Electrical, Electronic and Software Systems Research Group

This Research Group brings together members who offer expertise within the broad fields of electrical, electronic and software systems. Research Group members contribute their own specialist expertise, while recognising the overall integrated nature of the field. The group works in the areas listed, and in each is ready to offer applied research, industrial collaboration, or short courses.

Audio Electronic and Software Systems

Working closely with colleagues in CTRG, the group has a strong interest in analogue and digital software systems, exemplified by expertise in digital signal processing and advanced electronic system design.

Electrical Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability

With a view to sustainable applications the efficient processing and application of electrical energy is a central focus, for example in micro-hydro power generation, and capture of solar energy.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

The group can advise on the design of electronic products to meet EMC requirements, and on current EMC directives and their interpretation.

Embedded Systems

There is a focus on the small embedded system, with features of low cost and low power consumption. ARM, PIC and Freescale microcontrollers are applied, using Assembler and C, and the Salvo real-time operating system.

Engineering Education

Members are active in advanced educational practice, and educational research and consultancy.

Industrial Automation

The group has considerable development expertise in advanced applications of industrial sensors, PLCs, and distributed and embedded control.

Optics and Acoustics

Expertise lies in building and industrial acoustics, ultrasound sensor applications, optical fibre applications, and the science and engineering of entertainment lighting systems. Optics and acoustics represent further interface points with the CTRG.

Power Electronics

Expertise lies in novel applications of IGBT and other devices, thermal modelling, and other simulation techniques. The processing of solar energy and motor vehicle electronics are important applications of this.

Sensor Systems

Expertise lies in optical fibre sensors, including distributed sensor systems. The group fabricates its own sensors.

Software Systems

Emphasis is on real-time systems, with the development for example of fast real-time DSP algorithms, and the application of real-time operating systems in embedded systems.