cajetan M. Akujuobi, RA: Cary Smith

Synopsis: The purpose of this study is to explore vibration detection of the Pathfinder Plus research aircraft using wavelet analysis. This goal is accomplished through a novel approach of mating structural modeling of the Pathfinder Plus wing with time-scale analysis. COMSOL Multiphysics is employed to model the physics of the vibration that occurs in the Pathfinder Plus wing. Three Daubechies wavelets are used to detect the vibration signal of the wing using its frequency content. Based on simulation, the Daubechies 10 wavelet effectively detected the vibration signal. Also, this work opens the possibility of applying other wavelets in this approach to determine any benefit to the efficacy of vibration detection. Therefore, this research demonstrates that utilization of this physical modeling and wavelet approach to vibration detection could be applied in the development of real-time modal analysis of an aircraft. (►info).