Signals, Systems & Communications Group

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1 Issue 8 November 2008 Systems, Signals & Communications Group EXTREME technologies Inside this issue: SSC NME Research Grant Awards PEDM E3 Academy 4 Staff Information 4 Teaching & Learning/ Future Events/News Useful Information With 2.1m funding from regional development agency One NorthEast members of staff in EECE are part of a project team which has been working on the establishment of a research and development facility to support the development of technologies for extreme environments. In October Newcastle University in conjunction with One NorthEast hosted a highly successful EXTREME Technologies event to showcase the technologies to a wide audience of scientists, researchers, businesses and finance experts. Leading up to the event Professor Nick Wright, PVC-Research and Innovation at Newcastle University said The core technologies developed at Newcastle are now ready to be commercialised and the Extreme Technologies event is and ideal way for us to begin partnerships with regional companies. The facilities established by the project will support the development of technologies which can operate in extreme environments and also the skills in these fields. The technologies include: Wireless sensor networks Sub-sea communications and instrumentation Through- metal communications Points of Interest Silicon carbide sensors for high temperature, high radiation and harsh chemical environments Silicon carbide high power and resilient electronics The next Postgraduate Conference will be held on: 21st-22nd January 2009 The technologies have application to a wide range of industries including: Sub-sea / offshore; Aerospace, defence and security; Civil nuclear; Environmental sensing; Oil & Gas and Power distribution & energy conversion. Commenting on the impact of the project and the event Bayan Sharif, Head of School and Professor of Communications in EECE said The success of the project is founded upon our years of experience and expertise in advancing these technologies which have immediate relevance to a number of industries and applications. We are especially keen to see industry benefit form our activities and are looking to establish relationships with companies who wish to develop their own engineering capabilities and products in these fields. The excellent feedback from the delegates at this first showcase event indicates that this will be a very active area for us in the foreseeable future. Presentations from the showcase event can be downloaded at: For further information please contact Dr. Trevor Bedford EXTREME project manager and EECE Research & Business Development manager on , Trevor.Bedford@ncl.ac.uk EECE School News will be published in March, July and November. Copy deadline for next issue is 20 March 2009.

2 Page 2 Signals, Systems & Communications Group Petri nets and Applications of Concurrency to Systems Design in Xi an and invited lectures in Beijing The two international conferences, 29 th International Conference on Applications and Theory of Petri nets and Other Models of Concurrency and 8 th International Conference on Applications of Concurrency to System Design, were hosted June 2008 in Xi an. See These events are traditionally in our calendar and mark our strong collaborative links with the Modelling and Reasoning Group at the Computing Science School. This year was not an exception because the fact that this double bill event was held in Xi an was the results of efforts of Prof Maciej Koutny (from CS) and Prof. Alex Yakovlev, who masterminded it during their visit to Xi an in March 2006, when they were invited as visiting professors by Prof. Zhenhua Duan from Xidian University. Interestingly, Prof. Duan graduated from Newcastle with a PhD in the 90s. It was the first time that these two conferences, in their long history, came to China, and that was a big success. The conferences were attended by a significant group of people from Newcastle, from both CS and EECE, including M. Koutny, M. Pietkiewicz-Koutny, V. Khomenko, D. Shang, F. Xia and A. Yakovlev. There were 6 papers with Newcastle s authors presented in them, and one paper Synthesis of Nets with Step Firing Policies, involving our people in collaboration with Philippe Darondeau from INRIA, Rennes, won the best paper award from the Petri nets conference. The conference to Xi an was immediately followed by a visit of F. Xia, D. Shang and A. Yakovlev to the Institute of Electronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, hosted by Prof. Haigang Yang, where they gave a set of lectures on the recent research developments in the area of VLSI and research projects at Newcastle. Ideas for further collaboration were discussed. We are at UK Asynchronous Forum in Manchester It has become a tradition for our group to be well represented at UK Asynchronous Forums. This year 16 of us, PhDs, RAs and staff members, attended the 20 th UK Asynchronous Forum which was held on 1-2th September 2007 at the University of Manchester. Newcastle group presented 6 papers (out of 17), co-authored by Ashur Rafiev, Stanislavs Golubcovs, Panagiotis Asimakopoulos, Robin Emery, Andrey Mokhov, Ivan Poliakov, Danil Sokolov, Julian Murphy, Graeme Chester and Alex Yakovlev. More information - UK Embedded Forum Albert Koelmans organised the fourth annual UK Embedded Forum, where PhD students from all over the UK present their work in the area of Embedded Systems. The event was held at Southampton University at the start of September and was attended by 30 people. Next year's event will be held at the National Space Centre. A paper from Newcastle was presented by Yuan Chen. More information - Grand Challenges in Microelectronics Design Newcastle has been actively involved in networking activities associated with the Grand Challenges in Microelectronics Design. Although we were not primary recipients of the ugc grants from EPSRC, we took part in all four ugc1-4 events, sponsored by the UK Electronics KTN, that took place in July-September. For example, Alex Yakovlev gave an invited talk From Low Power Computing to Power-Adaptive Computing at EKTN event ugc1 Batteries Not Included held in Southampton on 16 July More information is on 20Included.pdf and R&D collaboration with Elastix Corp. EDA startup Elastix Corp. (Santa Clara, Calif.), which is pioneering the use of variable clocking as an asynchronous means of improving performance and power-efficiency of classically design circuits, has agreed to collaborate with our research group. More information can be found in Peter Clarke s article in EE Times ( from 15 th September 2008, which appeared when Vigyan Singhal, CEO of Elastix, visited Newcastle. This project involves Danil Sokolov, Alex Yakovlev and Ashur Rafiev. Andrey Mokhov visiting Minnesota Andrey Mokhov visited University of Minnesota to give a presentation on "Synthesis of multiple rail phase encoding circuits" and to discuss the collaboration between Newcastle and Minnesota microelectronics research groups. The potential topics of common interest include logic synthesis, probabilistic computation, design for reliability and security. The group at Minnesota is led by Prof. Mark Riedel ( Other events The group has also been recently represented by Yuan Chen at UKPDEW 08 in July 2008 in London with paper Fine Grain Stochastic Modeling and Analysis of Low Power Portable Devices with Dynamic Power Management, Crescenzo D Alessandro at ESSCIRC 08 in September 2008 in Edinburgh with paper Implementation of a Phase-encoding Signalling Prototype Chip, Julian Murphy at ICCD 08 in October 2008 on Lake Tahoe, USA, with Conversion Driven Design of Binary to Mixed Radix Circuits, Alex Yakovlev at ESWEEK 08 in October 2008 in Atlanta, USA with Asynchronous Transient Resilient Links for NoC, joint work with Univ.of Southampton, David Kinniment at ISSOC 08 in November 2008 in Tampere, Finland with High Resolution Flash Time-to-Digital Converter with Sub-Picosecond Measurement Capabilities. Recent PhD vivas MSD - In the past three months the following PhD students have successfully passed their PhD viva: Matthew Marshall, Hiran Ramakrishnan, Crescenzo D Alessandro, Jun Zhou. SSC Congratulations to the following students who recently were awarded their PhDs: Mohammad Dabbah, Risco Mutelo, Mokhled Al Tarawneh, Norrozila Suliaman, Nurul Muazzah Abdul Latiff, Jingyi Zhang, Li Chen, Book Kien Khoo External employments of our alumni In the last few months our PhD students and alumni have joined various positions around the world. Here are some of them: Matthew Marshall for British Telecommunications, Crescenzo D Alessandro PicoChip, Sohini Dasgupta Manchester University, Jun Zhou IMEC-Eindhoven, Nikos Minas IMEC-Leuven.

3 Page 3 Point of Interest Book Published: Rolando Antonio Carrasco and Martin Johnston Signals, Systems & Communications Group Comprehensive introduction to non-binary error-correction coding techniques Non-Binary Error Control Coding for Wireless Communication and Data Storage explores non-binary coding schemes that have been developed to provide an alternative to the Reed Solomon codes, which are expected to become unsuitable for use in future data storage and communication devices as the demand for higher data rates increases. This book will look at the other significant non-binary coding schemes, including non-binary block and ring trellis-coded modulation (TCM) codes that perform well in fading conditions without any expansion in bandwidth use, and algebraic-geometric codes which are an extension of Reed-Solomon codes but with better parameters. Professor Rolando Carrasco, Prof of Mobile Communications Key Features: Comprehensive and self-contained reference to non-binary error control coding starting from binary codes and progressing up to the latest non-binary codes Explains the design and construction of good non-binary codes with descriptions of efficient non-binary decoding algorithms with applications for wireless communication and high-density data storage Discusses the application to specific cellular and wireless channels, and also magnetic storage channels that model the reading of data from the magnetic disc of a hard drive. Includes detailed worked examples for each coding scheme to supplement the concepts described in this book Focuses on the encoding, decoding and performance of both block and convolutional non-binary codes, and covers the Kötter-Vardy algorithm and Non-binary LDPC codes This book will be an excellent reference for researchers in the wireless communication and data storage communities, as well as development/research engineers in telecoms and storage companies. Postgraduate students in these fields will also find this book of interest. which may open up a wide range of novel product applications. Nano Materials & Electronics Group Research News Recently Awarded Grants Alan Jack COLLABORATION TOYOTA-HOGANAS HOGANAS-TOYOTA ,000 =============================== Volker Pickert SECOND GENERATION HYDRID TRUCK TSB ,000 ===============================

4 Page 4 First Meeting of the E3 Academy Recently students, Industrial sponsors and the leadership of the pioneering E3 Academy met in London for a historic first summer meeting. Points of Interest Class of 1961 Reception In October 2008 the School held a reunion for the class of The Electrical Energy Engineering academy was recently launched to help combat the shortage of electrical engineers in the UK and it intends to do this by encouraging more people to study Electrical engineering at university. The academy has a number of attractions giving successful candidates guaranteed paid work placements; sponsorship for the duration of their degree programs and the opportunity to attend academy run events and summer schools. The aim of the first summer meeting was to allow the leadership of the academy, academy students and representatives from their sponsoring companies to meet. Most of the students were attending the event in the middle of their industrial placements and the summer meeting gave everyone involved an excellent chance to meet representatives from different companies and share experiences. The highlight of the meeting was the visit to the spectacular Royal Opera House. Although more commonly known for its world class opera and ballet performances the royal opera house is also one of the most technologically advanced buildings of its kind in the world. Behind the scenes hundreds of industrial motors, powered by high performance Control Techniques drives are used for moving scenery, actors and even the stage itself. For all involved the tour provided a fascinating and inspiring example of applied electrical engineering. To conclude the gathering a visit was made to Savoy Place, which had recently been the site of the academy s launch. Students were taken for a tour of the magnificent building and library facilities which included a cabinet formally owned by Michael Faraday. While the students looked at the past the E3 leadership met to discuss how it was to take the academy into a second successful year with the next intake of students.

5 Page 5 TEACHING & LEARNING FUTURE EVENTS/NEWS ***Academy Scotland travel fund for academic staff*** This new initiative, launched by Academy Scotland, is aimed at encouraging the exchange and dissemination of good practices, at the discipline level, throughout the UK. It is specifically aimed at enabling academic staff in Scottish HEIs to engage with colleagues from other parts of the UK and to support their institution's priorities and developments in learning and teaching. The funding may be used to help colleagues attend Higher Education Academy (including Subject Centres) conferences, network meetings and special interest groups that are being run outside of Scotland. For further information visit: Engage Project Report now available The Engineering Subject Centre, in partnership with the Subject Centres for Physical Science and Materials, was successful in securing funds for a one year project: Facilitating Dialogue between Employers and Engineering, Physical Sciences and Materials Academics in Higher Education, otherwise known as the 'Engage' project. The final report describes the outcomes of the project, discusses the skills agenda relating to engineering and physical sciences, makes recommendations and observations about the employer engagement agenda and points to relevant resources. Visit the website to download the report ( )or enquiries@engsc.ac.uk for a paper copy. Gender awareness and inclusive courses The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC)is updating some training materials for the higher education sector and would like to identify any latest successful initiatives and good practice in higher education institutions, particularly in the area of gender aware and gender inclusive course content and teaching methods and practice. For example, student and staff support, teaching content, practice and style, recruitment or induction processes, support for women returners, career progression opportunities, positive gender equality schemes and action plans etc. If you can help, please contact Sarah Clement UKRC Associate and Trainer, clement@3-c.coop Subject Centres help ease students' transition to higher education Subject Centres from the Higher Education Academy are working with academics and students to help ease the transition from school to university life for thousands of students as they begin courses at universities throughout the UK. Research published by the Academy into the experience of first-year students identified a range of factors which led them to leave their university courses, and the Academy's Subject Centres are addressing a number of these issues to help ensure a smoother transition for future first-year students. Quality assurance and employer engagement in HE learning This report, and accompanying research report from SQW Ltd, present the findings and recommendations from the Quality Assurance Task Group on employer engagement. The Task Group was established jointly by HEFCE and Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to consider the quality assurance needs of employer-led and funded provision and advise on whether any additional support is required for the higher education (HE) sector. The report highlights that, overall, issues of quality assurance are not viewed by the HE sector as a primary barrier to the expansion of HE for workforce development. Framework for higher education credit published Higher education credit framework for England: guidance on academic credit arrangements in higher education in England Universities UK, GuildHE and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) have jointly published a higher education credit framework for England and associated guidance. Credit has long been used to measure the learning expected of, or achieved by, students on higher education programmes at many universities and colleges in England and other parts of the United Kingdom. Building a future in Construction and Engineering Date: 30 January 2009 Location: Rose Bowl cricket ground, Southampton The Engineering and Construction Curriculum Groups of the Lifelong Learning Network are holding a one day conference aimed at those in education, in the public sector, in business and in professional bodies. Themes covered: * The relevance of higher education to meeting the needs of the built environment and engineering professions and of employers in those sectors. * The need for more graduates and professionals to support the growth of the national, regional and sub-regional economies. * The problem of increasing the formal qualifications of mature learners who have developed and been provided with extensive training and experience in the workplace. Contributors will include the Engineering Council, the Engineering Academy, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Chartered Institute of Builders, Hampshire County Council and employer representatives. If you wish to attend this event contact Rae Granville at rachel.granville@port.ac.uk or telephone

6 Page 6 TEACHING & LEARNING FUTURE EVENTS/NEWS E-learning established as core activity for UK higher education E-learning has become firmly established as a core activity for many higher education institutions in the UK, says the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in an Outcomes from institutional audit paper published recently. The paper, Outcomes from institutional audit: Institutions' support for e-learning, brings together information gathered from 59 QAA institutional audits of universities and other higher education institutions in England and Northern Ireland between December 2004 and August It looks at the adoption and expansion of the use of information and communications technology as part of the higher education learning experience. Peer Assessment Date: 21 January 2009 Location: Manchester Conference Centre Peer assessment has been proven over many years to be an effective activity to enhance learning. Peer assessment is the process by which students provide formative or summative feedback to fellow students enabling all involved to reflect and build on their knowledge and understanding. Technology can also be used to support peer assessment, especially for large student cohorts. This event, jointly organised with the Engineering Subject Centre and the WebPA Project, will introduce participants to the benefits of peer assessment from a key researcher in this field and hear about how the WebPA project offers a technological solution for supporting peer assessment. To register online: Supporting Engineering and Physical Science Students - A Workshop for Demonstrators Date: 11 February 2009 Location: University of Birmingham The Engineering Subject Centre and Physical Sciences Centre are pleased to invite you to this Demonstrators Workshop for Postgraduate students who have laboratory demonstrating duties. Laboratory demonstrators are a core part of university teaching and learning and commonly involve postgraduate students. This workshop aims to give an overview of the skills expected of a demonstrator and highlight common issues relating to supporting students in the laboratory. The day will also provide participants with an opportunity to network with peers from other institutions and further develop their own key skills and aims to complement institutional programmes offered. For more information please go to: Creativity in the Sciences Date: 29 April 2009 Location: University of Glasgow To increase the creative problem solving skills of science students attending university, the Centre for Bioscience has organised a day around the theme of creativity in the sciences in collaboration with STEM Subject Centres. Through at least two interactive and creative workshop sessions and swapshop presentations to share examples of good practice, you will learn more about the creative process, how to facilitate creativity in your teaching, and understand the importance of creativity as an employability trait for your students. Book online at: We re on the web at Are you using social software / web 2.0 tools with your students? For example, are you using social networking sites, blogs, wikis, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter...? Of most interest are initiatives that have been running for some time (for example, more than one semester) and those which include a reasonable number of students. The JISC-funded project, Effective Use of Social Software in Education, is seeking to create case studies of social software use in UK higher and further education. The aim is to help the educational community explore the potential benefits - and problems - of this new domain. The case studies and project report will be disseminated via the JISC web site in early These resources will be of significant interest to the HE and FE community, and should attract a very wide readership. If you think your practice might make a suitable case study, please Dave Roberts (d.roberts@open.ac.uk ) at the Open University. For further details of the project, see: For more news items, visit the two news pages on the websites below. For engineering education: For UK and world news: USEFUL INFORMATION NEWASTLE UNIVERSITY School of EECE Merz Court Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU Phone: (0) Fax: (0) helen.barber@ncl.ac.uk Recycling facilities:- There are recycling bins for CANS and PLASTIC BOTTLES in the Buttery. Paper: Clear plastic paper trays and cardboard recycle boxes are available, there are some boxes located around the school. Trays & boxes can be obtained by contacting Steve Robson or Dave Branch. Glass bottles and jars must NOT be put in any school bins please pass and glass to Jack Noble in the Mechanical Workshop. Toner & Inkjet Cartridges should be handed in to Dave Wall in the IT Support Room (E3.23). Batteries can be handed into the Electronics Workshop. PC or printer problems for a faster response try the new online IT support system via the icon on your desktop, or contact the following : it@eece.ncl.ac.uk For consumables contact Dave Wall in the IT Support Room who will advise on University approved and discounted suppliers, his address is: David.Wall@ncl.ac.uk The Electronics Workshop now has a website EECE School News is edited by Helen Barber, PA to Head of School, PA to Research Group Heads..