This page describes research works (projects) in progress for Professor Jonathan Scott.
The aim is to impart some idea of how I spread my time.
Linear HBT amplifiers and the Cascomp configuration
Toby B.
This is a project to look at increasing the TOI (3rd Order Intercept
Point, a measure of circuit distortion) of GaAs HBT amplifiers using
the Cascomp configuration. Project is supported by Agilent HFTC and
EEsof divisions.
Microwave impulse applications
Steve M.
The aim is to develop applications for U9391C impulse (comb) generators.
Impulse TDR (iTDR) is being explored, especially applied to antenna
characterisation without need for an anechoic chamber. The project is
also looking applying iTDR to pasture analysis. The project enjoys
support from Agilent's test accessories R&D group in Penang.
Acoustic VNA
Kyle P.
The project centers around building an instrument that looks like a
Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) but with sound in pipes rather than EM
waves. The hardware is based on a commercial, 500MHz Agilent VNA. The
project is funded through a collaboration with Gallagher.
Automation of Coffee roasting
Cameron K.
This work revolves around the recent trends for coffee to be roasted
closer to point of use. Heuristic and innovative control of the
roasting process aims at endpoint determination without human help.
Bacteria detection by RF/microwave dielectric measurement
Russel M.
The project, based in Agresearch, seeks to use high-frequency dielectric
measurement to sense bacteria in biofilm or similar medium. We are
looking for a bacterial dielectric fingerprint, or a dielectric betrayal
of binding with a specific antigen.
Harvesting water meter
Mark J.
This project looks at the design and power budget for remote sensors,
especially water meters, based on recent ultra-low power
microcontrollers. It addresses separately the power requirements for
logging and wireless reporting, especially of water usage in domestic
setting, the prospects for extraction of power (harvesting) in the same
situation particularly without moving parts, and hardware and software
protocols appropriate for reporting usage to a host.
Practical battery gauge
Sergej S, but unstaffed after February 2011.
A lead-acid state-of-charge meter has been developed that is simple to
install and use. How to prove that it is robust, satisfactory, and
superior?
iDCC
Not staffed after February 2011.
This project concerns user interface, and ways of dealing with
bus-system address concerns without the interaction of a person aware of
the technical issues at work. A design is proposed that could do for
model trains what the Mac did for the personal computer. The hardware
has yet to be refined, and the UI superiority proven.
Smart Sprinkler
Shabir A, Mel S, Punit S.
A tap timer that adjusts its action in response to environmental
conditions without human input could save water and simultaneously log
that saving, without the user even being aware that the system is
present or operating. This has significant commercial possibilities,
but the design has to be robust, and its value must be proven for it to
be accepted or legislated.
Recovery of Usable Cells from Failed Hybrid vehicle Packs
Peter L.
Is it economically viable to recompose a battery pack from
operational but used cells in a "failed" pack?
The investigation has implications for battery state-of-health
(as different from state-of-charge) measurement in the field of
battery management.
SOS power harvester ICs
Not yet staffed.
A collaboration with Silanna Semiconductor in Australia using SOS CMOS to develop an IC that will achieve record-breaking harvester power supply efficiency. In collaboration with Bill Redman-White from Southampton University in the UK.
Ultramicro Programming book
Jim R and Jonathan S .
A book on the theory and techniques specific to programming 8-but SoC
ultra-microcontrollers. Theoretical and heretical. Proposed for Wiley.
Threshold Concepts
Ann, Bronwen, Jonathan, et al
A research project to examine the pedagogical potential of Threshold Concepts. Marsden and TLRI applications proposed.
Involved with ENEL111 and other EE undergraduate courses. A longitudinal study is the aim.
Videorecording of all my ENEL111 lectures
Panopto will capture electronic whiteboard, PC, webcam, document camera and scope screen simultaneously.
The course has Threshold-Concept emphasis, and plans to introduce some peer-teaching in lectures.
For 6 weeks starting Feb 2011.
Pseudosteam Locomotive
Not staffed.
A project to develop a battery-powered 7.25" locomotive as an Open Day
demonstration and a vehicle for testing batteries in a non-road
environment.
Digital Slotcar
Not staffed.
The protocol used by digital slotcars has been reverse engineered.
The next step is to build a decoder.
An intelligent driving algorithm has been proven, and could be
implemented more robustly using a camera to locate the vehicle on the track.