PPGEE has four research lines:
- Communication Circuits
- Systems Optimization
- Power and Control Electronics
- Electric Power Systems
COMMUNICATION CIRCUITS
This research line covers the development of electrical and electronic circuits applied to different communication systems, such as satellite communication links, mobile cellular telephony, cryptography, data communication networks (Internet), antennas, electronic circuits for data transmission and reception, among others. Conducting research in this area is crucial for the advancement of emerging communication systems, such as 5G mobile networks and technologies such as Internet of Things. In this sense, analytical and experimental research related to the design and evaluation of antennas is developed, in addition to CAD tools, design, implementation and testing of VLSI integrated circuits, in the digital, analog and RF domains. The development of CAD tools aims to provide higher levels of automation during the design of an integrated circuit, in addition to efficiently exploring the design space in search of optimized solutions. In this sense, research is carried out to generate more efficient solutions in the stages of topology selection, dimensioning of circuit components (active devices, such as transistors, and passive devices, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors) and layout generation. Research on IC design, on the other hand, involves the development of techniques that allow the design of circuits with low energy consumption, small silicon area and high performance. As these specifications are divergent, this is a field that requires intensive research for the development of state-of-the-art circuits that meet the speed and energy consumption requirements of current communication protocols, especially in sub-micrometric manufacturing technologies. Prototyping and testing circuits are essential stages for the validation of design strategies. For this, research on prototyping techniques and ultra low power electrical measurements are also part of this line.
Professors:
- Alessandro Girardi
- Edson Schlosser
- Lucas Severo
- Marcos Heckler
- Paulo César Comassetto de Aguirre
SYSTEMS OPTIMIZATION
This research line covers the optimization of hardware and software solutions that involve the design of distributed systems, computer networks and parallel architectures. Conducting research in the area is crucial for the advancement of emerging distributed systems such as, for example, 5G mobile networks and technologies such as Internet of Things. In this sense, research related to the design, evaluation and optimization of access networks, high-speed networks, Internet and new technologies, management of new services and applications is developed. The development of research in the field of parallel architectures is crucial to assist designers of parallel systems during the analysis, design and integration of high performance computer systems. Considering hardware solutions, research on reconfigurable, heterogeneous and high performance parallel architectures is developed. In this sense, software research considers the design of parallel algorithms and techniques for optimizing the use of computational resources. Its main objective is to create optimized solutions for different metrics, such as, for example, performance, power dissipation, energy efficiency and systems reliability.
Professors:
- Arthur Lorenzon
- Fábio Rossi
- Gustavo Sanchez
- Marcelo Caggiani Luizelli
POWER ELECTRONICS AND CONTROL
This research line involves the processing of electrical energy and the study and development of control techniques for dynamic systems. Power electronics is an area that can encompass research with multiple approaches. There is, for example, the design of static converters, techniques to aid switching, design of converter topologies and modulation techniques. In addition, the studies developed in power electronics can be applied to the processing of energy from renewable energy sources, management of the connection of renewable sources to the power grid, improvement of the quality of energy using active filters and activation of electrical machines. Finally, another focus of research related to power electronics is control. In some applications, the complexity and performance requirements are such that more complex control techniques are needed, such as adaptive, variable structure, robust, etc. In this line, modern energy microgrids are also studied considering the inherent complexity and the increasing number of converters and uncertainties in the loads. Besides the use of advanced microgrid architectures, it is also possible to use control techniques that have potential for application in the modern electrical system without classical considerations, such as constant voltage and frequency. The inclusion of more complex dynamics demands the application of more advanced dynamic and control systems analysis techniques for application in non-linear systems. Also looking at advanced applications, the stability and control analysis in embedded microgrids are also subjects of study in this research line, since it is possible to make use of some concepts used in terrestrial hybrid microgrids and vice versa.
Professors:
- Felipe Grigoletto
- Guilherme Sebastião da Silva
- Marcio Stefanello
ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS
Studies in the area of generation, transmission and distribution of electrical energy fit this research line, using computer simulations to obtain results and seeking to optimize the production and continuous delivery of electrical energy. For this, it is necessary to develop robust methodologies that allow the reduction of electrical losses, as well as the significant improvement of the parameters that guarantee the stability and the full functioning of Electric Power Systems (EPS), thus allowing the continuity of operation with high levels of energy quality and high level of reliability of generation, transmission and distribution services. Therefore, studies in the area of planning, operation, protection and control of EPS are also included in this research line. From the point of view of planning and operation, studies in the area of operation optimization are cited so that load variations and system growth are foreseen, as well as the consequent increase in the demand for electricity and the susceptibility of the parameters as mains voltage, current and frequency to these changes. From the point of view of EPS protection, the need for studies to develop techniques for the optimal adjustment and coordination of protection relays is emphasized, as well as the production of methods to mitigate the impacts of the phenomena inherent to EPS, which hinder the functioning of these devices. Such methods are achieved through the application of optimization and signal processing techniques, to be used in the operation centers and in microprocessor relays. Finally, adequate strategies for controlling the operation, aiming at optimizing the energy delivered to consumers, preserving the adequate operating conditions so that the parameters of the electrical system remain within acceptable levels, are also the focus of studies.
Professors:
- Ana Paula Carboni de Mello
- Eduardo Machado dos Santos
HISTORY
Click here to view the research lines prior to 2020.