Matching Items (413)
Description
Radio communication has become the dominant form of correspondence in modern society. As the demand for high speed communication grows, the problems associated with an expanding consumer base and limited spectral access become more difficult to address. One communications system in which people commonly find themselves is the multiple access cellular network. Users operate within the same geographical area and bandwidth, so providing access to every user requires advanced processing techniques and careful subdivision of spectral access. This is known as the multiple access problem. This paper addresses this challenge in the context of airborne transceivers operating at high altitudes and long ranges. These operators communicate by transmitting a signal through a target scattering field on the ground without a direct line of sight to the receiver. The objective of this investigation is to develop a model for this communications channel, identify and quantify the relevant characteristics, and evaluate the feasibility of using it to effectively communicate.
ContributorsHerschfelt, Andrew William (Author) / Bliss, Daniel (Thesis director) / Cochran, Douglas (Committee member) / Aberle, James (Committee member) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
Wire connected solar cells are a promising new technology that can increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar modules. The use of wire rather than ribbon bus bars can lead to reduced shading, better light trapping, and reduced material costs, all while eliminating the need for soldering. This research first analyzes the optimal wire gauge to reduce cracking and improve efficiency. Wire sizes between 20 AWG and 28 AWG were tested, with the optimal size being between 24 AWG and 26 AWG for the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) layer used in the module. A polyethylene sheet was then added between the wires and EVA layer to prevent the EVA from running underneath the wires during lamination, ultimately allowing for a more uniform contact and only a slight reduction in quantum efficiency. Then, a comparison between tinned copper wires and indium coated copper wires is shown. A mini-module efficiency of 20.0% has been achieved using tinned copper wires, while indium coated copper wires have produced a mini-module efficiency of 21.2%. Thus, tinned copper wires can be a viable alternative to indium coated copper wires, depending on the needs of the customers and the current price of indium. The module design throughout the research utilizes a planar assembly method, which improves the ease of manufacturing for wire interconnection technology. A two-cell base component is constructed and shown, with the intended future application of making large wire connected modules. Finally, wire applications in both single-cell and four-cell flexible modules are explored, with an efficiency of 18.65% achieved on a single-cell, flexible, heterojunction solar module using wire interconnections. A fully flexible four-cell string is developed, and future recommendations for related research are included.
ContributorsTyler, Kevin Daniel (Author) / Bowden, Stuart (Thesis director) / Herasimenka, Stanislau (Committee member) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
This project details a magnetic field detection system that can be mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system is comprised of analog circuitry to detect and process the magnetic signals, digital circuitry to sample and store the data outputted from the analog front end, and finally a UAV to carry and mobilize the electronic parts. The system should be able to sense magnetic fields from power transmission lines, enabling the determination of whether or not current is running through the power line.
ContributorsTheoharatos, Dimitrios (Co-author) / Brazones, Ryan (Co-author) / Pagaduan, Patrick (Co-author) / Allee, David (Thesis director) / Karady, George (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
While SPICE circuit simulation software gives researchers and industry accurate information regarding the behavior and characteristics of circuits, the auditory effect of SPICE circuit simulation on audio circuits is not well documented. This project takes a thoroughly analyzed and popular audio effect circuit called the Ibanez Tubescreamer and simulates its distortion effect on a .wav file in order to hear the effect of SPICE simulation. Specifically, the TS-808 schematic is drawn in the SPICE program LTSPICE and simulated using generated sinusoids and recorded .wav files. Specific components are imported using .MODEL and .SUBCKT to accurately represent the diodes, bipolar transistors, op amps, and other components in order to hear how each component affects the response. Various transient responses are extracted as .wav files and assembled as figures in order to characterize the result of the circuit on the input. Once the actual circuit is built and debugged, all of the same transient analysis is applied and then compared to the SPICE simulation figures gathered in the digital simulation. These results are then compared along with a subjective hearing test of the digital simulation and analog circuit in order to test the validity of the SPICE simulations. The digital simulations reveal that the distortion follows the signature characteristics of Ibanez Tubescreamer which shows that SPICE simulation will give insight into the real effects of audio circuits modeled in SPICE programs. Diodes--such as Silicon, Germanium, Zener, Red LEDs and Blue LEDs--can dramatically change the waveforms and sound of the inputs within the circuit where as the Op-amps--such as the JRC4558, TL072, and NE5532--have little to no effect on the waveforms and subjective effects on the output .wav files. After building the circuit and hearing the difference between the analog circuit and digital simulation, the differences between the two are apparent but very similar in nature--proving that the SPICE simulation can give meaningful insight into the sound of the actual analog circuit. Some of the differences can be explained by the variance of equipment and environment used in recording and playback. Since this project did not use high fidelity audio recording equipment and consistency in the equipment used for playback, it is uncertain if the simulation and actual circuit could be classified as completely accurate. Any further work on the project would be recording and playing back in a constant environment and looking into a wider range of specific components instead of looking into one permutation.
ContributorsMacias, Cole Thomas (Author) / Goryll, Michael (Thesis director) / Yu, Shimeng (Committee member) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
Familiar Places: Ghosts of a Memory is a thesis exhibition, presented in Gallery 100 in Tempe, AZ, accompanied by a written investigation into the function of photography in the home and art. This project is a diaristic photographic record including images of myself, my family, my environment, and mementos or objects that embody family history. I am interested in what we hold onto to keep memories and create our "home". I moved frequently growing up so my sense of home became firmly grounded in family, tradition, and the things we kept close, making home a practiced space not a place. This thesis project explores how material culture, including photographs, is used in creating the space of the home. Questions regarding the nature of the photograph as a memory keeping device or memory trigger is investigated to understand their usefulness and accuracy to the memory. A deeper examination of the difference between an artist's photograph of family and home versus the family photograph is discussed and presented by utilizing installations in the exhibition. The photographs can be seen at www.gwendolynanne.com
ContributorsDavies, Gwendolyn Anne (Author) / Smith, Stephen Mark (Thesis director) / Danh, Binh (Committee member) / Loebenberg, Abby (Committee member) / School of Art (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
The purpose of this paper was to assist companies involved in international/intercultural business negotiations establish an orderly, informed, prepared, and empowered negotiation team within the corporate structure. The paper introduces and reinforces the importance of a systematic rather than situational approach to intercultural negotiations and assists companies establish the infrastructure, team, team coordination and alignment, preparation for negotiations, and intercultural skills necessary to maximize their success. China was chosen as the hypothetical international opponent because of its importance to the world economy and the value to American companies of establishing a business presence there. It also presented a prime example of the complexity of negotiations that has been so deeply influenced by a 5,000-year-old culture. In order to validate other research materials, the experiences of three expatriates who have lived in China and worked as business consultants there were explored in interviews. Each presented disparate views on the role of culture in successful negotiations, which underscored the importance of preparation to the negotiation process. The result was an outline of how a company can assemble and incorporate a team of ever-improving professionals for any foray into the global marketplace, with specific recommendations for expanding into China. Although the primary focus is on China, the suggestions and principles contained in this paper can be applied to any company of any national origin attempting to enter the global marketplace. By following some or all of its suggestions, companies will be in a better position to participate effectively in international / intercultural negotiations.
ContributorsChen, Yutong (Author) / Goldman, Alan (Thesis director) / Frost, Donald (Committee member) / Thunderbird School of Global Management (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
The purpose of this thesis project is to analyze the impact that patient death has on long-term care providers. This study draws upon my own experience working as a licensed nursing assistant in a long-term care facility and also uses a qualitative analysis of six semi-structured interviews with other nursing assistants and hospice volunteers. With patient death being an unavoidable part of working in this area of healthcare, I explore how these care providers cope with losing their patients and the effectiveness of these coping mechanisms. Some strategies found that aided in coping with grief included staying detached from patients, being distracted by other aspects of the job, receiving support from co-workers, family members and/or supervisors, and having a religious outlook on what happens following death. In addition to these, I argue that care providers also utilize the unconscious defense mechanism of repression to avoid their feelings of grief and guilt. Repressing the grief and emotions that come along with patient death can protect the individual from additional pain in order for them to continue to do their difficult jobs. Being distracted by other patients also aids in the repression process by avoiding personal feelings temporarily. I also look into factors that have been found to affect the level of grief including the caregiver’s closeness to the patient, level of preparedness for the death, and first experience of losing a patient. Ultimately, I show that the common feelings accompanied by patient death (sadness, anger and stress) and the occurrence of burnout are harmful symptoms of the repression taking place.
ContributorsMasterson, Kaitlin (Author) / Loebenberg, Abby (Thesis director) / Mack, Robert (Committee member) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / School of Molecular Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Today’s electric vehicle market is growing at high rates but unaware consumers present a risk to the future success of electric vehicles (EVs). Over the coming years electric vehicles will take over the automotive industry. Consumers will need to become more educated in order to keep up with the rise and adoption of electric vehicles. Automotive companies will play a large part in this future of education for electric vehicles.
This paper uses various studies and my own personal study from my summer internship with Ford Motor Company to determine the biggest consumer fears, challenging them and how automotive companies can combat them. In my opinion, the biggest consumer fears for electric vehicles are range anxiety, lack of a charging network, high initial purchase prices, battery replacement costs and lack of appealing options. Consumers who are not interested in EVs, are interested or just looking have fears that can come from opinions or others opinions. These fears can easily change through factual points.
I have included numerous studies that combat these fears and show the truth of each category. In each category I have used studies that point out reasons why these fears are nothing to worry about. Consumers need to learn these fears can be easily changed and that is what this section aims to do.
Automotive companies will have to play a large part in this educational piece. My paper outlines what they need to do in order to succeed in the future. A major part will be dealer engagement. Dealerships represent the face of the company and if they are unwilling or cannot sell EVs, then electric vehicles will not succeed.
Finally, I provide my personal thoughts on the future of the electric vehicle market and what is holding high adoption rates of EVs back.
This paper uses various studies and my own personal study from my summer internship with Ford Motor Company to determine the biggest consumer fears, challenging them and how automotive companies can combat them. In my opinion, the biggest consumer fears for electric vehicles are range anxiety, lack of a charging network, high initial purchase prices, battery replacement costs and lack of appealing options. Consumers who are not interested in EVs, are interested or just looking have fears that can come from opinions or others opinions. These fears can easily change through factual points.
I have included numerous studies that combat these fears and show the truth of each category. In each category I have used studies that point out reasons why these fears are nothing to worry about. Consumers need to learn these fears can be easily changed and that is what this section aims to do.
Automotive companies will have to play a large part in this educational piece. My paper outlines what they need to do in order to succeed in the future. A major part will be dealer engagement. Dealerships represent the face of the company and if they are unwilling or cannot sell EVs, then electric vehicles will not succeed.
Finally, I provide my personal thoughts on the future of the electric vehicle market and what is holding high adoption rates of EVs back.
ContributorsTisch, Zachary Daniel (Author) / Sully de Luque, Mary (Thesis director) / Tuzzolino, Frank (Committee member) / Thunderbird School of Global Management (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
This project revolves around the enhancement of an existing data collection device utilized for patient monitoring within the framework of the leadership of Shad Roundy's team. The initial deployment involved a 10-Axis Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) sourced from MetaMotionS (MMS) for comprehensive data acquisition from patients at University of Utah’s Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC). The primary objective transitioned towards optimizing the device's functionality, particularly addressing challenges related to limited battery life, device size, and data transfer efficiency. A systematic approach was undertaken to address these challenges, involving meticulous research into alternative batteries, with the CL 582728 identified as a promising solution capable of extending the device's operational lifespan to around one month. Additionally, the initiative aimed at refining data collection processes through real-time transmission facilitated by Raspberry Pi devices at BHC via Bluetooth, leveraging the energy-efficient Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 Bluetooth chip. The project also entailed intricate circuit design endeavors utilizing Autodesk Eagle, with reference to a model provided by MMS. Despite encountering programming challenges for the microcontroller, the groundwork was laid for a conceptual solution, with plans to delegate the programming task to a team member possessing advanced expertise. Though the device has yet to be fabricated, the design is near completion.
ContributorsJust, William (Author) / Andersen, Erik (Thesis director) / Roundy, Shad (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The thesis explores the avenues of machine learning principles in object detection using TensorFlow 2 Object Detection API Libraries for implementation. Integrating object detection capabilities into ESP-32 cameras can enhance functionality in the capstone dragster application and potential applications, such as autonomous robots. The research implements the TensorFlow 2 Object Detection API, a widely used framework for training and deploying object detection models. By leveraging the pre-trained models available in the API, the system can detect a wide range of objects with high accuracy and speed. Fine-tuning these models using a custom dataset allows us to enhance their performance in detecting specific objects of interest. Experiments to identify strengths and weaknesses of each model's implementation before and after training using similar images were evaluated The thesis also explores the potential limitations and challenges of deploying object detection on real-time ESP-32 cameras, such as limited computational resources, costs, and power constraints. The results obtained from the experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing object detection on ESP-32 cameras using the TensorFlow2 Object Detection API. The system achieves satisfactory accuracy and real-time processing capabilities, making it suitable for various practical applications. Overall, this thesis provides a foundation for further advancements and optimizations in the integration of object detection capabilities into small, low-power devices such as ESP-32 cameras and a crossroad to explore its applicability for other image-capturing and processing devices in industrial, automotive, and defense sectors of industry.
ContributorsMani, Vinesh (Author) / Tsakalis, Konstantinos (Thesis director) / Jayasuriya, Suren (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05