Electrical & Computer Engineering Courses

This course addresses the what (modeling), how (design) and why (analysis) of systems through the use of model-based design process. System models will be essential to four key aspects of the design process, derivation of executable specifications, hardware and software design based on simulations, implementation by code generation, and continuous testing and verification. Model-based design can be an effective tool to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation of cyber-physical systems in which computation and communication are tightly integrated with physical processes.

Topics may include modeling continuous and discrete dynamics, heterogeneous models, hybrid systems, stochastic models, models of computation, analysis and design of embedded control systems with applications in robotics, system simulation, validation and verification techniques, time-critical systems and human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems. The examples throughout the course will be drawn from practical robot applications as robotics requires a whole system design approach at the cross-section of environmental models, physical components and algorithms. Course projects will emphasize model-based design for control of robotic systems and smart environments. Students who are not RBE majors will be encouraged to undertake projects that reflect their own engineering systems interests consistent with the specific project objectives.

(Prerequisites: linear algebra and differential equations; embedded systems; linear systems and control theory or consent of the instructor.)