Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty

MEB 339 ext. 4208
astatke@eng.morgan.edu

Title: Yacob Astatke, Instructor

Education: MSEE Johns Hopkins Univ. 1993; BSEE Morgan State Univ. 1991. Currently working on Doctor of Engineering MSU Fall 98 to present.

Courses Given : 1. Electric Circuits (EEGR-202) 2. Intro. To Electrical Lab (EEGR-203) 3. Intro. to Digital Logic Design (EEGR-211) 4. Intro. to Electrical Engineering (EEGR-105) .

Present Research: 1. Currently conducting research in Artificial Neural Networks with his research team which consists of several undergraduate and one graduate student. The research is concentrated on developing Multilayer Perceptron Networks that utilize the Back-Propagation training algorithm that can be applied to pattern recognition and microwave circuit analysis and optimization at either device or circuit level. An ANN model that predicts the Current versus Voltage (I/V) characteristics of a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) was developed and successfully implemented into Hewlett Packard's microwave simulation software called EEsof. Currently working on implementing a Large Signal ANN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) model that will also be interfaced with HP's EEsof software. 2. Currently also doing extensive work in the development of Web-based course materials. In the Fall of 1997, I utilized web-based course supplements (developed using a software called WebCT) for my Electric Circuits (EEGR-202) course to create a "distributed/distance" learning environment. The response from the students was extremely favorable. Supplementary materials have been developed for three courses : Electric Circuits (EEGR-202), Introduction to Electrical Lab (EEGR-203), and Introduction to Digital Logic Design (EEGR-211).

Future Research:1. Expanding the ANN microwave device models to include different types of HEMTs. 2. Improve the Web based course materials by adding new features such as audio supplements and utilizing video conferencing over the internet using Tango Interactive (developed by the NPAC center at Syracuse University), and Microsoft NetMeeting on both Windows NT and Unix systems. Finalize preparations so that the three engineering courses can be offered completely online for distance learning purposes.

Hobbies/Interests: Jogging and Soccer.