Electrical Engineering (ELEC)
Graduate Studies
570-577-1234
www.bucknell.edu/ElectricalEngineering
Professors: Maurice F. Aburdene (chair), Ph.D. Connecticut. Richard J. Kozick, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania. Edward J. Mastascusa, Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon.
Assistant Professors: David Kelley, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University. Jie Lin, Ph.D. University of Maryland. Kundan Nepal, Ph.D. Brown University. Robert Nickel, Ph.D. University of Michigan. Michael Thompson, Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Areas of Concentration
The faculty research interests emphasize the following areas: antenna design, control systems, computer architecture and performance, computer networks, electromagnetics, digital system design, digital signal and image processing, simulation, communication systems, power electronics, VLSI, optoelectronic materials and devices, optical signal processing and devices.
Thesis
The thesis is considered primarily a contribution to the education of the candidate rather than a contribution of knowledge. Thesis requirements in electrical engineering may be satisfied by one of the following:
- an exercise in solving a practical engineering problem involving novel features, which may or may not comprise design;
- an exercise designed to develop research ability rather than to demonstrate research performance;
- an experiment or theoretical research project. A final oral or written examination must be passed at least two weeks before the degree is to be received.
Facilities and Courses
A wide range of microprocessors, high-speed digital signal processors, optoelectronics equipment, and computer-aided design software is available for graduate work. A total of eight course credits, including the thesis, is required for the MSEE degree.
Courses Offered
608 and 609. Advanced Electrical Engineering Laboratory (I or II; R)
Special laboratory work, by permission.
610. Biomedical Signal Processing and Instrumentation (I or II; 3)
Basics of biomedical signal processing and instrumentation, general design principles. Semester-long project to design a device for use in a biomedical application. Teams conceptualize, design, and implement class projects using appropriate analog and digital instruments.
611. Neural Signals and Systems (I or II; 3, 2)
Introduction to neural systems and signaling. Topics include neural physiology, factors affecting action potential generation, modeling of cellular membrane dynamics, and stimulation intensities and waveforms that produce neural and muscular responses.
628 and 629. Advanced Electrical Engineering Problems (I or II; R) One-half or one course credit Problems in electrical engineering theory adapted to the needs of the student.
642. Digital VLSI Circuit Design (I or II; 3, 3)
Introduction to digital integrated circuit design, from wafer fabrication through structured design techniques. Teams conceptualize, design, simulate, layout, extract, and verify small VLSI systems using appropriate CAD tools. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
643. High Performance Computer Architecture (I or II; 3, 0)
Topics include “good” computer architecture, RISC/CISC, pipelining, superscalar, super-pipelining, out-of-order execution, speculative execution, virtual memory, caches, and cache coherence. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
644. Advanced Digital Design (I or II; 3, 3)
Hardware description languages. High-level synthesis. Logic synthesis. Field programmable gate-array architectures and applications.
645. Simulation (I or II; 3, 3)
Digital simulation of continuous systems; digital integration algorithms; simulation languages; discrete modeling and simulation of dynamic systems; and simulation of stochastic systems. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
652. Power Electronics (AI; 3)
Design and analysis of solid-state power conversion systems. Circuit theory, computer-based modeling, and analytical tools for efficient electronic conversion, control, and conditioning of electric power.
660. Optoelectronic Materials and Devices (I or II; 3, 3)
Introduction to the principles and applications of optoelectronic devices, including compound semiconductors, LEDs, lasers, photodetectors, waveguide couplers and modulators. Switching and logic devices. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
662. Fiber Optics Fundamentals (I or II; 3, 3)
Applications of Maxwell’s equations, dielectric planner waveguides, optical modes in fibers. Fiber dispersion and loss mechanism. Optical fiber data transmission link and components. Fiber fabrication techniques. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
663. Introduction to Mechatronics (I; 2, 2)
Mechatronics is a multidiscipline technical area defined as the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronic and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacture of industrial products and processes. This design-directed course covers topics such as actuators and drive systems, sensors, programmable controllers, microcontroller programming and interfacing, and automation systems integration.
670. Communication and Information Systems (I or II; 3, 0)
Digital and analog communication systems, modulation techniques, noise considerations, optimum receivers. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
671. Random Signals and Noise (II; 4, 0)
Mathematical method of describing and analyzing random signals and noise. Probability theory; random processes. Time and ensemble averages, correlation, and power spectra. Linear filtering. Detection and estimation of signals in noise. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
672. Digital Signal Processing (II; 3, 2)
Sampling A/D and D/A conversion; digital filters; recursive and nonrecursive designs, quantization effects; Fast Fourier Transform; spectral estimation; computer implementations; applications. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
674. Digital Image Processing (AI; 3, 0)
Introduction to the basic concepts and technique of digital image processing. Characterization and representation of images. Image enhancement. Image restoration. Image analysis. Image coding and reconstruction. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
675. Computer Communication Networks (II; 3, 0)
An introduction to packet-switched networks (land-based point-to-point networks, satellite networks, and ground radio networks). Experience with existing networks. Operational procedures. Design issues and modeling techniques.
677. Topics in Wireless System Design (I or II; 3, 3)
Introduction to various aspects of wireless communication system design, including RF circuit design, antennas, radioware propagation and computer simulation.
681. Advanced Control Systems (II; 3, 3)
Nonlinear control systems; signal-flow diagrams; statistical design; sampled data techniques. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
683. Fuzzy Systems and Neural Networks (I or II; 3, 3)
Fuzzy logic and fuzzy control systems. Neural networks and adaptive fuzzy systems. Adaptive algorithms for neural networks.
692. Antennas and Microwave Techniques (I or II; 3, 3)
Fundamentals of antenna analysis and design. Survey of antenna types, including dipole and monopole antennas, directive antennas, microstrip patch antennas, aperture antennas, and phased arrays. Microwave system design issues, including impedance matching, radiowave propagation, transmission lines, and radiation patterns. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
693. Electric Power Systems (I or II; 3, 0)
Analysis of power distribution, load control, economics of operation, symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults, stability and issues in deregulation.
699. Thesis (I or II)
A professional-level investigation under the direction of a staff member; required for master of science in electrical engineering degree.
