AI in Next-Generation Open Radio Access Networks (O-RANs)

Friday, October 31, 2025 11:15am, ITE 336

Abstract: Next-generation wireless systems beyond 5G will be defined by openness and intelligence. The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) framework embodies these principles through disaggregated architecture, open interfaces, and AI-driven control, enabling innovation and interoperability across vendors. This talk explores how artificial intelligence is transforming O-RAN into an adaptive, self-optimizing platform for intelligent wireless networks. The talk begins with an overview of the O-RAN framework and its AI integration opportunities, followed by our three recent research contributions. First, the O-RAN Performance Analyzer provides a comprehensive data collection and analysis system for monitoring xApp behavior, extracting key performance indicators (KPIs), and enabling closed-loop feedback to support reinforcement learning. Second, the LLM-based service provisioning engine automates the end-to-end machine learning pipeline, allowing operators to deploy AI services through natural-language specifications. Third, the Open AI Cellular Test (OAIC-T) framework introduces automated, distributed AI testing to evaluate the performance, robustness, and security of xApps and rApps. Together, these developments establish a unified foundation for closed-loop, AI-native O-RAN systems, advancing the vision of intelligent, trustworthy, and autonomous 6G networks.

Bio-sketch: Dr. Bo Tang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU) from 2017 to 2022, where he received the Emerging Research Scholar Award, the highest award and honor for assistant professors at MSU. His research focuses on bio-inspired artificial intelligence (AI), AI security, and their applications in next-generation wireless networks. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. Dr. Tang is a Senior Member of IEEE and an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems. Dr. Tang is also the recipient of the prestigious NSF CAREER Award in 2021 and NIJ New Investigator/Early Career Award in 2019. See https://www.wpi.edu/people/faculty/btang1 

Atomic Layer Deposition: How Surface Chemistry Works for Precision Materials Engineering from Semiconductor Chips to Solar, Batteries, and Implants

Friday, November 7, 2025 11:15am, ITE 336

Abstract: In this presentation, I would like to provide the current state-of-the-technology in semiconductor chip manufacturing – an engineering marvel that started in the early 1960s and became the most critical technology today fueling the age of AI. Then, I’ll introduce what atomic layer deposition (ALD) stands for and how this specific materials synthesis technique impacted semiconductor manufacturing – literally saving the whole industry at multiple inflection points. This will be followed by summarizing what other domains (energy, biomedical) have benefited from ALD materials and processing. I will end my talk by sharing our contributions to the field of plasma-assisted ALD of wide bandgap semiconductors for applications in computing, energy, catalysis, and wearables.

Biographical Sketch: Dr. Necmi Biyikli is an Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at The University of Connecticut. His current research spans ALD of nanoscale semiconductor materials for CMOS, energy, sensing, and flexible electronics. He is a member of the American Vacuum Society (AVS), a Marie Curie Fellow (2010) and is the recipient of The Parlar Foundation Research Incentive Award (2014). See https://electrical-computer.engineering.uconn.edu/necmi-biyikli/

 

 

ECE Seminar Spring 2019

April 16, 2pm-3pm, ITE 401

Crystalline Oxides for Emerging Microelectronic Devices

Maruf Amin Bhuiyan

Yale University

Abstract:

Crystalline oxides are traditionally used for niche applications like thin film transistors, and also for basic scientific studies because of the rich physics they invoke. Recently, the availability of native bulk substrate of a semiconducting crystalline oxide, and the successful synthesis of crystalline-oxide insulators by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process have opened horizons for these pristine materials to be used in various frontiers of microelectronic technologies, ranging from power electronics to memory applications.

Of the crystalline oxides studied, β-gallium oxide (β-Ga₂O₃) is a promising semiconducting crystalline oxide for future generations of power electronic devices; ALD grown crystalline magnesium-calcium-oxide (Mg_0.25Ca_0.75O) and lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) have found their applications as high-quality gate dielectrics for gallium-nitride-based (GaN) and gallium-arsenide-based (GaAs) transistors, respectively; on the other hand, polycrystalline hafnium oxides have created a revolution in the field of ferroelectric memory. 

This work focusses on electrical characterization of capacitors and transistors based on the aforementioned four types of crystalline oxides. Charge trapping during device operation is one major reliability concern. Significant efforts have been made to understand the charge trapping characteristics of crystalline-oxide-based devices. To reveal the trap characteristics, measurement techniques like constant-voltage stress, constant-current stress, and AC transconductance dispersion methods have been employed.

The potential of using crystalline-oxide-based devices in radiation rich environments, like outer space and high energy particle accelerators, have also been investigated. Radiation-induced damage can also be induced by CMOS chip processing, particularly in advanced technology nodes where extreme UV lithography is employed for patterning. Current-voltage, capacitance-voltage, and gate leakage measurements have been carried out to investigate the impact of total ionizing dose of X-ray radiation on the crystalline-oxide-based device performance. Process improvements and device architecture modifications have been made to improve the radiation hardness of these devices.

Short bio: Maruf is currently working under Professor T. P. Ma in the Electrical Engineering Department at Yale University. He obtained his B. Eng. from National University of Singapore (NUS) and M.S. & M. Phil. from Yale University. He is en-route to Ph.D. degree for May 2019, after which he will join IBM Research. His research works primarily involve fabrication and characterization of MOS devices tailored for high power and radiation harsh environment. He has several peer reviewed publications in journals like IEEE transactions, IEEE Electron Device Letters, Applied Physics Letters and presented in international conferences like IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects (NSREC) and IEEE Semiconductor Interface Specialist Conference (SISC). He has won awards including IBM PhD Fellowship and Yale Graduate Fellowship.

 

 

ECE Seminar Fall 2018

November 26, 1pm-2pm, ITE 336

Age of Information in Status Update Systems

Donald Richard Brown

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract: Information freshness is of critical importance in a variety of networked monitoring and control systems such as intelligent vehicular systems, channel state feedback, and environmental monitoring. In these types of applications, stale information can lead to incorrect decisions, unstable control loops, and even compromises in safety and security. A recent line of research has considered information freshness from a fundamental perspective under an “Age of Information” (AoI) metric first proposed in 2011. Early work in a simple single-source single-monitor setting showed the somewhat surprising result that there exists an optimal rate at which a source must generate its information to keep its status as timely as possible at the monitor. This rate differs from the rate that maximizes throughput and the rate that minimizes delivery delay. In this talk, we will provide an overview of the concept of AoI, discuss a stochastic hybrid systems (SHS) approach to analyze AoI in certain settings, present recent results on AoI using SHS analysis in a single-source single-monitor setting with a server with energy constraints, and also present recently derived results on the fundamental limits of information freshness in multi-source multi-monitor multi-hop wireless networks with explicit contention.

Short bio: D. Richard Brown III is currently a Professor and the Associate Department Head in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He received a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in 2000 and MS and BS degrees in Electrical Engineering from The University of Connecticut in 1996 and 1992, respectively. From 1992-1997, he was a design engineer at General Electric Electrical Distribution and Control in Plainville, Connecticut. From August 2007 to June 2008, he held an appointment as a Visiting Associate Professor at Princeton University.  From 2016-2018, he served as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation in the Computing and Communications Foundations (CCF) division of the Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE). He is also currently serving as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications.

 

 

ECE Seminar Fall 2018

October 3, 3pm-4pm, ITE 401

Elements of an Innovation Ecosystem

 Dr. Barry L. Shoop

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Abstract: Clayton M. Christensen first coined the term disruptive technology in his 1995 article “Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave” in which he described disruptive technology as a new technology that unexpectedly displaces an established technology. Later, in his classic text The Innovator’s Dilemma, he asks the question “Why do well-managed companies fail? He concludes that they often fail because the very management practices that have allowed them to become industry leaders also make it extremely difficult for them to recognize and develop the disruptive technologies that ultimately capture their markets. Well-managed companies are excellent at developing sustaining technologies, those technologies that improve the performance of their products in ways that satisfy their customers. Disruptive technologies, however, are distinctly different and fundamentally change the value proposition in a market according to a distinct pathology. In addition to understanding disruptive innovations, we have found that it is equally important to understand the human dimension of technology innovation – how social, cultural, and religious factors impact the acceptance or rejection of technological innovation. To understand these contributing factors we include insights from three classic texts including The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn, The Discoverers by Daniel J. Boorstin, and The Two Cultures by C. P. Snow. Beyond the technological and human dimensions, it is equally important to develop both the organizational structure and organizational culture dimensions that encourage and support an ecosystem of innovation. Iconic examples of the consequences of the lack of effective innovation are Blackberry, Nokia, Blockbuster, Borders and Kodak while the world’s most successful innovators such as Apple, Google, General Electric and Procter & Gamble have succeeded in embedding innovation into their very DNA.

Short bio: Barry L. Shoop is Professor of Electrical Engineering and Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During his 25 years at West Point he has served in a number of key leadership positions including Director of the Photonics Research Center and Director of the Electrical Engineering Program. Currently as Professor and Head he is responsible for an undergraduate academic department with over 79 faculty and staff supporting ABET accredited programs in electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology. The department engages over 1800 students each year and has 4 affiliated research centers including the Cyber Research Center, Network Science Center, Photonics Research Center and a burgeoning Robotics Program. Dr. Shoop holds 1 patent and has authored or co-authored 8 books and book chapters, and over 146 publications. He received a B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University and Ph.D. from Stanford University, both in electrical engineering. His research interests include optical information processing, neural networks, image processing, disruptive innovations and educational pedagogy. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, OSA and SPIE, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Eta Kappa Nu, and Sigma Xi. Dr. Shoop served as the 2016 IEEE President and CEO. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ECE Seminar Fall 2018

September 10, 1pm-2pm, ITE 336

Game-Theoretic Methods for Cyber-Physical Control and Security of Distributed Microgrids

Quanyan Zhu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

New York University

Abstract: Game-theoretic methods have been widely used to model interactions of agents in complex systems. This talk aims to provide an overview of game-theoretic applications in the control and cybersecurity of microgrids. The first part of the talk introduces a non-cooperative game-theoretic power flow framework to develop distributed control of renewable-based microgrids. The solution concept of Nash equilibrium characterizes the outcome of distributed generation and plug-and-play integration with the power grid. The game-theoretic analysis leads to a fully distributed PMU-enabled algorithm which only needs local information of voltage angle at the bus. The talk also presents the Stackelberg equilibrium solution to capture the leader-and-follower relationships between the existing grid and the microgrids. The second part of the talk introduces game-theoretic models to understand the Stuxnet-type of threats on the power plants. A Bayesian dynamic game framework is first introduced to model the strategic interactions between an attacker and a defender under incomplete information. The attacker aims to achieve her objective stealthily through a combination of social engineering, lateral movement, and cyber-physical attacks. The defender aims to learn, detect, and mitigate the impact of the attack on the power plant and the consequential cascading failures. The talk will conclude with open questions and general discussions on game-theoretic frameworks for cyber-physical security and resilience.

Short bio: Quanyan Zhu received B. Eng. in Honors Electrical Engineering from McGill University in 2006, M.A.Sc. from University of Toronto in 2008, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2013. After a short stint at Princeton University, he joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at New York University (NYU) as an assistant professor in 2014. His research interest is game theory, smart grid, network security and privacy, resilient critical infrastructures, cyber-physical systems and cyber deception. He is a recipient of best paper awards at the International Conference on Information Fusion (Fusion 2015), ACM CCS Workshop on Managing Insider Security Threats (MIST 2015), and the International Symposium on Resilient Control Systems (ISRCS 2011). He spearheaded INFOCOM Workshop on Communications and Control on Smart Energy Systems (CCSES), Midwest Workshop on Control and Game Theory (WCGT) and New York Multidisciplinary Symposium on Security and Privacy. His current research has been funded by NSF, DOE, DHS, and DARPA.

ECE-C2E2 Joint Seminar Spring 2018

April 10, 11am-12noon, ITE 401

Technology Overview at United Technology Research Center(UTRC): Power Electronics and Systems

Suman Dwari and Zak Sorchini

United Technology Research Center

Abstract: United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) is the innovation engine of United Technologies (UTC) and all of its business units, UTC Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney, Otis and UTC Climate Control and Security. These business units recognize UTRC as defining what’s next, and ready to solve the toughest problems. Part of that engine is collaborating with a network of partners to move the world forward. These include not only UTC’s business units, but government agencies, national laboratories, universities, commercial and aerospace companies and private organizations. In this talk, at first the overview of UTRC will be presented which will be followed by discussions on current research activities and projects in Systems and Power Electronics areas. 

Short bio: Dr. Suman Dwari received Ph.D. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, in Electrical Engineering. At present, he is a Staff Research Scientist with United Technology Research Center, Hartford, USA. He has been PI or Co-PI of many government research projects for DoD, ESTCP, DOE, DARPA and contributed in the areas of distributed power systems, sustainable energy resources, high performance power electronics systems and control techniques. He has also researched on various commercial applications in the area of very high density power electronics converters using advanced materials and devices. He is author of over 30 publications and has several US patents. His current research interests include: high performance power converters, wireless power transfer, advanced machines, and advanced control of PE systems.

Dr. Zak Sorchini received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has more than 10 years of power electronics and electric machine industry experience acquired under various roles of increasing responsibility at Delphi Automotive, Caterpillar, GE Aviation and United Technologies Aerospace Systems. Since 2017 he has been with the United Technologies corporate research center as group leader for Power Electronics Systems. Mr. Sorchini holds one U.S. patent.

ECE Seminar Series Fall 2017

Wednesday November 15^th 2:30pm-3:30 PM, GENT 103

Quantum Dot Channel FETs and Nonvolatile Memories: Fabrication and Modeling

Dr. Jun Kondo

Abstract: This talk presents modeling and fabrication of quantum dot channel field effect transistors (QDC-FETs) using cladded Ge quantum dots on poly-Si thin films grown on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrtes. HfAlO2 high-k dielectric layers are used for the gate dielectric. QDC-FETs exhibit multi-state I-V characteristics which enable two-bit processing, and reduce FET count and power dissipation, and are expected to make a significant impact on the digital circuit design. Quntum dot channel FETs are also configured as floating gate quatnum dot nonvolatile memories (QDC-QDNVMs). In NVMs, we use floating gate comprising of GeOx-Ge quantum dots. QD nonvolatile memories (QD-NVMs) are fabricated on polysilicon thin films usingn SOI substrates. HfAlO2 high-k insulator laeyrs are used for both tunnel gate oxide as well as conhtrol gate dielectric. QDC-NVMs provide not only significantly higher ID current flow, but also significantly higher threshold voltage shifts which improve the threshold voltage variation, and show the potential for fabricating multi-bit nonvolatile memories.

ECE Seminar Series Fall 2017

Monday October 16^th 11:00am-12:00 PM, ITE 401

Energy Harvesting (EH) Opportunities in 5G

Brian Zahnstecher

PowerRox

Abstract: We have all seen plenty of the marketing hype for what will eventually become 5G in the ~2020 production deployment timeframe. At PowerRox, we have spent the last year trying to shed light on the most critical aspects of the network (from architecture to utilization), which are the paradigm shifts in power electronics and power utilization required to enable 5G. Now, we can investigate further into one of the most interesting, yet highly underappreciated, opportunities in 5G power…energy harvesting (EH). Everyone likes the thought of free, ambient energy, but most think this technology neither produces a usable amount of power nor has a production ecosystem mature enough for a telecom deployment. This talk will not only help to dispel these perceptions, but also help open the eyes of attendees to applications that they might not have otherwise thought were possible and/or applicable to telco applications (with a special focus on 5G).

Energy harvesting (EH) presents a host of interesting and useful applications that can be utilized today as well as provides a roadmap for enhancing/increasing application use cases moving forward. From mW to MW, there are scalable EH technologies to take advantage of nearly every energy source physics affords us (i.e. – kinetic, thermal, RF, photovoltaic, piezoelectric, vibrational, etc.). The major shift from macro towers to heterogeneous networks (HetNets) of many small cells makes 5G an ideal candidate for EH applications. Battery mitigation is a key goal of EH technology initially by supplementing battery power to extend battery life and eventually disposing of them altogether. Even security at many network points from the base station to the grid-level can benefit from EH by achieving grid independence and/or inhibiting undesired network penetration.

This talk will provide attendees with a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking insight on how EH can be applied to 5G and creative applications beyond. First, we will provide a quick overview of EH sources/technologies, and review the transducers, power management ICs (PMICs)/topologies, energy storage, and test/measurement solutions that make up the production ecosystem. Then, we will deepdive on the implementation of these constituents into practical power electronics solutions and see how we can scale (even μW) to more usable power levels. Finally, we will close with a number of quick case studies on how to apply EH to 5G (and related) applications at all levels of the network from data center to edge. Additionally, we will look at some more unique applications (i.e. – Security) within 5G that EH is a key enabler for.

Short Bio: Brian Zahnstecher is a Sr. Member of the IEEE, Chair of the IEEE SF Bay Area Power Electronics Society (PELS), and the Principal of PowerRox, where he focuses on power design, integration, system applications, OEM market penetration, and private seminars for power electronics. He has successfully handled assignments in system design/architecting, AC/DC front-end power, EMC/EMI design/debug, embedded solutions, processor power, and digital power solutions for a variety of clients. He previously held positions in power electronics with industry leaders Emerson Network Power, Cisco, and Hewlett-Packard, where he advised on best practices, oversaw product development, managed international teams, created/enhanced optimal workflows and test procedures, and designed and optimized voltage regulators. He has been a regular contributor to the industry as an invited speaker, author, workshop participant, session host, roundtable moderator, and volunteer. He has over 13 years of industry experience and holds Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science degrees from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

PowerRox is a firm dedicated to solving power problems for those seeking to establish or enhance their position in the enterprise and consumer power electronics marketplace. We specialize in improving efficiency, increasing reliability, achieving cost reduction through hands-on support and training/seminars/workshops. We can solve problems in power supply design, power system development, system debug and test, cost/performance analysis, marketing, and re-design. We are committed to meeting all deadlines, performing on-budget, debugging/testing solutions to required levels, and doing the highest quality work possible.

ECE Seminar Series Fall 2017

(co-sponsor with Eversource Energy Center)

Monday October 16^th 1:00-2:00 PM, LH 201

Resiliency and Security of the Future Power Grid

Chen-Ching Liu

Boeing Distinguished Professor
Director, Energy Systems and Innovation Center (ESIC)
School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Washington State University

Abstract: The development of smart grid in the U.S. over the last decade significantly enhanced data acquisition capabilities on the transmission system. For the distribution network, numerous remote control devices and voltage/var control systems have been installed and millions of smart meters are now operational on the customer side. Although the level of automation has been improved, there are great challenges in the grid’s ability to withstand extreme events such as catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes. Resiliency of the future grid can be achieved by enabling flexible reconfiguration with distributed resources, e.g., microgrid, distributed generations, as well as renewable and storage devices. Advanced and distributed operation and control will be critical for the vision. Fast increasing connectivity of the devices and systems on the power grid also led to a serious concern over the security of the complex cyber-physical system. Progress has been made in developing new technologies for cyber security of the power grid, including monitoring, vulnerability assessment, intrusion detection, and mitigation

Short Bio: Chen-Ching Liu is Boeing Distinguished Professor at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA. At WSU, Professor Liu served as Director of the Energy Systems Innovation Center. During 1983-2005, he was a Professor of Electrical Engineering at University of Washington, Seattle. Dr. Liu was Palmer Chair Professor at Iowa State University from 2006 to 2008. From 2008-2011, he served as Acting/Deputy Principal of the College of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences at University College Dublin, Ireland. Professor Liu received an IEEE Third Millennium Medal in 2000 and the Power and Energy Society Outstanding Power Engineering Educator Award in 2004. In 2013, Dr. Liu received a Doctor Honoris Causa from Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania. Chen-Ching chaired the IEEE Power and Energy Society Fellow Committee, Technical Committee on Power System Analysis, Computing and Economics, and Outstanding Power Engineering Educator Award Committee. He served on the U.S. National Academies Board on Global Science and Technology. Professor Liu is a Fellow of the IEEE and Member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences.