Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Professors Emeriti: Timothy J. Healy, Sarah Kate Wilson

Thomas J. Bannan Professor: Shoba Krishnan (Department Chair)

Professors: Tokunbo Ogunfunmi, Alex Stankovic, Sally Wood, Cary Y. Yang, Aleksandar Zecevic

Associate Professors: Maryam Khanbaghi, M. Mahmudur Rahman, Kurt Schab, Hoeseok Yang

Assistant Professors: Anoosheh Heidarzadeh, Burak Kurkcu, Maria Kyrarini, Adham Naji, Dat Tran, S.J.

Assistant Teaching Professor: Andrew Wolfe

Lecturer: Radhika Grover

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers major programs leading to the bachelor of science in electrical-engineering or the bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering, as well as required and elective courses for students majoring in other fields.

Electrical and computer engineering includes the broad range of design, construction, and operation of electrical components, circuits, and systems as well as the science and technology of design, construction, and implementation of the software and hardware components of modern computing systems, embedded systems, and computer-controlled equipment. This includes sustainable energy and electric power, signal and image processing, machine learning, embedded systems, control systems, robotics, nanotechnology and integrated circuits, antennas, RF and communication systems, and storage, compression, and transmission of information.

Laboratories are an important part of most undergraduate courses in the electrical and computer engineering program. Use of appropriate laboratory equipment, design tools, and components demonstrates fundamental concepts of the courses and acquaints students with methods and tools they may use after graduation. The department has five teaching laboratories that support courses in electric circuits, electronics, signal processing and control systems, logic design and digital and embedded systems, and RF and communication. In addition, the program has a laboratory dedicated to senior design projects. All laboratories are supported by the facilities of the Engineering Computing Center.

Requirements for the Majors

Major in Electrical Engineering

In addition to fulfilling the undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements for a bachelor of science degree in a field of engineering, students majoring in electrical engineering must fulfill the following major requirements and complete a minimum of 190 units. For every required engineering and science course, if an associated laboratory is listed following the course description, then that laboratory is also required to fulfill the major requirements.

English

ENGL 181

Mathematics and Natural Science

MATH 11, 12, 13, 14
AMTH 106 and AMTH 108
CHEM 11 or 11T
PHYS 31, 32, 33
PHYS 34 or MATH 51
One course selected from CHEM 12, PHYS 113 or 121, MATH 53, 105 or 123

Engineering

ENGR 1
CSEN 10 (or demonstrated equivalent programming proficiency)
CSEN 11, CSEN 12
MECH 121
ECEN 20, 21, 50, 100, 104, 110, 115, 120, 192, 194, 195, 196

Technical Electives

Five undergraduate ECEN 100-level elective courses are required. One course must be selected from at least four of the following five areas:

IC Design: ECEN 116, 117, 151, 152, 153, 156
Systems: ECEN 118, 130, 132, 133, 134, 158, 160, 161
RF and Communication: ECEN 105, 141, 142, 144
Power Systems: ECEN 164, 183, 184
Digital and Embedded Systems: ECEN 121, 122, 123, 127, 131, 162, 180

Additional electives may be substituted, with the approval of the advisor, including first-year graduate-level electrical engineering coursework. ECEN 188 and 189 may not be used as technical electives.

Professional Development

A professional development experience selected from one of the following options:

Four or more units in a study abroad program that does not duplicate other coursework
Cooperative education experience with enrollment in ECEN 188 and ECEN 189
3 units in ENGR 110 (Community-Based Engineering Design)
Preparation for graduate study in electrical engineering with completion of 2 or more additional units of upper-division or graduate-level courses
Completion of an approved minor or second major in any field of engineering or science
Completion of 10 or more units in the combined bachelor of science and master of science program
2 units of Peer education experience
2 units of undergraduate research, ECEN 199

Major in Electrical and Computer Engineering

In addition to fulfilling the undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements for a bachelor of science degree in a field of engineering, students majoring in electrical and computer engineering must fulfill the following major requirements and complete a minimum of 190 units. For every required engineering and science course, if an associated laboratory is listed following the course description, then that laboratory is also required to fulfill the major requirements.

English

ENGL 181

Mathematics and Natural Science

MATH 11, 12, 13, 14, 51, 53
AMTH 106 and AMTH 108
PHYS 31, 32, 33
One course selected from CHEM 11 or 12, PHYS 34, 113 or 121, MATH 105 or 123

Engineering

ENGR 1
CSEN 10, 11, 12, and 177
ECEN 20, 21, 50, 100, 115, 120, 121, 122, 133, 142, 192, 194, 195, 196

Technical Electives

Four technical electives are required. Two electives must be selected from: ECEN 123, 127, 131, 162, 180. Either CSEN 79 or CSCI 163 may be substituted for one of these ECEN electives. Two additional electives must be selected from undergraduate ECEN 100-level elective courses. With advisor approval at most one technical elective may be selected from CSEN courses. ECEN 188 and 189 may not be used as technical electives.

Additional electives may be substituted, with the approval of the advisor from first-year graduate-level engineering coursework

Professional Development

A professional development experience selected from one of the following options:

4 or more units in a study abroad program that does not duplicate other coursework
Cooperative education experience with enrollment in ECEN 188 and ECEN 189
3 units in ENGR 110 (Community-Based Engineering Design)
Preparation for graduate study in either electrical and computer engineering or computer science and engineering with completion of 2 or more additional units of upper-division or graduate-level courses
Completion of an approved minor or second major in any field of engineering or science
Completion of 10 or more units in the combined bachelor of science and master of science program
2 units of Peer education experience
2 units of undergraduate research, ECEN 199

Requirements for the Minors

Minor in Electrical Engineering

Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in electrical engineering:

ECEN 21, 21L, 50, 50L, 115, 115L
Two courses selected from ECEN 100, 104, and 110, including their associated laboratory courses
Three upper-division ECEN lecture courses (ECEN 100-level courses, excluding ECEN 188, 189, 192, 194, 195, and 196)
Work completed to satisfy these requirements for the minor must include at least two courses beyond any free electives or other courses required to earn the bachelor’s degree in the student’s primary major

Minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering

ECEN 21, 21L, 50, 50L, 120, 120L
Two courses selected from ECEN 121, 122, 133, and 142, including their associated laboratory courses
Three additional upper-division Electrical and Computer Engineering lecture courses selected from: (ECEN 115, 121, 122, 123, 127, 131, 133, 142, 153, 162, 180, including any associated laboratory courses.)
Work completed to satisfy these requirements for the minor must include at least two courses beyond any free electives or other courses required to earn the bachelor's degree in the student's primary major

Combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Program

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a combined degree program leading to the bachelor of science in either major and a master of science in electrical and computer engineering. This program is open to majors with an approved grade point average in electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, and physics courses. Under the combined degree program, an undergraduate student begins taking courses required for a master’s degree before completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree and typically completes the requirements for a master of science in electrical and computer engineering within a year of obtaining the bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students interested in the combined degree program are required to apply for the program between February of their junior year and December of their senior year.

Students in this program will receive their bachelor’s degree after satisfying the full undergraduate degree requirements. To earn the master’s degree, students must fulfill all the requirements for the degree, including the completion of 46 units of coursework beyond that applied to their bachelor’s degree. No course can be used to satisfy requirements for both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. However, completion of 10 or more units of coursework in electrical and computer engineering taken for the master’s degree satisfies the professional development requirement of the undergraduate program.

The program of studies for the master’s degree may include up to 20 units of electrical and computer engineering upper-division mezzanine-level elective coursework excluding ECEN 188 and 189. A mezzanine-level course is designed to be a first elective course in a topic area suitable for both undergraduate students or first year graduate students. These undergraduate units can count toward a master’s degree only if a grade of “B” or better is earned. Full-time students enrolling in February of their junior year may complete both degrees within five years.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program is supported by well-equipped laboratories. Five instructional laboratories are dedicated solely to lower division courses Including circuits and electronics, digital systems and architectures, and communication and signal processing. In addition, the department has research and upper division teaching laboratories supporting a wide range of program focus areas.

The Computer Systems Laboratory offers various research projects in hardware-software co-design of digital systems. Examples of target designs include Internet-of-Things (IoTs), wearable devices, wireless sensor networks (WSNs), satellite on-board computers, neural network (NN) accelerators, and so on. Non-functional design concerns such as real-time, low-power, thermal behavior, security, or privacy are also important research topics studied in the Computer Systems Laboratory. The lab supports both graduate and undergraduate student research and has the following facilities to support student research: various FPGAs, MPSoC prototyping boards, GPU workstations (for NN training), and power monitoring tools.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Andy Wolfe and Dr. Hoeseok Yang

The Electromagnetics Lab hosts research in a range of topics related to applied EM theory, computational methods, RF design, and wireless applications. The laboratory serves as a shared workspace for students and faculty in this area, with emphasis on integration from theory to practice. The lab houses computational resources, fabrication facilities, and test equipment for transient and frequency-domain analysis of antennas, circuits, and systems up to 22 GHz. Ongoing research areas within the lab include: time-varying circuits and antennas for exotic performance characteristics, inverse design in electromagnetic systems, modal decomposition methods in computational antenna analysis, and formulation of fundamental bounds on radiating systems.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Kurt Schab

The Field Theory and RF Design Laboratory (FTRD) is dedicated to supporting analytical, computational, and applied studies in wave theory, microwave circuits, radio frequency (RF) wave phenomena, wakefields, and field-particle electrodynamics. Studied waves and systems span frequencies from hundreds of MHz to tens of THz. In addition to supporting research activities in this area, the lab supports student projects and teaching. The lab has high-precision LPKF prototyping capability for manufacturing of RF/microwave devices, equipment for measurement of power and S parameters, high-performance computational workstations with more than 50 processing cores and almost 1 TB of memory, with both commercial software packages and in-house codes for electromagnetic simulation and mathematical modeling. A typical project in this lab starts from theoretical analysis/modeling, then proceeds into computation or simulation, followed by fabrication (if applicable) and measurements.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Adham Naji

The Human-Machine Interaction & Innovation (HMI^2) Lab conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), AI-powered Intelligent Systems, and Assistive Technologies. Through a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and human-centered design principles, the Human-Machine Interaction and Innovation Lab strives to revolutionize the way we interact with machines and pave the way for a more efficient, intuitive, accessible, and inclusive technological landscape. Supported by generous federal funding, the Human-Machine Interaction and Innovation Lab has the resources to undertake ambitious and transformative research projects that have the potential to shape the future of Human-Robot Interaction and Assistive Technologies and positively impact society.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Maria Kyrarini

The IC Design and Technology Laboratory is dedicated to teaching and research topics on electronic materials and devices, integrated circuit design, and IC manufacturing technologies. Current research topics include modeling complex electronic devices using various methodologies, materials and device characterizations, fabrication and experimental studies of photovoltaic devices, emission free smart infrastructure, and optimizing energy infrastructure.

Affiliated Faculty: Shoba Krishnan, Mahmud Rahman and Cary Yang

The Latimer Energy Laboratory (LEL) supports a very wide range of activities relating to solar energy, more specifically photovoltaics (PV) and management of renewable energy sources, from K-12 outreach through graduate engineering. The laboratory focuses on two major directions: 1) measurement and characterization of different renewable energy sources; and 2) integration of renewable energy into the electric grid. The laboratory includes instrumentation such as pyranometers, VIS-IR spectrometers, metallurgical microscopes, source meters, grid simulator software related computers, and state of the art hardware in the loop simulator.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Maryam Khanbaghi

The Networked Systems and Algorithms (NSA) Lab is focused on theory, modeling, and algorithm design for modern interconnected, data-driven systems. The lab advances fundamental theory and engineering practice through three thrusts: (i) networked and distributed control, developing methods to analyze stability and performance in large-scale dynamical systems; (ii) complex networks and learning, building models and optimization tools to study emergent behavior and support data-driven decision-making; and (iii) information theory, developing methods based on coding theory for reliable, secure, and privacy-preserving networking and distributed computation. Across these thrusts, the lab aims to improve the stability, robustness, efficiency, and, where relevant, security and privacy of networked systems in cyber-physical infrastructures, communication networks, and distributed computing platforms.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Maryam Khanbaghi, Dr. Anoosheh Heidarzadeh, Dr. Alex Stankovic, Dr. Dat Tran and Dr. Alex Zecevic Dr. Kurt Schab

The Signal Processing, Learning, and Information Theory (SPLIT) Lab is focused on theory-driven modeling and algorithm design for modern data-centric systems. The lab advances both foundations and practice through two thrusts: (i) signal processing and learning, developing methods in digital and statistical signal processing, adaptive and nonlinear techniques, and machine learning, including deep learning and statistical learning; and (ii) information theory, developing coding-theoretic methods for privacy- and security-aware information retrieval and function computation, and for scalable and fault-tolerant distributed storage and computing. The lab’s work is motivated by applications in speech and audio, image and video, biological data and diagnostics, communication systems and networks, and cloud and distributed data platforms.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Sally Wood, Dr. Tokunbo Ogunfunmi, Dr. Anoosheh Heidarzadeh

The Soft Robotics and Control (SoftCON) Lab focuses on safe, uncertainty-aware control for soft and continuum robots and for multi-agent systems operating in real-world, dynamic environments. Our research spans three tightly linked efforts: (i) we develop control methods that combine formal guarantees with learning-based adaptation under model mismatch, disturbances, and limited sensing; (ii) we develop real-to-sim-to-real pipelines that leverage system identification and experimental data to tune simulation fidelity, reduce the sim-to-real gap, and enable reliable transfer of controllers and learned policies to hardware; and (iii) we validate these ideas on physical robotic systems through contact-rich soft and continuum manipulators, alongside new mechanisms and sensing technologies that improve observability and robustness. We also study distributed control and coordination, applying the same principles to teams of robots that must collaborate under shared constraints.

Affiliated Faculty: Dr. Burak Kurkcu

Lower-Division Courses

20. Emerging Areas in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Introduction to new frontiers in electrical and computer engineering. Hands-on activities and visits to research and production facilities in Silicon Valley companies to learn how the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering are enabling new emerging technologies. (2 units)

21. Introduction to Logic Design

Boolean functions and their minimization. Combinational circuits: arithmetic circuits, multiplexers, decoders. Sequential logic circuits: latches and flip-flops, registers, counters. Memory. Busing. Use of industry quality CAD tools for HDL in conjunction with FPGAs. Corequisite: ECEN 21L. (4 units)

21L. Logic Design Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 21. Corequisite: ECEN 21. (1 unit)

49. Fundamentals of Electricity for Civil Engineers

Transducers. Motors, generators and efficiency. DC and AC circuits. One and three-phase power systems. Sources of electricity. Hydroelectric power, generation, and pumps. Electrical diagrams and schematics. (4 units)

50. Electric Circuits I

Physical basis and mathematical models of circuit components and energy sources. Circuit theorems and methods of analysis are applied to DC and AC circuits. Prerequisites: Math 13. Corequisite: ECEN 50L, Math 14. (4 units)

50L. Electric Circuits I Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 50. Corequisite: ECEN 50. (1 unit)

Upper-Division Courses

100. Electric Circuits II

Continuation of ECEN 50. Sinusoidal steady state and phasors, transformers, resonance, Laplace analysis, transfer functions. Frequency response analysis. Bode diagrams. Switching circuits. Prerequisite: ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better, or PHYS 70. Corequisite: ECEN 100L, AMTH 106. (4 units)

100L. Electric Circuits II Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 100. Corequisite: ECEN 100. (1 unit)

104. Electromagnetics I

Vector analysis and vector calculus. The laws of Coulomb, Lorentz, Faraday, and Gauss. Dielectric and magnetic materials. Energy in electric and magnetic fields. Capacitance and inductance. Maxwell’s equations. Wave equation. Poynting vector. Wave propagation and reflection in transmission lines. Radiation. Prerequisites: PHYS 33 and ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better. Corequisite: ECEN 104L. (4 units)

104L. Electromagnetics I Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 104. Corequisite: ECEN 104. (1 unit)

105. Electromagnetics II

In-depth study of several areas of applied electromagnetics such as transmission lines, circuits including microstrip and strip lines, Smith Chart and bounce diagram, magnetic circuits, antennas, and antenna arrays. Prerequisite: ECEN 104. Corequisite: ECEN 105L. (4 units)

105L. Electromagnetics II Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 105. Corequisite: ECEN 105. (1 unit)

110. Linear Systems

Signals and system modeling. Laplace transform. Transfer function. Convolution. Discrete systems. Frequency analysis. Fourier series and transform. Filtering. State-Space models. Prerequisite: ECEN 100. Corequisite: ECEN 110L. (4 units)

110L. Linear Systems Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 110. MATLAB laboratory/problem sessions. Corequisite: ECEN 110. (1 unit)

115. Electronic Circuits I

Study of basic principles of operation, terminal characteristics, and equivalent circuit models for diodes and transistors. Analysis and design of diode circuits, transistor amplifiers, and inverter circuits. Prerequisite: ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better. Corequisite: ECEN 115L. (4 units)

115L. Electronic Circuits I Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 115. Corequisite: ECEN 115. (1 unit)

116. Analog Integrated Circuit Design

Design and analysis of multistage analog amplifiers. Study of differential amplifiers, current mirrors and gain stages. Frequency response of cascaded amplifiers and gain-bandwidth considerations. Concepts of feedback, stability, and frequency compensation. Prerequisite: ECEN 115. Corequisite: ECEN 116L. (4 units)

116L. Analog Integrated Circuit Design Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 116. Corequisite: ECEN 116. (1 unit)

119. Current Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Subjects of current interest. May be taken more than once if topics differ. (4 units)

120. Microprocessor System Design

Design and analysis of microprocessor-based systems for embedded applications. Assembly Language programming. Integration of digital and analog input/output devices with microprocessor hardware and software. Low-level programming techniques specialized for hardware interfacing and precise control of timing. Structure and operation of embedded computing platforms. Lab projects based on an embedded computer module to practical applications that reinforce class concepts and provide some opportunities for creative design. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in (COEN-21 or ELEN-21 and in COEN-11. Co-requisite: ELEN 120L

120L. Microprocessor System Design Laboratory

Lab projects based on an embedded computer module to practical applications that reinforce class concepts and provide some opportunities for creative design. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in COEN-21 or ELEN-21 and in COEN-11. Co-requisite: ELEN 120

121. Real-Time Embedded Systems

Computing systems that measure, control, and interact. Real-time principles (multitasking, scheduling, synchronization), interfacing sensors, actuators and peripherals, implementation trade-offs, development environments, embedded software (file systems, drivers, libraries, software reuse, concurrency), buffered communications, real-time multimedia. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in ECEN-120. Co-requisite: ECEN 121L. (4 units)

121L. Real-Time Embedded Systems Laboratory

122. Computer Architecture

Application of logic design concepts to computer architecture. Computation state machines. Computer instruction definition and formatting, the use of opcodes and operands. Memory, and how it is used to store instructions and data. Instruction execution (datapath design) and control transfer. Application of critical path concepts (performance evaluation) and Pipelining and Hazards. Caches and virtual memory. Hardware support for virtual memory. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in ECEN 120. Co-requisite: ECEN 122L. (4 units)

122L. Computer Architecture Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 122; implementation of simple datapath and its control logic in Verilog. Co-requisite: ECEN 122. (1 unit)

123. Mechatronics

Introduction to behavior, design, and integration of electromechanical components and systems. Review of appropriate electronic components/circuitry, mechanism configurations, and programming constructs. Use and integration of sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators. Also listed as CSEN 123 and MECH 143. Prerequisite: ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better and CSEN 11. Corequisite: ECEN 123L. (4 units)

123L. Mechatronics Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 123. Also listed as CSEN 123L and MECH 143L. Corequisite: ECEN 123. (1 unit)

127. Advanced Logic Design

Contemporary design of finite-state machines as system controllers using FPGA devices. Minimization techniques, performance analysis, and modular system design. HDL simulation and synthesis. Also listed as CSEN 127. Prerequisite: ECEN 21 with a grade of C- or better and CSEN 11. Corequisites: ECEN 127L. (4 units)

127L. Advanced Logic Design Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 127. Design, construction, and testing of controllers from verbal specs. Use of CAD design tools. Also listed as CSEN 127L. Corequisite: ECEN 127. (1 unit)

130. Control Systems

Applications of control systems in engineering. Principle of feedback. Performance specifications: transient and steady-state response. Stability. Design of control systems by frequency and root locus methods. Computer-controlled systems. State-variable feedback design. Also listed as ECEN 230. Prerequisite: ECEN 110. Corequisite: ECEN 130L. (4 units)

130L. Control Systems Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 130. Corequisite: ECEN 130. (1 unit)

131. Introduction to Robotics

Overview of robotic systems and application areas. Kinematic Analysis of Robotic Manipulators and Mobile Robots. Prerequisite: AMTH 106. Corequisite: ECEN 131L (4 units)

131L. Introduction to Robotics Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 131. Laboratory for Robot Programming using Python and Robot Operating System (ROS). Prerequisite: Basic Programming. Also listed as ECEN 337L. Corequisite: ECEN 131. (1 unit)

132. Design of Assistive Technologies

Accessible and Interactive Design. Design of Assistive Technologies. Prototype Development. Data Gathering. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Representation. Project-based course. Prerequisites: AMTH 108 or equivalent. Also listed as ECEN 532. Corequisite: ECEN 132L. (4 units)

132L. Design of Assistive Technologies Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 132. Corequisite: ECEN 132. (1 unit)

133. Digital Signal Processing

Discrete signals and systems. Difference equations. Convolution summation. Z-transform, transfer function, system response, stability. Model based digital filter design and implementation. Frequency domain analysis. Discrete Fourier transform and FFT. Introduction to adaptive filter design and CNN architectures. Audio, video, and communication applications. Also listed as ECEN 233E. Prerequisites: ECEN 110 or both ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better, and MATH 51. Corequisite: ECEN 133L. (4 units)

133L. Digital Signal Processing Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 133. Laboratory for real-time processing. Corequisite: ECEN 133. (1 unit)

134. Introduction to Machine Learning

Classification models, cross-validation; supervised learning, linear and logistic regression, support vector machines; unsupervised learning, dimensionality reduction methods; tree-based methods, and kernel methods; principal component analysis, K-means; reinforcement learning. Includes a significant project component using Python and other machine learning tools. Also listed as ECEN 520. Prerequisites: AMTH 108, MATH 53. (4 units)

139. Special Topics in Signals and Systems

Subjects of current interest. May be taken more than once if topics differ. (4 units)

141. Communication Systems

Review of signals and systems in both time and frequency domain. Review of probability, random variables, and random processes. Analog modulation and demodulation. The impact of noise on analog systems. Digital modulation/demodulation techniques and their performance in the presence of noise. Prerequisites: ECEN 110 and AMTH 108. Corequisite: ECEN 141L. (4 units)

141L. Communication Systems Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 141. Corequisite: ECEN 141. (1 unit)

142. Communications and Networking

Networking in different media. Effects of the media on data rate. Error/erasure detection and correction. Routing algorithms. Collision and retransmission in networks. Network coding algorithms. Prerequisite: AMTH 108 with a grade of C- or better; or its equivalent. Co-requisite: ECEN 142L. (4 units)

142L. Communications and Networking Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 142. Corequisite: ECEN 142. (1 unit)

144. Microwave Circuit Analysis and Design

Microwave circuit theory and techniques. Emphasis on passive microwave circuits. Planar transmission lines. Field problems formulated into network problems for TEM and other structures, scattering and transmission parameters, Smith chart, impedance matching, and transformation techniques. Design of power dividers, couplers, hybrids and microwave filters. Microwave CAD. Also listed as ECEN 706. Prerequisite: ECEN 105. Corequisite: ECEN 144L. (4 units)

144L. Microwave Circuit Analysis and Design Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 144. Corequisite: ECEN 144. (1 unit)

151. Device Electronics for IC Design

Properties of materials, crystal structure, and band structure of solids. Carrier statistics and transport; p-n junction electrostatics, I-V characteristics, equivalent circuits. Metal-semiconductor contacts, Schottky diodes. MOS field-effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors. This course covers the essential device concepts necessary for analog, digital, and/or mixed signal circuit design. Credit not allowed for both ECEN 151 and ECEN 267. Prerequisite or corequisite: ECEN 104. Corequisite: ECEN 151L. (4 units)

151L. Device Electronics Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 151. Corequisite: ECEN 151. (1 unit)

152. Integrated Circuit Fabrication Process Technology

Fundamental principles of processes essential for fabricating integrated circuits and nanoelectronic devices. Topics include semiconductor crystal growth and wafer preparation, thermal oxidation, doping by diffusion and ion implantation, optical lithography (DUV and EUV) with resolution enhancement techniques, wet and plasma etching, chemical and physical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition and epitaxy, metallization, and chemical-mechanical polishing. Backend interconnect integration and advanced packaging. Processing of compound semiconductors (III-V) and wide-bandgap materials. Prerequisite: ECEN 151 or basic knowledge of semiconductor devices. Corequisite: ECEN 152L. (4units) Also listed as ECEN 276. (4 units)

152L. Integrated Circuit Fabrication Process Technology Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 152. Corequisite: ECEN 152. (1 unit)

153. Digital Integrated Circuit Design

Introduction to VLSI design and methodology. Study of basic principles, material properties, fabrication, operation, terminal characteristics, and equivalent circuit models for CMOS digital integrated circuits. Study of CMOS combinational and sequential integrated circuits and technology scaling. Physical design and layout principles. Interconnect modeling. Semiconductor memories. Use of state-of-the-art CAD tools. Prerequisites: ECEN/CSEN 21 and ECEN 50 with a grade of C- or better. Corequisite: ECEN 153L. (4 units)

153L. Digital Integrated Circuit Design Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 153. Corequisite: ECEN 153. (1 unit)

156. Introduction to Nanotechnology

Introduction to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Properties of nanomaterials and devices. Nanoelectronics: from silicon and beyond. Measurements of nanosystems. Applications and implications. Laboratory experience is an integral part of the course. Also listed as MECH 156. Prerequisites: PHYS 33 and either PHYS 34 or MECH 15. Corequisite: ECEN 156L. (4 units)

156L. Introduction to Nanotechnology Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 156. Also listed as MECH 156L. Corequisite: ECEN 156. (1 unit)

158. Introduction to Neuromorphic Computing and Mem-device Computing

This course provides an overview of neuromorphic computing using brain-inspired architectures. It explores traditional neural networks with various topologies and memristive devices functioning as synapses for multiple neuromorphic tasks. Also listed as ECEN 258. Prerequisites: ECEN 50 or equivalent, junior or senior standing, and familiarity with Python (or CSEN 11). Corequisite: ECEN 158L. (4 units)

158L. Introduction to Neuromorphic Computing and Mem-device Computing Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 158. Corequisite: ECEN 158. (1 unit)

160. Chaos Theory, Metamathematics, and the Limits of Science: An Engineering Perspective on Religion

Limitations of science are examined in the framework of nonlinear system theory and metamathematics. Strange attractors, bifurcations, and chaos are studied in some detail. Additional topics include an introduction to formal systems and an overview of Godel’s theorems. The mathematical background developed in the course is used as a basis for exploring the relationship between science, aesthetics, and religion. Particular emphasis is placed on the rationality of faith. Also listed as ECEN 217. Prerequisites: AMTH 106 (or an equivalent course in differential equations), and a basic familiarity with MATLAB. Corequisite: ECEN 160L. (4 units)

160L. Chaos Theory, Metamathematics, and the Limits of Science: An Engineering Perspective on Religion Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 160. Corequisite: ECEN 160. (1 unit)

161. The Beauty of Nature and the Nature of Beauty

Beauty is examined from an interdisciplinary perspective, taking into account insights from mathematics, physics, engineering, neuroscience, and psychology, as well as philosophy, art history, and theology. Technical topics include information theory, quantum computing, fractal geometry, complex systems, cellular automata, Boolean networks, and set theory. Prerequisite: AMTH 106 (or equivalent). Familiarity with basic concepts in probability theory is expected, as is some experience with MATLAB. Corequisite: ECEN 161L. (4 units)

161L. The Beauty of Nature and the Nature of Beauty Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 161. Corequisite: ECEN 161. (1 unit)

162. Quantum and Parallel Algorithms for Scientific Computing

Quantum and parallel computing are explored as paradigms for high performance scientific computing. Particular emphasis is placed on quantum algorithms and graph-theoretic methods for parallelizing the solution of large sparse systems of equations. Since a proper understanding of these topics requires a background in matrix theory, functional analysis, cryptology and number theory, these areas are covered in some detail. Prerequisites: MATH 53 or equivalent, and familiarity with MATLAB. Corequisite: ECEN 162L. (4 units)

162L. Quantum and Parallel Algorithms for Scientific Computing Lab

Laboratory for ECEN 162. Corequisite: ECEN 162. (1 unit)

164. Introduction to Power Electronics

Power and efficiency computations, rectifiers, power devices, DC-to-DC converters, AC-to-DC converters, and DC-to-AC inverters. Prerequisite: ECEN 115. Corequisite: ECEN 164L. (4 units)

164L. Introduction to Power Electronics Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 164. Corequisite: ECEN 164. (1 unit)

180. Introduction to Information Storage

Storage hierarchy. Caching. Design of memory and storage devices, with particular emphasis on magnetic disks and storage-class memories. Error detection, correction, and avoidance fundamentals. Disk arrays. Storage interfaces and buses. Network attached and distributed storage, interaction of economy, and technological innovation. Also listed as CSEN 180. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in CSEN 12. Recommended prerequisite: CSEN 20 or ECEN 122. (4 units)

183. Power Systems Analysis

Analysis, design, and optimization of power systems for traditional and renewable power generation. Balanced three phase circuits. Transformers and transmission lines. Also listed at ECEN 281E. Prerequisite: ECEN 100 or equivalent. Corequisite: ECEN 183L. (4 units)

183L. Power Systems Analysis Laboratory

Laboratory for ECEN 183. Corequisite: ECEN 183. (1 unit)

184. Power System Stability and Control

Examine power system stability and power system control, including load frequency control, economic dispatch, and optimal power flow. Also listed as ECEN 231. Prerequisites: ECEN 183 or equivalent. (4 units)

185. Electric Drives

Role of electric drives in electric and hybrid vehicles, electric traction, wind-electric systems, and inertial storage. DC and AC machines for energy-efficient operation. Permanent-magnet AC motor drives. Induction motor drives. Applications that focus on energy conservation, transportation, and renewable energy systems.

Prerequisites: ECEN 50 with a grade of B- or better. (4 units)

188. Co-op Education

Integration of classroom study and practical experience in a planned program designed to give students practical work experience related to their academic field of study and career objectives. The course alternates (or parallels) periods of classroom study with periods of training in industry or government. Satisfactory completion of the assignment includes preparation of a summary report on co-op activities. P/NP grading. May be taken twice. May not be taken for graduate credit. (2 units)

189. Co-op Technical Report

Credit is given for a technical report on a specific activity such as a design or research project, etc., after completing the co-op assignment. Letter grades based on content and presentation quality of report. May be taken twice. May not be taken for graduate credit. Prerequisite: ECEN 188. Approval of department co-op advisor required. (2 units)

190L. Special Topics Lab

Hands-on laboratory covering selected emerging topics in electrical and computer engineering. Students complete laboratory exercises and written reports documenting experimental results. Students may need to complete an open-ended project. Topics may vary by offering. (1 unit)

192. Introduction to Senior Design Project

Junior preparation for senior project. An introduction to project requirements and participation in the coordination of the senior conference. Tentative project selection. (Cross-listed with ENGR 197A.) (1 unit)

192L. Electronics Prototyping

Students will design, implement, and characterize an electronic system. Students will do schematic capture, PCB layout, and soldering for a simple consumer application. Prerequisite: ECEN 50 (1 unit)

194. Design Project I

Specification of an engineering project, selected with the mutual agreement of the student and the project advisor. Complete initial design with sufficient detail of target specification. Incorporation of relevant engineering standards and appropriate realistic constraints. Initial draft of the project report. Corequisite: ENGL 181. (2 units)

195. Design Project II

Implementation, construction, and testing of the project, system, or device. Sustainability analysis. Demonstration of project and formal design review. Prerequisite: ECEN 194. (2 units)

196. Design Project III

Continued design, implementation, and testing of the project, system, or device to improve function and add capability. Reliability analysis. Formal public presentation of results. Final report. Prerequisite: ECEN 195. (1 unit)

199. Directed Research/Reading

Investigation of an approved engineering problem and preparation of a suitable project report. Open only to electrical and computer engineering majors or electrical engineering majors. (1–6 units)