The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department comprises five Thematic Groups which deliver curricula and pursue research and development, specific to disciplines within the broad fields of Electrical and Computer Engineering. These Thematic Groups are as follows:

 

 

The explosive growth in voice, video and data communications and their enabling networks have impacted virtually every aspect of daily life and the vast majority of persons on the planet. Mobility, the Internet, new media and astounding levels of personal, professional and operational productivity have all been powered by contemporary communications technologies. The Communication Systems Group conducts teaching in communications systems, sub-systems and relevant processes as well as in the design, implementation and performance analysis of communications networks and applications. Research includes, inter-alia: mobile technologies for development; biomedical sensors using microwave and mmWave systems; internet of bio-things and nano-communication technologies; emergency communications; and network and application performance studies.
 

 

Computers have an ever-increasing role to play as tools for the acquisition, manipulation and dissemination of data. Computers have become ubiquitous in almost all fields in industry. The Department's computer program emphasizes that a CSE (Computer Systems Engineering) graduate is solidly grounded in the basic principles of computer engineering, anticipates new developments in computer engineering, and is confidently able to develop and implement computing hardware and software, where necessary, in order to solve problems. The CSE Group conducts research in the fields of embedded systems, image processing, robotics, high performance computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, microprocessor/microcontroller-based hardware & software design, parallel processing, advanced computer architecture.

 

 

Autonomous systems, automation, control, and instrumentation theories play a vital role in addressing current real-world challenges and emerging applications. The Control Systems Group focuses on applying machine learning, robust, and intelligent control techniques to a variety of domains, including industrial and process systems, power systems, robotics, cyber-physical, vehicular, and medical systems.

As robots are expected to become increasingly prevalent in public spaces, the Control Systems Group is dedicated to developing safety-critical and fault-tolerant control systems. These advancements will ensure the safe operation of robotic systems and enhance human-robot interactions.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has become a mainstay of the manufacturing industry. Our group is actively involved in implementing artificial intelligence techniques for fault detection in process systems. This ensures safe operation during abnormal situations and serves as a mechanism for predictive maintenance.

Critical Infrastructures (CIs) are essential assets required to maintain vital societal functions, encompassing utilities such as power, water, gas, and telecommunication networks. To safeguard these infrastructures, our research continues to explore intelligent methods for developing attack-resilient control systems.

 

 

Electronic systems and sub-systems are found in a wide range of modern industrial and commercial systems including micro-electronic controllers, energy systems, control systems, communications systems, computer systems, bio-medical systems and automotive systems. Moreover, mechanical and electro-mechanical systems are increasingly being replaced by electronic systems. The need for engineers with training in electronics is therefore critical. Recent developments in computer-based design tools have made design opportunities in electronics a more viable option for would-be entrepreneurs. The Department's electronic systems programme emphasizes analog and digital electronics design using state-of-the art simulation and Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools as well as cutting edge Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology.

 

 

The Energy Systems Group conducts teaching and research in electricity generation, with renewable and conventional sources, and its transmission and distribution. Emphasis is placed on special problems related to peculiarities of small, isolated systems in all Caribbean countries. Current research activities include consideration of the effects of large loads, on the system operation and the life span of equipment; simulation of various electromechanical and electromagnetic transient phenomena; introduction of wind and solar photovoltaics energy systems to a grid; impact of the integration of electric vehicles, linear and non-linear optimisation problems as applied to power systems and design and simulation of power electronic drives.
Knowledge in the area of energy systems is recommended for engineers in the Caribbean as most industries have just few if any electrical engineers to ensure adequate power for their facilities. With the rising cost of energy, energy security, energy conversation, energy efficiency, carbon reduction strategies, smart grids and sustainability issues, the relevance of energy systems remains very high.