Sensing and Processing

Sensing and Processing is one of the two major research themes for the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The other is Sustainable Energy. The academic and research staff in the School contribute towards this theme through their teaching, research and consulting, through membership of research groups and participation in research projects.

The Sensing and Processing theme is concerned with sensing the world around us and processing the data gathered to extract useful information. Important topics for the School which are embraced by this theme include:

• Telecommunications
• Radars
• TeraHertz (T-Ray) imaging
• Analogue, digital and mixed signal VLSI systems
• Computer architectures and algorithms
• Biomedical engineering
• Wireless systems
• System verification and integration

Research Centres and Groups

The work of the following Research Centres and Groups contribute to the Sensing and Understanding theme:

• Faculty of ECMS Sensor Signal and Image Processing Group
• Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME)
• CHiPTec - Centre for High Performance Integrated Technologies and Systems
• Centre of Expertise in Phased Array and Microwave Radar (CEPAMiR)
• Adelaide Auto-ID Lab
• Sensor Signal Processing Group
• Adelaide T-ray Group
• Convergent Communications Research Group

Major Projects

Major projects currently underway in the Sensing and Processing theme include:

• ForSight: Technology to Restore Human Vision: this project brings together expertise in signal processing, integrated sensors, low-power microelectronics and biologically-inspired engineering with aim of delivering new devices to restore sight in the visually impaired.
• Next Generation Digital Phased Array Systems: the goal of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art phased array research laboratory for microwave radar and other RF applications. The project is a strategic partnership between the University of Adelaide, the DSTO and Tenix.
• Smart Sensors for Smart Packaging: a project with Collotype Labels to deliver a new generation of smart packages with embedded electronics to identify, protect or monitor the package contents, or market them to consumers. This project is supported by the Premier’s Science and Research Fund.

Research Linkage

The discipline maintains active links through research contracts with the following end users:

• Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO)
• National ICT Australia Ltd (NICTA)
• US Air Force Office of Scientific Research
• Tenix – Electronic Systems Division
• Collotype Labels