Building tools and technology for critical systems
Research Issues
Developing embedded computer systems to support the safety of electric vehicle charging and robust HWIL testing for imaging systems.
Research Areas
Embedded computers are becoming increasingly pervasive and powerful. They provide functionality for a broad range of systems including household appliances, toys, vehicles, defense systems and medical devices. They surround and sometimes exist inside people. Some of these applications involve critical systems, and the performance of the embedded devices is key to maintaining a safe environment. Performance requirements must be met while maintaining sometimes stringent requirements for power and speed. Electric vehicle charging presents one scenario in which embedded computers are critical for safe operation. Most vehicles today contain dozens of electronic control units (ECUs) which control key systems when the vehicle is driving. To these, electric vehicles add a set of control systems for managing high-power charging, battery management and, in some systems, grid-integration. These systems are also important for maintaining the safety of electric vehicles, and so supporting their increased adoption. Another area in which embedded computers play a key role is that of high speed dynamic displays for hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing of imaging systems. These imaging systems may be integrated in devices used for missile defense. Providing high speed, accurate imagery is key to testing these devices and supporting their development. Testing requires novel displays driven by robust embedded systems.
Majors Preparation and Interests
EE, CE – Electronic circuit design, testing and evaluation of electric circuits and equipment, design, assembly, installation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations.CS – Embedded computing; data analysis and algorithm development
Key Elements
Electric vehicle, Electric grid, Scene projectors, Embedded computing, Computer algorithms
Goals
Faculty
Rodney McGee, Ph.D., Professor, ECE, tmcgee@udel.edu
