All Topics 2009

Supervisor: K.
Awodele
Subject Area: Power Engineering
ID: KOA01
TITLE: Reliability Evaluation of distribution Networks Using Fuzzy Logic
Use fuzzy logic to determine the reliability of a distribution network and compare
the results with that obtained using historical data.
DESCRIPTION:
Test results, thesis report, draft paper for publication

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical distribution planning, Reliability
ID: KOA02
TITLE: Application of predictive reliability analysis techniques in distribution networks.
Historical data is commonly used for the evaluation of reliability of distribution

systems. The student is to use predictive reliability techniques to determine
DESCRIPTION: reliability for planning purposes. The results are to be compared with those
obtained with historical data.
Identify some feeders. Use both historical data and predictive reliability technique to
DELIVERABLES: determine and rank their reliability for the purpose of reliability improvement.
Analytical
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical Distribution planning, reliability.
1
ID: KOA03
TITLE: Load modelling for Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation
Customer outage cost is a function of the type of activity and equipment in use
during an outage. Different types of load models have been used in literature. The
DESCRIPTION: way the load is modelled has an effect on the cost.
A comparison of the different load models and their effects on customer

DELIVERABLES: interruption cost, based on at least five models taken from a thorough literature
review.
Analytical skills
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Electricity distribution planning and operation, technical and financial costing,
AREA:
reliability.
ID: KOA04
TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Industrial/Commercial Customers.
during an outage. The impact of frequency, duration, time of occurrence of outages
DESCRIPTION: and other parameters on the customer interruption costs need to be established. A
designated customer area should be surveyed to determine interruption cost. A
possible cost model would be developed from the data.
Identification of an area to survey.
Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions.
Develop a cost model
DELIVERABLES: Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of
outages
Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a
common base for use by other researchers.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Problem analysis, good interpersonal skills to obtain necessary data.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Identify possible area to survey

AREA:
reliability.
2
ID: KOA05
TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Residential / Agricultural Customers.
Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions.
Develop a cost model
DELIVERABLES: Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of
outages
Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a
common base for use by other researchers.

AREA:
reliability.
ID: KOA06
TITLE: Customer Interruption Costs Evaluation: Public offices.
Analyse the cost incurred by customers due to interruptions. Develop a cost model
DELIVERABLES: Identify and evaluate possible mitigation actions to reduce the effect of outages.
Supply data in Excel spreadsheets, fully annotated, for submission to a common
base for use by other researchers.

AREA:
reliability.
3
Supervisor: P. Barendse
ID: PB01
Investigating the Potential Energy Savings in Pumping Systems by Utilising VSD’s
TITLE:
and Energy Efficient Motors
The ability to vary the flow rate in a pumping system may be achieved by throttling
valves or by speed control using variable speed drives (VSD’s). The latter option is
far more energy efficient, especially at low speeds. Although this is well understood,
DESCRIPTION: the retrofitting of standard motors with energy efficient motors is less understood.
Therefore the project serves to examine the possible energy savings which may be
achieved by including VSD’s and energy efficient motors into existing pumping
systems.
1) Reviewing the relevant theory on pump systems and efficiency testing
2) Conducting efficiency tests on various configurations of pumping systems
DELIVERABLES:
3) Quantifying the energy savings realised
Interest in motors, electric drives and energy. Also, an interest in a lab/hardware-

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: based project, with some computer interfacing. Furthermore, it will require some
Matlab programming and a willingness to learn/use Simulink.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines and Drives)
ID: PB02
TITLE: Detection of Inter-Turn Faults in Permanent Magnet Wind Generators
Due to economical and environmental benefits, Wind Energy Conversion Systems

(WECS) have received tremendous growth in the past decade. As a direct
consequence comes the need for the reduction of operational and maintenance
costs of these wind generators. The most effective way of reducing these costs
would be to continuously monitor the condition of these generators. Fault diagnosis
DESCRIPTION:
of electrical machines has primarily been focused on steady state operation of the
machine due to the limitations in signal processing techniques. A popular method of
condition monitoring utilizes the steady-state spectral components of the stator
quantities. The work will be carried out on an existing Wind Energy Conversion
System, situated in the machines laboratory.
1) conduct a literature review of the common PM machine faults and fault detection
techniques and 2) simulate various fault conditions on the PM wind generator
without actually damaging the machine 3) identify faults under steady state
DELIVERABLES:
conditions using proposed detection technique 4) examine the effect of the wind
generators control systems on the detection schemes ability to identify the fault 5)
propose solutions to improve technique
Experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think clearly
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: through the consequences of basic electrical theory. (Note: familiarisation with the
Matlab/Simulink software package will take place during the thesis project).
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, drives and signal processing)
4
ID: PB03
TITLE: Implementing a sensorless control strategy for a brushless DC machine
This project serves to aid a larger project which is directed at developing a high
speed flywheel energy storage device. The control of the electrical machine
(brushless DC machine) is dependant on detecting the rotor position. The simplest
DESCRIPTION:
method utilises hall sensors, however due to the high speeds attained by the rotor,
the bandwidth of the sensor is exceeded. It is therefore necessary for sensorless
control.
1) conduct a literature review of sensorless control strategies for brushless DC
machines 2) Select at least two suitable control strategies and implement
DELIVERABLES:
experimentally 3) Conduct a comparative investigation into the proposed techniques
4) recommend improvements
Experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think clearly
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: through the consequences of basic electrical theory. (Note: familiarisation with the
Matlab/Simulink software package will take place during the thesis project)
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, Power Electronics and Drives)
ID: PB04
TITLE: Develop a fuel cell model for real-time control
Power electronic controllers are used to control fuel cells. In order to optimize the
fuel cell performance a model is needed for simulation and design purposes. In
addition models that can operate in real time are needed for emulation, described
in the next activity. Although there has been a considerable amount of research
DESCRIPTION: done on modelling fuel cells, the complexity and computation time associated with
some of these models is a drawback for real-time implementation. These models
use linearization methods on parameters, however it is envisaged that simpler,
lumped parameter models will be developed, which would allow for real-time
implementation and assist in development of the emulator.
Develop a fuel cell model for real-time control
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Modelling, analytical and mathematical skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)
5
ID: PB05
TITLE: Construction of a fuel cell emulator
The testing of actual fuel cells for design and control of power electronic converters,
optimization, diagnosis, and parameter estimation is not always viable. In particular,
to get an actual fuel cell for testing is very difficult due to a limited number of fuel
cell manufacturers, the issue of balance of plant, and the high cost of the fuel cell. A
DESCRIPTION:
fault with the testing procedure can result in expensive damage to the fuel cell.
Therefore, an emulator, which is a power electronic circuit which mimics the static
and dynamic characteristics of the fuel cells, is of considerable value. The lumped
parameters developed in the first task will be used in the emulator development.
Construction of a fuel cell emulator
DELIVERABLES:
Design, experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think

clearly through the consequences of basic electrical theory
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)
6
Supervisor: M. Braae
Subject Area: Control Systems
ID: MB01
TITLE: Filtering of VSC control action
Variable Structure Control is a technique that switches between two state space
controllers thereby inducing sliding motion along a switching line in x-space.
Current research indicates that low pass filtering of the switched control action
produced by a variable structure control law can lead to problems with its ability to
DESCRIPTION:
track setpoints asymptotically with zero error. This does not appear to occur with
the pure integrator (that acts like a low pass filter). Thus the tracking behaviour of
this nonlinear control system may be due to a type number phenomenon. The aim
of the project is to explore the problem of reducing the activity of the input action
demanded by a VSC system.
Literature review followed by analysis and full evaluation of filtering in VSC.
DELIVERABLES: Application of the methods investigated to a laboratory system forms an important
part of the project.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics, nonlinear dynamic systems, programming.
This project is closely related to MB02 in that both explore the problem of excessive
EXTRA INFORMATION:
actuator movement associated with the control method.
AREA: Control
ID: MB02
TITLE: Modification of SMC switching transition
Sliding Mode Control is a technique that switches between two control actions
thereby inducing sliding motion along a switching line in x-space.
Apart from low pass filtering (MB02), the harsh control action from a SMC can be
smoothed by altering its on-off switching surface to contain a linear transition region
DESCRIPTION:
around the switching line that provides a less lively alteration in plant input across
the switching line.
The aim of the project is to investigate the use of this linear transition from “ON” to
“OFF” and to evaluate its efficacy through cost functions.
Literature review followed by analysis and full evaluation of switching surface
DELIVERABLES: modification. Verification of the methods investigated needs to be done on a
laboratory system and forms an important part of the project.
Mathematics, nonlinear dynamic systems, programming.
This project is closely related to MB01 in that both explore the problem of excessive
EXTRA INFORMATION:
actuator movement associated with the control method.
AREA: Control
7
ID: MB03
TITLE: Performance of a model tracking control system
Control loop configurations can be factorized to aid mathematical analysis. Examples

include Q-parameterization and Internal Model Control.
The structure for SISO control systems proposed by Horowitz is intended to facilitate
direct engineering specifications of the blocks in control systems. Specifically models
DESCRIPTION: of the plant and the desired closed loop are entered as a transfer functions to give
direct specification of setpoint tracking dynamics, while a feedback controller is
designed to deal exclusively with plant disturbances and measurement noise.
The ability of the configuration to incorporate asymptotic tracking of various types

of setpoint is to be investigated.
A report detailing the proposed loop and a thorough analysis of its performance
based on standard cost-function indices and level diagrams. These should compare
the proposed system against traditional one-degree-of-freedom and other two-
DELIVERABLES:
degree-of-freedom control configurations, with particular focus on the
implementation of internal model principle (Type Numbers). The control system is
to be applied to a physical plant in the laboratory.
Control theory. Programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of control
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: functions)
EXTRA INFORMATION: The comparison is to be made both in simulation and experimentation.
AREA: Control
ID: MB04
TITLE: Simulation and control of an acrobatic robot
Control of robots requires nonlinear methods. The aim of this project is two-fold: (1)
To develop a simulation on which to evaluate control strategies and (2) To design
and compare the performance of selected control systems in controlling the robot
arm to track a variety of setpoints trajectories.
DESCRIPTION:
Thus a dynamic model for a robot [See reference below] is to be simulated in Visual
Basic with full graphic animation and analog input/output (where possible).
The control of its links using linearization and other nonlinear methods is to be
investigated.
Report detailing the programming, simulation/animation and the results of the
DELIVERABLES: control comparisons, making use of the latest evaluation techniques like cost
functions and level diagrams that allow multi-dimensional visualization.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics (especially of robotic systems). Programming in Visual Basic
Reference
Xie Jim, Li Zushu, Dynamic Model and Motion Control Analysis of Three-link
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Gymnastic Robot on Horizontal Bar Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE, Changsha, China –
October 2003
AREA: Control
8
ID: MB05
TITLE: Automated Describing Function Analyser
Since the 1960s Describing functions have been a well-known method for predicting
limit cycles in control loops that contain nonlinear elements. The aim of this project
is use FFT techniques on a digital computer to generate N(A) functions for nonlinear
blocks.
DESCRIPTION: Unlike other methods based on the Nyquist plots, the describing function will
provide an estimate of the amplitude for the limit cycle through the N(A) function.
The project can be extended to include the other methods with a view to enhancing
them by including such predictions of amplitude. The effect of sensor dynamics also
needs to be considered thoroughly.
A report detailing the program and demonstrating its use on a laboratory rig (like
DELIVERABLES: the servomotor).
Programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of control functions,
including FFT algorithms)
Other transforms might also apply to simple nonlinearities and provide considerable
computational advantage over FFT in such cases. The possibility of making the
EXTRA INFORMATION:
system operate in “recursive” mode rather than “batch” mode should also be
explored.
AREA: Control
ID: MB06
TITLE: Nonlinear Control of Tank Levels
Industrial plants use tanks and bins to hold material between sections.
This project is to explore the use of nonlinear control techniques in optimizing the
use of tanks for this purpose, yet ensuring level control that will prevent overflow
DESCRIPTION:
and emptying – both of which can lead to equipment damage in practice.
The tank system in the laboratory is to be used to demonstrate the methods, and
may lead to a MIMO problem.
Report detailing the theory and its application to digital simulation and physical
DELIVERABLES: units in the laboratory.
Mathematics and programming in Visual Basic (to access its extensive library of
control functions, including analogue interfacing)
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Control
9
ID: MB07
TITLE: Control of Slop Angle in Fuel Tanks
A laboratory rig known as the Ball-and-Hoop system is designed to emulate control

aspects of fuel movement in aircraft tanks during rapid roll manoeuvres.
DESCRIPTION:
The aim of the project is study this laboratory system in depth and to develop a
control method for the optimal rejection of disturbances.
Report detailing the modelling, design and analysis of the control and its
DELIVERABLES: performance both in simulation and in practice.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics of optimal control and programming
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Control
ID: MB08 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Control of a laboratory helicopter
Pre-assigned project, started as a vacation job that prepared the hardware

infrastructure for the model helicopter.
DESCRIPTION:
Working helicopter system controlled from a PC via a computer interface system. In

DELIVERABLES: depth control study including advanced control like nonlinear techniques, optimal
control and others.
Hands-on electronic skills, extending to computer interfacing. Mathematics of
control engineering.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Control
10
Supervisor: S.P. Chowdhury
Subject Area: Power Systems
ID: SPC01
Grid Integration of Wind Energy: Impact on Distribution and Sub-transmission
TITLE:
Systems.
Wind generation systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean power across
the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable wind velocity.
However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in generated power
causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations (power quality problems) and
DESCRIPTION: stability of the existing utility grid. This project deals with modelling and simulation
of utility system and wind power plants of different capacities to see how capacity of
wind plants, wind speed and loading conditions and point of integration of wind
power plants affect the stability and power quality of the grid as well as the wind
power plants.
Integrated model of utility and wind power plants of various capacities to be used for
studying the impact of integration (bus voltages, frequency and short circuit
DELIVERABLES:
capacities at buses) at different wind speeds, load conditions and point of
integration.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation
ID: SPC02
TITLE: Fuzzy based short term load forecasting.
This project involves the application of Fuzzy logic in short term load forecasting
(STLF). The project should include review of previous applications of fuzzy logic in
DESCRIPTION: STLF and development of a fuzzy-based LF model to be used in load forecasts with
temperature and humidity as the main weather parameters affecting load.
The fuzzy STLF model should be tested and validated with real time load data from
DELIVERABLES: South African networks.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in MATLAB
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System
11
ID: SPC03
TITLE: Modelling, operation and control of DG based power island
At present, anti-islanding protection schemes currently enforce the distributed

generators (DGs) to disconnect immediately for grid faults through loss of grid (LOG)
protection system. This greatly reduces the benefits of Distributed Generator (DG)
deployment. This project involves software simulation of operation and control of
DESCRIPTION: DGs in power islands in microgrids and active distribution networks. The idea is to
examine the effect of transition of the DGs from grid-connected to power island
(stand-alone) modes (during grid unavailability) on DG bus voltage and frequency.
The DG controller should be designed such that it exerts DG bus voltage and
frequency control only in power island mode and bypassed in grid-connected mode.
The simulation results should be tested through several case studies with different
DELIVERABLES: grid configuration and loading conditions.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Distributed Generation; Microgrids
ID: SPC04
Modelling and performance analysis of Synchronous Generator based Wind Energy
TITLE:
Conversion Systems with variable gear box.
Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean
power across the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable
wind velocity. However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in
generated power causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations and stability.
This requires detailed modelling and simulation of WECSs for their performance
DESCRIPTION:
analysis under different wind-velocity profiles and load conditions. This work
involves developing an integrated dynamic model of a WECS coupled with
synchronous generator (SG) with variable gearbox. The work must include modelling
the wind turbine, SG, variable gearbox and the control. The WECS model should be
used for dynamic performance analysis for different operating scenarios.
Simulation results showing the dynamic performance of the WECS under varying
DELIVERABLES: wind-speed and loading conditions.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB
12
ID: SPC05
TITLE: Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) based load forecasting.
This project involves the application of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System
(ANFIS) in short term load forecasting (STLF). The project should include review of
DESCRIPTION: previous applications of ANFIS in STLF and development of an ANFIS model to be
used in load forecasts with temperature and humidity as the main weather
parameters affecting load.
The ANFIS STLF model should be tested and validated with real time load data from
DELIVERABLES: South African networks.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System
ID: SPC06
Intelligent techniques in Distribution System loss minimization for Western Cape
TITLE:
Network.
Distribution system loss minimization is needed for improving the operational
efficiency of a distribution system. Several intelligent techniques are available for
DESCRIPTION: distribution system loss minimization. This project involves a literature survey of
several intelligent techniques for loss minimization and application of one technique
for the same for loss minimization in the Western Cape network.
Survey, selection and application of a loss minimization technique to a portion of the
DELIVERABLES: Western Cape network.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in C++, MATLAB and DIgSILENT
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power system operation; power system planning
13
ID: SPC07
Modelling and performance analysis of DFIG based Wind Energy Conversion
TITLE:
Systems.
Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are deployed for generation of clean
power across the globe in geographically suitable areas with a more or less stable
wind velocity. However, the erratic nature of wind velocity leads to fluctuation in
generated power causing problems of voltage/frequency oscillations and stability.
This requires detailed modelling and simulation of WECSs for their performance
DESCRIPTION:
analysis under different wind-velocity profiles and load conditions. This work
involves developing an integrated dynamic model of a doubly-fed induction
generator (DFIG) based WECS. The work must include modelling the wind turbine,
DFIG and the control. The WECS model should be used for dynamic performance
analysis for different operating scenarios.
Simulation results showing the dynamic performance of the WECS under varying
DELIVERABLES: wind-speed and loading conditions.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: SPC08
TITLE: Dynamic modelling of PEM Fuel Cell based DG with Fuzzy Controller.
Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are preferred as environment-

friendly distributed energy resource (DER) in distributed generation (DG) systems.
Their main advantages are less environmental pollution, high efficiency, cleanliness
DESCRIPTION: and safe operation. This project involves dynamic modelling and simulation of a
PEMFC based DG system with fuzzy logic controller. Fuzzy logic controller is used to
control the fuel flow to the reformer of the PEMFC system as per the variation in
load demand.
Simulation results showing the dynamic behavior of the PEMFC based DG with fuzzy
DELIVERABLES: controller under different load conditions.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB
14
Supervisor: S.N. Chowdhury
ID: SNC01
Reliability study of distribution systems with and without DG penetration using
TITLE:
Markov methods
Distribution system reliability assessment is concerned with power availability and
power quality at each customer’s service entrance. The aim of the project is to study
how DG (Distributed Generation) penetration at a distribution feeder may affect
power quality and reliability of the existing feeder as well as operation of feeder
protection. The reliability of the distribution system are to be compared before and
DESCRIPTION:
after DG penetration by Hierarchical Markov Modelling (HMM), which can perform
predictive distribution system reliability assessment. HMM decomposes the
reliability model based on system topology, integrated protection systems, and
individual protection devices. Small diesel generator or gas turbine may be used as
the DG.
Results of comparison of distribution system reliability before and after DG
DELIVERABLES: penetration.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Distribution System Reliability
ID: SNC02
TITLE: Modelling of stand-alone PV plant with MPPT technique.
Photovoltaic (PV) generation is a cost-effective method for renewable power

generation with minimum environmental impact. Due to environmental and
economic benefits, PV is widely deployed as a distributed energy resources (DER) in
distributed generation systems and microgrids. This modelling and simulation
project involves (a) development of mathematical model for a stand-alone
DESCRIPTION: polycrystalline PV plant which can account for the variation of PV output with solar
irradiance and ambient temperature and (b) ensures that for a particular irradiance,
the plant operates at its Maximum Power Point through its MPPT feature. The aim
of the MPPT feature is to ensure that the PV plant generates its maximum power at
a specific solar irradiance by operating at the maximum point of its power curve for
that irradiance.
Results of simulation showing the power and voltage output of the PV plant (with
DELIVERABLES: MPPT feature) for different load profiles at various solar irradiance conditions (daily
variation of solar irradiance may be considered).
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
15
ID: SNC03
Modelling and simulation of PV array and Diesel Generator and/or Gas Turbine
TITLE:
based hybrid power plant.
A hybrid power plant integrates several non-conventional and renewable distributed
energy resources (DERs). The aim of these power systems is to maximize economic
and environmental benefits of the integrated DERs. In this hybrid power system, PV
is used as the renewable DER and diesel generator or gas turbine as the non-
conventional DER. This project involves modelling and simulation of PV array, diesel
DESCRIPTION:
generator/gas turbines and the power system controller. The power output of PV
may fluctuate due to fluctuation in solar irradiance over a whole day or over
seasons. The controller must ensure that whenever there is a shortfall in PV power
output the output of the other generator should be increased to compensate it. This
will ensure a reliable power supply to the customers’ loads.
Results of simulation showing the power output of the PV plant, diesel generator
DELIVERABLES: and the total hybrid power system for different load profiles at various solar
irradiance conditions (daily variation of solar irradiance may be considered).
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation; Microgrids
ID: SNC04
Optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for wide area
TITLE: monitoring protection and control (WAMPAC) applications for Western Cape
Network.
Phasor measurement units (PMUs) measure voltages and currents and time-stamp
these measurements with high precision. PMUs are also able to measure the phase
difference at different substation buses. These measurements are utilised in wide
area monitoring and protection and control (WAMPAC) applications for power
DESCRIPTION:
systems. PMUs should be placed optimally such that a minimum number of PMUs
can provide the necessary measurements for all the buses in a power network. This
is known as ensuring the observability of the system. Optimum placement of PMUs
can be done by intelligent techniques such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) method.
The placement algorithm is to be tested for any portion of the Western Cape
DELIVERABLES: Network and the buses where PMUs must be placed has to be determined.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in C++ and MATLAB.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power System Protection and Control
16
ID: SNC05
TITLE: Fuzzy modelling and performance analysis of PV array in embedded environment.
Fuzzy methods are currently being used for modelling various systems from input
and output variables represented as membership functions. Adaptive neuro fuzzy
inference system (ANFIS) based modelling generates the fuzzy model from existing
operating data by a process called training. Once properly trained, this model is
DESCRIPTION: finally used to generate the output variables from a new set of inputs. In this
project, the fuzzy model for a PV array is to be generated from solar irradiance as
the input training data and power output as the output training data. The model
should be tested and validated with several sets of solar irradiance input data and
the generated output compared with actual power output data.
The model should be used to generate power output values with several sets of
DELIVERABLES: solar irradiance input data and the modelling error must be computed from
generated and actual power output data.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: SNC06
TITLE: Dynamic modelling of SOFC based Distributed Generation.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are used as clean energy sources in distributed
generation (DG) systems. The SOFC system is chosen as a Distributed Energy
Resource (DER) because due to its ability to tolerate relatively impure fuels. It also
can be operated at a higher operating temperature. This project involves modelling
DESCRIPTION:
and simulation of a SOFC-based DG system and analysis of its load following load
following characteristics in stand-alone mode. The control strategy of the SOFC
system must maintain the active power and inverter output AC voltage at the load
bus at specified set points.
Simulation results showing the active power and voltage output for different load
DELIVERABLES: conditions in stand-alone mode.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
17
Supervisor: G. de Jager
Subject Area: Image and Video Processing
ID: GDJ01
TITLE: Bayer pattern colour images
Raw colour images are obtained with a Bayer pattern of colour filters overlaid on the
image. Normally each pixel gets a value of the three RGB colours assigned to by an
interpolation function. It is, however, possible to do image analysis with
DESCRIPTION:
morphological functions without this interpolation which consumes computational
power. This project will investigate how well several image analysis functions
perform with preprocessing methods.
Software functions in MATLAB
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with MATLAB. Signal processing knowledge will be helpful.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Image and video processing
ID: GDJ02
TITLE: Finding new ways of measuring image and video quality
Image quality is traditionally measured using statistical measures such as the mean
square error. Recently new measures have been proposed and these can be applied
DESCRIPTION: to video sequences as well. This project will explore this topic.

DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING, VOL. 18, NO. 3, MARCH 2009 p495
18
ID: GDJ03
TITLE: Tracking moving objects using cameras on wireless sensor network motes
Wireless sensor networks using miniature cameras have recently become available.
Correlating features in image sequences allows motion detection and other
DESCRIPTION: sequence analysis functions.

DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: GDJ04
TITLE: Improving image quality through background subtraction
Many image processing functions require accurate background determination. This

project will investigate different methods of determining backgrounds in colour
DESCRIPTION: images and video sequences.

DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING, VOL. 18, NO. 3, MARCH 2009 p613
19
Supervisor: M.E. Dlodlo
Subject Area: Communications and Speech Processing
ID: MED01
TITLE: Performance Analysis of Coded Wireless Communication Systems
Up to FOUR projects open to students with EEE4026F Digital Communication

Engineering credits only. EEE4086F RF and Microwave Systems credits would be a
distinct advantage.
Objectives: To develop analytic/simulation skills for designing methods of mitigating

the effects of signal degradation mechanisms in mobile, wireless and personal
communication environments.
DESCRIPTION: General Plan:

1) Follow a supervisor guided search of the literature on the latest
developments around the chosen project tasks.
2) Select and design/implement a system model (either analytic, simulation or
both) for testing a hypothetical problem solution preferably in the
laboratory.
3) Generate and interpret results using a careful selection of performance
criteria under set system parameters.
4) Present results and recommendations for further work.
Analytic and simulation results comparing coded and uncoded signal performance
under various fading channel conditions for a fixed modulation and access scheme.
DELIVERABLES:
Selection of channel access scheme, modulation technique and error-control coding
strategy is to be agreed with the supervisor prior to project adoption.
Capability to design, test and specify a small-scale communication system to a given
standard, meeting agreed performance criteria.
The interested student will identify a project idea from the reading assignments
given in the course EEE4026F as well as personal extra reading from the resources
EXTRA INFORMATION:
provided on Vula. The idea must be discussed and an exact title and description
agreed with this supervisor prior to submission to Menzies 4.35.
AREA: Wireless and Personal Communication Systems
20
ID: MED02
TITLE: A Test-to-Text Sotho-Nguni Translator Design for High Performance
This project is for those with an interest in applying their signal processing,
programming and Web authoring skills to the enabling of South Africans to
communicate across language and cultural barriers. Up to three students can work
on the sub-projects.
Objectives: To undertake one of the sub-projects that include developing

1) a million token corpus or
2) a Wiki-based dictionary for any two of the Sotho or Nguni languages, or
3) a word/phrase translator between any two of the languages. Knowledge of
a language in either language group would be a distinct advantage.
DESCRIPTION:
General Project Plan:
1) Study the main issues and techniques of speech and human language
technologies from the viewpoint of the communications/computer
engineer.
2) Select one of the sub-projects, devise a work plan and design a flexible and
scalable multilingual natural language processing model.
3) Implement and quality test the model using web development tools using
appropriate design criteria.
4) Present results in a final-year thesis and publish the tool on the STAR
project web site.
1. Either
(a) A functional user-friendly and scalable general, technical, or scientific
terminology translator and parser on CD/DVD and/or Web site, or
(b) a scalable corpus with an initial collection of at least a million words,
phrases, expressions and statements in common use in the chosen
DELIVERABLES: language, or
(c) an interactive, trainable Wiki-type GUI enabling a community of users to
collaborate through a web site in developing a high quality, evolving,
comprehensive dictionary over a number of years.
2. A thesis analysing the quality and value of personal contribution against other
works in this field of human language technologies.
A background in either EEE4001F Digital Signal Processing or EEE4026F Digital
Communication Engineering is essential. Proficiency in Computer Engineering or
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: computing, digital signal processing, along with Web Applications Development
concepts plus at least one of the languages in the Nguni-Sotho group will be
essential.
This is part of a larger nine-year funded project aimed at empowering local
communities by appropriately applying signal processing, computing and
communication technologies to voice-enabled interface design, man-machine voice
EXTRA INFORMATION: communication, speech synthesizer design, automatic txt-to-text and text-to-speech
conversion, human language translation technology. The larger project is entitled
“Development of HLT Tools for South African Languages” and rests on the use of
Open-Source code.
Digital/Speech Signal Processing, Speech Codec Design and Analysis, Natural
AREA:
Language and Linguistics Modelling, Human-Computer Interaction
21
ID: MED03
Channel estimation and data detection in OFDM/A-type systems with receive
TITLE:
diversity
Objective: To investigate the performance of uncoded or coded wireless OFDM
systems over multipath fading channels. To implement an elementary design of the
receiver with signal processing from either single or multiple antenna inputs and
subsequent coherent detection of the data.
General Project plan:

1) Do a literature study to acquire a theoretical understanding of the basic
concepts of multicarrier modulation (IDFT/DFT block construction and
spectrum loading).
2) Implement in software an (I-)OFDM/A transmitter (PSK/QAM modulator +
IDFT).
DESCRIPTION: 3) Implement in software the quasi-static multipath channel model in the
baseband.
4) Do a further literature study to acquire a theoretical understanding of the
existing channel compensation techniques for the multicarrier systems.
5) Implement a simple pilot-assisted channel estimator (e.g., based on the LS
algorithm) for each of the receiver inputs and analyse the estimation
accuracy.
6) Select and implement a combining scheme for channel compensation based
on the obtained channel estimates.
7) Analyse the bit-error rate (BER) of the end-to-end system to study the effect
of an increase in the number of receiver antenna/e on the transmission
capacity.
A thesis report demonstrating the acquisition of fundamental knowledge about the
functioning of contemporary high-rate wireless multicarrier systems through
analytic results. Evident experience in developing a basic framework including the
DELIVERABLES:
full set of the baseband OFDM transmission components, which can be
subsequently used to solve more advanced research problems. A PowerPoint
presentation of the results to a general audience.
Familiarity with multiple access, multiplexing, digital modulation/demodulation,
error correction, and fading channels.
All the project phases can be accomplished using the MatLab/Simulink software
and/or C++ for modelling and simulation purposes.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Mentoring will be available, if desired.
AREA: Wireless communication systems
22
Supervisor: T. Douglas
Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering
ID: TD01
TITLE: Unsupervised clustering of facial features for fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosis
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs as a result of maternal alcohol consumption

during pregnancy and is a serious public health problem in South Africa. Children
with FAS have characteristic facial features. Traditionally, facial distance
measurements are compared to reference values in order to detect deviations from
the norm which are indicative of FAS; these deviations are used in addition to
several other factors in FAS diagnosis. Normal reference values for facial distances
have not been established for South African populations, and using those
established for other populations may not be appropriate. More recently, statistical
DESCRIPTION:
shape analysis methods have shown promise in defining the FAS facial appearance.
This project will use unsupervised clustering methods (e.g. k-means clustering; fuzzy
c-means clustering; Gaussian mixture models; hierarchical clustering) to group facial
distances and facial shapes of children with FAS and unaffected children, in order to
determine which facial features best describe FAS in a sample from a South African
population. We obtain facial distances and facial shapes from stereo digital
photographs.
Clustered facial data obtained by applying different clustering methods.
Correlations between facial clusters and diagnoses (FAS/normal).
DELIVERABLES:
Recommendation as to the most appropriate clustering method for the data.
- Analysis of the facial features that best define the different clusters.
Proficiency in Matlab; proficiency/interest in statistics, pattern recognition and
image analysis; interest in biomedical applications.
Mutsvangwa, T. & Douglas, T. S. 2007. Morphometric analysis of facial
landmark data to characterize the facial phenotype associated with fetal
alcohol syndrome. Journal of Anatomy, 210(2): 209-220.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Fang, S., McLaughlin, J., Fang, J., Huang, J., Autti-Rämö, I., Fagerlund, Å, et al.
2008. Automated diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome using 3D facial image
analysis. Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, 11(3): 162-171.
http://www.bme.uct.ac.za/MIRU_research_FAS_photogrammetry.htm
AREA: Biomedical pattern recognition
23
ID: TD02 (Pre-Assigned)
TITLE: Image processing to detect malaria in blood smear images
The project will form part of a larger effort to automate the diagnosis of malaria in
blood smears, and will address automatic detection of red blood cells infected with
DESCRIPTION: the Plasmodium parasite in microscope images of blood smears.
Algorithms to identify and count red blood cells in images of blood smear slides, and
DELIVERABLES: identify and count those cells that are infected with the malaria parasite.
Proficiency in Matlab; proficiency/interest in pattern recognition and image analysis;

interest in biomedical applications.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Biomedical image analysis
24
Supervisor: B.J. Downing
Subject Area: RF and Microwaves
ID: BJD01
TITLE: Design & Development of Parabolic Antennas as a Teaching Guide
There is a need to establish laboratory practicals for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical
Engineering students in antenna characteristics. The project involves designing and
DESCRIPTION: fabricating prime focus and cassegrain parabolic antennas for use in such practicals.
Working antennas supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna

DELIVERABLES: characteristics in a 2 hour practical for 3rd year and 4th year students.
You should ideally have passed EEE 4086F or at least have a good understanding of
RF and Microwaves as an academic subject.
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is suitable for 2 students
AREA: RF & Microwaves
ID: BJD02
TITLE: Design & Development of Microstrip Antennas as a Teaching Guide
Engineering students in antenna characteristics. The project involves designing and
DESCRIPTION: fabricating microstrip antennas for use in such practicals.
Working antennas supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna

RF and microwaves as an academic subject.
25
ID: BJD03
TITLE: Design & Development of Fanbeam Antennas
There is a need to establish laboratory for 3rd year and 4th year Electrical Engineering
students in antenna characteristics. The project involves investigating various types
DESCRIPTION: of fanbeam antennas and designing and fabricating one type of fanbeam antenna.
Working antenna supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna

ID: BJD04
TITLE: Design & Development of Circular Polarized Antennas
Engineering students in antenna characteristics. Most antennas are linearly
DESCRIPTION: polarized and they must have the same orientation in order to operate. This project
involves investigating methods of propagating circular polarized signals where the
correct antenna orientation is not required in order to operate.
A working antenna supplied with instructions of how to measure the antenna
26
Supervisor: O.E. Falowo
Subject Area: Telecommunications and Data Networks
ID: OEF01
Comparative Study of Joint Call Admission Control (JCAC) Algorithms in
TITLE:
Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Joint call admission control algorithms are needed to make call admission decisions
in wireless networks. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare the
DESCRIPTION: performance of JCAC algorithms in heterogeneous wireless networks. Performance
metrics such as call blocking probability, call dropping probability, and radio
resource utilization will be used.
Algorithms, simulation results, performance evaluation, report
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++
Successful completion of this project will create opportunity for further work in
EXTRA INFORMATION:
postgraduate research.
AREA: Telecommunication and data networks
ID: OEF02
TITLE: Analysis of Mobile Terminal Heterogeneity in Next Generation Wireless Networks
Next generation wireless networks will support heterogeneous mobile terminals.

Terminal heterogeneity refers to different types of terminals in terms of number of
networks supported (modality), types of services supported, display size, energy
DESCRIPTION:
consumption, portability/weight, complexity, etc. The objective of the thesis is to
analyze terminal heterogeneity in next generation wireless networks, and evaluate
its effect on quality of service and radio resource utilization.
Design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
27
ID: OEF03
TITLE: Pricing Scheme for Heterogeneous Services in Next generation Wireless Networks
Next generation wireless networks (NGWN) will support heterogeneous services.

Service price in NGWN will depend of the type of service, quality of service, time of
DESCRIPTION: service, etc. Moreover, service price will also depend of the available radio access
technologies. The objective of this thesis is to develop an efficient pricing scheme for
NGWN.
Algorithm, simulation results, performance evaluation, report
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++, NS-2
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: OEF04
TITLE: Traffic Load Balancing in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
A heterogeneous wireless network consists of multiple radio access technologies

coexisting in the same geographical area. In heterogeneous wireless networks, load
DESCRIPTION: balancing is essential for efficient radio resource utilization, quality of service, and
overall network stability. The objective of the thesis is to investigate techniques for
load balancing in heterogeneous wireless networks.
Algorithm, simulation results, performance evaluation, report
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
28
ID: OEF05
TITLE: Handover Scheme for Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks
In heterogeneous wireless network, vertical handover incurs high delay that

impedes the performance of real time applications over mobile IP. The objective of
DESCRIPTION: the thesis is to develop a handover scheme that reduces vertical handoff delay in
heterogeneous wireless network.
Design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++, NS-2
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: OEF06
TITLE: Bandwidth Management Schemes for Next Generation Wireless Networks
Radio resources are scarce and often very expensive. Therefore, efficient utilization
of radio resources is a major concern. The objective of the thesis is to investigate
DESCRIPTION: bandwidth allocation strategies in heterogeneous wireless networks.
Algorithm, design, simulation results, performance evaluation, report

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills: MATLAB, C++/NS-2
EXTRA INFORMATION:
29
ID: OEF07
TITLE: Radio Resource Allocation for Multimedia Services Under Fairness Policy
The objective of the research is to incorporate fairness constraints into joint call
admission control algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks. (1) Study fairness
DESCRIPTION: in radio resource utilization among different call classes (2) Incorporate fairness into
joint call admission control algorithm (3) Evaluate performance in terms of call
blocking probability and resource utilization
Algorithms, simulation results, performance evaluation, report
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
30
Supervisor: C.T. Gaunt
ID: CTG01
TITLE: Harmonics in CFLs
Several final year project students have investigated the harmonics generated by
CFLs, but mostly looking at one lamp at a time. Silvester (2008) reported that the
THD for three lamps in parallel was significantly lower than for one. The idea arises
DESCRIPTION:
that the variability between the 'ignition' point of the CFLs might follow a normal or
beta probability distribution, with the result that the harmonic level of large
numbers of lamps could be projected using probabilistic approaches. Investigate.
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION: The scope includes preparing a draft paper suitable for publication.
AREA: Power Systems
ID: CTG02
TITLE: Effect of emerging technologies
This topic requires detailed analysis of the effects of emerging technologies,

especially in electric cars and renewable energy sources, on the future structure and
DESCRIPTION: operation of electricity delivery networks in South Africa. .
A qualitative study (literature review) will not be adequate; the results must be
DELIVERABLES: quantified
Two students could work together on different aspects of this topic, the scope being
determined in consultation with each other and the supervisor.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Systems
31
ID: CTG03
TITLE: Effect of solar water heating on domestic loads
Detailed analysis of the impact of solar water heating on the design loads used for
household electrification in South Africa. The analysis must lead to recommended
DESCRIPTION: parameters for planners and designers of electrification projects.
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Systems
ID: CTG04
TITLE: Comparison of feeder designs
Investigation of the extent of and reasons for the increasing cost per household of
electrification connections in the South African National Electrification Programme
DESCRIPTION: since 2000.
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Systems
32
ID: CTG05
TITLE: Comparison of design methods for electrification feeders
A detailed analysis of the design of an LV feeder for domestic customers using

probabilistic load models and the Herman Beta algorithm, compared with using the
DESCRIPTION: design guidelines adopted by the utility E.On in the UK.
DELIVERABLES:
(Seehttp://www.eon-
EXTRA INFORMATION: uk.com/distribution/CiCdocs/01%20Technical%20Documents/CN%20Combined/Net
work%20Design/Network%20Design%20Manual%20v7.7.pdf for details)
AREA: Power Systems
ID: CTG06
TITLE: Non-active power in a transformer carrying geomagnetically induced currents
Analysis of the real, apparent and non-active power in a transformer carrying quasi-
dc as induced by geomagnetic storms. The project will require the application of
DESCRIPTION: modern power theory (Malengret's general theory for power in m-wire systems) and
practical measurement on a laboratory model.
DELIVERABLES:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Systems
33
ID: CTG07
TITLE: Distribution technology
A topic on delivery system planning or design (which may include transmission or

distribution systems and lines or substations), to be determined by agreement
DESCRIPTION: between the student, an industry advisor and the supervisor.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: May be proposed by a student working for a utility, mine or industry.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Systems
34
Supervisor: S.I. Ginsberg
Subject Area: Digital Electronics and Computer Engineering
ID: SIG01
TITLE: Dual HC08 Core implementation on FPGA
VHDL descriptions of the HC08 core are available online. These should be instruction
set compatible with the HC08-based tools (CodeWarrior, Pemicro) in use in the
DESCRIPTION: department. This thesis calls for at least two HC08 cores and a block of memory to
be implemented on an FPGA. These cores will communicate through shared on-chip
memory.
An FPGA running two truly simultaneous programs produced by a compiler
DELIVERABLES: producing HC08 compatible machine code
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL, Computer architecture
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer Engineering
ID: SIG02
TITLE: Emulated HCS08 on Actel, drop in to GT16 board with ICD support
VHDL descriptions of the HC08 core are available online. These should be instruction
set compatible with the HC08-based tools (CodeWarrior, Pemicro) in use in the
department. The BDM interface specifications for the GT16 microcontroller are also
available.
DESCRIPTION:
You will build a simple FPGA board that plugs in to the microcontroller socket on the
GT16 microcontroller. You will run an HC08 soft core on that and design a module
which emulates the debug protocol so that CodeWarrior “thinks” that it is
communicating with a GT16 microcontroller.
An FPGA-based board that drops into the GT16 board and allows the soft core to be
DELIVERABLES: programmed seamlessly by CodeWarrior.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL, Computer architecture
EXTRA INFORMATION:
35
ID: SIG03
TITLE: Full featured audio power amplifier
Design a fully featured high fidelity audio amplifier. The system must be designed
modularly, in accordance with good engineering techniques. Please note that this
DESCRIPTION: design will be carried out in a strictly RATIONAL way. Design decisions will be based
on scientific understanding of the principles involved.
A fully functional well featured audio power amplifier.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronics
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics
ID: SIG04
3D real time spectrum analyser, capable of showing real and imaginary
TITLE:
components.
A normal spectrum analyser does not represent the phase shifts that a signal
experiences as it travels through a system. Using a Fourier transform package, a
graphics library and a data acquisition system you will design a computer-based
DESCRIPTION:
spectrum analyser which uses a 3D display to show the phase and magnitude of a
signal in real time. The system is to be oriented towards an educational
environment.
A working 3D spectrum analyser package
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong C programming. Interfacing skills
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Software
36
ID: SIG05
TITLE: General purpose consumer item hardware
Very many consumer “gadgets” call for fairly common hardware. Typically they will
feature a medium powered CPU, LCD, Sound, memory card interface as well as an
add-on to give the overall device. MP3 players, cellphones, GPS systems, PDA's and
even some calculators follow this pattern.
DESCRIPTION:
This thesis aims to build the common part of the hardware for these systems as well
as simple hardware-level libraries to test the subsystems. Future work will specialize
the common platform into specific devices.
A working board with CPU (Preferably 32 bit), graphic LCD, audio CODEC and
DELIVERABLES: memory card interface.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronics, Programming
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics/Digital Systems
ID: SIG06
TITLE: CNC wire bending machine
Supermarket trolleys, metal racks and coat hangers are among the things which are
made by bending wire into shapes. This is done in industry by a computer controlled
wire bending machine. Such a machine typically has two or three grippers which are
DESCRIPTION:
driven by leadscrews and can rotate to bend the wire. This system needs to be
driven from a computer's USB/serial/parallel port. Software running on the
computer needs to take a program, interpret it and send it to the machine
A working CNC wire bending machine and driver software.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Very strong mechanical skills. Good electronics and software skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Mechatronics
37
ID: SIG07
TITLE: Digital watch using nanopower IGLOO FPGA
Actel has a family of low power FPGA devices called the Igloo family. They claim
microwatt power consumption. This makes them suitable for very low power
DESCRIPTION: applications, such as a digital watch. Previously this area was closed to FPGA's
because they were too power hungry. This thesis seeks to explore the use of FPGA's
in very low power applications by building a low power device and testing it.
A working digital watch, together with test results discussing the power
DELIVERABLES: consumption of the watch and commenting on the applicability and competitiveness
of low power FPGA's in this arena.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: VHDL/digital design; Electronics
The hardware may be defined either in VHDL (If you're skilled in that area) or as a
EXTRA INFORMATION:
circuit diagram if your skills are in pure hardware design.
AREA: Electronics/Computer engineering
ID: SIG08
TITLE: Robotics Studio Robot Test
Microsoft Robotics Studio is a free (non commercial use) development environment

for use in controlling robotic devices.
See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/robotics/default.aspx for more information.

DESCRIPTION:
In this thesis you will build a small multi-axis robotic arm suitable for pick and place
operations and provide it with an interface to a computer. You will then use
Robotics Studio to program the arm to perform a sequence of operations. The
system will also have a user interface for functions such as stop, go back etc.
A robotic arm performing a sequence of moves under control of Robotics Studio.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Fair mechanical design and construction. Microcontrollers and PC interfacing
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Mechatronics.
38
Supervisor: M.R. Inggs
Subject Area: RADAR, RF and Microwave systems
ID: MRI01
TITLE: Implement a SAR processing algorithm suitable for execution with MapReduce
Synthetic aperture radar is a radar signal processing technology which combines

multiple radar pulses to form a single high resolution radar image. The chirp scaling
SAR processing algorithm is suitable for implementation on both multiprocessor
DESCRIPTION:
computers and clusters of computers. An implementation of chirp scaling or other
parallelizable SAR algorithm, based on the mapreduce approach would significantly
simplify the processing of large volumes of SAR data.
In this project, you will be required to implement a simple SAR processing algorithm
using one of the many open source mapreduce libraries available. Simulated SAR
DELIVERABLES:
data will be made available for testing the algorithm. This project includes the
opportunity to test the software on a compute cluster.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing, programming (in a language of your choice)
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, radar, computer engineering
ID: MRI02
TITLE: Extend the FERS multistatic radar simulator for execution on a compute cluster
FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) is a simulator for multistatic radar,

which is currently designed to operate on a single multiprocessor computer. This
DESCRIPTION: project focuses on extending the simulator to allow simulations to be run over a
cluster of computers. This can be achieved by breaking down the radar simulation
into parallelizable pieces, and combining the results following the simulation.
In this project, you will be required to demonstrate running a radar simulation over
multiple hosts for a pulsed radar system with multiple targets. Opportunities for
DELIVERABLES:
extensions of the work include looking at parallelization of continuous wave (CW)
and SAR simulations.
Digital signal processing, programming (in C++, and possibly a language of your
choice).
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer engineering, simulation.
39
ID: MRI03
Investigate the feasibility of near-realtime radar processing from a netted PCL
TITLE:
system using a public cloud
The implementation Passive Coherent Location radar systems, which use continuous
wave transmitters of opportunity to locate and track targets, requires a large
amount of computing power, which may not be available at the radar installation
DESCRIPTION:
site. This project is to look at the feasibility of capturing PCL radar signals at a
remote site, transferring the required data to a cloud computing service for
processing and fusion with data from other sensors in the network.
This project will include the implementation of basic PCL processing algorithms,
testing their performance in the cloud, and investigating the systems level aspects
DELIVERABLES: (including performance, cost and security) of performing the required processing
using a remote public cloud computing service. This project includes the opportunity
to test the results using Amazon EC2.
Digital Signal Processing, programming (in a language of your choice), a wide
knowledge of computing and networking would be helpful.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer engineering, simulation.
ID: MRI04
TITLE: Antenna measurement facility
http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/ug_projects/russell_ugthesis.pdf
This project will use the API developed in the project above, together with LabView,
to implement an antenna test station. The receiver will be network controlled
spectrum analyser, with programmable source for RF excitation.
The API provides a number of methods to control the movement and position of the
DESCRIPTION: pedestal on both its elevation and azimuth axes. The control algorithm used was
created using the statistical analysis of key factors affecting the accurate positioning
of the pedestal on its axes. The system was made to run in an Open Source
environment (Ubuntu
2 8.04.1 LTS - Hardy Heron) with a Linux kernel version of 2.6.24-21. The accuracy of
the azimuth axis positioning was calculated to be within 0:2915° with a standard
deviation of 0:0544° and the accuracy of the elevation axis positioning was
calculated to be within 0:0193° with a standard deviation of 0:0308°.
Working system with simple GUI to set up measurement parameters, and produce
DELIVERABLES: radiation pattern plot fles.
Good programming skills: LabView is a simple environment providing easy

development of control GUIs.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Software, microwaves
40
ID: MRI05
TITLE: Cloud Computing Implementation in Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a cloud computing front end that works with many of the commercial
offerings of computer resources in the cloud format. This project aims at
DESCRIPTION: implementing Eucalyptus and testing it with some cloud infrastructures.
Working Eucalyptus system demonstrating some applications running.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Strong software skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical and Computer Engineering.
ID: MRI06
TITLE: Modelling of microdoppler from humans and animals.
Modelling of micro doppler returns from humans and animals based on work done
by PIXAR for purposes of radar target recognition. This doppler will be from moving
DESCRIPTION: limbs, as well as the torso.
Report detailing the models, code and results from various complex targets.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, basic EM theory. Programming skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, radar
41
ID: MRI07
TITLE: Development of a Sonar for imaging
The sonar will be based on the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP
http://www.ettus.com/), and a completed M.Sc. dissertation. The project will build
DESCRIPTION: on the hardware and software of this project to produce a more user friendly
interface for demonstration to students.
Working hardware and software, capable of producing detections of acoustic

DELIVERABLES: targets.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some electronics (transducer drivers) and software skills, especially Python.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, electronics.
ID: MRI08
TITLE: Physical optics based modelling of a ship at sea.
Including dynamics of sea vessel, dynamics of sea surface and the physical optics
interaction of the radar pulse. This could easily lead to a Masters in this field that
DESCRIPTION: could feed into the CSIR RCS modelling work.
Analysis and modelling code, demonstrated with known test cases.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: EM theory basics, programming skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: EM modelling.
42
ID: MRI09
TITLE: Open source FDTD codes for radar cross section predictions.
Prof. Sevgi at Dogus University in Turkey (http://www3.dogus.edu.tr/lsevgi/) has

released a number of codes implementing fnite difference time domain (FDTD) for
DESCRIPTION: electromagnetic modelling. This project will aim at modifying the codes to work with
the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers), to obtain realistic
radar cross sections of moving targets.
Verifcation of existing tools from Dogus, and design and implementation of the
DELIVERABLES: interface to FERS.
Background and interest in EM theory. Reasonable programming skills in Java and

Matlab
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical Engineering, EM Theory.
ID: MRI10
TITLE: Control of a 12 Channel receiver.
An existing 12 channel receiver, with dual IFs,

(http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/mwu_thesis.pdf) requires a
simplifed API to allow for a unifed network control of each of its channels. This
means control of the frst and second LOs and the IF attenuation of the receiver
DESCRIPTION:
channels through a single network port, with a well defned API. In addition, a simple
GUI is required, running on a remote machine, to allow receiver control. The project
could be extended to demonstrate digital beamforming i.e. the outputs of a number
of receivers could be combined to produce a desired radiation pattern.
Working code and interfaces to the receiver.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Programming skills in languages such as C, C++, Python and LabView.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF and microwaves, programming, control.
43
ID: MRI11
TITLE: FEKO interface to FERS
FEKO (http://www.emss.co.za) is a powerful EM modelling code, and the plan is to

use it to predict the radiation pattern of a target, for use in the FERS radar simulator
DESCRIPTION: (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers). The project will defne the interfaces to
handle the transfer of parameters between the two codes.
Working code and examples from canonical (where closed form solutions exist)
DELIVERABLES: targets.
Interest in EM theory, radar, and good programming skills. Knowledge of scripting in

Python and programming in C++ would be best.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electromagnetics, software engineering
ID: MRI12
TITLE: Design of an L Band Radar Transceiver
There is a requirement to design, simulate and test a radar transceiver for use in the
L Band (1.5GHz). The RF hardware will be based on previous projects in the group,
DESCRIPTION: and the exciter will be based on an ongoing projects using the Universal Software
Radio Peripheral (USRP http://www.ettus.com/).
Specifcation, design, simulation and test of key aspects of the transceiver.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF Design (EEE4086F).
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF design.
44
ID: MRI13
TITLE: Project infrastructure for the EEE4084F Course
This project will test various software frameworks (Matlab and System Generator,
Altium, SystemView) and choose suitable hardware for laboratory work in Digitial
DESCRIPTION: Signal Processing for the EEE4084F course.
Report and recommendations for laboratory infrastructure. Samples of working DSP

DELIVERABLES: code.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, FPGA programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: MRI14
TITLE: Install, test and interface the NEST 2B Synthetic Aperture Radar processor to FERS
NEST has been released by the European Space Agency. We would like to interface
the output of the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) to this
DESCRIPTION: software, to assist in the design and evaluation of radar designs. Download and
install NEST 2B for Windows and Linux at http://earth.esa.int/nest
Working interface between FERS and NEST, with examples of airborne and satellite
DELIVERABLES: imaging radar systems.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, interest in radar, good software skills (Python and C++)
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, Radar, Software.
45
ID: MRI15
TITLE: Implementation of a continuous FFT
It is possible to formulate the FFT so that the outputs can be updated by the
addition of a new sample from the time series, and discarding of the oldest. This
DESCRIPTION: would allow for a real time spectrogram to be displayed. The project could be
extended to run on an FPGA.
Working code in Python or C, C++. Samples of code.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, software skills. FPGA programming a bonus.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing. Coding.
ID: MRI16
TITLE: FPGA signal processing for the AstroGig.
The AstroGig is a 500Ms/sec device, ftted with QDR memory and a Lattice FPGA. We
would like to investigate the implementation of real time signal processing for the
DESCRIPTION: FPGA, such as Polyphase fltering, digital downconversion, decimation, and so on.
The AstroGig is described in detail in:
http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/jsalkinder_thesis.pdf
Simulations and working code of an agreed suit of signal processing blocks.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, FPGA programming in Verilog or VHDL.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, computer engineering
46
ID: MRI17
TITLE: Broad band Balun for A/D and D/A devices
Modern A/D and D/A devices have analogue bandwidths extending into the GHz
frequencies. This project will look at the design of baluns for some of these devices,
DESCRIPTION: to allow them to be utilised directly with RF systems.
Simulations and prototypes of Baluns for the A/D and D/A devices utilised in the
DELIVERABLES: AstroGig project:
http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/theses/msc_theses/jsalkinder_thesis.pdf
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF Design (relevant 3rd year courses, EEE4086F preferred).
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF and microwaves.
ID: MRI18
TITLE: Thin clients for Net 2.0 applications
Applications such as Google Mail, Google Documents, etc. show how the need for
local processing power is declining. However, the thin client needed to access these
DESCRIPTION: applications needs good web browsing capabilities. This project will use existing ITX
motherboards to boot of a web server and run the web oriented services.
Working thin client prototypes suitable for deployment in student and academic
DELIVERABLES: administration staff offices.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some experience with operating systems, networks, scripting.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer Engineering.
47
ID: MRI19
TITLE: Voice over internet telephone network for laboratory
Asterisk (www.asterisk.org/) is an open source VOIP telephony system. This project

will investigate the deployment of such a system in a laboratory, to enable each
DESCRIPTION: member of the laboratory to have telephone access over the internet and also
landline. A high level of cost control of calls is necessary, to allow the landline to
have open access, but requiring users to justify usage of the resource.
Working system, with VOIP telephones and suitable interfaces to landlines and VOIP
DELIVERABLES: service providers.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Software systems in Python, C, C++
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer Engineering.
ID: MRI20
TITLE: Aigaion search engine.
Aigaion is a database front end oriented to the storage of academic research

materials. The present search engine is very limited in that keywords are
DESCRIPTION: automatically in an “or” relationship, making is difficult to home in on specific
documents. A more powerful search engine is required.
Working, advanced search engine interfaced to Aigaion.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of databases, PHP, MySQL.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer engineering
48
ID: MRI21
TITLE: Ocean current monitoring with passive radar
Ocean currents carry wave trains and capillary waves due to wind. These waves
backscatter electromagnetic waves, and shift the signals by an amount of the
DESCRIPTION: bistatic doppler. Commercial broadcast services illuminate the ocean with significant
amounts of EM energy. This project will investigate whether it is possible to
measure coastal ocean currents from the backscatter from FM radio and TV signals.
Report with analysis and simulations.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Basic EM Theory, some signal processing knowledge.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Remote sensing, signal processing.
ID: MRI22
TITLE: Monopulse Sonar Tracker
Phase and Amplitude comparison monopulse uses the output of a sum and
difference of two collocated antennas to provide angle information for the tracking
DESCRIPTION: of targets. This project will design and built an amplitude comparison monopulse
tracker, and if progress is good, interface it to a tracking pedestal (see project
MRI04)
Report on the design, construction and test of an amplitude comparison sonar
DELIVERABLES: system.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analogue electronics.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical Engineering.
49
ID: MRI23
TITLE: Sparse array angle tracking system simulator
A target is illuminated with a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave signal, and

received by a two dimensional array of receivers. These receive antennas are
DESCRIPTION: randomly placed in the plane, and their spacing causes ambiguous beams. This
system is to be simulated with FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers)). The
possibility of resolving the ambiguities with smoothing filters is to be investigated.
Report demonstrating the outputs of the radar, and possibly the
DELIVERABLES: resolution of the tracking ambiguities.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, programming skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Signal processing, radar.
ID: MRI24
TITLE: Accurate propagation models for radar simulation.
The US Navy has made available an accurate simulation model of atmospheric

propagation, known as AREPS. We would like to add this model of propagation to
DESCRIPTION: the FERS radar simulator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers). The model takes
into account terrain and atmospheric effects.
Demonstration of the AREPS code working with FERS in classic, example cases of
DELIVERABLES: propagation.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Scripting in Python, some knowledge of C++.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Modelling, EM propagation, radar, simulation.
50
ID: MRI25
TITLE: Development of a robust telemetry link for sounding rocket applications
There is a requirement to develop a robust telemetry link for a small sounding

rocket. The system will have to conform to tight constraints of mass, power and
DESCRIPTION: volume. The link will have to communicate infight performance data on a number of
parameters to be received from the fight control system, which is also currently
under development.
Survey of commercially available radio frequency links used for rockets and UAVs
Definition of system requirements. Selection or definition of protocols to be used.
DELIVERABLES: Development of lab-bench prototype design. Prototype constructed for airborne
segment. Prototype constructed for ground segment. Field testing on ground and in
fight (UAV) Test in rocket application. Project report.
This project requires a student to have a good grasp of electronic design, good
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: programming skills and a good understanding of radio propagation and antenna
theory.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Contact Dr Peter Martinez (secretariat@space.gov.za)
AREA: Mechanical engineering, electronic engineering
ID: MRI26
TITLE: Investigation of a corona ionisation electric engine for spacecraft propulsion.
Ion engines have several advantages over chemical rocket motors for deep space
missions and for station-keeping of satellites. Conventional ion engines incorporate
an ionisation chamber and grids to accelerate the ions. This project will explore a
DESCRIPTION: new concept of ion engine. Instead of electron ionization in a discharge chamber, it
utilizes the more efficient corona ionization mechanism. This addresses some of the
shortcomings of traditional systems, specifically ionization efficiency and erosion.
Erosion becomes almost negligible, because no grids are present.
A demonstration engine will be constructed to validate the proof of concept. Tests
will be performed to characterise engine performance against theoretical
DELIVERABLES: predictions. This project could easily expand into a Masters project exploring this
concept in much more depth in areas such as modelling, materials, operational
characteristics, fuels, etc.
This project requires a student to have a good grasp of basic physics, an ability to
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: develop some electronics for the control systems, an ability to plan and execute a
series of experiments
AREA: Mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, physics
51
ID: MRI27
TITLE: Development of a fight control system for rocket applications
There is a requirement to develop a computer-based fight control system for a

sounding rocket under development. The fight computer will control on-board
DESCRIPTION: instruments and sensors to assess fight performance, it will process and store fights
data, prepare the data for transmission to the ground via telemetry and also control
the deployment of the recovery system for the payload.
Survey of commercially available fight computers for rockets and UAVs
DELIVERABLES: Development of requirements. Develop fight computer architecture. Prototype
constructed. Test in rocket application. Project report.
programming skills and skills in interfacing with sensors
ID: MRI28
TITLE: Development of a rocket motor test stand
There is a requirement to develop a test stand to characterise the performance of

small rocket motors. The test stand will obtain data on thrust and other variable at
DESCRIPTION: high data rates to characterise the performance of different motor designs and
different fuels.
Definition of system requirements. Selection or definition of COTS items to be used

and purpose-built components to be used. Develop sensor system Test stand frame
DELIVERABLES:
Sensor system Data acquisition system Motor ignition system Test stand control
system Test in rocket motor Project report.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: programming skills and a good understanding of radio propagation and antenna
theory.
52
Supervisor: L. John
Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering
ID: LJ01 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Embedded telemedicine interface unit for medical devices
Design and build an embedded system that is able to receive Bluetooth packets
from a prototype ECG unit that has been developed by UCT Biomedical Engineering.
The system should also carry out some preliminary analysis e.g. heart-rate
DESCRIPTION: calculation to be displayed in real-time on the board and should transmit the data to
a central server using a cellular communication protocol such as 3G. Prototype
server software with a web interface should also be developed to demonstrate
functionality.
1) Embedded system with Bluetooth and 3G (or any other suitable cellular protocol)
interface
(2) Real-time heart rate display
DELIVERABLES:
(3) Prototype server software to archive and display received information via a web
interface
(4) Test the device by using an ECG simulator
Embedded systems electronics, programming (embedded- Java/C/C++ and web-
based PHP etc)
(1) The student is required to select a suitable microprocessor or embedded
development board – factoring in the time required to order and receive the parts.
LR John will cover the purchase costs.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
(2) LR John will provide access to the BME ECG prototype
(3) Testing will be carried out using the ECG simulator at BME
AREA: Embedded systems, Web based software, Biomedical Engineering, Signal Processing
53
Supervisor: A.W. Jongens
Subject Area: Acoustic Engineering
ID: AWJ01
TITLE: Loudspeaker Response
The frequency response of sound emission from a loudspeaker in air is different to

that when the loudspeaker radiates sound into one end of a tube. This is due to the
DESCRIPTION: difference in impedance of free air compared to air in a tube.
Revue the theory of the operation of a loudspeaker and use this to select the most
suitable loudspeaker to radiate sound in a 100mm diameter tube. Validate your
DELIVERABLES:
choice by measuring the impulse and frequency response of the chosen loudspeaker
radiating sound into the tube
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electro Acoustics
ID: AWJ02
Use of Pseudo-Random and Swept Sine Signals in the Measurement of Sound
TITLE:
Absorption
A broad audio band signal is used to measure the plane wave sound absorption
coefficient of material samples placed at one end of a tube. A loudspeaker located
DESCRIPTION: at the other end produces the audio signal. A microphone fixed halfway along the
inner tube is used to measure the transfer function of the measurement surface
from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.
Compare the results of using a swept-sine signal with a pseudo-random signal
DELIVERABLES: applied to sound absorption measurements in terms of accuracy and signal
processing complexity.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Acoustics; Signal Processing
54
ID: AWJ03
TITLE: Optimising Impulse Response of a System by Signal Processing
An audio signal radiated by a loudspeaker located at one end of a tube is used to

measure the sound absorption coefficient of a material sample placed at the other
DESCRIPTION: end. A microphone fixed halfway along the inner tube is used to measure the
transfer function of the sample from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.
Investigate, apply and assess various signal processing methods to optimise the
DELIVERABLES: impulse response of the tube method of measuring sound absorption of materials
including incorporating inverse filtering of the loudspeaker signal.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: AWJ04
TITLE: Deconvolution of Two Signals
A broad audio band signal radiated by a loudspeaker located at one end of a tube is
used to measure the sound absorption coefficient of a material sample placed at the
DESCRIPTION: other end. A microphone fixed halfway along the inner tube is used to measure the
transfer function of the sample from which the absorption coefficient is calculated.
Investigate, apply and assess various signal processing methods to optimise the
DELIVERABLES: deconvolution (separation) of the incident and reflected signal in the tube method
to measure the sound absorption of material samples.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
55
ID: AWJ05
TITLE: Sound Insulation of Light-Weight Partitions
All walls and especially lightweight partitions display relatively low sound insulation
at low frequencies. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate means of increasing
DESCRIPTION: the sound insulation of partitions at low frequencies.
Review the theory of sound transmission through partitions. Develop a computer

program to predict the sound insulation performance of a single and multiple skin
DELIVERABLES:
partition and use this to attempt to improve the sound insulation properties of
existing partitions.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Building Acoustics; Computer programming
ID: AWJ06
TITLE: Road Traffic Noise Prediction
South African National Standard (SANS) 10210 “Calculating and Predicting Road
Traffic Noise” is used to predict noise levels at various distances from a road. A
DESCRIPTION: major contributor to the noise is the road surface texture.
Measure and analyse the noise level spectrum of road traffic along several roads
DELIVERABLES: with different surface textures and correlate the measured results with those
calculated using SANS 10210.
Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential. You will need your own transport,
a hat and sun block
EXTRA INFORMATION: Teamwork during measurements of AWJ06 & AWJ07 will be beneficial.
AREA: Environmental Noise
56
ID: AWJ07
TITLE: Noise at Road Traffic Intersections
South African National Standard (SANS) 10210 “Calculating and Predicting Road
Traffic Noise” contains recommended procedures to predict the noise emitted by
DESCRIPTION: road traffic at varying distances from roads. One wishes to test the validity of the
SANS 10210 procedure for interrupted traffic flow at traffic intersections
Correlate measured sound levels of road traffic at various distances from a number
of traffic intersections with predicted values at the same locations using the SANS
DELIVERABLES: 10210 calculation procedures. Assess the validity of the SANS 10210 procedure and,
if relevant, propose an alternative prediction procedure that correlates more closely
with measured values based on your findings.
Attendance of EEE4098 helpful but not essential. You will need your own transport,
a hat and sun block
EXTRA INFORMATION: Teamwork during measurements of AWJ06 & AWJ07 will be beneficial.
AREA: Environmental Noise
57
Supervisor: M.A. Khan
ID: MAK01
TITLE: Wave Power Generator
The endless cycle of crests and troughs associated with wave motion represents and
abundant source of renewable energy. Attempts have been made to harness this
energy by means of converting the linear motion of a buoy floating on the surface of
the ocean to high-speed rotary motion, which is then applied to the shaft of a
normal rotating machine. A recent advancement introduced a linear machine
anchored to the seabed and directly connected to the buoy. The motion of the
machine then mimics the translational motion of the buoy on the waves. The
translator (rotor) of the machine is displaced upward as the buoy is lifted upward on
wave crests. The downward displacement of the translator is by means of a spring
DESCRIPTION: connected to the translator, which provides a retracting force during wave troughs.
The spring allows temporary energy storage, which allows the machine to produce
an equal amount of power in both (upward and downward) translating directions.
This thesis entails designing and prototyping a Linear Tubular Permanent Magnet
(PM) Synchronous Generator suitable for wave power generation. The sizing and
specifications of the machine must be based on local wave/sea conditions. Detailed
design and analysis of the machine must be performed. The machine’s stator,
translator, spring and support structure must be prototyped and tested in the
laboratory.
DELIVERABLES: Complete working prototype of a wave power generator
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Interest in renewable energy and electrical machines
See research by Uppsala University, Sweden:

EXTRA INFORMATION:
http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Education/Research/Reading/Waveenergy/
AREA: Renewable Energy and Electrical Machines
58
ID: MAK02
TITLE: Fuel Cell System and Power Converter
A Fuel Cell (FC) is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel directly into
electrical energy, like a battery. The process by which this is done is similar to the
electrochemical process by which a battery generates power. However, natural
elements such a hydrogen and oxygen are used at the electrodes of a FC to assist
with the energy conversion process. A further distinguishing feature of FCs is their
higher energy conversion efficiency, lower or non-greenhouse gas emissions and
potential for heat generation in certain types of FCs. There are many different types
of FCs, with the main differences being due to the type of electrolyte used and the
type of fuel. The Proton Exchange Membrane FC (PEMFC) uses gaseous hydrogen as
fuel and is well suited for automotive, residential and commercial power system
applications. These FCs operate at relatively low temperatures; have high power
DESCRIPTION: densities and rapid startup times. These FCs are typically characterised by low cell
voltages (0.6-0.7V), high currents, and complex terminal impedance (V vs I)
characteristics. Several variations/combinations of DC/DC (Boost) converters have
been proposed to interface FCs to electrical loads.
This thesis will involve the following:

1) Setting up a working FC system in the Machines Laboratory. Some critical parts of
the FC system will be purchased from commercial vendors, but the rest will be
manufactured during the thesis project.
2) Perform a critical review FC converters
3) Design, prototype and test a suitable converter to interface FC to an electrical
load.
DELIVERABLES: As per items 1 – 3 above.
Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student must be

keen.
See article in: IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine: “Fuel Cell High-Power
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Applications”, March 2009
AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics
59
ID: MAK03
TITLE: Small Wind Electrolysis Plant for Hydrogen Production
See MAK02 for background on Fuel Cells. A key aspect to the viable use of Fuel Cell
(FC) technology is the method used for producing the hydrogen fuel required by FCs.
The greenhouse gas emission benefit of FCs are almost entirely lost if the hydrogen
fuel is produced from non-renewable sources. The large scale use of wind power has
been proposed to power electrolysers for the production of hydrogen. This thesis
will focus of the production of hydrogen for Proton Exchange Membrane FCs
(PEMFC), intended for low power residential applications.
The main aspects of the thesis include:

1) Design, prototyping and testing of a small Permanent Magnet (PM) Wind
Generator for use with an electrolyser. The topology, sizing and design of the
generator for this application would depend on the nature/requirements of the
DESCRIPTION:
voltage, current and power of the electrolyser.
2) Design, prototyping and testing of an electrolyser to produce hydrogen. An
electrolyser decomposes H2O molecules into stable H2 and O2 molecules. Suitable
electrolysis principles must be reviewed and a design implemented practically.
Storage of the H2 is to be considered and implemented. This is essential in order to
realise the full potential of a Wind/FC system. This system enables the intermittent
wind energy is stored as compressed H2, which is later converted (when required) to
electrical power by the FC.
3) Design, prototyping and testing of a power electronic converter for interfacing the
wind generator to the electrolyser. The converter will be required to implement
maximum power tracking of the energy captured by the wind turbine as/when
necessary and also to control the voltage/current of the electrolyser.
Two students are required. Each student may select item 2 or 3 above. Deliverables
DELIVERABLES:
as per description above.
Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student/s must

be keen.
2 Students required. Items 1 – 3 are part of a larger MSc research project in
EXTRA INFORMATION:
progress. See article in: IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine: “Fuel Cell
AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines
60
ID: MAK04
TITLE: Development of a Hybrid Solar/Wind Electric Water Pumping System
This thesis was set last year. An 80W PV panel and a 300W wind generator are
intended to drive a 370W electric water pump. The water pump motor is a standard
380V machine, whilst the PV panel and wind generator are both intended for 12V
battery charging applications. The afore-mentioned components of the system (PV,
wind, water pump) are interfaced at a common DC bus. This bus voltage is
constrained by the boost capability of a standard DC/DC boost converter which is
typically used to interface the PV and wind generator to the bus. Furthermore, a
high bus voltage is required due to the limited overmodulation ability of a normal
three-phase inverter used to interface the water pump motor to the bus. This
project can accommodate 3 students. Each student will focus on one of the three
aspects of the system, ie. PV, wind or water pump. Each student involved with this
DESCRIPTION:
project will:
1) Conduct a thorough assessment of converter topologies applicable to his/her
aspect of the system. Agreement must then be reach on the magnitude of the DC
bus voltage. This should be based on the operation of the system and converter
topologies selected for each aspect of the system.
2) Design, prototype and test the converter
3) Implement suitable control for the converters for maximum point tracking of the
PV panel and Wind generator and maximum flow rate of the water pump.
4) Integrate the components of the system in the Machines Laboratory and do lab
testing.
5) Install and test the system on a site allocated behind the Hoeri Building.
Interest in Renewable Energy. This is practical / hands-on thesis, so student must be

keen.
3 Students required See 2008 undergrad theses of S. Munnik (Water Pump), R. Greig
EXTRA INFORMATION:
(Wind), S. Starck (PV)
AREA: Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electrical Drives
61
ID: MAK05
TITLE: Comparison of Standard and High Efficiency Induction Motors
Eskom DSM has embarked on a new energy saving drive to replace standard
induction motors currently used in South African industry with high efficiency
induction motors. Please visit the following URL for more info:
http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/eem_index.htm Several incentives are being offered
by Eskom in order to encourage industry to participate. The aim of this project is to
assess the differences in efficiency of standard and high efficiency induction motors.
The motors will tested according to international standards and the differences in
efficiency will be quantified.
The specific objectives of the project include:

1) Understanding the differences between several international standards for
DESCRIPTION: testing induction motor efficiency, the standards include the IEEE112 and the
IEC60034.
2) Laboratory testing of standard and high efficiency induction motors according to
the IEEE112 and IEC60034 standards. Analysis and comparison of the differences of
the test results.
3) Laboratory testing of the performance of standard and high efficiency induction
motors when subjected to a pump/fan load. Analysis and comparison of the
differences of the test results.
4) Analysis and discussion on the effectiveness of retrofitting standard motors with
high efficiency induction motors of the same rating.
5) Analysis and discussion on the effectiveness of this energy saving initiative by
Eskom DSM, on the basis of the current motor population in South African industry.
Good laboratory proficiency is required. This is practical / hands-on

thesis, so student must be keen.
EXTRA INFORMATION: See: http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/eem_index.htm
AREA: Electrical Machines, Energy Efficiency
62
ID: MAK06
TITLE: Design and prototyping of a wind generator from junk
As the title implies, a permanent magnet wind generator is to built from junk. An
abundant source of scrap for the magnets in these generators is from computer
hard drives. These magnets are high energy product NdFeB rear-earth magnets and
have a peculiar magnetisation direction. A machine topology was devised last year
to use the magnets to demonstrate an elementary machine. However the wind
turbine and power electronic converter was not attempted.
DESCRIPTION:
This thesis will involve the following:
1) Improving/optimising the design of the elementary machine.
2) Design and prototype turbine blades from scrap material.
3) Design, prototype and test a converter for battery charging applications.
4) Implement control strategy for battery charging applications.
Strong laboratory proficiency is absolutely essential. Also, a keen interest in the

practical aspects of electrical machines is required.
EXTRA INFORMATION: See 2008 thesis of P. Krige
AREA: Renewable Energy, Electrical Machines, Power Electronics
63
Supervisor: M. Malengret
ID: MM01 (Pre-Assigned)

TITLE: Automated Inverter Circuit Board Tester
Power Star inverters are highly advanced bidirectional inverters, with many
sophisticated features. The control circuitry consists of two main circuit boards: the
Interface Card and DSP Card. The Interface Card conditions the various voltage,
current and temperature signals before they are sent to the DSP Card for processing.
The manufacturing process is not foolproof, and so as a result the circuit boards may
contain faults. The Interface Card must therefore be tested before it is placed inside
the machine, as a fault in the card may have disastrous consequences when driving
high currents. The Interface Card is currently tested using a unit that requires the
user to manually apply the voltages and currents to each input and then manually
check that the signals are being conditioned correctly.
DESCRIPTION:
The thesis requires an automated tester to be built that will test each card without
requiring input from user. The tester should use a microcontroller to apply the
various voltage and current signals to each sensor input on the Interface Card. The
microcontroller must then automatically check that each signal is being correctly
conditioned and measured by the card. The results of the test should be sent to a PC
and saved in a spreadsheet. The results should also be saved on an EEPROM chip on
the Interface Card.
If time permits, the tester could be extended to automatically calibrate the Interface
Card.
A working automated Interface Card tester; PC software to control the tester; circuit
DELIVERABLES:
diagrams and source code.
Ability to program microcontrollers in C; basic electronics; a background in power

systems would be advantageous
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics, Power Electronics, Signal Processing, Embedded Systems
64
Supervisor: A. Murgu
Subject Area: Telecommunication Management, Control and Signallings
ID: AM01
TITLE: Topology Control Protocol of Packet Switched Networks
The problem of determining the maximum ‘‘Hello” interval preserving the

connectivity with high probability is an important problem in packet switching
DESCRIPTION: networks. Since the execution of a protocol is computationally a resource
consuming task, the solution to this problem is improving the performance of the
protocol in sense of power consumption and topology control overhead.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge about the
packet switched networks, topology aspects, and the traffic mapping over the
DELIVERABLES:
controlled network topologies. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general
audience.
Analytical and mathematical skills, experience with Opnet. Familiarisation with the
MATLAB package will take place during the thesis project.
EXTRA INFORMATION: More than one student can choose this topic.
AREA: Telecommunication Management, Control and Signalling
ID: AM02
TITLE: State Machine Modelling of Best-Effort and Diff-Serv Networks
Network congestion is a complex phenomenon which is becoming even more

difficult with the increased demand to use the Internet for high speed, delay-
DESCRIPTION: sensitive applications demanding various Quality of Service (QoS) levels. There is a
limit on how much control can be accomplished from the edges of the network
using the end-to-end implicit congestion signalling feedback.
The thesis will demonstrate the understanding of flow control in TCP/IP networks
and the ACK signalling mechanism. State Machine models and simulation results will
DELIVERABLES:
be the main goal of this work. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general
audience.
Analytical and logical system knowledge, experience with Opnet software.
Familiarisation with the MATLAB package will take place during the thesis project.
65
ID: AM03
TITLE: Rate Monitoring in Adaptive Communication Systems
Due to the heavy tailed pattern of Internet traffic, it is crucial to monitor the
incoming arrival rate in a Web system to preserve its performance. Adaptive rate
DESCRIPTION: processing mechanism is part of the design of an adaptive load balancing Web
algorithm. Arrival rate is an important parameter to be monitored in a Web site to
avoid the possible collapse.
The thesis will investigate the impact of rate adaptation strategies on the
DELIVERABLES: performance levels of router control led to the concept of active queue
management. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Analytical and mathematical skills, experience with Opnet.
ID: AM04
TITLE: Distributed Bandwidth Access Control Scheme
Packet switched networks implement timer-based/threshold-based bandwidth

access bandwidth access schemes in which the packet differentiation is provided by
DESCRIPTION: a time-out mechanism. This work is focused on researching a distributed based
bandwidth access paradigm to access the slotted access networks within a DiffServ
domain.
The thesis will demonstrate a comprehensive literature review on the bandwidth
access schemes and investigate the distributed bandwidth access requirements to
DELIVERABLES:
solve the highly bursty network traffic, and widely differing operating conditions.
PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Possible alternative use of the Network Simulator.
66
ID: AM05
TITLE: Streaming Traffic Rate Accelerator
In general networks, the traffic acceleration grows when the capacity availability is
detected via the throughput measurements. Conversely, the traffic intensity slows
down when the increased throughput does not translate into increased goodput.
DESCRIPTION:
Traditional client/server based video on demand service can be bandwidth intensive
and expensive to maintain, especially for high quality video content. Streaming
reduces this delay, ideally allowing users to start watching immediately.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge about traffic streaming
and video on demand services. The central point is to show that the combination of
cache nodes and use of end-user resources gives a low load on servers and ISPs,
DELIVERABLES:
even when firewalls are taken into consideration and low start-up delays and fewer
playback errors are possible. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general
audience.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, NS.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Video interface for practical demonstration
AREA: Network Processes and Operations
ID: AM06
TITLE: Stateless Control of VoIP Services
Flow control methodology offers inherent robustness with effective control of the
communication network under widely differing operating conditions, without the
DESCRIPTION: need to (re)tune any topology related parameters. This is in contrast with the
conventional active management schemes for Best-Effort and for Differentiated
Services based networks.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge on VoIP specifications and
requirements and will implement a stateless flow control scheme for the voice
DELIVERABLES:
streams over TCP/IP networks. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general
audience.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Audio interface for practical demonstration
67
ID: AM07
TITLE: Network Connectivity Fault Detection by Multiple Timers
Detection of multiple network connectivity faults is a challenging task because these

faults, although may be detectable individually can mask each other’s faulty
DESCRIPTION: behaviour. This is called fault masking. There are algorithms for timed Extended
Finite State Machines with multiple timers which can detect the pair-wise
occurrences of network faults and, hence, the fault masking.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks
DELIVERABLES: and will provide an extensive practical set of test results based on Opnet
simulations. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Graphical interface for practical case study demonstration
AREA: Service Oriented Architectures, BSS/OSS
ID: AM08
TITLE: Scalable Continuous Media Streaming
The main problem in the download model is the requirement to wait until the whole
video object is downloaded before playback can begin. Continuous media such as
video possess the unique characteristics that partial data can also be decoded and
DESCRIPTION:
played back. Taking advantage of this property of continuous media, the download
model can be modified into a streaming model where data are played back while
data reception is in progress.
The thesis will demonstrate how the data transfer and playback processes are
pipelined, therefore significantly shortening the delay to begin media playback. The
media object must be decomposable into smaller fragments that are independently
DELIVERABLES:
or progressively (making use of the current and already received fragments)
decodable and presentable. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general
audience.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Graphical interface for practical demonstration
68
ID: AM09
TITLE: Network Connectivity Fault Detection by Multiple Timers
Detection of multiple network connectivity faults is a challenging task because these

faults, although may be detectable individually can mask each other’s faulty
DESCRIPTION: behaviour. This is called fault masking. There are algorithms for timed Extended
Finite State Machines with multiple timers which can detect the pairwise
occurrences of network faults and, hence, the fault masking.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks
DELIVERABLES: and will provide an extensive practical set of test results based on Opnet
simulations. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
ID: AM10
TITLE: Service Protection Classes in IP/MPLS Networks
Providing differentiated survivability services based on fault tolerant networks has

become an important issue in the evolution of IP networks. High-priority traffic may
require very low recovery time, while other traffic may not need such a high quality
DESCRIPTION:
of fault tolerance. Adopting a multi-level protection approach is a solution for
providing differentiated survivability services for requests associated with different
protection classes.
The thesis will demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in fault tolerant networks,
service differentiation, service level agreement and committed network availability
DELIVERABLES:
grades. A JAVA software agent for service protection planning will be implemented.
PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, JAVA
programming.
69
ID: AM11
TITLE: Hierarchical Stacking of Network Services
Although the reliable networking requires that some network capacity cannot be
used by the working traffic, this reserve capacity reduces the time complexity of
network recovery and competing services conflict resolution. Pre-planned and pre-
DESCRIPTION: allocation of the reserve management capacity during the offline planning of the
network is considered. Network nodes have to make decision on choosing the
appropriate delivered service shares and to perform simple switching operations
when a resource conflict occurs.
The thesis will demonstrate the service restoration speed in a resource protection
scheme, subject to efficient allocation of reserve capacity. The re-routing scheme
DELIVERABLES: does not allocate explicit reserve resources. A JAVA software agent for service
capacity control will be implemented. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a
general audience.
General communication networks knowledge, experience with Opnet, JAVA
programming.
AREA: Applications of Telecommunication Networks
ID: AM12
TITLE: Distributed Implementation of Web Servers
The problem is to self-configure a dynamic constraint on the rate of incoming new

sessions in order to guarantee the realisation of the quality requirements specified
DESCRIPTION: in a service level agreement (SLA). The client/server model with the content stored
on a server, or server cluster, and a content distribution network (CDN) are used to
increase scalability by reducing network traffic.
The thesis will demonstrate knowledge of streaming peer-to-peer (SPP) networks of
web servers and an efficient realization by distributed use of available network
DELIVERABLES: resources (memory and processor speeds). The efficiency attribute also makes the
SPP suitable for scenarios such as community networks with limited hardware and
network resources. PowerPoint presentation of the results to a general audience.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Software interface for practical demonstration
AREA: Applications of Telecommunication Networks
70
Supervisor: F.C. Nicolls
Subject Area: Image and Video Processing
ID: FCN01
TITLE: Visual SLAM for robots
Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) techniques use sensors mounted on

a mobile object to estimate its position at any time and to simultaneously build up a
map of the environment. Visual SLAM systems use cameras as the sensors.
DESCRIPTION: We have access to a baseline visual SLAM C++ software implementation developed
mainly for a handheld camera and small workspaces. The aim of this project is to
evaluate and extend this implementation to the task of localising a robot in a larger
environment. This will involve investigating the SLAM paradigm, getting to grips with
the available software, and making modifications where necessary.
A working implementation of a visual SLAM system specialised for the task of robot
DELIVERABLES:
localisation.
Good math skills. A high level of familiarity and competence in C++: the code on
which this project is based is quite advanced and almost entirely undocumented.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer vision.
ID: FCN02
TITLE: Evaluating fruit quality using hyperspectral imaging
While standard RGB cameras provide information over 3 bands of the

electromagnetic spectrum, hyperspectral sensors can collect data over hundreds of
bands. We have an imaging spectrometer and most of the tools required for
calibrating it. This project will investigate and implement methods for using this
DESCRIPTION: device in industrial applications.
One specific objective is to evaluate the use of this device to analyse and classify
fruit by colour. We also have some applications in mineral processing that could be
interesting to investigate.
Software (and possibly hardware) for capturing and manipulating hyperspectral

DELIVERABLES:
image data.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Some degree of programming (MATLAB, C, or other).
EXTRA INFORMATION: http://www.specim.fi
AREA: Image and video processing, optical sensing.
71
ID: FCN03
TITLE: Visual estimation of the trajectories of balls
This project involves building and testing a simple “Hawk‐Eye” system for tracking
and predicting the trajectory of a moving ball. A stereo pair of two moderately
DESCRIPTION: high‐speed cameras will be used as the sensors, and image processing coupled with
a tracking algorithm will be used to determine the trajectory in 3D space. The
system will need to be calibrated so that 3D observations can be made.
A working system for tracking balls in flight, and a full investigation into its accuracy
DELIVERABLES:
and predictive ability.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: FCN04
TITLE: Estimating the surface reflectance properties of simple objects
The appearance of an object is a complicated function of the light sources, viewing

directions, and the surface reflectance at each point. By observing a surface point
under various conditions, it is possible to estimate the reflectance function, and
consequently obtain information about the properties of the surface.
This project will use a camera and a constrained lighting setup to capture data of
DESCRIPTION:
different objects under different viewing and illumination conditions, and attempt
to extract reflectance functions from this information. The intention is to find out
the extent to which it is possible to classify objects according to their material
properties, which are physically meaningful and don’t vary under different imaging
conditions. Methods for estimating texture functions may also be explored, since
they are quite similar.
Implementations of algorithms for estimating reflectance functions for simple
DELIVERABLES: objects with known geometry, possibly with extensions to more complicated
objects.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Computer vision, remote sensing.
72
ID: FCN05
TITLE: Using 3D visual cues in image segmentation
Segmentation involves partitioning an image into meaningful parts, usually with one
segment corresponding to one object. There are hundreds of different algorithms
for image segmentation, but in almost all cases their performance is limited by the
fact that the problem is ill‐posed and data are missing.
If one has multiple images of a scene or an object taken under different viewing
DESCRIPTION:
conditions, then it is possible to improve the performance of a segmentation
algorithm. One approach is to change the lighting, causing depth discontinuities to
appear as shadows that are quite easily detected. This project will investigate the
use of this type of method to improve the segmentation results that can be obtained
from single images. Algorithms will be applied to the problem of segmenting rocks
on a conveyor belt, and to segmenting bubbles on a froth surface in a flotation cell.
DELIVERABLES: A working multi‐view segmentation algorithm.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Image and video processing.
ID: FCN06
TITLE: Interactive image segmentation using graph algorithms
The process of determining which pixels in an image correspond to a specific object

is called segmentation. While there are a huge number of segmentation techniques,
those that are based on graph theory are proving to be very powerful. This project
involves implementing a standard graph‐cut segmentation algorithm found in the
literature, and possibly extending it for a specific application. The formulation is
interactive in that a user guides the segmentation by marking some object and
DESCRIPTION: non‐object pixels in the image, and adds markers if the results are not what is
desired.
There are a number of other graph‐based algorithms that are relevant to image
segmentation, and toolboxes that implement these algorithms are available. An
extension to this project will be to use one of these alternative techniques for
interactive image segmentation.
DELIVERABLES: Working software for interactive image segmentation.
http://eslab.bu.edu/software/graphanalysis/
EXTRA INFORMATION:
http://www.csd.uwo.ca/~yuri/Papers/iccv01.pdf
AREA: Computer vision, graph theory.
73
ID: FCN07
TITLE: 3D object reconstruction and alignment
We have at our disposal a number of methods for generating 3D models of real

objects: visual hull reconstructions, 3D scanners, and reconstructions based on
single point light sources and shadows. The first part of this project will involve
setting up a system for doing reconstructions using each of these methods, and
becoming familiar with the implementations.
DESCRIPTION:
Once 3D reconstructions have been obtained, one often wants to align subsequent
image views or additional reconstructions with them. The second part of this project
will look at methods for estimating the relative orientation of two 3D
reconstructions of the same object, transforming them to a common coordinate
frame, and merging them into a single high quality object model.
DELIVERABLES: 3D reconstructions of objects, and methods for estimating relative pose.
http://www.dip.ee.uct.ac.za/~kforbes/DoubleMirror/DoubleMirror.html
EXTRA INFORMATION: http://www.nextengine.com
http://www.vision.caltech.edu/bouguetj/ICCV98
ID: FCN08
TITLE: Industrial machine vision inspection of object and print boundaries
We make extensive use of cameras mounted over conveyor belts for inspection of
industrially produced components. The primary difficulty in building these systems is
that they must be really fast – it is not uncommon to have to inspect 3500 parts per
minute.
DESCRIPTION: Many of the defects that occur in manufacturing appear as small breaks or dents in
object edges, or small sections of printing that are missing. An edge‐based approach
is good for detecting these anomalies, and can be made very fast. This project will
explore ways of automatically generating object edge templates that are useful for
detecting this class of defect for objects that are known in advance, and will
evaluate their performance.
DELIVERABLES: A working algorithm and an analysis of performance.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Image processing, machine vision.
74
Supervisor: S. Bernard and M. Inggs
Subject Area: Oceanography
Motivation for all OC Projects Autonomous ocean observing systems:
Please note that these projects will fall under the ambit of Prof. Mike Inggs in terms of official examination processes,
and also many aspects of the technology. Dr. Bernard will provide input as user specialist. Understanding how the
oceans function with changing climate is dependent upon our ability to make scientific measurements at sea: to observe
the coastal and open oceans at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales. Ship-based observations are extremely
costly, logistically demanding and provide a very limited “snapshot” of dynamic systems; whilst satellite-based sensors
can only observe the surface of the oceans at daily intervals on coarse spatial scales. Autonomous systems are playing
an increasingly important role in observing the oceans – only systems such as buoys, profiling floats and autonomous
vehicles are able to sample the oceans at scales that truly increase our understanding at the process level. The projects
described here are part of a South African effort to play a leading role in the technological development of a cost-
effective and innovative ocean observing system – the modular platforms, control systems and sensors that will allow us
to observe and understand the ocean using autonomous technology.
Stewart Bernard (CSIR Ecosystem Earth Observation/UCT Oceanography)

(Sbernard@csir.co.za Tel: 021 6582755/083 6349128
ID: OC01
Development of Telemetry Modules & Server Software for Autonomous Marine
TITLE:
Observation Systems
Persistor hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an ideal
development platform for autonomous control systems – small form-factor, low
power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine science
community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to allow
autonomous burst sample data acquisition from hyperspectral Trios radiometers,
principally for the purposes of satellite ocean colour validation measurements. The
project will 1) develop the C-based routines to integrate GSM/GPRS OEM telemetry
modules into the existing system for real-time data distribution, and 2) develop
server software that will enable these data to be easily integrated into
oceanographic data dissemination systems (sensor web type application).
DESCRIPTION:
The student will need to:
1. Evaluate available GSM/GPRS OEM products based on data demand, power,
communications and cost specifications,
2. Acquire suitable OEM test products and antennae,
3. Develop the software routines allowing real time data dissemination, as part of a
library of open source functions for the Persistor systems under development,
4. Integrate the modem hardware into the existing data logger chassis,
5. Develop the sensor-web type server systems that identify, process and make
available the real-time data streams in an OGC compliant format such as NetCDF,
6. Demonstrate the utility of the new telemetry and data server modules in a
simulated (or even real, logistics dependent) field environment.
1. Data logger with operating real time telemetry
2. Code library for ongoing development/refinement of telemetry
DELIVERABLES: 3. Operating demonstration server software allowing access to real time data served
from the data logger
4. Project report
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis, C programming, Python or equivalent programming
www.persistor.com, www.trios.com
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Prototype documentation and code
AREA: Autonomous ocean observing systems
75
ID: OC02
TITLE: Development of New Small Form Oceanographic Autonomous Control Systems
Persistor CF2 hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an

ideal development platform for autonomous control systems – small form-factor,
low power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine
science community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to
allow autonomous burst sample data acquisition. The project will further develop
the prototype by redesigning either specific components or the whole system to
make the second prototype smaller, cheaper and non-proprietal.

DESCRIPTION:
1. Acquaint themselves with the existing CF2 processor and plug-in hardware with a
view to making a “look-alike” system. This includes becoming acquainted with the
Motorola MC68LK322 processor and its various peripherals.
2. Evaluate the value of redesigning the entire system against the faster and easier
approach of simply redesigning the prototype and I/O board.
3. Develop 'C' libraries for the new hardware to allow a DOS-like interface for
program upload and data archival.
4. Demonstrate the utility, compatibility with the existing system and reliability of
the new hardware in a field environment
1. CF2-compatible hardware. Either the processor/CF card and prototype board or
just the latter.
DELIVERABLES:
2. 'C' libraries to support the new hardware.
3. Project report.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics
www.persistor.com
EXTRA INFORMATION:
76
ID: OC03
Sensor Integration and Software Development for Oceanographic Autonomous
TITLE:
Control Systems
Persistor CF2 hardware (www.persistor.com) has been identified by CSIR/UCT as an
ideal development platform for autonomous controlsystems – small form-factor,
low power and relatively low cost electronics that are widely used by the marine
science community. A prototype Persistor based system has been developed to
allow autonomous burst sample data acquisition from hyperspectral Trios
radiometers, principally for the purposes of satellite ocean colour validation
measurements. This project will 1) develop new C libraries for the integration of new
sensors e.g. backscattering, and test the new system in a simulated feld
environment, and 2) develop GUI based software allowing non-specialist technicians
to easily configure the system as regards sensor choice, acquisition structures etc.
DESCRIPTION:
1. Develop the 'C' software libraries allowing for data to be acquired from additional
sensors during burst sampling routines, as part of a library of open source functions
for the Persistor systems under development. Sensor are will include
Hydroscat/Wetlabs backscattering sensors, perhaps also include RDI ADCP and an
Anderaa Oxygen Optode.
2. Demonstrate the function and reliability of the libraries in a field environment.
3. Develop a Windows/OSX GUI to allow non-specialist technicians to configure the
CF2 system with the newly developed libraries and connect it to its various sensors.
1. 'C' libraries to allow acquisition of data from various sensors.
DELIVERABLES: 2. Windows/OSX GUI to configure the CF2 system.
3. Project report.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C & Windows application programming,
www.persistor.com , www.hobilabs.com
EXTRA INFORMATION:
77
ID: OC04
Development of New Small Form Oceanographic Argos-type Submersible Float
TITLE:
with Buoyancy Engine
While various submersible float systems with on-board sensors are available to the
oceanographic community they tend to be large, heavy and extremely expensive.
The aim of this project is to evaluate and develop a small semi-disposable
submersible float for coastal waters (i.e. up to 50m depth) that will include a low-
power buoyancy engine with enough lifting capacity for the internal power supply
and any included electronics (datalogger, sensors etc.).

1. Acquaint themselves with existing systems and evaluate the possibility of
DESCRIPTION: decreasing their size to the required limit while still allowing enough buoyancy for
correct function.
2. Evaluate various forms of varying the buoyancy of the float and reducing the
power requirements of the selected engine design e.g. oil pumps, pressurised gas
etc
3. Develop a compact pressure vessel capable of sustaining up to 51bar pressure
without leaks of breaches. The vessel itself should be relatively easy to open to allow
for data download and maintenance.
4. Design and develop a buoyancy engine for the new pressure vessel.
5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new hardware in a field environment
1. .Pressure vessel capable of immersion to 50m without failure.
2. Buoyancy engine capable of lifting not only the float but also any electronics,
DELIVERABLES:
sensors and batteries that it may contain.
3. Project report.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics, electronics, problem solving skills
EXTRA INFORMATION: www.webbresearch.com , www.nke.fr , other ARGO resources
78
ID: OC05
Development of Low-cost Backscattering/Fluorescence sensors for Coastal
TITLE:
Oceanography
Backscattering, turbidity and fluorescence sensors have been available to the
oceanographic community for some time but tend to be expensive and, in many
cases, large and heavy. There is a need in the community for a small low-cost sensor
specifically designed for coastal oceanography (i.e. less than 50m). The unit will
need to be low power and include sufficient rechargeable batteries to allow it to run
for at least 30 days. The datalogging component (if included) will need enough data
storage to store the data collected during the battery life of the instrument.

DESCRIPTION:
1. Acquaint themselves with existing systems and evaluate the possibility of
redesigning these systems to ft the project profile.
2. Develop the necessary optics for the “front end” of the sensor.
3. Develop the electronics required for operation as both backscattering and
fluorescence sensors.
4. Develop the software for processing the sensor data and communications for the
instrument.
5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new instrument in a simulated field
environment
1. Optics for the “front end”, integrated into the pressure vessel.
2. Electronic hardware for the collection and processing of the sensor data.
3. Software to drive the processor and communications of the device.
DELIVERABLES:
4. Project report.
Note the relative response of the instrument is prioritised – an
approximate optical geometry and lack of calibration is acceptable
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics, some electrooptics
www.hobilabs.com, www.wetlabs.com, www.turnerdesigns.com ,

EXTRA INFORMATION:
www.seapoint.com
79
ID: OC06
Development of Adapted Market Available Dataloggers/Telemetry Modules for
TITLE:
Autonomous Marine Observation Systems
There are various manufacturers of low cost intelligent combined modems –
modules with Orbcomm/GSM/GPRS and GPS capabilities, coupled to
microprocessors and I/O capabilities. Manufacturers include Wavecom, Quake,
Stellar, MobiApps, Falcom, Telit, etc. These products offer the capability to develop
low cost (<$400) control systems capable of acquiring and transmitting data from
several sensors in near real time. Wavecom devices e.g. Fastrack, Q52, offer 2 serial
ports and an analogue port at <$300 – a configuration that, on the face of it, makes
it very attractive for supporting the logging and real-time dissemination of data from
a small selection of oceanographic sensors. The aim of this project will be to
evaluate the serviceability of these systems, both for its use of available power and
as a real-time datalogger and data dissemination device, and to be able to
DESCRIPTION: demonstrate its use in a field environment.

1. Evaluate available Wavecom or equivalent GSM/Orbcomm products based on
data demand, power, communications and cost specifications.
2. Acquire suitable test products and antennae.
3. Develop the necessary hardware to connect two serial and one analogue
instrument to the device.
4. Develop the software routines allowing real time data dissemination.
5. Integrate the modem hardware into the existing data logger chassis.
6. Demonstrate the utility of the new telemetry and data logger modules in a field
environment.
1. Data logger with operating real time telemetry
2. Hardware for the connection of various sensors
DELIVERABLES:
3. Code library for ongoing development/refinement of telemetry
4. Project report
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: System analysis & design, C programming, electronics
www.wavecom.com , www.quakeglobal.com , www.rfdesign.co.za ,

EXTRA INFORMATION:
www.mobiapps.com , www.stellar-sat.com
80
ID: OC07
TITLE: Development of New Low Cost Open Source Hyperspectral Radiometers
Hyperspectral radiometers play an important role in oceanographic measurement

and make a substantial contribution to the methods available to us for observing our
oceans. Although there are already a few models of hypserspectral radiometers
available to oceanographers they tend to be prohibitively expensive and often
difficult to use. The aims of this project are to develop an open source radiometer
based on the Boehringer Ingelheim Microoptics UV/VIS Microspectrometer Module
along with front end optics, control electronics and source libraries. The radiometer
should be low power, (ultimately) immersible to 50m and, above all, easy to use.
DESCRIPTION: The student will need to:

1. Acquire, acquaint themselves with and evaluate the UV/VIS Microspectrometer
module with a view to using it in an oceanographic environment.
2. Design and develop control electronics for the acquisition of data from the
modules detector array and the communication of that data via a serial port.
3. Develop or source an optical front end for the radiometer.
4. Design and develop an enclosure for the entire device. This enclosure should be
immersible to 50m and easy to clamp to existing instrumentation platforms (time
permitting).
5. Demonstrate the utility and reliability of the new hardware in a field environment
1. Boehringer Ingelheim Microoptics UV/VIS Microspectrometer Module along with
control electronics and RS232 communications interface.
2. Optical front end for the new radiometer.
DELIVERABLES: 3. Source code for the instrument's control electronics.
4. Enclosure for the system, immersible to 50m (time permitting)
5. Project report.
Note: full radiometric calibration is not expected as part of the project
System analysis & design, C programming, electronics, electro-optics.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Note the radiometer is fibre-optic based and will not require an
optical bench for development.
www.trios.de , www..microparts.de
EXTRA INFORMATION:
las.physik.uni-oldenburg.de/publications/paper/ramses.pdf
81
Supervisor: Y. Paichard
Subject Area: RF and Microwave
ID: YP01
TITLE: Software radio receiver design
This project aims at developing a universal receiver for analog/digital FM, TV and
WiFi signals. Current limitations of software radio receivers are due to the poor
selectivity of the filters at low frequency. We have therefore investigated an
DESCRIPTION:
innovating technique of upconverting FM and TV signals in the WiFi frequency band.
Such technique has been successfully employed on a previous project for the Karoo
Array Telescope.
The design of the receiver has been previously done. In this project, you will be
DELIVERABLES: required to simulate and implement the whole receiver chain. You will have the
opportunity to design the entire board and test it.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Hardware skills in RF and microwave.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF & microwave
ID: YP02
TITLE: Frequency synthesizer design for a software radio receiver
The generation and distribution of the oscillator frequency that controls the up and
down conversion process in a mixer is a critical part of a RF receiver. This project
DESCRIPTION: focuses on the generation of a variable frequency synthesizer that would tune the
frequency band of the receiver over a wide range in order to allow the reception of
several frequencies (TV / FM /WiFi).
In this project, you will be required to implement an agile frequency synthesizer.
Low-cost synthesizers are available at http://www.analog.com. Output frequencies
DELIVERABLES:
are generated from a 10 MHz clock and controlled by a microcontroller. This project
includes the opportunity to design the entire PCB board and test it.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Microcontroller programming, electronic circuit design
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF and Microwave
82
ID: YP03
TITLE: Design of a wireless network of RFID readers.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have become commonly used for military
and commercial applications to identify and track various commodities (e.g.
pharmaceuticals), human and animals. These information can be transmitted
through a wireless network at a low cost and reasonable distance and using
DESCRIPTION:
technologies employed in wireless sensor networks, such as ZigBee. There is a
growing interest of the industry for such technologies because it offers the
possibility to identify a product (with RFID) and remote control its quality through
various sensors (humidity, temperature).
The wireless sensor network itself will be composed of ZigBee boards which will act
as the nodes within the network. You will be required to design the serial interface
DELIVERABLES: between the RFID reader and the ZigBee board which will transmit the collected
data through the wireless network to a base station. You will also implement and
test the communication link between the boards and the base station.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming, interest in wireless networking.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical and computer engineering
ID: YP04
TITLE: Radio localization of RFID tags
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have become commonly used for military
and commercial applications to identify and track various commodities (e.g.
pharmaceuticals), human and animals. There is currently a big interest of the
DESCRIPTION:
industry for indoor localization of people in secured places (airports, nuclear plants,
chemical factories…). RFID is becoming the solution of choice to perform
identification and precise tracking of people in such places.
In this project, you will analyze different localization techniques using RFID semi-
active tags and readers (range of around 10 m). You will compare and test coverage
DELIVERABLES:
estimation techniques, triangulation techniques and interferometry techniques and
find the most suitable one for indoor environments.
Some knowledge and interest in electromagnetics. Skill with Python to configure the
EXTRA INFORMATION:
radio receiver.
AREA: RF, software
83
ID: YP05
TITLE: Digital TV signal as a radar waveform.
A passive radar system uses transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio

transmitters to detect and track targets. The system is relatively low cost and can be
used for air traffic control around the airports. The Radar and Remote Sensing
DESCRIPTION:
Group is currently building up an experimental system at UCT. It is known that
digital TV signals offer some advantages over analog FM and TV signals for radar
applications (constant envelope, wide bandwidth).
In this project you are required to evaluate the quality of the digital TV signal for
radar applications. In field measurements with airliners approaching Cape Town
DELIVERABLES:
airport will be performed with the Constantiaberg transmitter. An experimental
system is available at UCT and will be used for that purpose.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF and microwave, signal processing
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF, radar
ID: YP06
TITLE: OFDM signal generation for radar
Orthogonal Frequency Divion Multiplexing (OFDM) is a popular multi-carrier

modulation method employed in communication systems that require high data
rates (WiFi, digital TV,...). It is also considered to be a promising waveform for radar
DESCRIPTION: applications. We have previously shown that it is possible to combine data
communication and radar measurements with the same signal and over several
antennas in a MIMO configuration. This project will focus on the generation of a
complex OFDM signal with an arbitrary waveform generator.
In this project you will need to set-up an experiment showing that you are able to
DELIVERABLES: transmit and receive the signal over a short distance (50 m) and evaluate the
degradation of the signal quality in a real environment.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Signal processing, coding and modulation, python programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Data communication, radar
84
ID: YP07
TITLE: Graphical User Interface for a passive radar

transmitters to detect and track targets. The Radar and Remote Sensing Group is
currently building up an experimental system at UCT. The signal is processed in real
DESCRIPTION:
time using blocks developed for software radio applications
(http://www.gnu.org/software/gnuradio/). This python and C++ environment allows
the programming of nice graphical interfaces for radar application.
In this project you will combine and create new blocks to create a graphical user
interface that shows the rough signal before processing (in time and frequency
DELIVERABLES:
domain) and the position of the aircraft after processing. You will need to fulfil the
requirement written by the radar users (adjustable windows, zoom, ...).
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Python and C programming, signal processing (FFT)
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical and computer engineering
ID: YP08
TITLE: Cognitive architecture for passive radar network
We believe that then future of radar lies in networks of multiple radar stations (or
sensors) connected together. Such radar network would allow intelligent
cooperation between all the stations to improve its coverage and detection
capabilities. We have recently been able to show how a cognitive passive radar
DESCRIPTION:
network would operate in the field. Two main architectures have been created by
researcher of the University of Carnegie Melon and University of Michigan to model
cognitive processes with computer-oriented language: SOAR
(http://sitemaker.umich.edu/soar/home) and ACT-R (http://actr. psy.cmu.edu/).
In this project, you will evaluate these architectures and use the best one to model
the different tasks of a cognitive passive radar network made of hundreds of
DELIVERABLES: stations (sniffing environment, signal selection, radar measurement , network
configuration , data links architecture, intelligent reconfiguration...) and see how the
stations interact together.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming, interest in new programming languages
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical and Computer engineering, cognitive architectures
85
ID: YP09
TITLE: Direct Path Interference Cancellation in FM Radio-Based Passive Radar

transmitters to detect and track targets. One of the problems in such a radar is that
the echo signals received from the targets are very weak compared to the direct
DESCRIPTION:
signal coming from the transmitter. Radar designers have previously shown that
analog subtraction techniques between the direct and echo signals provide
significant improvement of the dynamic range of the radar (40 dB).
In this project you are required to design and build a module that would tune both
signals in amplitude and in phase in order to subtract them. Phase shift will be
DELIVERABLES:
achieved by a voltage control of two balanced mixers. You will need to quantify the
quality of the subtraction.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: RF and Microwave
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: RF and Microwave
ID: YP10
TITLE: Circular FM antenna array design for passive radar
Passive radar system use transmitters of opportunity such as TV or radio

transmitters to detect and track targets. The Radar and Remote Sensing Group is
currently building up an experimental system at UCT, using FM signals from
Constantiaberg and Tygerberg. The signal is received by an antenna array of dipoles,
DESCRIPTION:
matched at FM frequencies, in order to place a null in the direction of the
transmitter (and avoid saturation of the receiver). Next receiver generation will use
circular antenna array that offers more advantages than the linear array currently
used.
Simulations of the performances of the antenna array. Implementation and test of
DELIVERABLES: the complete structure.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electromagnetics, RF and microwave
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Antenna design, RF and Microwave
86
ID: YP11
TITLE: Smart antenna for wireless sensor networks
In wireless sensor networks, smart antennas are used to adapt the direction and the
size (gain) of the beam according to the position of the sensors. It is a way to divide
the space into several cells and to minimize the radiated energy in region where
DESCRIPTION: sensors are close to the antenna. It requires phased array that can be easily
designed with patch antennas for short ranges (100m). The signal needs to be
adjusted in amplitude and in phase at each element of the array. This project is done
in collaboration with the Computer Science Department.
Simulation and design of the array with (at least) phase control of the signal to show
DELIVERABLES: the beam steering capability. Phase shifter will be designed with L-C circuits using
voltage controlled capacitor.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electromagnetics, RF and microwave
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Antenna design, RF and Microwave
ID: YP12
TITLE: Advanced antenna tool for radar simulator
FERS (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fers) is a sophisticated simulator for

multistatic radar previously developed in the Radar Remote Sensing Group.
This simulator uses XML based script files to drive the simulator. A basic
DESCRIPTION:
antenna tool has been designed to integrate simple antenna (e.g. Yagi). It
needs to be modified to integrate any type of antenna based on its 3-D
pattern.
A new antenna tool.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Python and C programming
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electrical and Computer engineering
87
ID: YP13
TITLE: Small boats detection in sea clutter
Due to the non-Gaussian distribution of the sea clutter, small boats detection is one
of the most challenging radar operation. This is an active research area for future
coastal surveillance radars and recent research works have focused on non-Gaussian
DESCRIPTION:
detection algorithms. The CSIR has performed measurement of various boats at
various places of the South African coast (Arniston, Cape peninsula) and data have
been released for researcher to improve conventional radar detectors.
You will be required to test conventional CFAR (Constant False Alarm Rate) radar
DELIVERABLES: detection algorithms and advanced algorithms for sea-clutter detection. The
performances of these new algorithms will be evaluated with real targets .
Strong skills in signal processing and mathematics (statistics), Python or Matlab
programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Radar signal processing
88
Supervisor: J.C. Tapson
Subject Area: Instrumentation and Mechatronics
ID: JCT01
TITLE: Cricket Bowling Robot
We have tried on two previous occasions to build a robot that bowls cricket balls (as
like a real bowler as possible). One of these robots was basically unsuccessful and
the other achieved moderate success, managing to bowl quite effectively at 90km/h
but without any automation at all, i.e. every part of the action had to be initiated or
DESCRIPTION:
adjusted by hand. We require a new design that takes into account the successes
and failures of the first two designs (one of which was electrically driven and the
other pneumatically driven) and produces a robot that can bowl a cricket ball with
adjustable line and length, at up to 130 km/h, using a traditional bowling action.
A working bowling robot.
DELIVERABLES:
Mechatronics students only. This project requires mechanical and electrical design
and construction.
This project is suitable for one student only, but may be extended to two students if
EXTRA INFORMATION: the pair motivates for that as a team. It will not be set for two different students
who are not prepared to work together.
AREA: Mechatronics
ID: JCT02
TITLE: High performance ADC interface
This project requires the design and construction of an ADC interface which can be
connected to a PC via USB 2.0. The interface will be required to sample at least 8
DESCRIPTION: channels at 16 bit ADC resolution at 1 Msample/sec, into onboard memory, and
then to download the results to the PC.
A working ADC interface system.

DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Electronic design and construction, interface software development.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics
89
ID: JCT03
TITLE: Rig for measuring bicycle drive train efficiency
This project requires the design and construction of a rig to measure the efficiency
of a bicycle drive train, from the pedals to the back wheel. It should ideally be in the
form of a “rolling road” dynamometer, which measures the power output at the
DESCRIPTION: back wheel, coupled to a pedal driving mechanism that can put in a calibrated
amount of pedalling power. It should be able to take a standard bicycle without
time-consuming adaptation to the system. It should be able to calculate the ratio of
input power to output power in a straightforward manner.
A working system for measuring bicycle drive train efficiency.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electrical design and construction.
This project is suitable for one student only, but may be extended to two students if
EXTRA INFORMATION: the pair motivates for that as a team. It will not be set for two different students
who are not prepared to work together.
AREA: Mechatronics.
ID: JCT04
TITLE: Cylindrical Electric Field Mill
An electric field mill is a mechatronic device that measures the strength of a steady
(DC) electric field, such as is created by a HVDC line, or atmospheric electric activity
(such as is created in storms, resulting in lightning discharges). It consists of a pair of
rotating capacitor plates, with a circuit to measure the movement of charge
between the plates as they rotate in and out of the electric field. This project
DESCRIPTION: requires the design and construction of an electric field mill. It will require the
design of a rotation mechanism, driven by a small electric motor; capacitor plates
(preferably two halfcylinder plates to make up a cylinder); a circuit to go on the
rotating capacitor plates and measure the field change; and a system for
transmitting the measured result from the rotating to the stationary part of the
system.
A working cylindrical electric field mill.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electronic design and construction.
For an example of what is required, see

http://www.iop.org/EJ/article/1742-
EXTRA INFORMATION:
6596/142/1/012075/jpconf8_142_012075.pdf?requestid= 94ccc18c-7340-4df6-
8982-bd071b722f27
AREA: Mechatronics.
90
ID: JCT05
TITLE: Fast, accurate on-demand hot water delivery system
It is very difficult to deliver hot water at a fixed temperature (for medical, hygiene,
chemical processing, or cooking purposes). The standard solution is to use a large
geyser or boiler which “soaks” at the required heat. The two problems of this
approach are that it is difficult to rapidly change the temperature, and the energy
usage is inefficient. In-line heaters do not work well owing to poor power delivery
and control. This project proposes the use of induction heating to heat a small
quantity of metal (metal shavings or metal wool) which is in contact with the water,
DESCRIPTION:
in a through-flow pipe. By using metal shavings or wool, there is a very high surface
area-to-bulk ratio for the metal, so heat generated in the metal will be very rapidly
transmitted to the water. This should allow very accurate temperature control in a
flow of water. In this project, a system must be built which allows the heat input and
flow rate of water to be controlled in feedback, to produce very accurately
controlled temperature and water flow. An induction heating system will be
supplied, but the rest of the system must be constructed.
A working on-demand hot water delivery system.
DELIVERABLES:
Mechatronics students only. Mechanical and electronic design and construction.

This project will require practical and theoretical application of control systems.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Mechatronics
ID: JCT06
TITLE: A 2D barcode symbology for mobile phones, optimised for encoding short strings.
Current 2D cameraphone barcodes, such as QR-code and semacode, are not

optimised for encoding short strings of numbers, such as would be found in a
normal barcode. Instead, most are optimised for encoding URLs. This project will
DESCRIPTION:
investigate the desirable characteristics of a cameraphone-scannable 2D barcode
symbology optimised for encoding a short string, and design and implement a
barcode scanner and generator for the symbology.
A complete barcode optimisezed for data transmission by cellphone camera, and
DELIVERABLES: comparative performance analysis.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing
EXTRA INFORMATION: This will be co-supervised by Prof U. Rivett of Geomatics.
AREA: All.
91
ID: JCT07
Evaluation and optimization of QR code scanning using the Zxing mobile phone
TITLE:
barcode scanning library.
Zxing is an open source mobile phone barcode library that includes a QR code
reader. This project asks the student to investigate the operational limits of the QR
DESCRIPTION: code decoding algorithm used by Zxing (barcode size, barcode colour, lighting
conditions, mobile phone camera characteristic) and to suggest optimization to the
algorithm for more reliable scanning.
Enhancement algorithms for the Zxing barcode library.
DELIVERABLES:
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Digital signal processing
EXTRA INFORMATION: This will be co-supervised by Prof U. Rivett of Geomatics.
AREA: All.
92
Supervisor: M.S. Tsoeu
Subject Area: Control Systems
ID: MST01
TITLE: An Open Source Linux SISO IDE for Continuous Time Control Design.
Research society is making a move towards Open Source software tools. In control
systems one of the major areas is Computer Aided simulation and design. It is
DESCRIPTION: therefore necessary to develop Open Source tools that can be used for the
analysis, design and testing of Control Systems.
Well developed, documented and tested software that can be used to perform
DELIVERABLES: analysis and design of SISO LTI control systems.
Solid understanding of Classical Control systems EEE3069W or equivalent, Python,

C/C++ and GUI programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project can accommodate two students.
AREA: Control Engineering
ID: MST02
TITLE: Networked Predictive Control
The low cost of Networked Control Systems has stimulated research towards a
formal treatment of NCS. Some of the challenges of NCS are unpredictable delays,
data packet losses, ensuring stability as well as a move towards Control on Demand
DESCRIPTION:
using agent based software. The aim of this thesis is to successfully implement a
network controller for one of the systems in the Control and Instrumentation
Laboratory and possibly address some of the challenges.
A well tested and documented functional control system. Simulation information
DELIVERABLES: showing the work done during design.
Strong Control Systems knowledge, Strong mathematical background, MPC

knowledge, MATLAB, Python and C/C++ programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
93
ID: MST03
TITLE: Model Predictive Control.
Model Predictive Control received a lot of industrial and academic attention. Some
of its selling points are its systematic handling of constraints, and handling of
DESCRIPTION: deadtime. The aim of this thesis is to successfully implement an MPC on one of the
systems in the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory and evaluate some of its
selling points by way of formal comparison to other methods.
Successfully implemented MPC, and formal evaluation results comparing it to other
DELIVERABLES: competing methods.
Control Systems, MPC, and Strong mathematics background. MATLAB/SciLab and

Python, C/C++ programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: MST04
TITLE: A teaching tool for Model Predictive Control.
The aim of this thesis is to develop a CAD tool for MPC. This tool should implement
the common MPC algorithms, like DMC, MAC, GPC, PFC. In addition this tool should
DESCRIPTION: be able to interface to the Data Acquisition and Control modules in the Control and
Instrumentation Laboratory.
A well developed and documented MPC development tool tested and able to
DELIVERABLES: interface to the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory Data Acquisition and
Control modules.
Control Systems, MPC, Strong mathematics background, Python, C/C++ and GUI
programming.
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project is intended for two students.
94
ID: MST05
TITLE: A SciLab Toolbox for directly handling deadtime.
In control systems one of the major areas is Computer Aided simulation and design.
Amongst the available options are SciLab and SciCos. Currently, SciLab still does not
DESCRIPTION: have a set of functions that can directly handle deadtime in continuous LTI systems,
without the use of Pade's approximations. It is therefore a void to be filled and a
contribution to the Control and Signal Processing community that uses SciLab.
A fully developed and tested toolbox that performs basic engineering manipulations
DELIVERABLES: on LTI systems with deadtime.
Classical Control, Familiarity with MATLAB, and SciLab Programming in C/C++ Python
and Tk/Qt.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: MST06
TITLE: Variable Structure Control: A Comparison of Chatter Alleviation Techniques.
Sliding Mode Control is one of the control approaches theoretically said to be robust
to disturbances and model parameter variation. There are however, problems that
DESCRIPTION: prevent the theory from matching practical findings. These are: finite switching
frequency and Chattering. The aim of this thesis is to investigate chattering and
alleviation methods.
Formal Comparison results of SMC using different chatter alleviation methods and
DELIVERABLES: test results from a physical system.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Control Systems EEE4093F, MATLAB, Python and C/C++ programming
EXTRA INFORMATION:
95
Supervisor: N.J. Ventura
Subject Area: Broadband Networking and Communication
ID: NJV01
TITLE: Intelligent Transport Systems
Vehicular wireless communications and networks are important technology enablers

to improve vehicle safety, to enhance vehicle traffic efficiency, and to provide
services to drivers and passengers. The development of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and
vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) based Vehicular Ad hoc Networks is one of the most
critical issues for the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. These issues
concern not only automotive and ITS research communities but also the wireless
communication and networking research communities. There are many national and
international collaboration projects on V2V and ITS by industries and academia.
Some projects are committed to develop prototypes of next generation vehicle
communication systems (VCS). Through these research and development projects,
many realize that designing reliable, efficient, scalable, robust, and secured
vehicular networking technologies present extraordinary challenges.
We would like to attract a number of students interested in topics related to
technical challenges, standardization efforts on vehicular communications, field
trials of 802.11p based VANETs, security issues, channel access, routing, data
dissemination, and application scenarios.
DESCRIPTION:
Areas of interest are as follows:
1. Intelligent Traffic Management Systems measure and analyse traffic flow
information and take ITS measures to reduce problems. They consist of
computerised traffic signal control, highway and traffic flow management systems,
electronic licensing, incident management systems, electronic toll and pricing, traffic
enforcement systems and intelligent speed adaptation.
2. Intelligent Passenger Information Systems improve the knowledge base of
Customer and consist of passenger information systems, in-vehicle route guidance
systems, parking availability guidance systems, digital map database and variable
messaging systems.
3. Intelligent Public Transport Systems include ITS measures that aim to improve
public transport performance. They are consisting of intelligent vehicles, Intelligent
Speed Adaptation, transit fleet management systems, transit passenger information
systems, electronic payment systems, electronic licensing, transportation demand
management systems and public transport priority.
A comprehensive research review on the topic of choice to lead to a design and
DELIVERABLES: prototyping, or emulation and simulation studies.
A keen interest in the proposed topics for ECE, Mechatronics and EE students with
an interest in wireless communications and vehicular technologies. For prototyping
and emulation systems it is recommended that the student is well conversant with
programming languages in particular C++.
A MAXIMUM OF FOUR STUDENTS
EXTRA INFORMATION: Consult with the supervisor on the selected topic.
AREA: Wireless Communications and Vehicular Technologies
96
ID: NJV02
TITLE: A Portable Network Intrusion Detection System
Network security is an increasingly important topic. The goal of this project is to

design, build and demonstrate a portable, cost-effective, high performance network
DESCRIPTION: intrusion detection system. The prototype should leverage as much as possible open
source technologies. Detailed documentation of the various aspects of the project is
also required.
A working prototype
DELIVERABLES:
This project is appropriate for ECE and EE students in the area of

Telecommunications. Strong programming skills (C++ in particular) are a
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: prerequisite.
PREFERABLY TWO ECE SUDENTS
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Broadband Networks and Security
ID: NJV03
TITLE: Protection against Voice over IP Attacks
Voice over IP (VoIP) is well established in the Internet and is increasingly being
adopted by Telcos as a replacement for legacy circuit-switched voice technology.
DESCRIPTION: Unfortunately the low-cost and accessibility of VoIP makes it attractive to Denial of
Service (DoS) attacks and spamming. This project aims to mitigate the risks of VoIP
attacks.
The UCT Communications Research Group in collaboration with NEC Research Labs
in Europe is working on solutions to counteract the threat of VoIP attacks. The
students will be expected to perform a thorough review of VoIP vulnerabilities,
DELIVERABLES:
become familiar with the NEC VoIP SEAL software and incorporate new modules
into the system. These modules should be implemented and evaluated in a practical
setting.
Moderate experience in Linux/C/C++ coding will be necessary. Two students from
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: the ECE program, or one student from the ECE program and one from the
Telecommunications program
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project has further scope for postgraduate studies.
AREA: Broadband Networks
97
ID: NJV04
TITLE: Architecture for QoS Handling in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
The IMS is a framework standardized to facilitate and deploy IP Multimedia services.

To control resources in this all IP environment Policy Management is used to create
and enforce rules on the network devices that carry the traffic. The
Communications Research Group (CRG) has released the UCT Policy Control
Framework – an open source software package for use with the Open Source IMS
Core that allows the creation and enforcement of policies in the transport plane.
An important part of the Resource Control entity is a feedback mechanism from the
DESCRIPTION:
transport plane – This so called Quality of Service (QoS) reporting allows the Policy
Control Framework to have knowledge of the underlying technologies of the
transport plane.
This project involves an in depth analysis of the requirements for such a QoS
reporting architecture as well as a prototype implementation to be incorporated
into the UCT Policy Control Framework.
The investigation requires a comprehensive review of related literature (Standards
documents, journals and conference proceedings) to define a full set of
requirements for the QoS reporting architecture.
DELIVERABLES:
A prototype implementation of this architecture, including basic proof of concept, is
also required.
The candidates will use the Open Source IMS Testbed together with the UCT Policy
Control Framework to implement the designed architecture. Linux/Java/C/C++
coding experience will be necessary. Candidates will acquire experience in NGN
technology, resource/policy control, software development and complex problem
solving.
Two students from the ECE program, or one student from the ECE program and
another from the Telecommunications program
AREA: Broadband Networking
98
ID: NJV05
High-rate wireless multicarrier communication using spatial multiplexing based on
TITLE:
MIMO arrays
Multicarrier communication systems are very popular nowadays due to their
robustness to the multipath fading, high spectral efficiency and low receiver
complexity. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a basic subtype of
the multicarrier technology, which has already been implemented in several
commercially successful standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11a/g, IEEE 802.16a/d/e, etc. The
ever-growing bandwidth demand of the multimedia network services dictates
search for ways to increase currently achievable throughput. This can be done by
DESCRIPTION: using the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) extension of the OFDM
transceiver, which exploits spatial multiplexing of signals produced by array of
antennas. MIMO-OFDM is considered a key technology in emerging broadband
wireless communication standards such as 4G and IEEE 802.11n.
In this project a student is expected to investigate the basic OFDM architecture and
the principles of MIMO communication in the spatial multiplexing mode. The main
objective of the work is to evaluate throughput and performance of MIMO-OFDM in
comparison with the single-antenna OFDM system.
Using available literature the students are to study the principles of OFDM and
MIMO communication. Implement baseband MIMO-OFDM with at least two
transmitters and two receivers in the form of the simulation program. To assess
DELIVERABLES:
system performance by the simulations one may use the Rayleigh flat fading channel
model, which is spatially homogeneous (has independent propagation paths). The
choice of the MIMO detector type is at discretion of student.
The project is recommended to students having a very good understanding of the
digital communication theory and a strong background in linear algebra. An
experience of the practical system design with the help of MatLab or other
programming languages is highly desirable.
The project is dedicated to the novel technology in the wireless communications and
can serve as a basis for the advanced research on the postgraduate level.
One or two students from the Telecommunications or ECE programs
AREA: Wireless broadband communications
99
ID: NJV06
TITLE: Detecting network intrusion on mobile devices
Mobile devices depend highly on the power obtained from batteries. These devices
lack a method to avoid or combat network attacks that could drain the battery
power.
Since the device receives any packet that is directed to it, one could potentially send
meaningless packets to the device continuously, draining the battery power much
faster than normal.
DESCRIPTION: A simple method for preventing a network intrusion would be to implement a

software-based firewall into mobile devices that monitors the activities of system
ports. A potential drawback is that the program must be running in the background
constantly to monitor port activities, thus draining the battery. In addition, a firewall
does not necessarily point out if the device is being attacked, only if there is an
unknown packet at a certain port.
The candidate is to propose a scheme to detect network intrusion by monitoring

power consumption.
The student is to prove that his research leads to the detection of network intruders
DELIVERABLES: based on power consumption monitoring of the device.
Student should be a proficient programmer in a language of his choice using his/her

development framework.
1 student, either from the ECE or the Telecommunications program
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Networking and Security
100
ID: NJV07
TITLE: A Wi-Fi based positioning system
GPS signals are often blocked by tall buildings in large urban areas. However, there
are a growing number of other signals such as WiFi Access Points (APs) and Cellular
Base stations. By using the received signal strength of WiFi APs whose actual
physical location and unique identifier are known, a device could be constructed to
compute its position relative to known WiFi APs without relying on a GPS device at
all. If a large number of signal sources are used, then simply using the information
in the beacon signal (without measuring received signal strength) to determine
position is possible.
DESCRIPTION: Build a geographic positioning system out of signals emitted by radio Wi-Fi access
points (IEEE 802.11). In the case of Wi-Fi, it is the MAC address that is typically
broadcast every tenth of a second. You don't have to be logged on to a Wi-Fi access
point in order to detect its beacon; just being within its broadcast range—about 50
to 200 meters—is sufficient. If a user's device knows the physical location of a large
number of radio sources, it can triangulate its own position based on the set of
beacons it is currently hearing. Our goal is to build such a system, complete with a
database of known radio beacons and their locations, and thus provide a low-cost
alternative to current location systems. This could run on devices with Wi-Fi or GSM
capability—without any extra hardware.
Build a proof of concept prototype, complete with a database of known radio
DELIVERABLES: beacons and their locations, to provide a low-cost alternative to current location
systems.
Student should be a proficient programmer in a language of his choice using his/her
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: development framework.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Wireless Communications
101
ID: NJV08
TITLE: Software radio
In a digital communication system, many levels of signal processing and data

encoding are used to increase the reliability and efficiency of transmission between
users, and to simplify the hardware implementations. The processing/encoding
operations include source compression, data encryption, error correction coding,
line coding and modulation. In a software radio, these operations are implemented
in software except for the signal amplification and transmission over the channel.
Such systems are more easily reconfigured to communication standard updates or
DESCRIPTION:
changes in the channel characteristics. This project deals with the implementation of
a software radio on a Linux platform for use over the air wave medium in the
commercial FM band. Specific tasks include the transformation of digital data into
an analog signal that fits in the audio frequency band. The signal is then fed to a
personal FM transmitter through the soundcard. At the remote end, the signal is
captured using a commercial FM receiver and fed to the receiver's software through
the soundcard. Full-duplex operation is a desirable requirement.
Implementation of a software radio on a Linux platform
DELIVERABLES:
This project is well suited to computer engineering students with the desire to
deepen their understanding of digital communication systems or electrical
engineering students in the communication stream with aptitudes in the design of
software.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Wireless Communications
ID: NJV09
TITLE: Optimization of next generation broadband wireless communication networks
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) is a promising

technology for next-generation broadband mobile and wireless
communication, which has been adopted by emerging commercial wireless
DESCRIPTION:
standards, e.g. WiMAX and 3G LTE. The aim of this project is to analyze and
optimize the OFDMA scheme in order to obtain the best performance of the
network
OFDMA research review, analysis and optimization of OFDMA schemes.
DELIVERABLES:
The student is expected to possess very good Mathematical backgrounds

(Matrix Manipulation and possibly Queueing Theory), good programming
skills in Matlab or C/C++, and some knowledge of wireless communications
networks.
For ECE and Telecommunication students only

EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Broadband Wireless Communications
102
ID: NJV10
TITLE: Scalable video streaming in the IMS
The IP Multimedia Subsystem is a service orientated framework for Next Generation

Networks. The IMS will allow for quick development and deployment of services
with some of the more interesting services on offer likely to be video applications,
such as IPTV and video conferencing.
DESCRIPTION: In addition to this, the ability to move video sessions between several user devices,
using different access networks is also being touted as an IMS draw card. However
each device, or network to which the video stream may move will have its own set
of characteristics and thus the video may need to be scaled up or down accordingly.
This is where scalable video streaming codec’s allowing for rate adaptation will be
needed.
The requirements for the student/s will be to investigate the various video codec’s
DELIVERABLES: that allow rate adaptation and using the SIP signalling of the IMS to come up with a
simple demonstration of a rate adapted handoff.
Preferably 2 ECE students or 1 ECE + 1 Telecommunication student
AREA: Broadband Communications and Networks
ID: NJV11
TITLE: CDMA based MAC on top of 802.11P
802.11 CSMA/CA based MAC (whether DCF or EDCA) might not be an efficient
medium access scheme for wireless mesh backhauls with time-critical applications.
The random access and distribution coordination function of CSMA/CA, though
desired in public access networks with new entities joining the network all the time,
result in extra delay which is an undesirable cost for backhaul. In infrastructure
backhaul network, all the communication entities will be known before hand and all
of them will most probably be static. New nodes would be plugged in to the network
DESCRIPTION:
but it would not be as frequent as in the public access network case.
Initial study on alternative medium access schemes indicates strong potential in

CDMA based MAC to fulfill the latency requirements while providing extra benefits
of robustness and efficiency. We propose to build a CDMA based MAC scheme
which is interoperable to 802.11p and can support QoS differentiation in ITS
environment.
This project will involve implementation of a basic CDMA (Walsh code) medium
DELIVERABLES: access scheme in OPNET which can provide an initial platform for future
enhancements
Motivation and some experience with C++ programming are required and
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: experience with OPNET or any simulator is preferable
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Broadband Wireless Communications
103
ID: NJV12
TITLE: Using decoys to block VOIP spam in IMS networks
The Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a service convergence

framework that facilitates the creation and delivery of multimedia and other
applications over an IP network. The IMS architecture can be visualized as a three
layer model having the application plane, the control plane and the bearer plane.
The application and control planes form the service control layer where user
subscription and session authorization occurs. Like other Internet services, e.g.,
email, IMS services can be abused. This commonly takes the form unsolicited VoIP
calls targeting large numbers of users. Due to the disadvantages of spam over
Internet telephony (SPIT) solutions to block it are needed. One of the proposed
solutions involves the use of decoys in IMS networks. This project looks at this
proposal.
The project involves an investigation of the work submitted for an MSc in electrical
engineering degree at the University of Cape Town in 2007. The candidate is
DESCRIPTION: required to study the IMS architecture and operation of IMS decoys and evolve the
performance evaluation framework to be fully IMS compliant. This will involve
analysis of different reference points used by the decoys to interact with other IMS
entities to block SPIT.
The project involves an investigation of the work submitted for an MSc in electrical
engineering degree at the University of Cape Town in 2007. The candidate is
required to study the IMS architecture and operation of IMS decoys and evolve the
performance evaluation framework to be fully IMS compliant. This will involve
analysis of different reference points used by the decoys to interact with other IMS
entities to block SPIT.
- Extensive reading is required to understand the IMS, SIP and SDP; VoIP spam and
proposed solutions and IMS decoys.
- Design a SPIT decoy framework to be integrated in an IMS testbed
- Implement the decoy scheme
Modules of the SPIT decoy for the Open IMS and evaluation results.
DELIVERABLES:
The candidate should be well conversant with C/C++, SQL and LinuxA keen ECE or
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Telecommunication student interested to tackle a challenging project.
104
ID: NJV13
Uplink bandwidth allocation and rate control in 802.16 broadband wireless
TITLE:
networks.
Although Medium Access Control signalling has been well defined in the 802.16
specifications, resource management and scheduling are crucial components to
guarantee quality of service.
Investigate adaptive queue-aware uplink bandwidth allocation and rate control
mechanisms in a subscriber station for polling service in 802.16 broadband wireless
DESCRIPTION:
networks. Both of these schemes exploit the queue status to guarantee the desired
quality of service performance for polling service.
Recently an analytical framework has been proposed to analyze the resource
management model. The investigation calls for your analysis of the results and
validation by simulations.
Analysis and validation by simulation
DELIVERABLES:
This project is highly recommended to students interested in the convergence of

networks and interest in using simulation tools. It will extend your knowledge on
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: wireless communications.
One or two students, either from the Telecommunications or the ECE program
AREA: Broadband Communications and Networking
105
ID: NJV14
TITLE: Wireless mesh networks testbed
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provides the intelligent link between

travelers, vehicles, and infrastructure in the form of consumer products and
services. On the other hand, wireless mesh networking with no pre-existing
infrastructure has become a technique for the next generation wireless networks. It
enables quick-and-easy extension of a local area network into a wide area. Prior
efforts on wireless networks, especially multi-hop ad hoc networks, have led to
significant research contributions that range from fundamental results on
theoretical capacity bounds to routing and transport protocols.
DESCRIPTION: In this project, we will design and implement a wireless mesh network infrastructure
for ITS.
(a) Perform extensive measurements to understand wireless link properties on
the roads.
(b) Implement the mesh router using off-the-shelf software and hardware.
(c) Design and implement novel techniques and tools for network
management, diagnostic and monitoring.
(d) Investigate the use of wireless mesh network to provide Internet access for
public transport (such as buses, taxis) passengers
Design and implementation of a wireless mesh network infrastructure for ITS>
DELIVERABLES:
Conversant in C++, Linux and script languages

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Ideal for two to three students
EXTRA INFORMATION:
106
Supervisor: R.A. Verrinder
Subject Area: Instrumentation and Mechatronics
ID: RAV01
TITLE: A hybrid GPS and dead reckoning system which can be used on a mobile robot.
GPS technology has revolutionised position finding and travelled path calculation,
however the GPS user must be in contact with at least four global positioning
satellites, at any time, for the system to work. This becomes a problem if you move
indoors etc. Dead reckoning is a way to estimate your current position based on
your previous movement, speed and direction measurements from a known origin.
DESCRIPTION:
It has been used for centuries in navigational systems. It is possible to combine the
signals from both systems to create a hybrid device which can work indoors and
outdoors. The purpose of this project is to design a hybrid system which can track a
path along which a mobile robot has travelled. The system must be portable. It
must log the data and then interface with a PC which will plot the travelled path.
A working data logging circuit which can record and measure the speed and
DELIVERABLES: direction of an individual using GPS and dead reckoning data. Working algorithms
which can convert this data into a graphical display showing the travelled path.
Strong microcontrollers and instrumentation skills. C programming skills
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics, Mechatronics and instrumentation
107
ID: RAV02
TITLE: Power Harvesting Module
The increasing use of wireless sensors in industry is hampered by the fact that even
though wireless sensors don't need network cables, they still need power, which
must come either from a power cable or from batteries. Most of these systems use
extremely small amounts of power - less than 1mW is not uncommon. So, if we can
harvest just a small amount of power from the environment, we can avoid using
batteries or cables. Available environmental power is in the form of light, motion,
and electromagnetic fields. Light can be harvested with solar cells. Motion, and
DESCRIPTION: particularly vibration, can be harvested using piezoelectric or electromagnetic
devices (think about how automatic-winding or "kinetic" watches work). Stray
electromagnetic flux can be harvested with antennas or coils. In this project, an
investigation is required into designing and building a harvesting module that could
provide 1mW of power continuously for a wireless sensor in an industrial
environment, by making use of all three of these possibilities. A full evaluation of the
available energy in a typical situation must be performed, after which a working
system must be built and its performance must be evaluated.
An evaluation of the power available in a typical industrial environment, and a
DELIVERABLES: working power harvesting module.
Mechatronics and analogue electronics.

EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Mechatronics, analogue electronics.
ID: RAV03
A general purpose digital signal processing development board for use as a
TITLE:
teaching and learning tool.
With the increasing number of digital signal processing intensive applications, it is
important that students have a learning tool which will introduce them to the
functionality of an embedded digital signal controller. This teaching tool must be
DESCRIPTION:
simple to use and produce. It must demonstrate some of the functionality of a
digital signal controller which could include digital filtering techniques, FFT
functionality, simple sound processing etc.
A completed circuit build on a PCB and software written in C to demonstrate
DELIVERABLES: functionality of all the components on the board
Strong circuit design with a specific interest in microcontrollers and instrumentation.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: C programming skills
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Digital electronics
108
ID: RAV04
TITLE: A rolling element condition monitoring system based on vibration measurement
Condition monitoring is becoming more and more popular in industrial settings as

instrumentation and data logging equipment has improved. Vibration of a machine
DESCRIPTION: or rolling element bearings can be a good indicator of machine wear. In this project,
the candidate will be required to investigate the use of different vibration
monitoring methods and design a system which can log vibration over time.
A completed circuit design which must be built on a PCB. The system must be able
to log vibration data for varying periods of time. There must be some graphical
DELIVERABLES:
display that a user can then use to monitor different vibration patterns and it must
give the user an indication of the bearing wear.
Strong circuit design with a specific interest in microcontrollers and instrumentation.
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: MATLAB and C programming skills
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics and instrumentation
ID: RAV05
TITLE: A high speed multi channel ADC to PC interface for accurate energy measurement.
Energy measurement is very important in power engineering. The information from

these devices is used in tariff calculation and load and line monitoring. These devices
typically measure voltage, current, frequency, power factor, real, reactive and
apparent power for single and multiphase lines.
DESCRIPTION:
This device must be the interface device between the energy measurement
transducers and a PC where the data can be analysed. It must therefore convert
these analogue signals to suitable digital signals which can be processed. It must
have 16 channels with at least 16-bit resolution and connect to the PC using a USB
2.0 interface. Appropriate analysis software must be provided to interpret the data.
A working ADC to PC interface which must be tested using the appropriate
input devices.
DELIVERABLES: Software to analyse the energy measurement information.
Comparison of the unit against measurements of the same lines using
existing meters.
Strong digital electronic and embedded programming skills.
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project with be co supervised by Prof. C.T. Gaunt
AREA: Digital Electronics/ Electrical and Computing/ Instrumentation
109
ID: RAV06 (Pre-Assigned)
TITLE: Development of a VSD for an AC Motor
Using a microcontroller and power electronics, build a variable speed drive that can
control the speed of a 3 phase motor. The VSD must have soft start characteristics
DESCRIPTION: and be able to run the motor under full load conditions as well as have braking
capabilities. The drive must be able to run, at least, a 0.5 KW motor.
A Prototype VSD
DELIVERABLES:
Knowledge in Power Electronics, Programming and AC Motors

EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Power Electronics, Microcontroller, AC Motors
110
Supervisor: S. Winberg
Subject Area: Computer Engineering, Digital Electronics and RF
ID: SW01
TITLE: Inhomogeneous MPICH Cluster for image processing
The MPICH library is designed as a standardized means to combine computers into

processing clusters. This project aims to develop and evaluate an inhomogeneous
cluster processing infrastructure that includes a Sony PlayStation 3 (SPS3) platform
and a PC platform. Motivation for this project includes establishing a method for
quickly assembling and disassembling (for redeployment of equipment) a temporary
cluster system suitable for microprocessor‐based reconfigurable computing (RC)
application processing.
The SPS3 is an advanced cell processor platform. Although it is intended as a games
DESCRIPTION: platform, it is the potential to be a powerful platform for high performance
computing (HPC) applications, especially when made part as part of a cluster. Being
able to handle parallel processing job, it can become a versatile reconfigurable
computing platform. A port of the Linux operating system to the SPS3 has already
been done.
This project focuses on combining these platforms using MPICH, including
cross‐compiling programs for distribution to notes on a cluster. This project is more
an exploitative study, to see the level of complexity and time involved in establishing
a temporary RC cluster of this nature.
Working cluster comprising SPS3 and one or more PCs. Operating implementation of
parallel processing algorithms. Report showing competitive study of performance
DELIVERABLES:
results, comparing inhomogeneous cluster, homogeneous PC cluster, and
standalone (non parallel) operation.
C and C++ proficiency. Understanding of parallel programming and cell processor
architectures. Completed / registered in EEE4084F.
EXTRA INFORMATION: This project should be done by one student.
AREA: Computer Engineering / Digital systems
111
ID: SW02
TITLE: DIMEC coding framework for application in reconfigurable configurable computing
DIME‐C is a development tool developed by Nallatech which is used to convert C

code into VHDL (see http://www.nallatech.com and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIME‐C). DIME‐C works closely with DIME‐Talk which is
a modelling tool for developing FPGA‐based hardware for distributed systems. This
project will involve working closely with the Cape
2
Town CHPC (Canter for High Performance Computing) in order to use the Nallatech
commercial development tools. What is needed, and consequently the objective of
this project, is to develop a programmer‐friendly (and thus simple to learn)
DESCRIPTION:
multi‐threaded coding framework for installing and activating FPGA hardware. The
general parts of the code framework involves: sending a hardware images (a bit
stream) to one or more FPGAs, sending data to FPGA(s), activating FPGA(s), and
reading data back from the FPGAs. Code and libraries for communicating with the
FPGAs are in place, but need to be refined in order to make it easier to use, and to
make better use of multi‐processor PCs which the FPGA platforms are connected to.
The framework should include features such as timing and logging so that
developers using these systems can more easily evaluate run‐time performance of
applications.
Application framework prototype working with a Nallatech FPGA accelerator card.
DELIVERABLES:
VHDL coding, use of FPGAs, understanding of C �VHDL translation techniques.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Student should have completed EEE3064W and successfully completed / enrolled in
EEE4084F.
112
ID: SW03
TITLE: uCOS OS/2 Networking on NIOS II Evaluation Board
The UCT electrical engineering department has a collection of FPGA development

kits, namely the Altera NIOS II Evaluation Kits, which are used in both undergraduate
courses and projects. These kits are both simple (in terms of FPGA development
platform), but versatile. The kit come with a selection of introductory design
projects, such as ones to flash LEDs and to send messages over the debug (JTAG)
channel. However, an issue that is lacking in these development kits is use of the
Ethernet controller. While later models of these boards have projects in which a
Ethernet (e.g, a LAN91C111 device) is configure, the development kits we have are
DESCRIPTION:
missing this aspect, which makes it difficult to transfer data to/from applications
running on the boards (instead it is necessary to use a slow JTAG connection or an
added RS232 communications). This project involves two parts: 1) adding an
Ethernet device to an existing NIOS2 design that runs on the board; 2) Developing or
porting the device driver so that the Ethernet controller works with the uCOS OS/2
(or alternatively uClinux) operating system; and 3) evaluating the network
communication speed and reliability of the completed system (by sending data over
UDP).
Demonstrating operational Ethernet TCP/IP networking using the FPGA evaluation
board with a NIOS II softcore processor connecting to the Ethernet device. Speed
DELIVERABLES:
tests. Sample code providing a starting point for a TCP/IP socket application (e.g.,
echo server).
VHDL coding. Student should have completed EEE3064W and currently enrolled or
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: successfully completed EEE4084F.
Note this project is not as simple as it may sound: a significant amount of technical
EXTRA INFORMATION: know‐how and experimentation will be needed to get an operational system in
place.
113
ID: SW04
TITLE: Embedded Computer Model Integration Investigation
The Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) has developed a highly
customizable generic modelling environment (GME) that can be used to create and
interpret visual modelling languages (see
http://www.isis.vanderbilt.edu/research/MIC).
The objective of this project is to use the GME produced by ISIS to construct a
modelling language to represent common building blocks for a specific embedded
system platform. The language will include boundary modelling elements such as an
RS232 element (for sending/receiving data) that sends via the system’s serial port
and an Eth element (for sending/receiving data over an Ethernet), together with
process elements (e.g., FFT for working on data) and storage elements (e.g., a block
of memory).
Your model interpreter (i.e. how the model in GME is translated) will output a C file
and VHDL (or Verilog) file templates, each representing the correct functional
prototypes (in H files) and stub code implementations (C files) for the software side
of the project, and Entity outlines (in VHDL or Verilog) for the hardware side (a
template Quartus II block diagram needs to be provided that will link to the
DESCRIPTION: automatically generated HDL file – the user can manually connect the NIOS II I/O to
the VHDL block). The VHDL / Verilog code needs to be compatible with Altera
Quartus II, and the C files compatible with the Altera NIOS II development suite.
An example model is shown in Figure 1 below. GME provides all the necessary
features for drawing modelling elements and connectors – you just need to select
what kind of blocks and lines you want to use, and then use the GME SDK to
described what code is written to what files when the “compile” operation is
performed on a model.
Figure 1: Example ECMII model

Operational ECMII modeller developed using GME. Demonstrating operation of
DELIVERABLES: automatically generated C & VHDL codes using an FPGA evaluation board.
VHDL / Verilog coding. Excellent C and C++ programming ability. Prior experience
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: with FPGA hardware development and NIOS processors. Student should have
completed EEE3064 and EEE3074W.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
114
ID: SW05
TITLE: VHDL audio device
The objective of this project is to construct a audio device on an FPGA platform,

connecting to a minimal set of external hardware (such as a 12‐bit DAC and
amplifier) in order to produce sound. The audio device is to be integrated with the
NIOS2 processor; the processor can be used as a means to decode and buffer audio
DESCRIPTION:
streamed into the platform (e.g., via a serial link from a PC). The system should be
design around a low‐ to mid‐range FPGA device including a careful price budget. The
project includes analysing the results of the device to determine the performance
characteristics.
Audio device design (VHDL / Verilog and schematic describing connections to
DELIVERABLES: hardware components external to the FPGA), device driver, audio codec (if needed).
VHDL / Verilog coding. C programming ability. Student should have completed

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: EEE3064 and EEE3074W.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
ID: SW06
TITLE: OpenSource Lite Speech Synthesizer for Embedded System
The aim of this project is to port a text2speach synthesiser to an embedded

platform. The student can decide on which platform to use, whether a softprocessor
or microcontroller‐based system is used. The motivation is facilitating development
of embedded system products for use by visually impaired users. The student will
need to assess applicable applications for this market, evaluate existing speech
DESCRIPTION:
synthesizes code/programs (e.g., http://espeak.sourceforge.net/ designed for
Linux), and decide on a list of likely words and responses that should be perfected in
the synthesizer’s vocabulary, before attempting to port or construct a synthesizer.
Student is suggested to collaborate with the UCT Disability Services in doing this
study.
Prototype platform demonstrating audio support provided via speech synthesis for
DELIVERABLES: an embedded application; software design (UML) showing design strategy for
speech support; sample code.
C programming ability. Understanding of embedded system design. Student should
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: have completed EEE3074W.
This project should be treated more as a research, rather than purely development,
project. A fully functional speech synthesiser is likely to take too long to port from
EXTRA INFORMATION: standard Linux to an embedded linux on a particular evaluation board (but an
attempt, to investigate the difficulties involved in doing so, is recommendable to
add to your findings).
115
ID: SW07
TITLE: WalkieTalkie Upgrade: a digital system with serial data transfer
The traditional walkie‐talkie is a pretty simple product. Generally these radios are
able to send and receive audio (up to about 4KHz sounds) transmissions at a radius
of 1 – 2 Km, with constant transmission power of around 1W. Although you may
think the technology is obsolete, these devices are still widely used. There are many
ways in which simple walkie‐talkie transmissions could be improved. The
transmissions are often crackly and, due to the broadcast nature of RF
transmissions, you hear all transmissions within range that are on the same channel.
The aim of this project is to develop a walkie‐talkie upgrade, a (preferably small)
module that can be plugged into and strapped onto the radio as shown in the
diagram below. Communications and signal processing techniques can then be used
DESCRIPTION: to take over the mic and transmit button inputs, and speaker outputs, to create a
digital system.
A serial data input/out added to the upgrade option can be useful for a variety of
possible applications, such as being able to plug into a portable device to sending
logs, meter readings, etc.
While it may be more cost effective to develop a new produce from scratch, the
motivation behind this project is being able to reuse existing products; and reuse of
high‐end two‐way radios (which themselves can be expensive) may show
cost‐saving potential.
Prototyped system, demonstrating ability to change modes (standard audio, digital
DELIVERABLES: audio, and data transfer). Report including schematic, distance tests,
communication performance stats (e.g., max. baud rates at various distances).
Electronic circuit design. C programming. Completed EEE3017W or EEE3064.
Student can make use of an existing pair of radios, rewiring the speaker, MIC, and
EXTRA INFORMATION:
talk button terminal to a custom microcontroller circuit.
AREA: Electronics / RF
116
ID: SW08
TITLE: Networked flood monitor
This idea involves constructing a low‐power device that can be installed in regions of
a building (business or home) in order to detect water leaks. The system needs a
simple sensor to detect presence of water (it should be operational on a variety of
surfaces, e.g. tiles, bricks, wooden floors, carpet). Ideally, it should be possible to
insert the device to monitor leaks within building structures (e.g., brick walls). The
system could be installed in different ways: temporarily as a humidity sensor (e.g., to
measure the change in humidity % while spraying the outside of a wall with water)
or as a leak detector (e.g., to set of an alarm or disable a tap) when water is
detected.
DESCRIPTION:
Figure 2: Flood detector suggested design

Prototyped system, demonstrating response to certain moisture levels. Report
DELIVERABLES: including schematics, time tests, communication details (for linking to other
systems).
Electronic circuit design. C programming. Completed EEE3017W or EEE3064,
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: successful completion of EEE3074W recommendable.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
AREA: Electronics / RF
117
ID: SW09
TITLE: Gigabit Ethernet Network RAID
The first subsection below provides a brief outline of the broader idea behind this
project. The second subsection indicates a more restrained project that could be
implemented as part of a 4th year project.
Thanks to Alastair Penney for suggesting this idea.
Sect1: General Concept
This project involves testing a system that will possibly boost computation
performance by using a dedicated hard drive server (or DHDS) (which is not the
same as a file server) accessed via high‐speed Gigabit Ethernet. The system is
intended to provide a RAID system without the need for internal RAID support in the
host computer. The system also allows for bulk data transmission and storage (up to
limited sizes, depending on DHDS internal primary memory) without having to wait
for drive accesses to complete. Multiple DHDS’s installed on a dedicated LAN (the
number depends on how much redundancy you want; the network could comprise
multiple sets of independent DHDS servers).
Benefits of the system are:
• Lower costs : use of standard HDD in the HDHS server

• Less space (used at a workstation): the HDHS could be housed remotely
from a workstation
• (Possibly) more reliable: no special purpose RAID HDD controllers
• (Possibly) better security: data not stored directly where it is used
DESCRIPTION:
The system design involves:
• Each write (e.g.): multicast UDP packet indicating filename, block and data,
for DHDS i of n , it writes block i and (i+1) mod n to a file on its HDD.
• Each read (e.g.): the DHDS devices multicasts data while other DHDS servers
listen in to the data to check correctness. Basically want to keep the
Ethernet busy, staging the transfers so that one DHDS transmits after
another.
• Handshaking would be needed – but in this project it’s more a performance
tests to see what speeds are achievable that robust and correct data
transmissions.
Sect2: What could be prototyped
For this project, the student could assemble two HDDS serves using a regular PC
running a dependable and low‐cost operating system (e.g., GenToo Linux). It is
important for this project to maximise the available primary memory space available
in order to capture incoming data. A sockets program can be developed that
implements a specialized UDP protocol for the data transfers, all done on a
dedicated gigabit local network. The objective can be to measure speeds by
broadcasting randomly generated (i.e., not read from the internal HDD) sequences
of bulk data to the DHDS, in order to simulate data being written to a file. For a read
access, DHDSs will read from its harddrive and broadcast. The sequencing will
involve some though, but the main purpose it to do a study of what speeds are
achievable.
118
Prototyped system of two HDDS servers on a local network, connecting to a PC.
DELIVERABLES: Demonstrating performance of large writes/reads sessions, and (esp. latency)
involved in small writes/reads.
Completed EEE3017W or EEE3074W. Completion of EEE3083F rec.
Although the HDDS devices would be implemented as dedicated embedded
EXTRA INFORMATION: systems, these can be effectively simulated using standard PCs running an
appropriate operating system.
AREA: Computer Engineering / broadband networks
119

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Supervisor: K.

Test results, thesis report, draft paper for publication

AREA: Electrical distribution planning, Reliability

Historical data is commonly used for the evaluation of reliability of distribution

AREA: Electrical Distribution planning, reliability.

A comparison of the different load models and their effects on customer

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Problem analysis, good interpersonal skills to obtain necessary data.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Identify possible area to survey

Electricity distribution planning and operation, technical and financial costing,

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Problem analysis, good interpersonal skills to obtain necessary data.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Identify possible area to survey

Electricity distribution planning and operation, technical and financial costing,

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Problem analysis, good interpersonal skills to obtain necessary data.

EXTRA INFORMATION: Identify possible area to survey

Electricity distribution planning and operation, technical and financial costing,

Interest in motors, electric drives and energy. Also, an interest in a lab/hardware-

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines and Drives)

Due to economical and environmental benefits, Wind Energy Conversion Systems

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, drives and signal processing)

AREA: Power Engineering (Electrical Machines, Power Electronics and Drives)

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Modelling, analytical and mathematical skills.

AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)

Design, experimental, analytical and mathematical skills, and an ability to think

AREA: Power Engineering ( Power Electronics)

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics, nonlinear dynamic systems, programming.

Control loop configurations can be factorized to aid mathematical analysis. Examples

The ability of the configuration to incorporate asymptotic tracking of various types

EXTRA INFORMATION: The comparison is to be made both in simulation and experimentation.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics (especially of robotic systems). Programming in Visual Basic

A laboratory rig known as the Ball-and-Hoop system is designed to emulate control

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Mathematics of optimal control and programming

ID: MB08 (Pre-Assigned)

Pre-assigned project, started as a vacation job that prepared the hardware

Working helicopter system controlled from a PC via a computer interface system. In

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in MATLAB

AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System

At present, anti-islanding protection schemes currently enforce the distributed

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in DIgSILENT

AREA: Distributed Generation; Microgrids

EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in MATLAB

AREA: Power system planning; Application of Intelligent Techniques in Power System

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in C++, MATLAB and DIgSILENT

AREA: Power system operation; power system planning

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Skills in MATLAB

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are preferred as environment-

EXTRA INFORMATION: Skills in MATLAB

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.

AREA: Distribution System Reliability

Photovoltaic (PV) generation is a cost-effective method for renewable power

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB.

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB and DIgSILENT.

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation; Microgrids

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in C++ and MATLAB.

AREA: Power System Protection and Control

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: Should be conversant in MATLAB.

AREA: Renewable Energy Systems; Distributed Generation