84468 - Industrial Trends in Electronics M

Learning outcomes

The course will consist of several technical seminars, given by internationally renowned experts in the field. They will address industrial challenges and trends in the design and production of electronic integrated circuits and systems.

Course contents

 

Please check this site for updates of lecturers and times/rooms.

 

• 14/3/2024, from 12:00 to 14:00, classroom 5.1: Dr. Giulio Ricotti, STMicroelectronics
  

Title: Innovation in Smart Power products and applications

Abstract: The presentation goes through the evolution of the Smart Power technologies, from ICs integrating a few power functions for motor drive or DC/DC converters, to a huge number of HV drivers (up to 200V) for many actual application fields, as systems for medical imaging or MEMS actuator drivers. A special focus will be given to the analysis of the main design methodology, innovation, challenges and solutions implemented to reach the required performances.

 

• 11/4/2024, from 12:00 to 14:00, classroom 5.5: Engr. Claudio Ricci, Danisi Engineering, and Dr. Stefano Ballesio, Add-for s.r.l
  

Title: Blending methodologies - simulators and prototypes creating a new vehicle development environment

Abstract: The design of most subsystems of a vehicle are becoming more and more critical, because of the timing for the modern projects. The subsystem related to the active chassis controls belongs to that basket and their design and refinement is becoming even more critical with the new non-traditional powertrain architectures. In such applications, indeed, the integration of all the vehicle subsystems increases its complexity.

The presentation shows a new method to merge together the typical offline simulation with track data measurements and prevision of the expected performance of new components design done by a DiM150 dynamic driving simulator (see https://www.danisieng.com/portfolio/simulation/).

In particular, the presentation shows an overview of the Danisi Engineering’s blended methodology based on the virtual mules: simulation models suitable to be driven in real time on the driving simulators. The methodology enables a mirroring of the vehicle development approach: from the classic one (widely based on physical prototypes) to the new blended method based on the virtual mule, comprehensive of hardware in the loop and software in the loop applications.

The presentation reports some application examples, in which the described methodology is applied embedding one or more components based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML).

Applications range from obstacle avoidance with Reinforcement Learning, where the RL training of the agent is based on vehicle dynamics simulations, to the development of a traction control that uses an ML vehicle model, which is tuned and validated with other vehicular systems using driving simulators.

 

• 23/4/2024, from 16:00 to 18:00, classroom 1.5: Engr. Gianni Borelli, Beghelli group

Title: Challenges in wireless communication and IoT

Abstract: Internet of things (IoT) paradigms are based on the continuous pervasive and ubiquitous interaction of devices spread in the living environment. A cardinal element of IoT is the wireless communication between devices. The lecture reviews relevant communication techniques and standards. A few IoT application examples are included.

Topics:

• Internet of Things
• Wireless low power radio communication
• Digital spread spectrum radios
• Wireless standards for IoT
• 5G and IoT
• Modern SoCs (System on Chip) for the IoT
• Lighting systems and IoT
• Sensors at home and IoT

 

• 30/4/2024, from 16:00 to 18:00, classroom 4.1: Engr. Pietro Casarola, Marposs Spa 

Title: Solutions for improving semiconductors and LED manufacturing process: the back grinding operation

Abstract: Marposs Group is providing worldwide precision metrology equipment for use in laboratory environment during and after machining operations. Since 1980 Marposs has designed and installed applications dedicated to semiconductor and LED industry gaining the trust of equipment manufacturers deeply involved in improving the reliability and performance of wafer fabrication process. Marposs Group offers gauges and sensors to improve the different operations, from ingot slicing through final packaging. Marposs products are designed to improve and control the quality of the wafer before, during and after key operations. We offer sensors and gauges for slicing and lapping machines, back grinders and dicing saws. The semiconductor and led industries continue to produce ever smaller devices that are more complex in both shape and materials. For these purposes Marposs has a complete range of no-contact sensors that can be used for thin film metrology, wafer dimensional characterization, wafer inspection and packaging inspection. Our sensors can be used inside automatic inspection machines to find defects and dimensional variations.

 

• 16/5/2024, from 12:00 to 14:00, classroom 2.5: Engr. Francesco Paci, Greenwave Technology Solutions

Title: Gap9 SoC: hardware and software technical solution for IoT and smart personal audio

Abstract: Emerging trends in embedded electronics demand increased computational power while ensuring efficient operations per watt. This is particularly true in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors, where there is limited power available but a demand for new features to enhance accuracy and user experience. This presentation will explain the technical challenges of these markets and how Greenwaves Technologies enables them with the Gap9 application processor hardware and software solutions, integrating advanced technologies into products.

 

• 23/5/2024, from 12:00 to 14:00, classroom 5.1: Engrs. Fabio Albanese and Giuliano Lovisotto, Electrolux group

Readings/Bibliography

The slides of the seminar will be made available to students.

Teaching methods

Online seminars.

Assessment methods

Written reports on two seminars chosen by the student out of three assigned by the teacher, aimed at assessing the student's acquisition of their contents.

Teaching tools

Slides of the seminars.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Gnudi