Electrical Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
332 Bonner Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-2050
(716) 645-3115
Fax: (716) 645-3656
Web: Electrical Engineering
Dennis P. Malone, Interim Chair
James J. Whalen, Director of Undergraduate Studies

The Program
The undergraduate degree offered by the department is the B.S. in electrical engineering. Electrical engineers work in research and development, product design, manufacturing, operations, service, technical sales and marketing, consulting, education, and environmental problem solving.

The undergraduate program provides the scope of knowledge and training for employment in the field and also forms the basis for further study at the graduate level. The curriculum emphasizes communications and signals, microelectronics and energy conversion, and engineering materials and devices for electronics and photonics.

Communications and signals include wireless communications, com systems, digital signal processing, and image and video processing. Microelectronics and energy conversion include electronic instrumentation, integrated circuit systems, RF and microwave circuits, and power conversion and control . Materials and devices for electronics and photonics includes electronic device fabrication, electrical and optical characterization, laser spectroscopy, and photonics. Students interested in computer hardware and software may take courses offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, including computer networks, high-performance computing, and VLSI.

The first two years of the undergraduate curriculum emphasize the physical sciences and mathematics. The third year consists of coordinated sequences in digital principles, microprocessors, and microcomputers; physical electronics and electronic circuits; electromagnetic theory and signal analysis and transform methods. Fourth-year courses are primarily elective and designed to broaden the background, reinforce lab skills, and develop design concepts. By selection of technical electives, undergraduates have the flexibility to concentrate in communications, photonics, semiconductors, lasers, signal processing, computers, energy systems and related studies.

The program is designed to serve both students who intend to enter industry directly and others who plan to continue their education through formal graduate study. An optional industrial cooperative education program is available to students with junior standing.

Note: See the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences entry in this catalog for pre-engineering requirements. For updated information, consult the EE undergraduate manual, departmental office or website.

Electrical Engineering (EE)

101 Basic Electronics (3) (Sp)
An introductory electronics course for engineering and science majors. Emphasizes analog and digital electronic systems organization, data acquisition, and signal transmission. A laboratory once a week illustrates these techniques by specific circuit devices. LEC/LAB

202 Circuit Analysis I (4) (F; Sp)
Corequisites: PHY108 and MTH306
A systematic development of network analysis methods. Topics include Kirchhoff's laws; loop and nodal analysis; Laplace transform analysis of circuits; AC steady-state analysis and phasor diagrams. LEC/REC

203 Circuit Analysis II (4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 202
A continuation of EE 202. Topics include AC steady-state average and reactive power; three-phase power delivery circuits; input-output analysis; transfer functions; frequency response; op amps; active filter synthesis; circuit design using SPICE. LEC/REC

303 Signal Analysis and Transform Methods (4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 203
Analysis of linear-, discrete-, and continuous-time signals and systems. Topics include Laplace and z-transforms; Fourier analysis; sampling. LEC/REC

310 Electronic Devices and Circuits I (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 202
Corequisite: EE 312 or EE 352
Electronic devices, including operational amplifiers, diodes, bipolar junction transistors and field-effect transistors, the basic circuits in which these devices are used, and computer-aided circuit analysis for these devices and circuits. LEC/REC

311 Electronic Devices and Circuits II (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 310
Corequisite: EE 353
Differential and multistage amplifiers with bipolar junction transistors (BJT) and field-effect transistors (FET). Biasing in integrated circuits and active loads. Frequency response of common-emitter (common-source), common-base (common-gate), common-collector (common-dran) single BJT (FET) stages. Frequency response of differential-pair, cascode, and multistage circuits. Selection of coupling and by bypass capacitors. Analog integrated circuits. Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) digital circuits with emphasis on CMOS. LEC/LAB

312 Basic Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory (2) (Sp)
Corequisite: EE 310
For computer engineering and other non-EE majors. Designed to help students develop the ability to understand and be able to use basic electronic instrumentation at the first-semester-junior level. At the end of the course, the students should be able to design, assemble, and use basic electronic circuits. In addition, students should be able to maintain a laboratory notebook and prepare formal reports on experiments. LEC/LAB

324 Applied Electromagnetics (4) (F)
Prerequisites: PHY108, EE 202, MTH241
Topics include vector calculus; electric fields; charge distributions; dielectrics, energy, forces in the presence of dielectrics; Laplace's and Poisson's equations; magnetostatics; Faraday's induction law; time-dependent phenomena; waves. LEC/REC

352 Introduction to Electronics Lab (3) (F)
Corequisite: EE 310
For EE majors. Topics include instrumentation; characteristics of electronic components; analysis and design of basic rectifiers, filters, regulators, power supplies, and power controllers; operational amplifiers; optical signal coupling. LEC/LAB

353 Electronic Circuits Lab (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 352
Corequisite: EE 311
An engineering design lab. Fifty-minute lecture and 230-minute lab per week. Analysis and design of single and multistage electronic circuits using FETs, BJTs, and op amps. Asks students to design a variety of amplifiers to meet certain specifications. They practice SPICE and use their knowledge of analog circuits to complete the projects. LEC/LAB

378 Digital Principles (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 202
Corequisite: EE 310
Topics include number systems; arithmetic; codes; Boolean algebra; minimization techniques; logic design; programmable logic devices; memory devices; registers; counters; synchronous sequential networks. LEC

401 RF and Microwave Circuits I (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 203
The first of a two-course sequence in the area of RF and microwave circuit design. Initial topics include transmission line equations, reflection coefficient, VSWR, return loss, and insertion loss. Examples include impedance matching networks using lumped elements, single-section and multi-section quarter wave transformers, single-stub and double-stub tuners, the design of directional couplers, and hybrids. There is a student design project for a planar transmission line circuit based upon the software package Microwave Office. The design is fabricated and tested. LEC

403 Introduction to Plasma Processing (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: PHY108, MTH242 or MTH306
Introduces plasma processing including plasma deposition, plasma etching, gaseous electronics, gas lasers and plasma materials processing. Topics include basic atomic theory, elementary kinetic theory of gases, motion of charges in electric and magnetic fields, plasma properties, plasma generation and devices, plasma-surface interactions, electrodes and discharge characteristics, plasma diagnostics and plasma simulation. Students prepare web-based presentations in current plasma technologies with focus on applications in electrical engineering field. LEC

408 Senior Seminar (1) (F)
Covers the ethical, social, economic, and safety considerations in engineering practice essential for a successful engineering career. SEM

410 Electronic Instrument Design I (4) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 310
Design of electronic instruments, with emphasis on the use of integrated circuits, both analog and digital. Topics include power supplies; signal conditioning, and active filters; frequency counters and micro-controllers; measurement of temperature, displacement, light, and other physical quantities. Individual or group projects required. The instrument is demonstrated and a report is written. LEC/LAB

413 Communication Electronics (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 312 or EE 352
Surveys electronic hardware and circuit techniques used in communications. Topics covered include radio frequency amplifiers, AM/FM receivers and transmitters, phase-locked loops, frequency synthesis, modulation/demodulation circuits, and telephones. Digital, as well as analog, integrated circuit devices for communications are discussed. There is a group laboratory design project. LEC/LAB

416 Signal Processing Algorithms (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 303 or permission of instructor
Corequisite: EAS305
Signals and samples, the z-transform. The discrete Fourier transform. Frequency and time-domain response of filters. Digital filter design, FIR and IIR filters. Digital filter structures. Multi-rate filters and signals. Fast convolution and correlation algorithms. Interdisciplinary aspects: VLSI for DSP; SAW and CCD devices; computational aspects. Heavy design experience with signal processing software. Students are expected to complete several design studies and a final project in the areas of digital filter design and signal processing algorithms. Matlab or similar packages are to be used both in the design process as well as in verification of design objectives. LEC

419 Industrial Control Systems (3) (F)
An application-oriented course to introduce students to the basic principles and concepts employed in analysis and synthesis of modern-day analog and microcomputer control systems. Topics include: review of vectors, matrices, and Laplace transforms, followed by introduction to block diagram, signal flow graph, and state-variable representation of physical systems, network and linear graph techniques of system modelling; time-domain, frequency domain, and state-space analysis of linear control systems, control concepts in multivariable systems, hierarchy of control structures, design of analog and digital controllers. LEC/REC

421 Semiconductor Materials (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 310
Reviews semiconductor materials properties that are important for device operation. Also, discussion of semiconductor devices along with important materials properties for each device. Reviews the device models employed in SPICE circuit simulations. Uses several SPICE simulation projects to learn about the SPICE device models and about the effect of materials properties on the device performance and circuit operation. Devices covered are: pn junction diode; SPICE pn diode models and model parameters; MOS field effect transistor, SPICE MOSFET models and model parameters; CMOS integrated circuits; bipolar transistor fundamentals; SPICE BJT models and model parameters; MS junction; mesfet; jfet; SPICE models; PSPICE or HSPICE simulations of semiconductor devices. LEC

425 Electrical Devices I (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 203 or EE 324
Principles of electromagnetic energy conversion with applications to motors and generators. LEC/LAB

429 Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility (3)
Corequisite: EE 324
EMC deals with interference in electronic systems. For senior and first-year graduate students and industrial professionals who have an interest in designing electronic systems that comply with current commercial and military standards on EMC such as the FCC Part 15 and CISPR 22. Both specify limits on radiated and conducted emissions for digital devices which are defined as any electronic device that has digital circuitry and uses a clock signal in excess of 9 kHz. Student projects designed in electronic instrumentation classes without consideration of the limits imposed by these standards would fail to meet the current standards and as a result could not be marketed in the United States or Europe. LEC

435 Java Applet Modeling for Visual Engineering Simulation (3) (F)
Prerequisite: Experience in programming with a high-level language (e.g., C)
Object-oriented analysis, design and programming. Introduces Java syntax, application programmers interface (API), object-oriented programming concepts including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, and multi-threaded programming including thread synchronization and control. Also introduces graphical programming API and effective graphical programming techniques. Applies all these concepts and techniques to the student-chosen, engineering simulation projects. Emphasizes software engineering processes such as architectural design, unit refinement cycles and code reuse throughout the semester. For the project, students are required to develop a reusable class library consisting of at least three packages: a graphical drawing package, a problem simulation package, and a visual presentation package. LEC

436-437-438 EE Co-op (1-1-1) (F; Sp; Su)
Prerequisite: junior standing
An opportunity for electrical engineering juniors to apply knowledge to problems of interest to industry in a cooperative education program. LAB

439 EE Internship (4) (F)
Prerequisite: EAS495 and permission of the director of undergraduate studies
Restricted to those students who are continuing an internship initiated in EAS495

448 Microelectronic Device Fabrication (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 311
Fabrication technology for microelectronic devices: crystal growth, wafer fabrication and characterization, mask fabrication, epitaxy, lithography, etching, diffusion, CVD, ion implantation, DC and RF plasma reactors (operating principles and fabrication applications), packing. Operation of microelectronic devices (interconnects, passive devices, and MOS and BJT devices), micro-optical devices (CDRs, etc.) and micro electro-mechanical devices (micro-motors, micro-mirror arrays, etc). Students select a part of the fabrication process (lithography, diffusion, etc.) and use simulation code to design that step of the process to achieve specific device properties. LEC

449 Analog Integrated Circuit Layout (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 311
Introduces analog integrated circuit fabrication and layout design for analog VLSI. Covers: representative IC fabrication processes (standard bipolar, CMOS and analog BiCMOS); layout principles and methods for MOS transistors and device matching; resistors and capacitors layout; matched layouts of R and C components; bipolar transistors and bipolar matching; and diodes. Also reviews several active-loaded analog amplifier circuits, focusing on CMOS and BiCMOS op amp configuration. Requires a term project on the layout design of simple op amp circuits involving CMOS or BiCMOS op amps plus several matched devices of resistors, capacitors and transistors. Circuits are designed using SPICE simulations. The student term project is to be fabricated through MOSIS. LEC

453 Microelectronic Fabrication Lab (3)
Provides students with the experience of fabricating a semiconductor device. Students become versed in fabrication techniques used in the microelectronics industry. Required student activities include mask design, chemical processing, operation of clean room equipment, and testing of the final device. A report is also required. LAB

455 Photonic Devices (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 311
First, discusses the basics of p-n junctions including current flow, and recombination. In addition, discusses solar cell fundamentals, heterojunctions, metal-insulator-semiconductor devices, and design and recent advances. The course ends with a discussion of photodetector principles, design, and applications. LEC

456 RF and Microwave Circuits II (3)
Prerequisite: EE 401 or permission of instructor
The second course of a two-course sequence in the area of RF and microwave circuit design. Topics covered are filters, resonators, detectors, mixers, amplifiers, and microwave systems. Microwave Office is used for CAD analysis of circuits. Students design, construct, fabricate, and measure the performance of a microstrip resonator, a microstrip or stripline directional coupler, and a filter. LEC

458 RF/Microwave Laboratory (2) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 401 or permission of instructor
Covers transmission-line techniques in the 2 to 18 GHz frequency region. Topics include assembling of basic measurement systems, including attenuators, directional couplers, terminations, power sensors, solid-state detectors, power meters, and signal generators; measuring the reflection and transmission coefficients at discrete frequencies; making similar measurements (magnitude only) over a band of frequencies using swept power measurement systems called scalar network analyzers; vector measurements (magnitude and phase) versus frequency using microwave automatic network analyzers; design of an impedance matching network; implementation of the design in a transmission-line medium; testing the implementation using the measurements skills acquired. LAB

459-460 Special Topics in Electrical Engineering (1-8) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and student's advisor
Special topics of particular recent interest that are not covered in the standard curriculum. Dual registration in department office required. TUT

462 Principles of Medical and Radar Imaging (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 303
Applications of multidimensional signal theory and Fourier analysis. Topics include the review of signal processing tools and systems that are used in array imaging, including coherent receivers, pulsed and continuous wave signaling, temporal Doppler phenomenon, and monostatic, quasi-monostatic, bistatic transmitters/receivers, and 2-D signal processing; examining specific array imaging systems, including phased array imaging, synthetic aperture (SAR and ISAR) imaging, passive array imaging, and bistatic array imaging with emphasis on transmission imaging problems of diagnostic medicine and geophysical exploration. LEC

480 Biomedical Electronics (3) (F)
Covers the principles and designs of various important biomedical instruments including pacemaker, EEG, ECG, EMG, and ICU equipment and diagnostic imaging devices (such as blood bank monitor), CT, MRI, mammography, ultrasound, endoscope, confocal microscope, and multiphoton non-linear microscope (2-photon fluorescent, SHG and THG). Imaging devices (e.g., CCDs) and medical image processing are also covered. Includes a general introduction to biological systems; emphasizes the structural and functional relationship between various biological compartments. LEC

482 Energy Systems and Power Engineering I (4) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 203 or EE 324
Overall survey of the field of modern energy systems, with the foundation being classical electrical power. LEC/LAB

483 Communications Systems I (4) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 303
Corequisite: EAS305
Fourier transforms and spectra; linear filters; transmission of signals through linear systems; bandpass signals; bandpass systems; continuous wave modulation; amplitude modulation (AM); double sideband modulation (DSB); single sideband modulation (SSB), phase modulation (PM); frequency modulation (FM); quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM); frequency division multiplexing (FDM); demodulation of analog modulated signals; random variables; statistical averages; random processes; autocorrelation and power spectral density; stationarity; transmission of random processes through linear systems; white noise; colored noise; Gaussian noise; noise in continuous wave modulation systems; signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR); sampling; pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). LEC/LAB

484 Communications Systems II (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: EE 483
Topics include review of PAM-, PDM-, PPM-pulsed modulation techniques; principles of digital communications; pulse code modulation; signal quantization; binary communications systems; M-ary communications systems; detection and parameter estimation for pulses in noise; the likelihood ratio receiver; and applications to radar signal processing. LEC

492 Lasers and Photonics (4) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 311
Topics include an introduction to lasers and photonics; a short review of electromagnetic theory; ray tracing and lens systems; polarization of light and polarization modulators; Gaussian beams and wave propagation; optical resonators and cavity stability; spontaneous emission, stimulated emission and absorption; rate equations for gain medium; population inversion; characteristics and applications of specific lasers; waveguides and fiber optics; fiber optic communications systems; electro-optic modulators; and acoustic-optic modulators. Requires students to complete a project focusing on the design of a laser system including choice of gain medium, cavity optics, pumping mechanism, power and efficiency estimates, and cost analysis. Requires reports and presentations. LEC/LAB

494 Consumer Optoelectronics (4) (Sp)
Introduces optoelectronic systems. This design course emphasizes the interaction of optics, lasers, mechanics, electronics, and programming. It requires students design an optoelectronic system with a strong emphasis on team learning and teaching. Some topics of interest include: design methodology; team dynamics; light sources and detectors; light propagation; lens and mirrors; electrooptics; interaction of light with materials; nonlinear optics for harmonic generation; optical detection and modulation; and discussion of selected optoelectronic devices and applications such as CD players, DVD, display systems, semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes, laser printers, barcode scanners, digital cameras, optical coherence tomography, flow cytometry, interferometric systems and optical communications. Requires project proposal, progress reports and presentations and final written reports and presentations. LEC/LAB

495 High-Voltage Engineering (3) (F)
Prerequisite: EE 203 and EE 482
Topics include introduction to high-voltage engineering; generation of high voltages (AC, DC, impulse, pulse); measurements of high voltages; destructive and nondestructive insulation test techniques; shielding and grounding; electric shock and safety. Term paper/high-voltage research. LEC

499 Independent Study (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor and student's advisor
Independent study allows individualized guidance of a faculty member; allows students to study a particular topic that is not offered in the curriculum but is of interest to both the student and faculty member. Dual registration in department office required. TUT

Electrical Engineering - B.S.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in technical and engineering courses

Required Courses
CHE107 General Chemistry for Engineers
CSE379/380 Introduction to Microprocessors and Microcomputers/Lab
EAS140 Engineering Solutions
EAS207 Statics
EAS230 Higher-Level Language
EE 101 Basic Electronics or one technical elective
EE 202 Circuit Analysis I
EE 203 Circuit Analysis II
EE 310 Electronic Devices and Circuits I
EE 311 Electronic Devices and Circuits II
EE 352 Introduction to Electronics Lab
EE 353 Electronic Circuits Lab
EE 378 Digital Principles
EE 408 Senior Seminar
MTH141 College Calculus I
MTH142 College Calculus II
MTH241 College Calculus III
MTH306 Introduction to Differential Equations
PHY107 General Physics I
PHY108/158 General Physics II/Lab
PHY207 General Physics III
Technical elective or ABET requirement
One free elective
Two technical electives with lab
Three electrical engineering requirements
Three technical elective

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-CHE107, MTH141, EAS140
Spring-EE 101, MTH142, PHY107

Second Year
Fall-MTH306, PHY108/158, EAS207, EE 202
Spring-MTH241, PHY207, EE 203, EAS230

Third Year
Fall-EE 310, EE 352, EE 378, one electrical engineering requirement
Spring-EE 311, EE 353, CSE379/380, one electrical engineering requirement

Fourth Year
Fall-One technical elective with lab, one technical elective, EE 408, one electrical engineering requirement
Spring-One technical elective with lab, two technical electives, one technical elective or ABET requirement, one free elective

Electrical Engineering Requirements
The following three required courses may be taken in any order depending upon choice of senior electives: EAS305 Applied Probability, EE 303 Signal Analysis and Transform Methods, EE 324 Applied Electromagnetics.

Summary
Required technical courses - 83 cr
Technical electives - 24 cr
Free elective - 3 cr
General education - 15 cr
*Writing skills requirement - 0-6 cr
   (contingent upon placement test results)
Total required credit hours - 125-131

Electrical Engineering/Business Administration - B.S./M.B.A.

Advising Notes
General education electives must fulfill "depth" requirement in the four knowledge areas as described in EE undergraduate manual.
To lighten the load in the fourth year, either a flex core course or the internship may to be taken over the summer.

Required Courses
CHE107 General Chemistry for Engineers
CSE379 Introduction to Microcomputers
CSE380 Microprocessor and Microcomputer Laboratory
EAS140 Engineering Solutions
EAS207 Statics
EAS230 Higher Level Languages
EE 101 Basic Electronics
EE 202 Circuit Analysis I
EE 203 Circuit Analysis II
EE 310 Electronic Devices and Circuits I
EE 311 Electronic Devices and Circuits II
EE 352 Introduction to Electronics Laboratory
EE 353 Electronic Circuits Laboratory
EE 378 Digital Principles
EE 408 Senior Seminar
MGA604 Introduction to Financial Accounting
MGB601 Behavioral and Organizational Concepts for Management
MGE601 Economics for Managers
MGF631 Financial Management
MGM625 Marketing Management
MGS630 Operations and Service Management
MGS641 Strategic Management
MTH141 College Calculus I
MTH142 College Calculus II
MTH241 College Calculus III
MTH306 Introduction to Differential Equations
PHY107 General Physics I
PHY108/158 General Physics II/Lab
PHY207 General Physics III
Three electrical engineering requirements
Two electrical engineering technical electives
One electrical engineering technical elective with lab
Seven M.B.A Electives
M.B.A internship
Two M.B.A. flex core courses

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-MTH141, CHE103, EAS140
Spring-MTH142, EE 101, PHY107

Second Year
Fall-MTH242, PHY108/158, EAS207, EE 202
Spring-MTH241, EE 203, PHY207, EAS230

Third Year
Fall-EE 310, EE 352, EE 378, one electrical engineering requirement
Spring-EE 311, EE 353, CSE379, CSE380, one electrical engineering requirement

Fourth Year
Fall-MGA604, MGB601, MGE601, one electrical engineering requirement, one electrical engineering technical elective with lab, EE 408
Spring-MGF631, MGM625, MGS630, one electrical engineering technical elective, M.B.A elective

Fifth Year
Fall-Two M.B.A electives, M.B.A internship, one M.B.A. flex core course, one electrical engineering technical elective
Spring-MGS641, three M.B.A Electives, one M.B.A. flex core course

Refer to the graduate school's policies and procedures manual for master's candidate requirements.

Electrical Engineering Requirements
The following three required courses may be taken in any order depending upon choice of senior electives: EAS305 Applied Probability, EE 303 Signal Analysis and Transform Methods, EE 324 Applied Electromagnetics.

Electrical Engineering Technical Electives
EE, CSE, or SYS courses (300 level or above); at least one course must carry significant design and low enrollment (see EE undergraduate manual)

Contact the School of Management for flex core course and elective options.

Upon completion of undergraduate program requirements and all management requirements, the combined degree will be conferred at the end of fifth year.

Academic Affairs

Phone: (716) 645-6003

Fax: (716) 645-2549

Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:17 EST