Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses

Cen 501 Advanced Electronic Circuits (3)

Linear and non-linear applications of operational amplifiers, with an emphasis on circuit design. Non-ideal operational amplifier behavior, including both static and dynamic characteristics. Amplifier stability and frequency compensation techniques. Operational amplifier based oscillators. Circuit noise. Prerequisites: Cen 380 Introduction to Digital Circuits Electronics or Ece 300 Introduction to Electronics or equivalent.

Cen 511 Microwave Engineering (3)

An introduction to radio frequency and microwave analysis and design. Transmission lines and waveguides, microwave network characterization and analysis, impedance matching and tuning. Passive microwave devices such as power dividers, couplers, resonators, filters, and ferrimagnetic components. An introduction to active devices. Prerequisites: Cen 310 Engineering Electromagnetics and either Cen 380 Introduction to Digital Circuits or Cen 300 Introduction to Electronics or equivalent.

Cen 512 Antenna Engineering (3)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of antenna theory. Basic antenna parameters, including radiation resistance, input impedance, gain and directivity. Antenna radiation properties and Friis transmission formula. Elementary (dipole, linear wire and loop) antennas and their radiation properties. Impedance matching techniques and mutual coupling. Analysis and design of antenna arrays. Introduction to commonly used aperture and microstrip antennas. Prerequisites: Cen 310 Engineering Electromagnetics or equivalent.

Cen 513 Electrical Energy Systems (3)

An introduction to the major components of today's power system such as transformers, electric machines, and transmission lines. Renewable energy sources and systems are discussed, including wind and solar energy. Integration of energy sources into the power grid. Prerequisites: Ece 310 Engineering Electromagnetics and either Cen 380 Introduction to Digital Circuits Electronics or Cen 300 Introduction to Electronics or equivalent.

Cen 520 Introduction to VLSI (3)

An introduction to Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuit design. The device, circuit, and system aspects of VLSI design are covered in an integrated fashion. Emphasis is placed on NMOS, PMOS and CMOS technology. Using transistors, simple gates such as XOR, AND, OR, AOI, OAI, and flip flops, are constructed and simulated using Cadence Design Systems tools. Verilog-A is used to provide input vectors and test the correctness of the output. Prerequisites: Cen 300 Introduction to Electronics or Cen 380 Introduction to Digital Circuits or equivalent.

Cen 521 Digital ASIC Design (3)

The design of complex digital Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Standard cell libraries and the Verilog language are used to build complex digital synchronous circuits using Cadence layout synthesis tools. Interconnect delay estimation, clock tree synthesis, repeater and pipeline stage design are introduced. A synchronous digital circuit utilizing 100s of flip flops and digital gates is designed as a final project and sent to MOSIS for fabrication. Prerequisites: Cen 420/520 Introduction to VLSI.

Cen 522 Integrated Circuit Devices (3)

Modern solid-state devices and their operational principles. Solid state physics fundamentals, such as carriers and their mobility, band structures, doping concentrations and PN junctions. The operation of PN diodes, PIN diodes, and Schottky diodes, as well as three terminal devices, such as BJTs, JFETs, SCRs, MESFETs and MOSFETs. Device modelling and behavior. Prerequisites: Cen 380 Introduction to Digital Circuits or Cen 300 Introduction to Electronics or equivalent.

Cen 531 Reconfigurable Computing (3)

This course provides a study of FPGA architecture with detailed discussion on opportunities and challenges in this flexible platform. Topics include device architecture, programming languages and models for FPGAs including streaming and I/O, Mapping, Placement and Routing in reconfigurable logic, application design, development, verification and application specific optimization techniques. Prerequisites: Cen 404 Computer Organization and Cen 231 Digital Systems.

Cen 532 Advanced Computer Architecture (3)

This course includes the fundamentals of the design and architecture of modern computing systems. Topics will include performance metrics of architecture, instruction level parallelism and its limitations, multiprocessors and thread level parallelism, memory hierarchy design, storage system and I/O. Prerequisites: Cen/Csi 404 Computer Organization or equivalent.

Cen 541 Parallel Computing (3)

This course introduces students to fundamental principles and engineering trade-offs involved in designing modern parallel computing systems as well as parallel programming techniques for optimal use in these systems. Topics include parallel programming models, performance optimization and evaluation, cache coherence, memory consistency, interconnection networks, synchronization and latency consideration. Multi-core CPUs and GPUs will be used for assignments. Prerequisites: Cen/Csi 213 Data Structures and Cen/Csi 404 Computer Organization or equivalent.

Cen 551 Robotics (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of robotics, including configuration space, transformation matrix, kinematics, motion planning, and a brief introduction to robot manipulation. In addition to simulation environments, the course uses robot arms and small drones as hardware platforms for students to practice programming and test algorithms. Current final projects include navigating drones through a small field of obstacles and the use of a robot arm to pick up objects. Prerequisites: A Mat 220 Linear algebra, Cen/Csi 210, and Cen/Csi 213 or equivalent.

Cen 553 Cyber-Physical Systems (3)

This course is an introduction to the basics of models, analysis tools, and control for embedded systems operating in real time. Topics include models of computation, basic analysis, control, and systems simulation, interfacing with the physical world, mapping to embedded platforms and distributed embedded systems. This course has a lab component. Prerequisites: Cen 350/371 Signals & Systems and Cen/Csi 404 Computer Organization or equivalent.

Cen 560 Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3)

This course will explore current emerging technologies and related technical management practices on a global basis. The content of this course will vary from semester to semester. Each offering will cover an advanced engineering topic in Electrical and Computer Engineering. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Cen 562 Digital Signal Processing (3)

The mathematical basis of discrete-time signal analysis. Topics include the theory and implementation of fast Fourier transform algorithms and the design and implementation of digital filters along with advanced techniques such as linear prediction, adaptive filtering, and two-dimensional signal processing. Prerequisites: Cen 371 Signals and Systems or Cen 350 Signals and Systems or equivalent.

Cen 563 Digital Image Processing (3)

An introduction to the fundamental techniques and algorithms used for acquiring, processing and extracting useful information from digital images. Image sampling and quantization, image transforms, image enhancement and restoration, image encoding, image analysis and pattern recognition. Prerequisites: Cen 370/562 Digital Signal Processing or equivalent.

Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes (3)

A foundation in the theory and applications of probability and stochastic processes with an emphasis on applications within the broad areas of electrical and computer engineering such as signal processing, detection, estimation, and communications. Fundamental probabilistic results such as the axioms of probability, random variables, distribution functions, functions and sequences of random variables, stochastic processes, and representations of random processes and their application in electrical and computer engineering. Prerequisites: A Mat 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences or equivalent.

Cen 572 Advanced Digital Communications (3)

An introduction to digital communications, including signal generation, signal detection, synchronization, channel modeling, and coding. Baseband pulse modulation. Signal space representation of signals and optimal receiver structures. Bandpass modulation techniques including PSK, QAM and FSK. Carrier, symbol, and frame synchronization. Channel characterization and modeling, including terrestrial channels. Prerequisites: Cen 471 Communication Systems or equivalent.

Cen 573 Radiowave Propagation and Remote Sensing (3)

An introduction to the basic physical mechanisms of electromagnetic wave propagation in the troposphere and ionosphere, and the fundamentals of microwave remote sensing. Direct transmission. Attenuation due to atmospheric gases and rain. Reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves, ducting and ray tracing. Path loss and fading models. Groundwave and ionospheric propagation. Active and passive remote sensing systems. Prerequisites: Cen 310 Engineering Electromagnetics and Cen 350/Cen 371 Signals and Systems or equivalent.

Cen 574 Modern Wireless Networks (3)

This course provides a comprehensive study of recent wireless data and telecommunication networks. Topics include fundamentals of wireless coding and modulation, wireless signal propagation, cellular networks: 1G/2G/3G, LTE, LTE-Advanced, and 5G, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless local area networks, 60 GHz mmWave wireless networks, vehicular wireless networks, and wireless protocols for Internet of Things including Bluetooth, BLE, 802.15.4, Zigbee, LoRA and SigFox. Prerequisites: Computer Communication Networks Cen 416 and Cen 472 Advanced Digital Communication.

Cen 581 Linear Control Theory (3)

An introduction to the analysis and design of linear control systems. Mathematical models, including state-space variable models. Continuous and sampled-data systems. Feedback control, and stability. Root locus and frequency response compensation methods. Uncertain models and robustness. Prerequisites: Cen 350/371 Signals and Systems or equivalent.

Cen 620 Mixed-Signal IC Design (3)

The implementation of digital and analog circuits together on a single integrated circuit. The design of analog integrated circuits such as operational amplifiers, operational transconductance amplifiers, and bandgap voltage references. Analog and digital IC design concepts are combined to develop a user-programmable Video Graphics Array (VGA) controller IC that stores user-selected digital values in its internal registers. A final project requires the design of a VGA controller that reads its screen contents from an external SRAM. Prerequisites: Cen 421/521 Digital ASIC Design.

Cen 621 Radio Frequency IC Design (3)

The design, simulation, and implemention of RF/microwave integrated circuit components and devices for applications within the medium frequency (MF) to ultrahigh frequency (UHF) range. System and design concepts are taught through the example of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. A final project requires the design of an RFID integrated circuit to operate at 433 MHz. Designs are built using the MOSIS 0.5 um process. Prerequisites: Cen 420/520 Introduction to VLSI.

Cen 629 Projects in Electronic Circuits and Systems (3)

Supervised projects in Electronic Circuits and Systems. Students investigate the state-of-the-art in Electronic Circuits and Systems through the study of current publications, class discussions, student presentations, and a major project. Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least 3 courses in the Electronic Circuits and Systems Concentration Area of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Cen 659 Projects in Computer Engineering (3)

Supervised projects in Computer Engineering. Students investigate the state-of-the-art in Computer Engineering through the study of current publications, class discussions, student presentations, and a major project. Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least 3 courses in the Computer Engineering Concentration Area of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Cen 660 Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3)

This course will explore current emerging technologies and related technical management practices on a global basis. The content of this course will vary from semester to semester. Each offering will cover an advanced engineering topic in Electrical and Computer Engineering. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

Cen 664 Statistical Pattern Recognition (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of statistical pattern recognitions. Bayesian decision theory. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian parameter estimation. Nonparametric techniques. Linear discriminant functions. Multilayer neural networks. Stochastic methods. Nonmetric methods. Algorithm-independent machine learning. Unsupervised learning and clustering. Big data classification. Prerequisites: Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes.

Cen 669 Projects in Signal and Information Processing (3)

Supervised projects in Signal and Information Processing. Students investigate the state-of-the-art in Signal and Information Processing through the study of current publications, class discussions, student presentations, and a major project. Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least 3 courses in the Signal and Information Processing Concentration Area of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Cen 672 Detection and Estimation Theory (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of detection and estimation theory for signal processing, communications, and control. Topics covered include: classical statistical decision theory, decision criteria, simple and composite hypothesis tests. Receiver operating characteristics and error probability. Bayesian and nonrandom parameter estimation. Non-Bayesian parameter estimation. Kalman prediction, filtering and smoothing. Approximate nonlinear filtering (extended Kalman filtering, unscented Kalman filtering). Parameter estimation in linear dynamical systems. Higher-order statistics. Prerequisites: A Mat 220 Linear Algebra, Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes, Basic programming skills, or permission of the instructor.

Cen 673 Information Theory (3)

This is a graduate level course on the mathematics of Information Theory. Topics will include Discrete probability, entropy, mutual information, inequalities, Typical sequences and sets, Data compression, Huffman codes, Tunstall codes, universal source coding, Discrete memoryless channels, capacity, cost, coding, Differential entropy, Gaussian channels, spectral efficiency, modulation, Rate distortion theory, Basic multiuser theory. Prerequisites: Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes.

Cen 674 Error Control Coding (3)

The course will begin with an introduction to the fundamental problems of the ECC Theory, and their mathematical formulations. Topics covered in class include algebraic codes (cyclic codes, BCH codes, Reed-Solomon codes), convolutional codes, and modern graph based codes (Turbo-Codes and LDPC codes). Prerequisites: Cen 370/Cen 462 Digital Signal Processing, A Mat 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences or permission of the instructor.

Cen 676 Wireless Communications (3)

This course introduces students to design, analysis and fundamental limits of wireless communication systems. Topics that will be covered in this course include: wireless channel models, fading and diversity, mmWave propagation, capacity of wireless channels, adaptive modulation techniques, multiple-antenna and MIMO systems; multicarrier systems and OFDM and inter-symbol interference countermeasures. Prerequisites: Cen 572 Advanced Digital Communications or permission of the instructor.

Cen 677 Communication Network Analysis (3)

The objective of the course is to develop mathematical models that allow the study of packet arrival, admission control and congestion control used in emerging high-speed and wireless networks. This course is focused on probabilistic modeling and analysis of communication network protocols. Topics covered are Markov Chains, Poisson process, queueing models, network of queues, stability and delay analysis, optimal routing, capacity assignment, rate control, fairness. Prerequisites: Cen/Csi 416 Computer Communication Networks and Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes or equivalent.

Cen 679 Projects in Communications and Networking (3)

Supervised projects in Communications and Networking. Students investigate the state-of-the-art in Communications and Networking through the study of current publications, class discussions, student presentations, and a major project. Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least 3 courses in the Communications and Networking Concentration Area of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Cen 680 Advanced Linear Control Theory (3)

An introduction to the analysis and design of control systems. System modeling and analysis. System structural properties such as stability, controllability, observability. Optimization and design to meet specifications. Feedback control systems emphasizing on state space techniques. Optimum feedback control including dynamic programming and numerical methods. Minimum principle. Infinite Horizon LQR problems. Prerequisites: Cen 481/581 Linear Control Theory.

Cen 681 Nonlinear and Adaptive Control (3)

An introduction to the basic concepts of nonlinear and adaptive control. Nonlinear and adaptive control systems. Lyapunov stability and boundedness. Identification and parameter estimation. Bayesian and non-Bayesian adaptive control. Gradient and least squares schemes. Direct and indirect adaptive control. Self-tuning regulators. Model Reference. Pole placement algorithms. Convergence, stability and robustness properties. Prerequisites: Cen 581 Linear Control Theory and Cen 571 Probability and Random Processes.

Cen 695 Master's Project (3)

Independent project at the master's level under the direction of faculty guidance. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Prerequisites: Consent of department.

Cen 695C Master's Project Continuation (1)

Load Graded. Appropriate for master's students engaged in the master's project beyond the level applicable to their degree program. Prerequisites: Consent of department.    

Cen 697 Graduate Independent Study and Research (3)

Independent study in a particular area of electrical and computer engineering under the supervision of a departmental faculty member. May be repeated for credit with permission of the department. Prerequisites: Consent of department.

Cen 699 Master's Thesis (1-9)

Independent research project at the master's level under the direction of faculty guidance. Students will present their research as appropriate. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Prerequisites: Consent of department.

Cen 699C Master's Research Continuation (1)

Load Graded. Appropriate for master's students engaged in research on the master's project beyond the level applicable to their degree program. Prerequisites: Consent of department.

Cen 890 Doctoral Research (1-15)

Independent research project at the doctoral level under the direction of faculty guidance. Students will present their research as appropriate. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Cen 899 Doctoral Dissertation (1)

Independent research at the doctoral level under the direction of faculty guidance. Students will present their research as appropriate. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Registration for this course is limited to doctoral students who have met all requirements with the exception of the dissertation defense and its official submission to the Office of Graduate Education. Requirements include successfully passing all examinations, meeting the minimum GPA requirement, and completing all program requirements as indicated on the approved academic Plan of Study. Prerequisites: Permission of department.