Electrical Engineering (2nd)
These projects are at the endpoint of a two-semester sequence. They are functionally complete.
E2.01 Radiation-Tolerant Crew Laptop
Sponsor: NASA - Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC)
Student Team: Aiden Bachmeyer, Daniyar Boztayev, John Gellerup, Alex Johnston, Josh Muniga, Hunter Savage-Pierce
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Jeffrey Stevens
NASA is seeking a solution to the problems that ionizing radiation poses to digital electronics in space. The High Performance Space Computer is a radiation-tolerant processor based on the RISC-V instruction set architecture that is currently in development. Our project is to design a proof of concept mainboard with the eventual goal of creating a HPSC based laptop for deep space.
E2.02 L3 Energy
Sponsor: TRC
Student Team: Lisette Lugo, Lilly Martinez, Luke Scarpato
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Billy Diong
This project evaluates the integration of a 5 MW solar generator into a 24 kV distribution system for a local municipality. It assesses impacts on voltage levels, short-circuit capacity, and system stability, identifying violations and proposing mitigation strategies. We conduct load flow, short-circuit, and flicker analysis to ensure reliable, safe operation. This study supports the adoption of renewable energy while ensuring grid stability and efficiency.
E2.03 Texas State Sunbeams: Power Distribution Analysis
Sponsor: TRC
Student Team: Musa Khalaf, Anna Collingwood, Nick Merritt, Sarah Ortiz
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Billy Diong
Our project focuses on studying the interconnection of a 5MW solar generator with a 24kV distribution system. Using a model of a provided distribution system, we will perform simulations to analyze both the pre- and post-project conditions, assessing impacts like power flow, short circuit behavior, and flicker voltage fluctuation. Our goal is to identify and resolve any system violations to ensure a successful integration of the generator.
E2.04 Lunar Concrete Mixer
Sponsor: Nasa Minds & The Ingram Hall Makerspace
Student Team: Ali Kobeissi, Joni McCawley, Tyler Nuckols, Daniela Salazar
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Mark Welker
Our Lunar Concrete Mixer is designed for the production of geopolymer concrete “moon bricks” using lunar regolith simulant. Building on the NASA MINDS team’s prior achievements, this project has evolved into a fully integrated mechanical and electrical system that enables concrete fabrication directly from a rover. Our electrical team’s goal is to revamp the control system to improve device integration, including the implementation of sensors and a user interface. By combining virtual control with physical wiring solutions, this innovative approach will significantly enhance lunar construction experimentation.
E2.05 Pleiades Electra: Satellite Antenna Array
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Carson Harville, Miguel Montes, Alec Prescott, Miguel Trujillo
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Mark Welker
Our project is an antenna array that enables communication with Texas State University (TXST) with satellites in low-Earth orbit. It receives narrowband signals from satellites, transmits data and instructions, and performs reliably even under hazardous weather conditions. This is important because it equips TXST with the ability to engage in satellite communications, fostering the development of its space research community. According to NASA, having a ground-based antenna to communicate with satellites enables “…students, teachers, and faculty to obtain hands-on flight hardware design, development, and build[ing] experience."
E2.06 Ouroboros Guitar Looper Pedal
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Kyle Ratcliff, David Landeros, Renee Aguilar, Brandon Markham
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Mark Welker
Our project is a 9V battery powered guitar looper pedal equipped with an OLED display and 12-bit audio capability. It allows users to record loops up to 5 minutes in length with unlimited overdubs and undo/redo actions for real-time modification. Up to 10 loop sessions can be saved and played back later. Additionally, users can save, import, and export recordings to and from the pedal. Built around the Daisy Seed microcontroller, the “Ouroboros” provides an affordable, open-source alternative to traditional pedals on the market.
E2.07 The Artistic Automaton
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Jamal Close, Paul Henson, Iris Okoro, Nick Whipple
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Jeffrey Stevens
A robotic arm system that takes photo or manual control input from a phone app. In photo mode, the onboard microprocessor prepares the user's photo to be represented as a line drawing, and the arm autonomously renders the drawing. In manual mode, the user controls the arm's movement through a joystick gamepad interface in the phone app.
E2.08 Artist Robot
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Tyler Davis, Cade Conville, Ryan Linden, Vikas Somayajula
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Jeffrey Stevens
Our product is an autonomous robotic arm that is capable of drawing art in various levels of complexity. Our robot will utilize a camera to capture an image and then will be able to analyze that image and draw it. There will also be a controller that will enable an interactive mode where users will be able to freestyle draw. There will also be a user interface that will display the remaining battery life, whether the power is on or off, and other important information.
E2.09 S.R.N. Robotics
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Samuel Winburn, Nadia Al-Shewear, Rogelio Lucio
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Jeffrey Stevens
Our project is an autonomous robot that can compete in a sumo match, tug-of-war, push, and pull event. Its ability to perform these tasks by executing the navigation objectives while staying within the bounds of the field. For the sumo match and block push, the robot will find the object it needs to push, reorient itself, and push the object to the edge of the sumo ring. This is important because designing a robot to detect and move obstacles autonomously can provide scientists with research opportunities and help first responders save people’s lives in hostile environments.
E2.10 Push-Pull Bot
Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering
Student Team: Edgardo Mireles, Michael VanGaasbeek, Ira Wilson
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Jeffrey Stevens
TorqueTug is an autonomous push-pull robot engineered for robotics competitions. Designed with infrared and ultrasonic sensors, it navigates two fields, detects boundaries, and executes precision-driven navigation to compete in a sumo battles, tug-of-war, and to push or pull objects. Powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, dual 12VDC motors, and an optimized power system, TorqueTug delivers unmatched traction, torque, and adaptability. Its intelligent navigation algorithms ensure strategic maneuvering, making it a formidable competitor.