Computer Architecture

Author: Tushar Krishna, Georgia Institute of Technology

Hyoukjun Kwon, Georgia Institute of Technology

Angshuman Parashar, NVIDIA

Michael Pellauer, NVIDIA

Ananda Samajdar, Georgia Institute of Technology

Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, deep neural networks (DNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN), general matrix multiplication (GEMM), hardware/software co-design, deep neural network scheduling (DNN scheduling), deep neural network mapping (DNN mapping), dataflow, data orchestration, spatial accelerators, architecture, hardware

Abstract: This Synthesis Lecture focuses on techniques for efficient data orchestration within DNN accelerators. The End of Moore’s Law, coupled with the increasing growth in deep learning and other AI applications has led to the emergence of custom Deep Neural Network (DNN) accelerators for energy-efficient inference on edge devices. Modern DNNs have millions of hyper parameters and involve billions of computations; this necessitates extensive data movement from memory to on-chip processing engines. It is well known that the cost of data movement today surpasses the cost of the actual computation; therefore, DNN accelerators require careful orchestration of data across on-chip compute, network, and memory elements to minimize the number of accesses to external DRAM. The book covers DNN dataflows, data reuse, buffer hierarchies, networks-on-chip, and automated design-space exploration. It concludes with data orchestration challenges with compressed and sparse DNNs and future trends. The target audience is students, engineers, and researchers interested in designing high-performance and low-energy accelerators for DNN inference.

Digital Circuits and Systems

Author: Steven F. Barrett, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Keywords: Arduino microcontroller, Arduino UNO R3, microchip AVR ATmega328, programming in C, microcontroller system design

Abstract: This book is about the Arduino microcontroller and the Arduino concept. The visionary Arduino team of Massimo Banzi, David Cuartielles, Tom Igoe, Gianluca Martino, and David Mellis launched a new innovation in microcontroller hardware in 2005, the concept of open-source hardware. Their approach was to openly share details of microcontroller-based hardware design platforms to stimulate the sharing of ideas and promote innovation. This concept has been popular in the software world for many years. In June 2019, Joel Claypool and I met to plan the fourth edition of Arduino Microcontroller Processing for Everyone! Our goal has been to provide an accessible book on the rapidly evolving world of Arduino for a wide variety of audiences including students of the fine arts, middle and senior high school students, engineering design students, and practicing scientists and engineers. To make the book even more accessible to better serve our readers, we decided to change our approach and provide a series of smaller volumes. Each volume is written to a specific audience. This book, Arduino II: Systems, is a detailed treatment of the ATmega328 processor and an introduction to C programming and microcontroller-based systems design. Arduino I: Getting Started provides an introduction to the Arduino concept. Arduino III: the Internet of Things explores Arduino applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Engineering, Science, and Technology

Authors: Matt Marone, Mercer University

Keywords: magnetic fields, compass, 罗盘 luópán, Michael Faraday, Benjamin Franklin, 沈括 Shěn Kuò, 梦溪笔谈 Mèng Xī Bǐtán, Brush Talks from Dream Brook, Spherical Mirrors, 墨子 Mòzǐ, wet copper mining, malachite

Abstract: Blending physics with the study of ancient Chinese science, technology, and culture is a unique and highly effective way to present the fundamentals of physics to non-science majors. Based on the author’s course at Mercer University (Georgia, U.S.), The Art of Teaching Physics with Ancient Chinese Science and Technology exposes a wide range of students to the scientific method and techniques of experimental analysis through the eyes and discoveries of ancient Chinese “polymaths” long before the European concept of the scientific method was even considered. No other book so deftly makes the connections from ancient China to Ben Franklin to Michael Faraday while teaching physics at the same time.

A distinctive characteristic of this book is the detailed hands-on laboratory experiments. This first includes making a simple magnetic compass and magnetometer. Students then use the compass/magnetometer to measure the strength of the magnetic field produced by a long straight wire. The second experiment covers two different methods of mining copper to introduce students to simple chemical principles such as displacement reactions, oxidation, reduction, and electronegativity.

Originally developed for non-science students in an Asian studies environment, this book provides a valuable resource for science teachers who wish to explore the historical connections largely ignored in traditional texts. When paired with Teaching Physics through Ancient Chinese Science and Technology (Marone, 2019), these two texts provide a unique means of studying selected topics traditionally found in a two-semester Physics course.

Authors: Michael Wiescher, University of Notre Dame

Khachatur Manukyan, University of Notre Dame

Keywords: conservation science, archaeometry, atomic spectroscopy, radiation, archaeological dating

Abstract: The characterization of cultural heritage objects becomes increasingly important for conservation, restoration, dating, and authentication purposes. The use of scientific methods in archaeometry and conservation science has led to a significant broadening of the field. Scientific analysis of these objects is a challenging task due to their complex composition, artistic and historical values requiring the use of minimally invasive and nondestructive analytical procedures. This textbook summarizes scientific methods that are currently used to characterize objects of cultural heritage and archaeological artifacts.

This book provides a brief description of the structure of matter at the molecular, atomic, and nuclear levels. Furthermore, it discusses the chemical and physical nature of materials from the molecular to the atomic and nuclear level as determined by the principles of quantum mechanics. Important aspects of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity that play a critical role for some of the analytical techniques are also emphasized. The textbook also provides principals and applications of spectroscopic methods for characterization of cultural heritage objects. It describes the technologies with specific examples for utilization of spectroscopic techniques in the characterization of paintings, books, coins, ceramics, and other objects. Analytic approaches that employ isotopes and determination of isotope ratios will be reviewed. General principles of imaging techniques and specific examples for utilization of these methods will also be summarized. In the later part of the book, a number of scientific techniques for the age determination of cultural heritage material and archaeological artifacts will be presented and discussed with specific examples.

Power Electronics

Author: Sunil Rao, Sameeksha Katoch, Vivek Narayanaswamy, Gowtham Muniraju, Cihan Tepedelenlioglu, Andreas Spanias, Pavan Turaga, Raja Ayyanar, Devarajan Srinivasan

Keywords: deep learning, photovoltaic systems, machine learning, neural networks, PV topology optimization, solar panel shading, solar array fault detection, graph signal processing, PV inverters, smart grid, computer vision in PV

Abstract: The efficiency of solar energy farms requires detailed analytics and information on each panel regarding voltage, current, temperature, and irradiance. Monitoring utility-scale solar arrays was shown to minimize the cost of maintenance and help optimize the performance of the photo-voltaic arrays under various conditions. We describe a project that includes development of machine learning and signal processing algorithms along with a solar array testbed for the purpose of PV monitoring and control. The 18kW PV array testbed consists of 104 panels fitted with smart monitoring devices. Each of these devices embeds sensors, wireless transceivers, and relays that enable continuous monitoring, fault detection, and real-time connection topology changes. The facility enables networked data exchanges via the use of wireless data sharing with servers, fusion and control centers, and mobile devices. We develop machine learning and neural network algorithms for fault classification. In addition, we use weather camera data for cloud movement prediction using kernel regression techniques which serves as the input that guides topology reconfiguration. Camera and satellite sensing of skyline features as well as parameter sensing at each panel provides information for fault detection and power output optimization using topology reconfiguration achieved using programmable actuators (relays) in the SMDs. More specifically, a custom neural network algorithm guides the selection among four standardized topologies. Accuracy in fault detection is demonstrate at the level of 90+% and topology optimization provides increase in power by as much as 16% under shading.

Signal Processing

Authors: Nasser Kehtarnavaz, University of Texas at Dallas

Abhishek Sehgal, University of Texas at Dallas

Shane Parris, University of Texas at Dallas

Arian Azarang, University of Texas at Dallas

Keywords: smartphone-based signal processing, real-time signal processing using smartphones, smartphones as signal processing boards

Abstract: Real-time or applied digital signal processing courses are offered as follow-ups to conventional or theory-oriented digital signal processing courses in many engineering programs for the purpose of teaching students the technical know-how for putting signal processing algorithms or theory into practical use. These courses normally involve access to a teaching laboratory that is equipped with hardware boards, in particular DSP boards, together with their supporting software. A number of textbooks have been written discussing how to achieve real-time implementation on these hardware boards. This book discusses how to use smartphones as hardware boards for real-time implementation of signal processing algorithms, thus providing an alternative to the hardware boards that are used in signal processing laboratory courses. The fact that mobile devices, in particular smartphones, have become powerful processing platforms led to the development of this book to enable students to use their own smartphones to run signal processing algorithms in real-time considering that these days nearly all students possess smartphones. Changing the hardware platforms that are currently used in applied or real-time signal processing courses to smartphones creates a truly flexible laboratory experience or environment for students. In addition, it relieves the cost burden associated with using dedicated signal processing boards noting that the software development tools for smartphones are free of charge and are well-maintained by smartphone manufacturers. This book is written in such a way that it can be used as a textbook for real-time or applied digital signal processing courses offered at many universities. Ten lab experiments that are commonly encountered in such courses are covered in the book. It is written primarily for those who are already familiar with signal processing concepts and are interested in their real-time and practical aspects. Similar to existing real-time courses, knowledge of C programming is assumed. This book can also be used as a self-study guide for those who wish to become familiar with signal processing app development on either Android or iOS smartphones/tablets.

Wave Phenomena in the Physical Sciences

Author: David M. Feldbaum, Southeastern Louisiana University

Keywords: general relativity, quadrupole radiation, laser interferometry, black hole binaries

Abstract: Gravitational wave (GW) research is one of the most rapidly developing subfields in experimental physics today. The theoretical underpinnings of this endeavor trace to the discussions of the “speed of gravity” in the 18th century, but the modern understanding of this phenomena was not realized until the middle of the 20th century. The minuteness of the gravitational force means that the effects associated with GWs are vanishingly small. To detect the GWs produced by the most enormously energetic sources in the universe, humans had to build devices capable of measuring the tiniest amounts of forces and displacements.

This book delves into the exploration of the basics of the theory of GW, their generation, propagation, and detection by various methods. It does not delve into the depths of Einstein’s General Relativity, but instead discusses successively closer approximations to the full theory. As a result, the book should be accessible to an ambitious undergraduate student majoring in physics or engineering. It could be read concurrently with standard junior-level textbooks in classical mechanics, and electromagnetic theory.