Research Projects
Dr. Poras T. Balsara's research interests include VLSI design, design of energy efficient digital circuits and systems, VLSI architectures and algorithms for signal processing and communications, computer arithmetic and reconfigurable architectures. At present, Dr. Balsara and his research students are engaged in the following research areas:
Circuits and Systems for Signal Processing and Communications: This work involves developing digitally intensive techniques for design of circuits and architectures for wireless communications. This investigation started with the development of high-speed all-digital frequency synthesizer operating in GHz range. In this work digital techniques were used to tune the LC tank and create a synthesizer around a digitally controlled oscillator. We are currently investigating digital techniques to calibrate, monitor and tune mixed-signal circuits to alleviate problems related to process, temperature and voltage variations. Such techniques enable us to use standard digital CMOS processes and ASIC design flows for implementing these circuits. Work is also underway to develop all-digital PLL for other applications.
Energy Efficient Digital Systems: This is an ongoing investigation in which techniques are being developed for lowering power dissipation in digital systems without drastically affecting performance. With the growing popularity of battery powered portable applications like personal communication systems, mobile computing, etc., energy efficient, high performance circuits are gaining importance. Investigation is being carried out for lowering dynamic as well as leakage power dissipation in custom and reconfigurable circuits and systems.
Reconfigurable Digital Systems: This investigation involves design and development of reconfigurable hardware that is suitable for DSP and multimedia applications. Rapid prototyping of wireless communication systems and sensor network platform is also being investigated. Several building blocks for power aware digital filters and communication algorithms are being developed.