The research paper, An under complete autoencoder for denoising computational 3D sectional images from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering has been accepted in a prestigious conference called Imaging and Applied Optics Congress to be held in Vancouver, Canada 2022. Assistant Professors; Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Dr Karthikeyan Elumalai, Dr Inbarasan Muiraj, and the PhD students; Ms Vineela Chandra Dodda and Ms Lakshmi Kuruguntla are the authors who contributed to composing the paper.

Abstract

computational 3D sectional images-research-srmapThis paper proposes to use a deep-stacked under complete autoencoder to denoise the noisy 3D integral (sectional) images with a patch-based approach. In this process, the noisy input 3D sectional image is divided into multiple patches, which are then used to train the neural network. By using the patch-based approach, the time required to prepare the labeled training data is greatly reduced. Results demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed model in terms of the peak-signal-to-noise ratio.

computational 3D sectional images-research-srmapExplanation of the research

Denoising is one of the preliminary processes in image processing that removes noise from an image of interest and restores a clean image. The noise which was generated during the image acquisition process is attenuated using deep learning techniques. The denoised image is further used in various tasks of image processing.

In any image acquisition system, noise is inevitable and needs to be attenuated before further processing for qualitative results. The medical field is an example of this (images acquired through CT, MRI, PET, etc.). The researchers further investigate various techniques in deep learning to improve the denoising performance along with the applicability of deep learning in various tasks such as object recognition etc.

research news SRMAP

The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering has come out with yet another rewarding publication, “Energy-Efficient Hybrid Relay – IRS aided wireless IoT network for 6G communications”, in the Electronics Journal, with Impact Factor 2.4. The article was published by Mr Rajak Shaik, PhD Scholar, in collaboration with the faculty members; Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Dr Karthikeyan Elumalai and Dr Inbarasan Muniraj. This research is the first of its kind, which examines and compares the impact of relay-aided, IRS-aided, and novel hybrid relay-IRS-aided wireless IoT networks for 6G communications in terms of Energy Efficiency.

The article examines Energy Efficiency as a function of user distance and various SNR (Signal-to-noise ratio) values. The Energy Efficiency with fixed and varying numbers of IRS elements is analysed for the proposed IoT network. The results show that the proposed hybrid relay-IRS-assisted IoT network outperforms both the conventional relay and IRS-aided wireless IoT networks. The hybrid relay-IRS-aided IoT network can fulfil the requirements of high data rate, reliable data transfer, and large bandwidth needed for 6G communications. The multiple IRS concept can also be used in 6G communications at high SNR values to reduce both the cost and additional power consumption of wireless IoT networks. Their future research plan also includes the real-time implementations to improve the energy efficiency for wireless IoT networks with IRS in 6G communications.

Abstract of the Research

Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) have been recognized as presenting a highly energy-efficient and optimal solution for future fast-growing 6G communication systems by reflecting the incident signal towards the receiver. A large number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are distributed randomly in order to serve users while providing a high data rate, seamless data transfer, and Quality of Service (QoS). The major challenge in satisfying the above requirements is the energy consumed by the IoT network. Hence, in this paper, we examine the energy efficiency (EE) of a hybrid relay-IRS-aided wireless IoT network for 6G communications. In our analysis, we study the EE performance of IRS-aided and DF relay-aided IoT networks separately, as well as a hybrid relay-IRS-aided IoT network. Our numerical results showed that the EE of the hybrid relay-IRS-aided system has better performance than both the conventional relay and the IRS-aided IoT network. Furthermore, we realized that the multiple IRS blocks can beat the relay in a high SNR regime, which results in lower hardware costs and reduced power consumption.

faculty achievement SRMAP

Dr Sujith Kalluri, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, has been elected as the Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), Vijayawada Chapter for the period, 2022-24. Dr Kalluri is one of the young and spirited faces of SRM University-AP who has already borne out his charisma and capacity as an influential teacher and passionate researcher. He is also the Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, a forum that oversees and follows up on the activities of students graduating from the University.

SRM University-AP is proud and privileged to celebrate this achievement as Dr Kalluri is on a roll to make greater strides in his professional career. Being the youngest officer to assume the role of secretary at the office of IETE Vijayawada makes this even more special an accomplishment. “I am indeed privileged to assume the role of Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) Vijayawada Chapter. This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with various academic and industrial experts in relevant domains” he exclaimed.

IETE is India’s leading recognised professional society devoted to the advancement of Science and Technology in electronics, telecommunications and IT. The institution provides leadership in scientific and technical areas of direct importance to the national development and economy. The government of India has recognised IETE as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO). Dr Kalluri intends to utilise this opportunity to conduct technical events, such as conferences, symposia, and exhibitions, that would benefit the student community to be industry ready and acquaint with different professional networking circles.

Dr Kalluri is an active member of the World Academic-Industry Research Collaboration Organization (WAIRCO), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Australian Nanotechnology Network (ANN) among many others. “It is my passion to be associated with professional bodies. I take this as an exciting opportunity to build my leadership and organising skills that could facilitate my professional growth” remarked Dr Kalluri. “I would also like to convey my gratitude to the management and leadership teams at SRM University-AP who have always supported me in terms of availing such opportunities” he maintained.

M-Durga-Prakash-paper-publication-IJEL-SiliconBy publishing two papers in well-acclaimed research journals, Assistant Professor Dr M Durga Prakash of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is expanding the possibilities of his research domain through innovative ideas. The first paper was published in the International Journal of Electronics Letters, an internationally renowned peer-reviewed rapid communication journal. It is titled Design of approximate reverse carry select adder using RCPA and has an impact factor of 1.5.

Abstract

An approximate carry select adder (CSLA) with reverse carry propagation (RCSLA) is shown in this work. This RCSLA was designed with a reverse carry propagate full adder (RCPFA). In the RCPFA structure, the carry signal propagates in the reverse direction, that is, from MSB part to LSB part, then the carry input has greater importance compared to the output carry. Three types of implementations were designed in RCPFA based on the design parameters. This method was applied to RCA & CSLA to design other types of approximate adders. These designs and simulations were done in CADENCE Software tool with 45 nm COMS technology. The design parameters of the three CSLA implementations with RCPFA are compared with the existing CSLA adders.

The other paper, A highly sensitive graphene-based field-effect transistor for detection of myoglobin, has been published in the Silicon Journal, an international and interdisciplinary journal, with an impact factor of 2.67.

Abstract

Biomedical applications adapt Nanotechnology-based transistors as a key component in the biosensors for diagnosing life-threatening diseases like Covid-19, Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), etc. The proposed work introduces a new biosensor, based on the Graphene Field Effect Transistor (GFET), which is used in the diagnosis of Myoglobin (Mb) in human blood. Graphene-based biosensors are faster, more precise, stronger, and more trustworthy. A GFET is created in this study for the detection of myoglobin biomarker at various low concentrations. Because graphene is sensitive to a variety of biomarker materials, it can be employed as a gate material. When constructed Graphene FET is applied to myoglobin antigens, it has a significant response. The detection level for myoglobin is roughly 30 fg/ml, which is quite high. The electrical behaviour of the GFET-based biosensor in detecting myoglobin marker is ideal for Lab-on-Chip platforms and Cardiac Point-of-Care Diagnosis.

OMAC by Dr Udaya ShankarStart-ups are the centers of innovation. Ideas may seem easy, but their implementation is not. Dr Udaya Shankar from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is ready to confront the challenges of innovation by registering his new start-up, OMACS.

OMACS envisions becoming the best research lab and product company within the next five years. The company’s motto is based on the 3P’s, that is, patents, papers, and product prototypes. The mission is to collaborate with world-class researchers experienced in both academy and industry. This will bring together the best advisors who have expertise in research and industry in the areas of AI and Game theory applications to Visual Inspection systems, 5G wireless communication networks, NFTs for Telecom, and Agriculture Robotics.

This company will be focused on developing products based on AI/ML-based visual inspection systems, Advanced wireless communications, NFTs for telecom, etc. Currently, five students from the university are interning with him and helping him develop the products.

Nine members are already being trained in the respected areas by enjoying their exposure to the industry environment. Four more interns are to be recruited for the ongoing projects. OMACS is in discussion with other start-up companies to offer research support to them. After six months of its implementation, the start-up plan to provide employment to some of the students in the university and recruit world-class people.

Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship, has helped him to initiate the start-up under the Hatchlab Incubation Centre of the university. “In every step of the journey of OMACS, we got all the support from Hatchlab. We are thankful to Hatchlab for their constant support and encouragement,” said Dr Udaya Shankar as he recollected the dynamics of Hatchlab and OMACS.

Click to visit the company website

Dr Divya Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering has been keenly pursuing research on wearable antennas that are used within the context of Wireless Body Area Networks. These antennas are commonly used in wearable wireless communication and bio-medical RF systems. Her latest publication “Design and Investigation of Dual-Band 2×2 Elements MIMO Antenna-Diplexer Based on Half-mode SIW” was featured in the Q1 journal, IEEE Access, having an Impact Factor of 3.37. The research was done in collaboration with Assistant Professor Dr Goutam Rana and Research Scholar Ms Buela Pramodini from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.

This antenna is designed to enhance data rate twice as much as a single antenna. The antenna can be used to operate in two frequency bands simultaneously, without causing any interference. One frequency band can be used for the transmission of data while the other frequency band can be utilised for the reception of data. The radiating elements are configured in such a way that it occupies a compact size. Thus, the designed antenna can be easily mounted or integrated into a portable wireless electronic device. The field from one radiating element is not coupled to the other element due to their adequate isolation that mitigates the interference problem.

The dual-band self-diplexing 4-port MIMO antenna operates in the lower frequency band around 3.4 GHz (3.35-3.55 GHz, 160 MHz) for the TD-LTE system and in the higher frequency band around 4.2 GHz (4.14-4.34 GHz, 200 MHz) for FCC ID WLAN in 5G LTE communication. The electronic devices which operate in these frequency bands can enhance the data transmission and reception speed twice as much as a single element. In other words, the proposed design prototype also improves the reliability of communication by employing the spatial multiplexing technique. In future, they plan to work on the design and investigation of MIMO-based self-diplexing antenna using the polarization diversity technique.

Abstract of the Research

Research SRMAP

In this article, a compact dual-band, 2-elements antenna-diplexer is investigated and extended to a 2×2 multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) antenna. The proposed design employs half-mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide (HMSIW) technology, which reduces the antenna footprint by 50%. To enhance the bandwidth, a rectangular slot is engraved at the center of each HMSIW cavity. The slot splits the dominant mode of the HM cavity into two odd- and even-half TE110 modes in proximity, which leads to enhancement in the bandwidth by 50%. The antenna resonates around 3.4 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 5% and around 4.3 GHz with a bandwidth of 4.7%, when corresponding ports are excited, respectively. Both the lower and upper frequency bands can be tuned individually, by simply altering the dimensions of each HMSIW cavity. This can be achieved in a common antenna, without employing filters, which satisfies the antenna-diplexer function. The isolation levels between any two radiating elements are obtained below -23 dB for the proposed MIMO antenna, and it occupies an overall size of 1.0λg × 0.8λg. The peak gain of the antenna is obtained at 5.35 dBi in the lower frequency band and at 6.75 dBi in the upper frequency band while radiation efficiency is better than 80% in both frequency bands.

The future directions of WBAN technology

WBAN Smart HealthIntegrated short-range wireless technologies are becoming the most sought-after machinery in recent years. The possibilities of its applications are expanding with the emergence of new health conditions and concerns. Assistant Professor of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Dr Sunil Chinnadurai’s recent research focuses on the future of this technology. His paper titled Priority Based Resource Allocation and Energy Harvesting for WBAN Smart Health got published in the journal Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing with Impact Factor 2.34. He worked with Dr Poongundran Selvaprabhu, Assistant Professor, Vellore Institute of Technology, for this project.

Abstract

With the emergence of new viral infections and the rapid spread of chronic diseases in recent years, the demand for integrated short-range wireless technologies is becoming a major bottleneck. Implementation of advanced medical telemonitoring and telecare systems for on-body sensors needs frequent recharging or battery replacement. This paper discusses a priority-based resource allocation scheme and smart channel assignment in a wireless body area network capable of energy harvesting. The project investigates the researcher’s transmission scheme in regular communication, where the access point transmits energy and command while the sensor simultaneously sends the information to the access point. A priority schedule non-pre-emptive algorithm to keep the process running for all the users to achieve the maximum reliability of access by the decision-maker or hub during critical situations for users has been proposed. During an emergency or critical situation, the process does not stop until the decisionmaker, or the hub takes a final decision. The objective of the proposed scheme is to get all the user processes executed with minimum average waiting time and no starvation. By allocating a higher priority to emergencies and on data traffic signals such as critical and high-level signals, the proposed transmission scheme avoids inconsistent collisions. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme significantly improves the quality of the network service in terms of data transmission for higher priority users.

Explanation of the research

A priority scheduling non-pre-emptive algorithm with SCA for WBAN smart health is proposed. The potential advantage of this algorithm is to keep on running the process for all users to attain maximum reliability until all the processes are executed. The data traffic associated with the priority scheduling non-pre-emptive algorithm is categorised into four major sub classes, namely, emergency, on-demand, normal, and non-medical data signals in order to assist the different QoS requirements. The results indicate that the priority scheduling non-pre-emptive algorithm performs during emergency and on-demand signals compared to the novel priority-based channel access algorithm for contention-based MAC (NPCA-MAC), low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR- WPAN), and priority-based adaptive schemes.

WBAN is a precise technology requiring frequent recharging or battery replacement. During the emergency or critical rescue situation, the highest priority user information is processed with minimum service delay without compromising the QoS. In addition, the proposed method prioritises the sensor nodes and classifies data traffic into emergency- (highest priority-), on-demand- (minimum priority-), normal (lowest priority-), and nonmedical- (normal-) based applications.

The future directions of WBAN are dealing with smart WBAN healthcare, trust management, trust negotiation, data security, uninterrupted lifetime, and intelligent decision-making (enhance the predictions from prior information) processes.

SERB Workshop SRMAP

The students of SRM University-AP leave no stone unturned to expand their knowledge horizons and strengthen their research endeavours as they are trained to translate every single experience into lessons of learning fortifying their perpetual journey as researchers, teachers, or entrepreneurs. The university facilitates them to explore all possibilities of learning paving their way to becoming complete professionals. They are encouraged to partake in numerous activities such as seminars, conferences, and workshops happening within and outside the country.

It is a cause for pride to know that one of our PhD scholars, Mr Shaik Rajak from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, working under the guidance of Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, has attended the prestigious Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) funded High-end Workshop on Vehicular Communications for Next-Generation Intelligent Transportation Systems conducted at IIT Indore. Mr Rajak was one of the few participants who was invited to attend the workshop based on his merit and research publications out of 300+ applications received from all over the country.

The workshop deliberated upon the future of the transportation industry of the country. The present transportation infrastructure demands efficient intelligent transportation systems (ITS) because of the increasing population, traffic congestion, etc. Vehicular communication is a key enabler for the next-generation ITS applications such as platooning, remote vehicle monitoring, etc. The fundamentals of vehicular communication systems along with advanced coding techniques, modelling of vehicular channels, various radio access technologies for next-generation ITS, connected and automated vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication, ITS standardization activities, vehicular Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks, and advanced network security techniques specific to vehicular networks were discussed in the meeting.

The workshop immensely helped Mr Rajak to learn more about his research areas; the advancements in the field of intelligent transportation systems, the current challenges, and a few research directions to solve the existing problems. “I could meet with many speakers and participants from various IITs, NITs and other central universities and get involved in enriching discussions,” he said. “The hands-on sessions also gave a better perspective on the existing knowledge base” added Mr Rajak. The workshop augmented his research outlook on ITS, vehicular channels: its characterisation and modelling, advanced coding techniques in vehicular communications, and vehicular IoT networks in real-time scenarios. He marked his gratitude to SRM University-AP for granting him an opportunity to be part of the high-end workshop.

Dr Divya Chaturvedi SRMAP

It is a matter of incredible honour to SRM University-AP, for Dr Divya Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering has been chosen as a special issue guest editor at Hindawi, one of the world’s largest publishers of peer-reviewed, fully open access journals of scientific, technical, and medical literature. Dr Divya has been keenly pursuing the umpteen possibilities of substrate integrated waveguide based cavity backed antennas, leaky wave antennas, wearable antennas for medical applications, and Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) for 5G communication since the beginning of her career. And her research genius has bestowed her with numerous awards and recognitions over these years.

As a guest editor for Hindawi, Dr Divya would be responsible for the special issues “Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) Based Circuits and Systems” and “The Future of Wireless Communications Systems: 5G and beyond” from the journals: International Journal of Antennas and Propagation and Journal of Computer Networks and Communications respectively. While the former aims to publish outstanding papers presenting cutting-edge advances in the field of microwave and millimetre-wave circuits and systems, the recent technological advancements in wireless communication systems will be focused in the latter.

Having served as the reviewer and member of various editorial boards and conferences, Dr Divya comes with a wealth of experience to put her expertise for the advancement of the publication. At Hindawi, she gets to work with a strong team of editors and network with like-minded colleagues around the world. ”It is truly fascinating to be a part of the Hindawi editorial board. The influential network that we build here could provide leads on professional opportunities or introduce us to new contacts in our discipline”, she remarked. This would also give her the liberty to handle manuscripts close to her professional interests and exert her creativity in the inception and development of a topic. The tenure of her role as an editor is expected to last for twelve months.

Research SRMAP

The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is glad to announce that Assistant Professor Dr Sunil Chinnadurai and his research scholar Mr Shaik Rajak have published a paper titled “Energy Efficient MIMO-NOMA aided IoT Network in B5G Communications” in the Q1 journal Computer Networks having an Impact Factor of 5.5. With an intent to accelerate the development of future intelligence wireless systems, the paper proposes an energy-efficient massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO)- non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) aided internet of things (IoT) network to support the massive number of distributed users and IoT devices with seamless data transfer and connectivity.

Abstract of the research

Massive MIMO has been identified as a suitable technology to implement the energy efficient IoT network beyond 5G (B5G) communications due to its distinct characteristics with a large number of antennas. However, providing fast data transfer and maintaining hyperconnectivity between the IoT devices in B5G communications will bring the challenge of energy deficiency. Hence, they considered a massive MIMO-NOMA aided IoT network considering imperfect channel state information and practical power consumption at the transmitter. The far users of the base stations are selected to investigate the power consumption and quality of service. Then, they calculated the power consumption which is a non-convex function and non-deterministic polynomial problem. To solve the above problem, fractional programming properties are applied which converted the polynomial problem into the difference of convex function. And then they employed the successive convex approximation technique to represent the non-convex to convex function. Effective iterative-based branches and the reduced bound process are utilized to solve the problem. Numerical results observed that their implemented approach surpasses previous standard algorithms on the basis of convergence, energy efficiency, and user fairness.

Explanation of the research in layman’s terms

  • A cost-effective (i.e., energy efficient) maximization problem for the multiple cells NOMA heterogeneous network scheme is explored when meeting the transmission power and data necessity of far users. The singular value uncertainty model (SVUM) is deliberated to add the errors with the transmitted signal. Since it’s a non-convex problem and challenging to solve, they used the properties of fractional programming to convert it into its corresponding mathematical terms. ITS needs higher data rate and seamless connectivity to operate with maximum speed and safety.
  • SCA methods are then applied to change the optimisation problem. After that, an effective iterative scheme is employed based on Branch and Reduced Bound (BRB) that resolves the energy-efficient SVUM problem and satisfies the convergence criteria.
  • The proposed iterative BRB method enhances user fairness and decreases inter-tier interference (ITI). IRS has been recognised as the key enabling technology to provide the data required by the ITS with less power consumption.
  • Energy efficiency achieved by the proposed BRB method is examined with the help of numerical results and found that the proposed algorithm provides better efficacy than the majorisation minimisation (MM) method and the well-known OMA scheme.

Practical implementations of the research

  • To provide high data rates to wireless sensors and the internet of things (IoT), future communication systems can ultimately be advanced by implementing NOMA, small cell, and heterogeneous networks (HetNets) along with MIMO.
  • An energy-efficient massive MIMO-NOMA aided IoT network to support the massive number of distributed users and IoT devices with seamless data transfer and connectivity between them in B5G communications.

Future research plans

  • To explore the energy efficiency of AI-driven IoT networks for applications such as intelligent health care and intelligent vehicular communications.
  • MIMO-NOMA with IRS elements to reduce power consumption and improve the connectivity between the users.