2004 | 2003

Implemented by EE/ECE undergraduate students are the following design/research projects:

2004

Arroyo, R., Hupp, MA., Monsanto, KA., Pontaneles, D., Tan, D., Whiteboard Printing System, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Carl Michael Mapada

Abstract: The research project, Whiteboard Printing System is a PC-based system designed for more efficient presentations in classroom discussions, seminars, product demos and office meetings.
The system comprises of three main modules: the mechanical prototype, the electronic mechanism and software. The mechanical prototype composes the main framework of the whiteboard. The electronic mechanism comprises of: 1) the stepper motors as conveyors of the whiteboard surface and the scanner; 2) the image scanner that extracts the data from the surface and converts the data into digital format; 3) the interface and indicators which accepts inputs from the user and informs them which function of the system is currently performed; and 4) the PIC and the C interface which uses MAX 232 that converts TTL of PIC to ECL – the logic recognized by PC. The PIC is connected to all modules and serves as the controller and processor. The PC then stores the buffer information and processes the data before printing or saving it.
The Whiteboard Printing System promotes interest, focus and better communication for students, employees and trainees for better impartation of knowledge.

Daan, ED., Gonzales, J., Kintanar, PJ, Parrila, B., Sanchez, P., Designing a Sweep Generator for Audio Device Testing with Frequency Ranging from 20 Hz to 20 KHz, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: A sweep generator is a testing instrument used to provide an input to the device being tested. It produces a sweep signal that has constant amplitude and a frequency that increments or decrements. This signal is made to vary automatically by having a ramp waveform as its input. The main component of our ramp circuit is CA3240E and our VCO circuit is XR2206.
The result of our tests showed that our sweep generator can produce minimum of 50Hz and a maximum of 20 KHz. If we set our sweep generator to X10,000 setting, it will produce a sweep signal from 20 kHz to 180 kHz, if set to X1000, it will produce from 40 kHz to 500 Hz, if X100, from 3 kHz to 800 Hz. At 40 Hz below, the circuit already produces distortion.
The output can be viewed thru the normal mode and thru the X-Y mode of the oscilloscope. The amplitude and the sweeping of the frequency can be better seen in the X-Y mode. Although in order to notice the difference, intense observation and patience is needed because the sweeping rate from higher to lower frequency is very slow.

Buhay, SL., Cabahug, B., Ceballo, BH., Lawas, LJ., Montejo, NA., Digitally Controlled Linear Power Supply, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: The Digitally Controlled Power Supply came up from the group’s desire to make use of technology to make our lives comfortable and convenient. It is of common knowledge that an adjustment of the potentiometers using the conventional power supply is very tedious. It is the group’s objective to eliminate and or minimize such problems.
The solution to the above problems is a system consisting of a PIC controlled power supply wherein the user can input the desired voltage using the keypad. And the user can also see the output voltage in the LCD display. The AC input voltage is turned into regulated DC voltage which is usually needed in the laboratory experiments.
Based on the actual implementation, the project is found practical and convenient. The system eliminates the problem of knob turning and allows the users to see the voltage in use. However, the system has some limitations, it could only supply to a limited range of value and the current is also limited.

Ang, L., Go, JR., Javier, O., Mendoza, MA., Veloso, K., Design and Implementation of Switch-Based VGA Controller, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Glenn P. Rayat, M.Eng.

Abstract: This project of a Switch-based VGA Controller came as an idea when we found out how expensive the video splitters and KVM switches are in the market today. We can build our own integrated switch and is far cheaper than the commercial counterpart. In this project, we have integrated the splitter and an electronic video switch. Several computer video outputs within the vicinity can now be viewed in the monitor of a master computer using this switch-based VGA controller.

Dela Torre, D., Llerin, A., Mejia, R., Pogoy, A., Rodriguez, S., Robotic Snake, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: This study investigates the possibility of a robot to generate the sine wave movement of a biological snake. A snake robot was created with the use of aluminum segments which are joined by servomotors. A PIC microcontroller controls all the required angular servo motor movements. Wheels were attached freely on the sides of the segments to aid in its movement. The angular movement of the segments caused the snake robot to propel itself forward in a sine wave manner.

Basilio, AJ., Dominic, P., Lim, D., Ng, IP., Teng, CC., Design and Implementation of a Radio Controlled Robotic Arm, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: The project is a radio controlled robotic arm, the arm specifically the servos are controlled though radio transmission, an amplitude modulation technique is being used in the project.
The main concern in this project is to design an encoder to encode the 5 signals from the potentiometer and transmit the signals through AM transmission and from the receiver end, the signals is being decoded, the transmitter and receiver is synchronized by means of Time Division Multiplexing method so that each control is specifically directed through its assigned servos. The arm is built with 6 servos to attain its desired movements. Aluminum was used to construct the arm since aluminum has a light-weight property and durability. The servo from the gripper is smaller compared to any other servos installed because it is desired to be light so that the base servos can lift the maximum weight of the arm, allowable distance from the transmitter to the receiver must also meet to make the arm stable.

Abellana, NL., Capuyan, M., Constancia, JK., Montejo, GG., Taran, MJ., Stereo Headphone Using IR, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: This project focuses in transmitting an audio signal in stereo. In order for this to be realized, two separate channels are needed in transmitting the signal. The stereo headphone is using IR transmission which is composed of three major parts namely transmitter, receiver and the headphone itself.
From an audio source, the information signal is carried out on two separate channels, which lies on different frequencies. It is then fed to the infrared transmitter. Over at the receiving device, it is mainly composed of infrared detectors and a power amplifier. The infrared transmitter must always be in the line of sight with the infrared receiver. The distance capability is limited and varies with the components used. The signal that has been processed by the receiver is then relayed to a headset for the users listening pleasure.

Deypalan, WJ., Cruz, JM., Abellana, J., Tabasa, MA., Villaruz, R., Design of a 60-minute Uninterruptible Power Supply, March 2004, Adviser: Engr. Baltazar V. Raffinan, M.Eng.

Abstract: The UPS provides a back-up power to a single personal computer unit whenever there is a power black-out. The system has a battery to instantly supply power when this faulty supply of power from the main source occurs.
The user will connect the personal computer unit at the output terminal at the rear of the UPS and turn on the power switch at the front. The UPS will check the condition of the system. The system will undergo a self-test cycle every time it is turned “on”. AC line and UPS mode will light at the UPS front panel LEDs. The system will check if there is a power distribution at the AC line. Afterwards, the user will know if there is sufficient power supplied by the AC line because the UPS will go “off” and power is switched to AC line mode. UPS mode will be turned “on” when there is power loss at the main source. UPS mode will light and after a few seconds an alarm will sound at regular intervals at slow mode. When battery is near depletion, “BATT.LOW” will light and an alarm will sound at fast mode. When battery capacity is depleted, “SHUTDOWN” will light steadily and output power will be cut off.