====== Final Year Project 2013/2014 ======

===== General Requirements =====

Recommended development platform for all projects is Linux. Any distribution is acceptable, but [[http://www.slackware.com|Slackware]] is recommended. I also recommend projects that involve source codes (e.g. HDL, C, C++) to use source code management (SCM) or revision control software such as [[http://git-scm.com/|git]] or [[http://mercurial.selenic.com/|mercurial]]. I will be providing a wiki page for every project and I expect students under my supervision to keep a project journal within that wiki page. The template page will be given. To stress the importance of this journal, I will be making it part of your final evaluation marks.

===== General Comments =====

For each project title, I've included some keywords, objective(s) and scope. The keywords are there for you to do some background research before you jump into this - I don't want you to give-up on me (it's a waste of everybody's time) towards the end of the project. I put in objectives and scope to let you know what is expected out of this project. So, your results will be based on these expectations.

I define an objective as the targeted final result. I usually set only ONE primary objective and optionally a secondary objective that will/should not affect your final results (though it usually gives you extra marks if completed) - too many objectives usually leads to unsatisfactory results. Meanwhile, scope visualizes how much work is expected - for example, one can say that the primary objective is to design a microprocessor. So, the scope should mention maybe something like you're expected to design a 4-bit microprocessor up to schematics level with instruction set that covers data transfer/processing and program control, complete with logic simulation results. 

====== Final Year Project 2012/2013 ======

===== General Requirements =====

Recommended development platform for all projects is Linux. Any distribution is acceptable, but [[http://www.slackware.com|Slackware]] is recommended. A good alternative would be [[http://www.debian.org|Debian]]. I also recommend projects that involve source codes (e.g. HDL, C, C++) to use source code management (SCM) or revision control software such as [[http://git-scm.com/|git]] or [[http://mercurial.selenic.com/|mercurial]]. I will be providing a wiki page for every project and I expect students under my supervision to keep a project journal within that wiki page. The template page will be given. To stress the importance of this journal, I will be making it part of your final evaluation marks.

===== General Comments =====

For each project title, I've included some keywords, objective(s) and scope. The keywords are there for you to do some background research before you jump into this - I don't want you to give-up on me (it's a waste of everybody's time) towards the end of the project. I put in objectives and scope to let you know what is expected out of this project. So, your results will be based on these expectations.

I define an objective as the targeted final result. I usually set only ONE primary objective and optionally a secondary objective that will/should not affect your final results (though it usually gives you extra marks if completed) - too many objectives usually leads to unsatisfactory results. Meanwhile, scope visualizes how much work is expected - for example, one can say that the primary objective is to design a microprocessor. So, the scope should mention maybe something like you're expected to design a 4-bit microprocessor up to schematics level with instruction set that covers data transfer/processing and program control, complete with logic simulation results. 

===== Project Titles =====

==== Development of an ARM-based Mobile Robot Controller Board ====

**Comment**:

This project is purely hardware development.

**Keyword(s)**:

ARM, microcontrollers, mobile robots

**Pre-requisite**:

Digital Electronics, Microprocessor System

**Objective**:

  - to develop a mobile robot controller board with an ARM-based microcontroller

**Scope**:

  - produce a working prototype for mobile robot controller
  - include/enable basic mobile robot control interface (motor, servo, sensor, etc.)

==== Mapping and Localization for Mobile Robot Platform Using Player/Stage ====

**Comment**:

This project is purely software development but with embedded systems application.

**Keyword(s)**:

mapping, localization, simultaneous-LAM ([[wp>simultaneous_localization_and_mapping|SLAM]]), mobile robot, player/stage software

**Pre-requisite**:

A in Computer Programming...? (This is NOT a "Hello, World!" programming project!), Good in Maths

**Objective**:

  - to develop a practical mapping and localization algorithm/application for mobile robot platform

**Scope**:

  - using [[http://playerstage.sourceforge.net|this]]
  - something like [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZES5iKXiXY|this]]
  - test on simulator platform only...

==== Development of 8051 Development/Training Kit ====

**REVOKED!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project also involves a combination of hardware and software development.

**Keyword(s)**:

8051 microcontroller, compilers & assemblers, software library, SDK, FPGA

**Pre-requisite**:

Microprocessor Systems, Embedded System Design...

**Objective**:

  - to develop an 8051 microcontroller development and training kit

**Scope**:

  - develop a basic 8051 soft-core to be implemented on FPGA
  - develop assembler/compiler for 8051 (optional: worst case scenario, use existing)
  - develop a software C library for various common devices (LCD, keypad, etc.)
  - design reliable testbench to verify the core operations/interface

==== VGA Controller Module for Custom FPGA-based Vision Systems Verification ====

**NO TAKERS!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project is about digital circuit design on FPGA platform.

**Keyword(s)**:

VGA controller, FPGA, HDL

**Pre-requisite**:

Digital Electronics, Microprocessor System (and MAYBE programming for kernel interfacing)

**Objective**:

  - to develop VGA Controller module for use on FPGA-based vision systems

**Scope**:

  - produce a working VGA controller module (HDL entry)
  - refer to [[http://www.fpga4fun.com/PongGame.html|this]]... maybe do higher resolution like SVGA? {{:project:fyp2012:vga_info.pdf|more...}}
  - must produce working interface for either linux kernel OR custom imaging logic
  - test and verify module on FPGA development board

==== Development of Memristor Device Model for Spice Simulation ====

**NO TAKERS!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project is purely software development but requires good background in low-level electronics (semiconductor physics).

**Keyword(s)**:

memristor, device model, spice

**Pre-requisite**:

A in Computer Programming...? (This is NOT a "Hello, World!" programming project!), Good in Device Physics

**Objective**:

  - to develop a spice simulation model for a memristor device

**Scope**:

  - obtain open-source spice simulator code
  - learn how a model is created in spice
  - learn characteristics of a memristor
  - write a device model for memristor
  - build a simple test circuit
  - verify simulation results

==== Extendable FPGA Development Board for Reconfigurable Computing Platform ====

**NO TAKERS!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project is purely hardware development.

**Keyword(s)**:

FPGA, reconfigurable computing, development board

**Pre-requisite**:

Digital Electronics, Microprocessor System

**Objective**:

  - to develop an extendable FPGA development board to be used as platform for reconfigurable computing research/applications

**Scope**:

  - produce a working prototype for FPGA development board
  - design a working interface for future extensions
  - include/enable reconfigurable computing features in the design?

====== Final Year Project 2011/2012 ======

===== General Requirements =====

Recommended development platform for all projects is Linux. Any distribution is acceptable, but [[http://www.slackware.com|Slackware Linux]] is recommended. A good alternative would be [[http://www.salix.org|Salix OS]]. I also recommend projects that involve source codes (e.g. HDL, C, C++) to use source code management (SCM) or revision control software such as [[http://git-scm.com/|git]] or [[http://mercurial.selenic.com/|mercurial]]. I will be providing a wiki page for every project and I expect students under my supervision to keep a project journal within that wiki page. The template page will be given. To stress the importance of this journal, I will be making it part of your final evaluation marks.

===== General Comments =====

For each project title, I've included some keywords, objective(s) and scope. The keywords are there for you to do some background research before you jump into this - I don't want you to give-up on me (it's a waste of everybody's time) towards the end of the project. I put in objectives and scope to let you know what is expected out of this project. So, your results will be based on these expectations.

I define an objective as the targeted final result. I usually set only ONE primary objective and optionally a secondary objective that will/should not affect your final results (though it usually gives you extra marks if completed) - too many objectives usually leads to unsatisfactory results. Meanwhile, scope visualizes how much work is expected - for example, one can say that the primary objective is to design a microprocessor. So, the scope should mention maybe something like you're expected to design a 4-bit microprocessor up to schematics level with instruction set that covers data transfer/processing and program control, complete with logic simulation results. 

===== Project Titles =====

==== Development of an ARM-compatible Microprocessor Core for FPGA-based CPU/Controller ====

**Comment**:

This is a multi-discipline project and requires knowledge in both hardware and software development. **RESERVED**

**Keyword(s)**:

Microprocessor Core, ARM, FPGA, HDL Coding for Synthesis, Linux Kernel

**Pre-requisite**:

Microprocessor Systems, Embedded System Design...

**Objective**: //still reviewing this (just a general description - mainly revolves around the idea of building a microprocessor core)//

  - to develop an FPGA-based general purpose CPU or controller board
  - (optional) to develop a mobile robot control/navigation systems using customized FPGA-based controller board

**Scope**:

  - develop a complete microprocessor core on an FPGA (development or customized) board
  - design interface between the microprocessor core and the peripherals available on the FPGA board
  - design reliable testbench to verify the microprocessor core operations/interface
  - compile an operating system (e.g. Linux-based) for the board to create a general purpose CPU/controller board
  - test results for analysis and discussion/upgrades

==== GIT Web Interface (with Access Control) Using PHP ====

**Comment**:

This project is purely software development. This is a 'support' development - 'end product' is to be used by this group.

**Keyword(s)**:

git, source code management (scm), php, web-interface, access control

**Pre-requisite**:

A in Computer Programming...? (This is NOT a "Hello, World!" programming project!)

**Objective**:

  - to develop a web interface with access control for GIT repositories using PHP

**Scope**:

  - can be based on [[http://www.phpclasses.org/package/5310-PHP-Retrieve-project-files-from-GIT-repositories.html|this]], or write your own git backend engine
  - add access control, preferably using simple file DB
  - test on a live server

==== Development of Vision-based Driver Assistance System (DAS) ====

**DID NOT DELIVER!** :-?

**Comment**:

This can be a full hardware implementation (i.e. FPGA-based) or partly software (i.e. codes running on PC/controller). In any case, it requires a good understanding in basic image processing and artificial intelligence.

**Keyword(s)**:

Vision systems, lane departure warning, obstacle and collision warning, traffic signs recognition, pedestrian monitoring, lane change assistance, blind spot monitoring

**Pre-requisite**:

Microprocessor Systems, Signal & Systems...

**Objective**:

  - to develop a Driver Assistance System with at least 1 of the listed features

**Scope**:

  - can be either software or hardware implementation (or even both)
  - a working prototype (at least 1 feature) at the end of the project
  - design reliable test (software simulations/in-the-lab execution) methods
  - test results for analysis and discussion/upgrades

==== Development of 8051 Development/Training Kit ====

**NO TAKERS!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project also involves a combination of hardware and software development.

**Keyword(s)**:

8051 microcontroller, compilers & assemblers, software library, SDK, FPGA

**Pre-requisite**:

Microprocessor Systems, Embedded System Design...

**Objective**:

  - to develop an 8051 microcontroller development and training kit

**Scope**:

  - develop a basic 8051 soft-core to be implemented on FPGA
  - develop assembler/compiler for 8051 (optional: worst case scenario, use existing)
  - develop a software C library for various common devices (LCD, keypad, etc.)
  - design reliable testbench to verify the core operations/interface

==== Mapping (and Localization, maybe)  for Mobile Robot Platform Using Player/Stage ====

**NO TAKERS!** :-/

**Comment**:

This project is purely software development but with embedded systems application.

**Keyword(s)**:

mapping, localization, simultaneous-LAM ([[wp>simultaneous_localization_and_mapping|SLAM]]), mobile robot, player/stage software

**Pre-requisite**:

A in Computer Programming...? (This is NOT a "Hello, World!" programming project!)

**Objective**:

  - to develop a practical mapping and localization algorithm/application for mobile robot platform

**Scope**:

  - using [[http://playerstage.sourceforge.net|this]]
  - something like [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZES5iKXiXY|this]]
  - test on simulator platform only...


====== Final Year Project 2010/2011 ======

Recommended development platform for all projects is Linux. Any distribution is acceptable, but [[http://www.slackware.com|Slackware Linux]] is recommended. A good alternative would be [[http://www.salix.org|Salix OS]]. I also recommend projects that involve source codes (e.g. HDL, C, C++) to use source code management (SCM) or revision control software such as [[http://git-scm.com/|git]] or [[http://mercurial.selenic.com/|mercurial]].

**ANNOUNCEMENTS**

**201101211411** I've arranged for you guys to use MKR3 as a 'central' workplace. The official time that I've set is THU (1000-1500) and FRI (0800-1300). If you want, you can see En. Che Mohammad (Tech for that lab) to arrange for other times. I will be visiting you formally during that two days every week starting week 20110124-28. Please take note!

===== Project Titles =====

==== Implementation of an 8-bit/32-bit Microprocessor Core on FPGA ====

  * can be RISC or CISC
  * do analysis with picoblaze/microblaze as benchmark?
  * implementation, testing, and improvise (if possible)
  * should be expandable to micro-controller implementation

==== Random Number Generator (RNG) on digital hardware (i.e. FPGA) ====

  * based on [[http://www.labbookpages.co.uk/electronics/hwRNG.html|this page]]
  * implementation, testing, and improvise (if possible)
  * testing is essential - maybe design an alternative test-suite to the one used

**Update** This title may have been canceled by FYP Panel

==== Design and Implementation of an FPGA-based System ====

  * board design based on selected FPGA (candidate: Spartan3E 500K gates)
  * at least with RS232 interface, ethernet is nice to have
  * obviously, need to be programmable
  * external memory (e.g. SRAM) must be there
  * for power requirements, [[http://www.labbookpages.co.uk/circuits/tps75003.html|this]] is a good reference
  * it's nice to have [[http://www.labbookpages.co.uk/circuits/max3420.html|this]] as well

==== CAD Tool Development: Circuit Simulator ====

  * must be on linux
  * use open source parser or write own (can be a project on its own?)
  * start with logic simulator, must be capable of timing simulation (timing model)
  * alternatively: write a VHDL version of the [[http://www.icarus.com/eda/verilog/|Icarus Verilog]]?
  * another branch: start from spice3f5 - get it to compile on linux & improvise

==== CAD Tool Development: Automatic Place & Route ====

  * must be on linux
  * use open source parser or write own (can be a project on its own?)
  * can be board-level or ic-level (select input netlist type and output format)