ECE Research Areas & Faculty Research Topics
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| | Bruce McNair | | Distinguished Service Professor, Computer Engineering Graduate Program Director (RESEARCH INTERESTS: Wireless networks, security, software defined radio, embedded systems) |  | | School: | Schaefer School of Engineering & Science | | Department: | Electrical and Computer Engineering | | Program: | Electrical Engineering / Networked Information Systems / Computer Engineering
| | Research Center: | Center for Intelligent Networked Systems
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| | Location: | 206 Burchard Building | | Phone: | 201.216.5549 | | Fax: | 201.216.8246 | | Email: | bmcnair@stevens.edu |
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EE 585:Physical Design of Wireless Systems
Physical design of wireless communication systems, emphasizing present and next generation architectures. Impact of non-linear components on performance; noise sources and effects; interference; optimization of receiver and transmitter architectures; individual components (LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, VCOs, phase-locked loops, frequency synthesizers, etc.); digital signal processing for adaptable architectures; analog-digital converters; new component technologies (SiGe, MEMS, etc.); specifications of component performance; reconfigurability and the role of digital signal processing in future generation architectures; direct conversion; RF packaging; minimization of power dissipation in receivers. |
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CPE 691:Information Systems Security
History of network security; classical information security; cryptosecurity; kerberos for IP networks; private and public keys; nature of network security; fundamental framework for network security; analysis and performance impact of network topology; vulnerabilities and security attack models in ATM, IP, and mobile wireless networks; security services, policies, and models; trustworthy systems; intrusion detection techniques - centralized and distributed; emulation of attack models and performance assessment through behavior modeling and asynchronous distributed simulation; principles of secure network design in the future; and projects in network security and student seminar presentations. |
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NIS 691:Information Systems Security
History of network security; classical infosec; cryptosecurity; Kerberos for IP networks; private and public keys; nature of network security; fundamental framework for network security; security on demand in ATM networks; analysis and performance impact of ATM network topology; security in IVCC; vulnerabilities and security attack models in ATM, IP and mobile wireless networks; intrusion detection techniques - centralized and distributed; emulation of attack models and performance assessment through behavior modeling and asynchronous distributed simulation; principles of secure network design in the future; projects in network security and invited guest lecturers. |
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EE 359:Electronic Circuits
Design of differential amplifiers using BJTs or FETs, design of output stages (class B and class AB), output and input impedance of differential amplifiers, frequency response. Feedback amplifiers, Nyquist criteria, Nyquist plots and root loci, bode plots, gain/phase margins and application in compensation for operational amplifiers, oscillators, tuned amplifiers and filters (passive and active). A suitable circuit analysis package is used for solving many of the problems. |
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EE 423:Engineering Design VII
Senior design course. The development of design skills and engineering judgment, based upon previous and current course and laboratory experience, is accomplished by participation in a design project. Projects are selected in areas of current interest such as communication and control systems, signal processing and hardware and software design for computer-based systems. To be taken during the student's last fall semester as an undergraduate student. |
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EE 424:Engineering Design VIII
A continuation of EE 423 in which the design is implemented and demonstrated. This includes the completion of a prototype (hardware and/or software), testing and demonstrating performance and evaluating the results. To be taken during the student's last spring semester as an undergraduate student. |
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CPE 423:Engineering Design VII
Senior Design course. The development of design skills and engineering judgment, based upon previous and current course and laboratory experience, is accomplished by participation in a design project. Projects are selected in areas of current interest such as communication and control systems, signal processing, and hardware and software design for computer-based systems. To be taken during the student's last fall semester as an undergraduate student. |
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CPE 424:Engineering Design VIII
A continuation of CPE423 in which the design is implemented and demonstrated. This includes the completion of a prototype (hardware or software), testing and demonstrating the performance, and the evaluation of results. To be taken during the student's last spring semester as an undergraduate student. |
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NIS 584:Wireless Systems Security
Wireless systems and their unique vulnerabilities to attack; system security issues in the context of wireless systems, including satellite, terrestrial microwave, military tactical communications, public safety, cellular and wireless LAN networks; security topics: confidentiality/privacy, integrity, availability, and control of fraudulent usage of networks. Issues addressed include jamming, interception and means to avoid them. Case studies and student projects are an important component of the course. |
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EE 584:Wireless Systems Security
Wireless systems and their unique vulnerabilities to attack; system security issues in the context of wireless systems, including satellite, terrestrial microwave, military tactical communications, public safety, cellular and wireless LAN networks; security topics: confidentiality/privacy, integrity, availability and control of fraudulent usage of networks. Issues addressed include jamming, interception and means to avoid them. Case studies and student projects are important components of the course. |
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E 232:Engineering Design IV
This course continues the experiential sequence in design. Design projects are in, and lectures address the area of Electronics and Instrumentation. Core design themes are further developed. |
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BME 322:Engineering Design VI
Introduction to the principles of wireless transmission and the design of biomedical devices and instrumentation with wireless capabilities.(e.g. pacemakers, defibrilators. EKG). Electrical safety (isolation, shielding), and equipment validation standards for FDA compliance are introduced. Use of LabView to provide virtual bioinstrumentation. The course culminates in group projects to design a biomedical device that runs on wireless technology. |
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MT 585:Physical Design of Wireless Systems
Physical design of wireless communication systems, emphasizing present and next generation architectures. Impact of non-linear components on performance; noise sources and effects; interference; optimization of receiver and transmitter architectures; individual components (LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, VCOs, phase-locked loops, frequency synthesizers, etc.); digital signal processing for adaptable architectures; analog-digital converters; new component technologies (SiGe, MEMS, etc.); specifications of component performance; reconfigurability and the role of digital signal processing in future generation architectures; direct conversion; RF packaging; minimization of power dissipation in receivers. |
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PEP 585:Physical Design of Wireless Systems
Physical design of wireless communication systems, emphasizing present and next-generation architectures; impact of non-linear components on performance; noise sources and effects; interference; optimization of receiver and transmitter architectures; individual components(LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, VCOs, phase-locked loops, frequency synthesizers, etc.); digital signal processing for adaptable architectures; analog-digital converters; new component technologies (SiGe, MEMS, etc.); specifications of component performance; reconfigurability and the role of digital signal processing in future generation architectures; direct conversion; RF packaging; and minimization of power dissipation in receivers. |
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CPE 450:Real-Time Embedded Systems
Unlike typical software-based systems, real-time systems must complete their tasks within specified timeframes. Unlike general purpose computing platforms, embedded systems must perform their tasks while minimizing tightresource constraints. This course addresses the considerations in designing real-time embedded systems, both from a hardware and software perspective. The primary emphasis is on real-time processing for communications and signal processing systems, but applications to seismic and environmental monitoring,process control, and biomedical systems will be addressed. Programming projects in a high level language like C/C++ will be an essential component of the course, as well as hardware design with modern design tools. |
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TM 584:Wireless Systems Security
Wireless systems and their unique vulnerabilities to attack; system security issues in the context of wireless systems, including satellite, terrestrial microwave, military tactical communications, public safety, cellular, and wireless LAN networks; security topics: confidentiality/privacy, integrity, availability, and control of fraudulent usage of networks. Issues addressed include jamming, interception, and means to avoid them. Case studies and student projects are an important component of the course. |
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CPE 810:Special Topics in Computer Engineering
A participating seminar on topics of current interest and importance in
Computer Engineering
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EE 810:Special Topics in Electrical Engineering
A participating seminar on topics of current interest and importance in
Electrical Engineering.
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CPE 517:Digital and Computer Systems Architecture
This course covers the design and architecture of computer and digital systems in the system design region starting from the transistor/logic gate level to below the device driver level/system monitor level. The systems considered in the course will go beyond the computer chips or CPUs discussed in a typical computer architecture course, but will include complex logic devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the core-designs for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs, ARM, and other application-specific architectures. Printed circuit board-level architectural considerations for multiple complex digital circuits will also be discussed. |
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EE 517:Digital and Computer Systems Architecture
This course covers the design and architecture of computer and digital systems in the system design region starting from the transistor/logic gate level to below the device driver level/system monitor level. The systems considered in the course will go beyond the computer chips or CPUs discussed in a typical computer architecture course, but will include complex logic devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the core-designs for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs, ARM, and other application-specific architectures. Printed circuit board-level architectural considerations for multiple complex digital circuits will also be discussed. |
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| | Research & Education | |
| | Research | - Wireless Networks and Systems
- System/Network Security
- Cryptography Signal Processing for Wireless Communications
- OFDM
- Hardware/Software Prototyping Platforms
- Software Defined Radio
- Real-time systems
- Embedded systems
- Broadband Power Line (BPL) Systems
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| | | Education | - BE (1971), Stevens Institute of Technology
- ME (1974), Stevens Institute of Technology
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| | Experience & Service | |
| | Institutional Service | - Member of Stevens Patent Committee
- Member of Stevens Honor Board Advisory Council
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| | | Experience | - 1978 - 2002 AT&T Bell Labs/AT&T Labs Research
- 1994 - 2002 Wireless Systems Research
- 1987 - 1994 Security and Systems Reliability Architecture
- 1984 - 1987 Computer Systems Exploratory Development
- 1981 - 1984 Data Communications Exploratory Development
- 1978 - 1981 Data Networking Systems Engineering
- 1974 - 1978 US Army Communications R&D Command, Net Radio R&D
- 1973 ITT Defense Communications Division, Advanced Development
- 1971 - 1973 US Army Electronics Command, Tactical Communications and Computing Systems
| | Consulting Service | - 2002 - present, CTO Novidesic Communications, LLC
- Expert witness in patent litigation
- Technical consulting in wireless, security, geolocation, embedded systems, software
- Due diligence technical support
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| | Achievements & Professional Societies | |
| | Patents & Inventions | - "Secure IP access protocol framework and supporting network architecture," US Patent #8,046,577, October 25, 2011.
- "Method for Estimating Time and Frequency Offset in an OFDM System," US Patent #7,990,839, August 2, 2011.
- "Simulcasting OFDM System having mobile station location identification," US Patent #7,962,162, June 14, 2011
- "RFID Devices for Verification of Correctness, Reliability, Functionality and Security," US Patent #7,712,674, May 11, 2010
- "Dynamic Channel Assignment," US Patent #7,457,259, November 25, 2008
- "RFIDs Embedded into Semiconductors," US Patent #7,348,887, March 25, 2008.
- "Method for Estimating Time and Frequency Offset in an OFDM System," US Patent #7,310,302, December 18, 2007.
- "Mobile Device Having Network Interface Selection," US Patent # 7,180,876, February 20, 2007.
- "Dynamic Channel Assignment," US Patent #6,954,465, October 11,2005.
- "Method for Estimating Time and Frequency Offset in an OFDM System," US Patent #6,891,792, May 10, 2005.
- "Security System Providing Lockout for Invalid Access Attempts," US Patent #5,559,505, September 24, 1996.
- "Telecommunications Fraud Detection Scheme," US Patent #5,504,810, April 2, 1996.
- "Authenticator Card and System," US Patent #5,450,491, September 12, 1995.
- "Secure Telecommunications," US Patent #5,392,357, February 21, 1995.
- "Data Message Storage and Pickup Service," US Patent #5,392,336, February 21, 1995.
- "System and Method for Granting Access to a Resource," US Patent #5,375,244, December 20, 1994.
- "Secure Teleconferencing," US Patent #5,353,351, October 4, 1994.
- "Method and Apparatus for Processor Based Encryption," US Patent #5,278,905, January 11, 1994.
- "Centralized Security Control System," US Patent # 5,276,444, January 4, 1994.
- "Technique for Voice Based Security System," US Patent #5,265,191, November 23, 1993.
- "Video Scrambling System", US Patent # 5,206,906, April 27, 1993.
- "Cryptographic Transmission System," US Patent #4,642,424, Febuary 10, 1987.
- "Processing of Encrypted Voice Signals," US Patent #4,608,455, August 26, 1986.
- "Control of Coefficient Drift for Fractionally Spaced Equalizers," US Patent #4,376,308, March 8, 1983.
Other patent applications are being processed and will be added when the US Patent and Trademark Office publicizes them. |
| | | Professional Societies | - Senior Member, IEEE. Member of Communications, Signal Processing, and Education Societies
| | Honors & Awards | - NJ Inventors Hall of Fame - Inventor of the Year Award 2012
- Schaefer School of Engineering, Undergraduate Teaching Award, December 2006.
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| | Selected Publications | |
| Conference Proceedings
B.McNair, L.J.Cimini, N.Sollenberger. "Performance of an Experimental 384 kb/s 1900 MHz Radio Link In a Wide-Area, High-Mobility Environment", Vehicular Technology Conference, VTC00, Boston, MA, October 2000. IEEE.
H.Zou, B.Daneshrad, B.McNair. "An Integrated OFDM Receiver for High-Speed Mobile Data Communications", Globecomm 2001, San Antonio, TX, October 2001. IEEE.
L.J.Cimini, K.Leung, B.McNair, J.H.Winters. "Outdoor IEEE 802.11b Cellular Networks: MAC Protocol Design and Performance", ICC 2002, New York, NY, April 2002. IEEE.
M.Clark, K.Leung, B.McNair, Z.Kostic. "Outdoor IEEE 802.11b Cellular Networks: Radio Link Performance", ICC 2002, New York, NY April 2002. IEEE.
S.Patel, L.J. Cimini, B.McNair. "Comparison of Frequency Offset Estimation Techniques for Burst OFDM", IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, Birmingham, AL, May 2002. IEEE.
Journals
D.M.D'Angelo, J.E.Wilkes, B.McNair. "Security in Electronic Messaging Systems", AT&T Technical Journal, Vol. 73, No. 3, 1994, AT&T.
K.Leung, M.V.Clark, B.McNair, Z.Kostic, L.J.Cimini, J.H.winters. "Outdoor IEEE 802.11 Cellular Networks: Radio and MAC Design and Their Performance", IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 56, No. 5, pp. 2673-2884, Sept. 2007, IEEE.
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