Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
1 USB 3.0 Wall Outlet Conversion
 Andrew Moruzi
Cindy Fok
Tyler Neyens
 James Kolodziej design_document0.zip
final_paper0.zip
presentation0.pdf
proposal0.pdf
The project is to modify an AC wall outlet to add two DC USB ports including a 5V, 5A standard USB 3.0 port, and a high power 12V 15A modified USB 3.0 port. The low power port could be used to charge small consumer electronics such as smart phones, iPods, etc. The high power port could be used to power larger loads such as cordless drills, portable refridgerators, etc. The USB standard was chosen because many consumer products already use this connector. The motivation of this project is to eliminate the need for a DC converter outside of the wall outlet. External converters are often cheaply made, and thrown away after a new device is purchased. This project would seek to implement a high efficiency, permanent converter.


The currently available product can be viewed here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/e81a/#tabs. This project would build upon the design in efficiency and power rating. The miniumum acceptable efficiency will be 85% and the power rating on one of the ports will be increased to 180W.

The power conversion will be implemented using an AC/DC converter. The first steps of this design will be researching various topologies and determining the best circuit to meet the requirements of this project. Simulations will be made using MATLAB/SIMULINK to determine part sizes and losses.

Filtered Back – Projection Optical Demonstration

Tori Fujinami, Xingchen Hong, Jacob Ramsey

Filtered Back – Projection Optical Demonstration

Featured Project

Project Description

Computed Tomography, often referred to as CT or CAT scans, is a modern technology used for medical imaging. While many people know of this technology, not many people understand how it works. The concepts behind CT scans are theoretical and often hard to visualize. Professor Carney has indicated that a small-scale device for demonstrational purposes will help students gain a more concrete understanding of the technical components behind this device. Using light rather than x-rays, we will design and build a simplified CT device for use as an educational tool.

Design Methodology

We will build a device with three components: a light source, a screen, and a stand to hold the object. After placing an object on the stand and starting the scan, the device will record three projections by rotating either the camera and screen or object. Using the three projections in tandem with an algorithm developed with a graduate student, our device will create a 3D reconstruction of the object.

Hardware

• Motors to rotate camera and screen or object

• Grid of photo sensors built into screen

• Light source

• Power source for each of these components

• Control system for timing between movement, light on, and sensor readings