Rahmat Sanudin

Analysis of DOA estimation for directional and isotropic antenna arrays

A comparison analysis between two different types of antenna arrays in direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is presented. This study was undertaken to point out any difference in the process of DOA estimation between isotropic and directional antenna array. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous work that analysed the DOA estimation between these two antenna arrays. The approach taken was to estimate all predetermined angle-of-arrival (AOA) correctly by using MUSIC, a spectral-based DOA algorithm. Results obtained show that, to perform the DOA estimation, isotropic antenna array depends entirely on DOA algorithm, whereas directional antenna array required both the DOA algorithm and the position of the main beam at any instant. This work concludes that, in practical application, it is essential to consider both the performance of DOA algorithm and the beam pattern to ensure the DOA estimation is carried out correctly.

Capon-like DOA estimation algorithm for directional antenna arrays

This work proposes a new direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm for directional antenna arrays. Most of the existing DOA algorithms are difficult to work with directional antenna arrays due to the characters of directional elements and thus proper modification is required. The proposed algorithm is based on Capon algorithm through the introduction of a new optimisation problem, which aims to maintain the array gain in the ‘look direction’, so that the DOA can be estimated correctly using a directional antenna array. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, computer simulations are performed and then the results obtained are compared with the Capon algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the Capon algorithm.

Semi-circular antenna array for azimuth DOA estimation

A new array design for azimuth direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is proposed in this work, known as semicircular array. The structure of proposed array occupies half of x-y plane with the capability of two-dimensional (2D) DOA estimation. Computer simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of proposed array in azimuth DOA estimation using Capon algorithm. DOA estimation results of proposed array are then compared with circular array based on resolution and error of estimation. Simulation results show that the proposed array achieves 50% better resolution of estimation than circular array. Further examinations also reveal that the proposed array acquires not less than 75% better estimation error than circular array. This work concludes that the proposed array offers an alternative design in array geometry with better quality in DOA estimation.

A hardware based approach in designing infrared traffic light system

Nowadays, a traffic light is currently used to control the traffic at the road. The trend is clear that the technology of the traffic light is growing rapidly. However, there is still problem for the emergency vehicles to bypass when the traffic light is red. This is because the emergency vehicle is unable to reach the destination in short as well as there is an emergency case. So, the purpose of this project is to solve this problem. This paper presents the design of traffic light system that response for emergency vehicles to immediately bypass the traffic light. Hence, the emergency vehicle can reach the destination at the right time to save lives.

Drain Control Coefficient Effect on CNFET Performance

The performance of carbon nanotube field‐effect transistor (CNFET) has been long predicted to surpass the existing field‐effect transistor. The performance is mostly contributed by the characteristic of the nanotube itself along with the design parameter of the whole transistor. This paper proposes a simulation study of drain control coefficient effect on CNFET performance as a whole device. The study comes from the analysis on simulation study of current‐voltage (I‐V) characteristic of ballistic CNFET. The simulation study used the MOSFET‐like CNFET mathematical model to establish the device output characteristic. From the simulation result obtained, it is found that the gate control coefficient contributes to a significant effect on the performance of CNFET particularly the level of leakage current and threshold voltage. The result shown the drain control parameter could help to improve the device performance but there is trade between leakage power and device response. Both parameters should be tuned i...

Wireless appliance control system

The needs of centralized control system has been long identified in office and industry application. Nevertheless, the same concept can be extended to home application in which a residence can control certain object through a centralized control system. Thus, a wireless appliance control system for home is proposed in this paper. It makes use of the computer as digital control and monitoring system to control the entire appliance within a house. The system includes a computer as the control centre, RF transmitter and receiver, encoder and decoder in order to send the signal from user to a specific appliance. Visual Basic (VB) software has been chosen as the control interface between the user and the rest of the system to reach the specific object. VB provides not only neat interface but also a simple programming to communicate with the rest of the component block.

Development of Digital Vehicle Distance Monitoring System

Nowadays, transportation users have increased drastically since 2006 compared to 2001. The increase in some ways has contributed many traffic problems such as traffic jam and accidents. Therefore, some kind of system such as an enhanced tool is needed to reduce such problems by designing a digital distance monitoring system. The main orientation of this paper is specifically focused on the accident. The development of the tool could help driver get a sense of how far the car is from an object either it is in front or behind the car. The ultrasonic sensor is located in front of the car in order to detect the object. Then, the signal is sent to the microcontroller which has been programmed using MPLAB software. The microcontroller analyses the signal, sends the command and measure the distant of the object from the vehicle within the specific range of detection in between 1 meter to 5 meters. The data is displayed on the seven segment display. The implementation can provide a new alternative in the safety system and could reduce car accident.

Simulation study on NMOS gate length variation using TCAD tool

The process of scaling in silicon transistor has consistently resulted in smaller device geometry, higher device density and better performance. In conventional MOSFETs, control of Ioff for scaled devices requires very thin gate dielectrics and high doping concentrations. The industry roadmap predicts the barriers of continuous scaling will be due to physical limitations as well as practical technology. As the downscale of CMOS technology approaches physical limitations, the need arises for alternative device structures. Thus, this paper intends to study the effect of various gate lengths on the NMOS electrical characteristic by means of simulation study.

Small-scale monitoring system on LabVIEW platform

A simple, effective peer-to-peer networking has been developed in this paper. It serves the purpose of a two-way communication between a host and remote terminals including as an image feeder. The communication establishment is realized by means of the Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) software and internet protocol (IP) as well as the physical connection between two terminals. The system enables the user to have monitoring and control capability through the image capture and text communication. It is concluded that the system has provide an effective, low-cost way to have a monitoring and control capability in a small scale application.

GSM-Based Notification System for Electronic Pigeon Hole

This paper presents the design and development of Electronic pigeon hole integrated with GSM network to send a notification of any upcoming loaded. The electronic pigeon hole is able to send notification message via short message service (SMS) to the designated user if any new letter is placed in it. The innovation of the electronic pigeon hole could give immediate response for any urgent request for busy people. The system was developed by integrating a detection circuit to acknowledge the existing of new post items with the GSM modem to transmit SMS to specific user. It is found that the developed system is able to provide immediate notifications to intended users for further action.