DESIGN DAY 2021
Engineering Design Day 2021 will be held in a virtual format via Zoom on May 5, 2021 from 1:00pm - 4:30pm (PST). Please register to attend at https://sdsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zAnx12RgRi2ReAQ1KbUing. If you are unable to attend the virtual event, please see the Electrical & Computer Engineering projects for Design Day 2021 below.
Please visit our College of Engineering Design Day website, which has an archive of all of our Engineering Design Day events.
For previous Electrical & Computer Engineering Design Day projects, please visit:
Automated Microgreens Growing Environment
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Automated Microgreens Growing Environment (Mean Green Growing Machine) Ali Alqaoud (ECE), Jose Baez (ECE), John Berger (ME), Abigail Dabu (ECE), Daniel Kenner
(ECE), Max Merritt (ME), Thuyavan Sathiamurthi (ME), Conor Vasiliadis (ME), Elias
Wooten (ECE)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Dr. Y-K Teh (ECE)
Sponsor: SDSU Zip Launchpad
Website: https://atomgreens.com
Automated microgreens growing appliance: designed to provide daily access to affordable
microgreens. The project aims to provide the ideal growing environment for microgreens
regardless of its surroundings. To achieve this our team developed an integrated controls
system that oversees the watering, lighting, and climate of the growing environment
through various electromechanical actuators, sensors, and custom PCB's.
To ensure a consistent supply of microgreens to the user the device can grow up to
five varieties.
Automated Prescription - Pill Dispenser
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Automated Prescription - Pill Dispenser (Pharmhouse) Musaed Albaghdadi (ECE), Naser Alfaresy (ME), Jacob Martinez (ECE), Chandler Meziere
(ME), Sean Myers (ME), Tony Nguyen (ECE), David-Paul Sabado (ME), Jeff Smith (ECE),
Micah Spence (ME), Jennifer Thai (ECE)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE), Ms. Annemarie Orr (QL+)
Sponsor: Quality of Life Plus
Team Pharmhouse will design and manufacture a pill dispenser that will be able to
distribute a desired amount of pills to their respective days in both weekly and monthly
pill organizers, including am and pm weekly containers. The dispenser will also be
able to be compatible with pills of a variety of shapes and sizes, as it is common
for users to take multiple unique pills per day. The design will accommodate users
with impairments such as arthritis, color-blindness, and various upper extremity issues.
Automatic Acoustic Water Bottle Filling Station
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Automatic Acoustic Water Bottle Filling Station (Auto H20) Nathan Behymer (ME), Ahmed Bohamad (ECE), Alberto Gomez-Flores (ME), Lydia Keaty (ME), Nguyen
Pham (ECE), Erick Pompa (ECE), Ivan Santana (ME), Stephanie Suarez (ECE), Mohamad
Zeidan (ECE)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE)
Sponsor: Prof. Barry Dorr
Website: https://autoh2o.wixsite.com/teampage
The objective of this project is to design, fabricate and demonstrate a water bottle
refilling station that elminates water spillage normally encountered with traditional
stations. The station employs an infrared sensor to detect a bottle, along with
a microphone that detects a predetermined rate of change in the cavity resonance frequencies
providing key information on when the bottle is full. Once the signal is detected
indicating a full bottle, a microcontroller automatically shuts off the flow of water
thus preventing overflow.
Aztec in-situ Resource Extraction System
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Aztec in-situ Resource Extraction System (ARES) Humood Alghunaim (ECE), David Bunson (ME), Alan Clemenson (ECE), Jesus Figueroa (ME),
Matthew Gonzalez (ME), Jonathan Maravilla (ECE), Ryan Marmion (ECE), Brandon Mosburg
(ECE), Krysta Rhodes (ME)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE)
Sponsor: NASA
The ARES system is SDSU's submission to NASA's 2021 RASC-AL Moon to Mars Ice Prospecting
Challenge with the goals of developing technologies capable of extracting water on
the Moon and Mars and advancing the critical knowledge needed to further solar system
exploration. ARES was designed as a prototype capable of extracting water from ice
deposits buried beneath simulated lunar or Martian soil, identifying and mapping subsurface
layers, and extracting water from a 600-pound ice block in a simulated off-world test
bed.
DIGIMUSER - Vocal Effects Processor Suaod Alhajry, Luke Kennard, Angel Martinez, Danielle Stewart, David Pierce Walker-Howell
Advisor: Prof. K. Arnold
DIGIMUSER is a digital vocal effect processor “stompbox” that applies a variety of
real-time signal processing algorithms to alter the voice of a singer. DIGIMUSER uses
a microcontroller and user controls to digitally apply vocal effects such as filters,
delays, distortions, and modulations. DIGIMUSER takes a standard dynamic microphone
as input and outputs to an amplifier or additional audio processing devices. To put
it simply, DIGIMUSER gives anyone an entire effects studio right in the palm of their
hand.
Digital Motor Controller (Run DMC) Lucas Adams, Ahmad Alawadhi, Cody Allen, Ghozlan Fagerah, Surendra Mahida, Conan Poppe
Advisor: Prof. B. Dorr
Sponsor: Self-Sponsored
Website: http://digitalmc.info
Motor Control is a challenge for many people taking on their first projects. Our team
has designed a digital motor control that will allow a user to set the speed of a
low voltage brushed DC motor and then the controller will maintain that speed even
when the motor meets resistance. Think of it like cruise control for a small motor.
Our team built this controller as an example for future students to follow when they
decide to use motors in their own projects.
Energy Management System (HELIOS) Eissa W M A A Boland, Romilene Cruz, Stephen Malolepszy, Juan Carlos Orlando, Attila Rakosi
Advisor: Prof. K. Arnold
Sponsor: Prof. Ken Arnold, HiTech EdVentures
Helios gives smaller consumers the opportunity to use an energy management system
that large corporations utilize. It maximizes consumer profits with peak shaving and
plans ahead for future weather conditions. Power usage is monitored with CAISO and
weather conditions are pulled from OpenWeather. Helios will be able to intelligently
switch between using power stored in batteries or power from the grid depending on
the algorithm.
Here’s to a greener future! See you there.
Face Mask With Active Virus Control
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Face Mask With Active Virus Control (A Better Breath) Victor Guzman (ME), Brandon Hoang (ECE), Ryan Malone (ME), David Nikiforov (ECE), Nathan Pennington (ECE), Faud Siraj (ECE), Sophia Smith (ME), Breanna Tang (ECE), Raven Tomas (ECE), Tyler Young (ME)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE)
Sponsor: SDSU, Mechanical Engineering
This team has designed an innovative facemask that incorporates a UV light sterilization
system coupled with a filter to inactivate airborne pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.
Granola Kiosk
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Granola Kiosk (Aztec Granola Factory) Antonio Avila Ramirez (ME), Joseph Dawisha (ME), Mark-yves Gaunin (ECE), Marc Gordon (ME), Winston Liew (ECE), Austin McElrone (ECE), Ezra Simpson (ME), Sudarshan Suresh Babu (ECE), Naomi Tewolde (ECE)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Dr. Y-K. Teh (ECE), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE), Mr. M. Bruno (ECE),
Mr. Dusty Fisk (D&K Engr)
Sponsor: D&K Engineering
There is no vending machine on the market that automatically dispenses a custom granola
mixture. This kiosk will allow the user to choose from a variety of granola bases
and toppings through a user interface and have the ingredients mixed and delivered
to them. Aztec Granola Factory is tasked with designing and manufacturing the architecture
and all the major subsystems of the kiosk. This includes the 80/20 frame, ingredient
storage containers, dispensing valves, and mixing/measurement mechanism.
Location Tracking Through Bluetooth Low Energy Leo Chatterton, Hada Marabeh, Tristan Richmond, Zach Rocha, Sri Harsha Shatagopam
Advisor: Dr. B. Aksanli
Sponsor: Mr. Antony Brock, Transportation Security Administration
Location tracking within a building is difficult with GPS or similar technologies;
our team offers an indoor location-tracking solution through the use of Bluetooth
Low Energy (BLE). Within a predefined grid, we make use of mobile and anchor nodes
that send RSSI values that serve as the input to a machine learning algorithm, which
predicts the location of the mobile node based on said RSSI values. A GUI is used
to visualize the mobile node's location every 10 seconds, with the ability to replay
past locations.
Maximum Power Point Tracker Daniel Baltazar, Travis Blake, Ryan Dial, Keelan Gloria, Anne Vu
Advisor: Prof. K. Arnold
Sponsor: Prof. Ken Arnold, HiTech EdVentures
The MPPT will extract the maximum amount of power from a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel
and provide the user with a constant voltage under various weather conditions. While
tracking voltage and current from the input and output, the system will monitor ambient
temperature and irradiance conditions and update the user via a TCP socket interface.
My Desk Bench (Group 14-Remote Lab) Bashar Alali, Larissa Almendares, Shoya Ito, Armaan Kafaipour, Muiz Kareem
Advisor: Prof. K. Arnold
Sponsor: Prof. Ken Arnold, HiTech EdVentures
Website: http://mydeskbenchsdsu.me/
The current pandemic of COVID-19 has brought a halt to in-person instruction for both
lectures and labs. As a consequence, students can no longer participate in hands-on
labs, losing the real-world experience of having to set up and troubleshoot their
lab equipment. My Desk Bench enhances both the experience of remote labs and a student’s
learning by providing some missing functionalities or tools of in-person labs. It
is intended to serve ECE students taking digital circuits and electronic labs.
SDSU Solar Battery System (Renewable Energy-Micro Grid) Cristian Borquez, Matthew Clark, Daniel Ghanim, Jamilla Thomas, Benjamin Tran, Eric
Valle
Advisor: Dr. C. Mi
Sponsor: Mr. Sam Bustillos, SDG&E
This project demonstrates a renewable microgrid which consists of an independent,
rechargeable battery storage and a solar PV charging system. The system supplies power
to DC and AC loads. The battery is charged by the solar panel, and monitored by a
microcomputer. The sensors’ data is stored and processed through the microcomputer
which can be used to display system information to the user through a laptop or on
its integrated screen.
Smart Mirror (Makyo Hyosho) Enes Basbug, Eduardo Cadena, Glorianne Francavilla, Brandon Lee, Angelo Dominic Navarro
Advisor: Dr. H. Töreyin
Our goal is to design a smart mirror that makes everyday life a bit easier whether
that is through putting all your notifications in one place or as an entertainment
center. Features include: an LCD screen displaying notifications such as weather and
stocks, an intercom system, clap activated lights, and built in speakers with corresponding
music reactive LED strips. The Smart Mirror embodies the idea of technology providing
numerous functions to simplify and entertain individuals, all in one centralized place.
Thermoelectric Module-based Cookstove
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
Thermoelectric Module-based Cookstove (The Stovetastics) Alyaa Alkharji (ECE), Josh Birkett (ECE), Agustin Cedeno-Rodqriguez (ECE), Joel Edquiban
(ECE), Sophia Nitkey (ME), Jason Schwartz (ECE), Alexander Sprague (ME), Reve Zumarraga
(ME)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Dr. Y-K. Teh (ECE)
Sponsor: SDSU Zip Launchpad
This senior design project is tasked to design and build a Tier 4 approved, bio-fueled
cook stove that incorporates Hi-Z’s thermoelectric technology to support two fans
and electrical outlet. The cookstove is to be deployed to third world countries to
families that use biomass as their main source of fuel. The purpose is to reduce emissions,
improve efficiency and create a source of electricity in areas that have limited access
to power. The system comes equipped with data logging technology to display temperature
and CO.
Tired Tracker Andrew Birn, Fadi Georges, Shan Kureshy, Alkawther Mirza, Arman Shah
Advisor: Dr. B. Aksanli
Sponsor: Transportation Security Administration
The Tired Tracker device was created as a proof of concept to the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) for a centralized system to allow users to view their
fatigue level in real time by recording biometric data and transmitting it to an Android
application over Bluetooth. The physical device consists of a small wearable embedded
system strapped to the user’s wrist which collects body temperature, heart rate, and
arm motion data in a non-intrusive way. An accompanying app analyzes the data and
displays the user’s fatigue level on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high).
TSA Security Timers (Team Timerzzz) Danielle Drinko, Gary Tong, Cesar Oliva, Liam Weinfurtner
Advisor: Dr. Y. Ozturk
Sponsor: Mr. Antony Brock, Transportation Security Administration
This system will allow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to measure
wait times in screening queues. It uses a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system consisting
of beacon devices and anchors. Beacon's are given to and carried by airline passengers
when they enter the TSA security line. Each beacon will record the time it takes for
a passenger to pass through the line. Once the beacon is returned to TSA, it will
transmit time start, time end, and overall time elapsed to anchor devices with WiFi
capability that will host the data for TSA to monitor average security waiting times.
USAF Counter Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Solution
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
USAF Counter Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Solution (Drone Force One) Brian Balsama (ECE), Rominique Borja (ECE), Blake Downey (ECE), Nick Fazio (ME), Luke Larochelle (ME), Christian Moreno (ECE), Isaiah Pico (ECE), Perla Ramirez (ME), Arturo Urbano (ME), Lilian Vu (ECE)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. Barry Dorr (ECE), Dr. Thad Welch (Boise State Univ),
Dr. John Wood (NIWC, Pacific)
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Defense, National Security Innovation Network
This team was tasked by the USAF at Ellsworth AFB to alert the security team at the
base of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intrusion into the Ellsworth operational
airspace. This team has designed a counter-UAV system capable of detecting the acoustics
emitted by multi-rotor drones. In order to provide year-round surveillance, the system
has been designed to utilize solar power and operate during the possible harsh weather
conditions in South Dakota.
USMC Small Ground Sensor
(ECE/ME Joint Project)
USMC Small Ground Sensor (Argus) Nicholas Balagtas (ME), Joshua Barnard (ME), Blake Borskey (ECE), Koa Cabling (ME), Donnel Endaya (ECE), Raylan Jasec Gonzales (ECE), Paul Vincent Guiriba (ECE), Jakob Lepur (ECE), Henry Segura (ME)
Advisors: Dr. S. Shaffar (ME), Prof. B. Dorr (ECE), Mr. Michael Hard (NSIN)
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Defense, National Security Innovation Network
To create a small ground sensor capable of covertly monitoring remote areas in real-time
with wireless user accessibility. Marines require a networkable, lightweight, disposable
and user-friendly device that is capable of monitoring an evolving battlespace. These
ground sensors shall be dispersed by hand along key locations to detect possible adversaries
by methods of acoustics, visuals and motion. This device shall provide key information
to the consumer to aid in their decision-making.