Major Qualifying Project Center A Term 2006-2007

2005-2006||2006-2007||2007-2008||2008-2009||2009-2010||2010-2011||2011-2012

The MIT Lincoln Laboratory continues a joint collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to have a number of their undergraduate seniors perform their Major Qualifying Project (MQP) at the Laboratory in Lexington, MA.

Description of Fall 2006 Projects

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Testing and Analysis of Vertically Integrated Laser Radar Focal Plane Arrays
Group 87– Advanced Imaging Technology (2-3 students)
Dr. Brian Aull
WPI Faculty Advisor – TBD

Under the DARPA program on Vertically Integrated Sensor Arrays (VISA), Lincoln has fabricated 3D-integrated focal plane arrays for ladar imaging. Each of these focal planes comprises a 64x64 array of silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes and two layers of high-speed timing circuitry fabricated in Lincoln's fully depleted silicon-on-insulator process.

In this project, the students will carry out measurements to characterize the performance of these arrays, run SPICE simulations to gain insight into any issues that are revealed by the testing, and make recommendations for circuit design improvements.

This project requires a total of 2 to 3 students majoring in physics or electrical and computer engineering, or applied mathematics (or a combination of the three majors). One of the students has already been selected. Understanding of the physics of semiconductor devices and first-rate experience in experimental laboratory technique are required (either PH 3502 or ECE 3901 is required).

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Modeling Multi-Target Track Association and Sensor Fusion
Group 31 - Systems and Architectures (2 or 3 students)
Dr. Stephen D. Weiner
WPI Faculty Advisor – TBD

The Systems and Architectures Group is concerned with modeling the performance of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems comprised of networks of sophisticated radar and optical sensors connected by an overall battle management control structure. In such BMD systems, information collected by several sensors on a number of targets must be combined and used to make decisions regarding which targets should be intercepted and which targets should be rejected. For this process to be successful, it is necessary that the data from "sensor 1" on "target A" be associated with data from "sensor 2" on "target A" and not with data from "sensor 2" on "target B". To date, most of the analyses of this problem have involved elaborate Monte Carlo simulations which provide high fidelity modeling of the target motion, target signatures and sensor measurement capability but provide limited flexibility to consider target and sensor variations. They also provide limited insight into those threat and defense parameters, which have the greatest influence on overall performance.

The students will develop simple modular parametric models of the association and fusion process to permit rapid evaluation of the overall defense performance as a function of number of targets, density of targets, velocity spread of targets, defense sensor resolution and accuracy in range and angle, any sensor measurement biases and the relative geometry of the different sensors. Major modules will include association of crossing targets for a single sensor, handover of single targets from one sensor to another, sensor bias estimation and removal, association of objects in a target complex seen by one sensor with these objects seen by a second sensor. For each module, the output will be the probability of success and the probabilities of different failure modes as a function of the input parameters. These individual modules will be combined into an overall functional model whose output will be the probability of correctly selecting the object to be intercepted (the warhead) as a function of all the input parameters. This overall model will be used in higher-level simulations of total BMD system performance. It would be nice if versions of the model could be developed as an Excel spreadsheet(s) or a MATLAB script(s). The output of these simple models will be compared with the output from more elaborate Monte Carlo simulations

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Reconfigurable Computing Infrastructure with High Performance, FPGA Intellectual Property (IP) Cores for Signal Processing
Group 102 Embedded Digital Systems (2 to 3 students)
Dr. Michael Vai
Dr. Huy. T. Nguyen
WPI Faculty Advisor - Prof Edward Clancy,
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

The Embedded Digital Systems Group is involved in the design and development of advanced signal processor technology based on hybrid architectures that use a combination of programmable digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Systems with throughput on the order of 100s of billion operations per second (GOPS) are required to meet the needs of next generation of applications.

The seamless incorporation of a high performance FPGA coprocessor into a software application is highly desirable. Besides the apparent benefit of application acceleration, this capability will support the implementation of a target system in multiple stages using technologies of increasingly higher performance and risk factors (e.g., DSP, FPGA, and ASIC). This project is aimed at developing an infrastructure with a high level middleware library that will allow the use of high performance FPGA IP cores to support heterogeneous, reconfigurable signal processors capable to deliver 100s GOPS of computation in the challenging form factors required for embedded processor found in radars, sonars, and communication systems. The use of FPGA embedded programmable processors to interface IP cores with different host processor architectures will be explored. A total of three or four electrical and computer engineering students with suitable backgrounds (ECE 3801 and 3810) will work under the direction of Dr. Michael Vai and Dr. Huy Nguyen to design and implement the infrastructure. Performance, scalability, and flexibility of a prototype implementation will be demonstrated in a modern radar application. This will be an excellent project for engineering students wishing to work on the forefront of computer technology in the important field of reconfigurable, embedded processing.

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Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Distributed Signal Processing Library for Real-Time Computing
Group 102 Embedded Digital Systems (3 students)
Dr. Jeremy Kepner
Ms. Nadya Travinin
WWPI Faculty Advisor - Prof. Michael Ciaraldi,
Computer Science Department

The Embedded Digital Systems Group is involved in the design and development of advanced signal processing software technology for rapid prototyping of real-time embedded systems. One of the key technology challenges in the development of embedded processing is the hardware-to-software mapping and optimization of the application software. Overall program efficiencies of 30% or more are needed to make programmable solutions viable for embedded form-factors, and yet initial (unoptimized) efficiencies as low as a few percent are common for C or C++ programs. The problem is exacerbated when the application requires multiple processors in order to meet throughput requirements. To address these challenges, Lincoln Laboratory is researching intelligent middleware technology aimed at delivering high-performance on parallel and distributed architectures.

This project is aimed at developing a high performance middleware library that will be capable of automatically mapping itself onto parallel and distributed processors. The library is being prototyped using the class definition and function overloading features of MATLAB. Neural network and dynamic programming techniques are being developed to facilitate automated mapping strategies. A total of three computer science, electrical and computer engineering (concentration in signal processing), or mathematics students with suitable backgrounds will work under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Kepner and Ms. Nadya Travinin to design and implement the middleware. Performance, scalability, and flexibility of a prototype implementation will be demonstrated on a representative sensor signal processing application using a large Beowulf cluster (192 nodes). This will be an excellent project for computer scientists and engineers wishing to work on the forefront of computer technology in the important field of embedded signal processing.

The three students should have excellent object oriented programming skills. Having taken Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CS 4341) will be a big plus.

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A Laboratory Service Oriented Architecture
Information Technology Office (3 students)
Mr. Gerald Banner
WPI Faculty Advisor - Prof. Michael Ciaraldi,
Computer Science Department

Many, if not most, of the Laboratory services are accessed through desktop computers. Given the complexity of distributing individual applications to 2500 plus desktops these services increasingly utilize the web and desktop browsers for access to these services. Underlying these services are server-based applications. A modern trend in building these services is to build a Service Based Architecture (SOA) in which many basic services can be utilized by an application.

Many of the potential services are related to various SAP functions that will ultimately be connected through web-based interfaces. Presently, simple applications interact with SAP through an interface known as the Java Connector. However, SAP has now released the a new architecture known as the Net Weaver Architecture. It will be this architecture that will be utilized in the project. In the course of the project existing and potential Laboratory services will be examined. Their integration with a SOA will be defined and a representative set of services will be built as a demonstration of the architecture.

The Information Technology Office (ITO) assists the Laboratories Divisions and groups in defining information technology (IT) architectures and functions for Laboratory-wide use. The ITO is responsible for the new techniques and computer technologies used in the Laboratory's internal and external web pages. The group develops web applications to interface with the Laboratory's groups and customers.

This project requires 2-3 Computer Science students. The students should have experience with Webware Development (CS 4241) and Human-Computer Interaction (CS 3041).

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Development of Wargame Modeling Displays and Visualization
Group 91 - Space Control Systems (3 students)
Dr. David E. Whited
WPI Faculty Advisor – Prof. Michael Ciaraldi,
Computer Science Department

The military uses wargames for a variety of purposes. They can be used to create an environment for training and to increase war-fighting readiness. They can also be used to test and evaluate new systems and/or new technologies. The efficiency of new systems in specific types of conflict can be examined, as can potential vulnerabilities. Further, the game can explore strategies for use of a new system or new uses of existing systems. Lincoln Laboratory is involved in modeling many aspects of "space" for the Wargaming community. This includes modeling systems that monitor satellite activity as well as modeling satellite actions (including satellite maneuvers).

The goal of this project is to simulate space operations and associated satellite orbital mechanics. This effort will include elements such as satellites, ground sensors, micro satellites, ground and space based laser, jammers, dazzlers, etc. The project itself will be accomplished in JAVA by adapting two existing Laboratory software packages - LITMSS and SATORB - and a combination of new wargamming-specific code.

Students should have a solid background in Java, Windows, and LINUX. Web programming and GUI design is suggested. A strong background in physics and mathematics is suggested. The three-person team would be composed of students from electrical engineering, physics, math, and / or computer science.

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Improving Air Traffic Management During Thunderstorms
Group 43 - Weather Sensing (2 students)
Dr. Mark Weber
WPI Faculty Advisor – Prof. Michael Ciaraldi,
Computer Science Department

Lincoln Laboratory's Weather Sensing Group develops advanced sensor processors, forecasting algorithms and user Decision Support Tools for the FAA. These focus on improved capability to maintain safe and efficient operations during hazardous weather conditions. This solicitation is for student support in developing a comprehensive system for optimizing Air Traffic Management during thunderstorm outbreaks. The student will participate in the development of models to quantify airspace capacity reductions as effected by thunderstorms, and in the refinement and testing of a stochastic optimization model that matches airspace demand with airspace capacity. The student should have excellent software engineering skills and interests in weather, Air Traffic Control and optimization techniques.

This project requires 2 students majoring in Computer Science with excellent software engineering skills and interests in weather, Air Traffic Control and optimization techniques.

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Enhancement of a BMDS Distributed Networking Platform
Group 33 - Ranges & Test Beds (2 students)
Dr. Gary Ahlgren
WPI Faculty Advisor – Prof. Michael Ciaraldi,
Computer Science Department

Lincoln Laboratory's Ranges and Test Beds Group is developing the sensor infrastructure for the Pan-Pacific Range and associated mobile range assets and field test-beds. The middleware team within this group designs and develops a distributed networking platform for a variety of ballistic missile defense programs utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products wherever feasible. Current applications of this technology are enabling sensor netting experiments, modeling and simulation efforts, and the modernization of a mission control center.

Students participating in this Major Qualifying Project will select, design, and integrate a new technology into the existing middleware platform. A selection of project possibilities will be provided during the beginning of the PQP phase of the project, and may include topics such as: middleware/network visualization, performance enhancement, new networking capabilities, data modeling/transformation, and integration testing frameworks. Requirements common to projects within the middleware team are language and platform independence, support for simple and flexible distributed computing, and performance capable of supporting live data streams from multiple radar and infrared sensors in a tactical environment.

This project requires 2 students majoring in Computer Science, with strengths in the areas of computer networking, distributed systems, and software engineering. The technologies most likely to be used during the design and implementation include Java or C++, XML, CORBA, and Linux. The ability to work as an intern at Lincoln Laboratory on preparatory research during the summer prior to the project is a strong plus.

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Advanced Techniques for High-Energy Laser Beam Control
Group 107- Directed Energy (3 students)
Dr. Charles Higgs
Dr. Dan Murphy
WPI Faculty Advisor - TBD

The Directed Energy Group is investigating techniques for propagating high-energy laser beams through the atmosphere and for controlling their pointing to a high degree of accuracy. In particular, we are looking at advanced concepts in laser beam-control called "adaptive optics".

We have built a laboratory-scale adaptive optics and tracking system to study the effects of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation. We are performing experiments for a wide variety of scenarios such as ground-to-space, air-to-ground and horizontal-path laser propagation.

The students will participate in laboratory experiments to investigate various types of beam-control techniques, from conventional adaptive optics (such as used in astronomy) to more unconventional techniques used for military applications. Once a particular concept is identified for study, the students will be responsible for configuring the laboratory, conducting the experimental tests, and analyzing the data to determine how well the technique performed.

We are seeking two students with a background in physics or engineering. An emphasis in optics is highly desired by not required. Programming skills in C++, MATLAB, or similar languages are also desired.

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Process Development of High Performance Materials used in the Fabrication & Assembly of Electronic Hardware
Group 72 - Fabrication Engineering (2 students)
Mr. Spencer White

The Fabrication Engineering Group is involved with all aspects of mechanical & electronic fabrication of Laboratory sponsored hardware development programs. This multidiscipline group allows for a unique interaction of skills during the problem-solving phase of major programs.

One of the major tasks of the group is the evaluation & characterization of high performance materials that are used to support the advanced electronic circuit designs. Specific areas of interest include:

  • " High temperature/low dielectric materials used for multilayer printed circuit boards that are exposed to broad temperature ranges along with high frequency applications.
  • " High-density component placement techniques such as embedded capacitors & resistors that allow for the integration of passive components during the print & etch phase of multilayer printed circuit board fabrication.

Responsibilities will include the selection and evaluation of candidate materials along with the conceptualization, layout & implementation of test systems needed for proper system evaluation. The project will require 2 manufacturing process-engineering students with a background in material testing & electronic circuit requirements.

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Electronics Packaging of IR Sensors for Missile Defense Applications
Group 73 - Aerospace Engineering (2 students)
Mr. Scott Van Broekhoven
WPI Faculty Advisor – TBD

Lincoln Laboratory is involved in the design and development of experiments and sensors for ongoing missile defense tests. One system currently under development at the Laboratory is a compact fly-away sensor package (FASP) that separates from a target missile exo-atmospherically and collects highly resolved near-field data. Two of the primary data collection sensors onboard the FASP are long wavelength infra-red sensors. The packaging of these sensors to survive the difficult launch environment presents a particularly challenging design problem.

In this Major Qualifying Project the students will be tasked with designing a new housing for the FASP IR cameras. As part of the process the students will develop detailed structural and thermal models of the housing and the cameras. The housings will be manufactured at Lincoln Laboratory and the students will then be responsible for performing random vibration and thermal tests to validate their models. If the project is successful then the new design developed by the students will be flown on future FASP missions.

The project requires two students majoring in mechanical engineering. A background in either mechanical design and/or structures is desired. A working knowledge of Solidworks and a structural analysis package (ANSYS, NASTRAN, etc.,) would be beneficial.

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The work described in this web page was and will be performed at Lincoln Laboratory, a center for research and development operated by MIT. The opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this web page are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by MIT, the U.S. Air Force, or the United States Government.

Employment at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and/or participation in these projects is restricted to U.S. citizens.
The work described in this web page is sponsored by the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force under Air Force Contract F19628-00-C-0002.

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