University of Moratuwa Enhances Innovation with Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Gifting
Moratuwa, Sri Lanka – March 14, 2024 – In a significant step towards fostering technological innovation and hands-on learning, the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the University of Moratuwa has gifted Raspberry Pi 4 Model B kits to all 115 students of the 2021 intake. This initiative is a part of the SPARK program, which aims to encourage students to engage in innovative projects and challenges.
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, renowned for its robust capabilities, offers students a versatile platform for a wide range of projects. Equipped with a quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC, LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM, and dual-display support at resolutions up to 4K via a pair of micro-HDMI ports, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a powerful tool for developing complex computing solutions. Its gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 connectivity also make it suitable for high-speed data transfer and network projects.
The head of the department, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B kits provide our students with the essential tools to explore, innovate, and create. These devices will not only assist them in their coursework but also inspire them to participate in the SPARK Challenge and other innovative activities.”
Innovative Projects and Real-World Applications
The Raspberry Pi has already been instrumental in several notable student projects at the university. One such project, sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, is the Virtual Cycling Project. Utilizing a VR headset, this project enables users to experience virtual cycling through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking mountainous routes. The Raspberry Pi served as the primary controller, showcasing its potential in virtual reality applications.
Another impressive project involved digital IC replication, where the Raspberry Pi generated patterns to train a neural network module, demonstrating its capability in advanced digital signal processing and machine learning applications.
There have been numerous such project using Pis.
The SPARK Challenge: Driving Innovation
The SPARK Challenge is a yearlong endeavor designed to encourage students to develop unique and novel products that address the adverse effects of climate change. The challenge emphasizes the creation of sustainable solutions and aims to foster the growth of new commerce and industry in Sri Lanka. Teams of five students will present their solutions to external specialists in a format reminiscent of “Shark Tank” or “Dragons’ Den.”
To support the students, the SPARK program and the department provide comprehensive training and resources, including:
– Modern Design Workshops: Eight facilitated workshops that help teams formulate and deliver strong, innovative solutions.
– Briefing Sessions on UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs): Guidance on developing sustainable products and services.
– Agile Methodology Training: Enabling rapid iteration of software and hardware solutions.
Dr. Ajith Pasqual expressed his optimism about the program, stating, “The SPARK Challenge is a platform for our students to not only demonstrate their technical skills but also to create impactful solutions that can drive sustainable development in Sri Lanka. We are excited to see the innovative ideas that will emerge from this initiative.” Nisitha Silva, Vice President of the Electronic Club that runs the SPARK program too spoke.
Fostering Future Innovators
By providing the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B kits, the University of Moratuwa is investing in the future of its students, equipping them with the tools needed to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills among its students.
The SPARK program and the gifting of Raspberry Pi kits symbolize a forward-thinking approach to education, where students are encouraged to push the boundaries of what is possible and contribute to the technological and industrial growth of Sri Lanka.
For more information on the SPARK program and the innovative projects at the University of Moratuwa, please visit [University of Moratuwa – Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering.
Read MoreRenowned Expert Prof. Anna Förster Enlightens University of Moratuwa on Sustainable Communication Networks
Prof. Anna Förster, a distinguished researcher from COMNETS, University of Bremen, Germany, graced the halls of the University of Moratuwa on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, captivating attendees with her insights into Sustainable Communication Networks and postgraduate study prospects in Germany.
Addressing an audience in the Electronic and Telecommunications department, Dr. Förster delved into her pioneering research, which focuses on self-organizing and autonomous sensor networks, opportunistic networks, and underground sensor networks. Utilizing a blend of artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning and swarm intelligence, she sheds light on various aspects of wireless communication protocols and applications.
One of the highlights of Dr. Förster’s research is its practical applications, aimed at contributing to the global achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. These applications span decision agriculture, environmental monitoring, safety monitoring, health applications, and more. Additionally, her work emphasizes the usability of Internet of Things (IoT) applications to maximize their impact and utility.
During her visit to the University of Moratuwa, Dr. Förster engaged in multifaceted activities, including providing feedback on final-year project mid-evaluations and delivering illuminating talks on her research on sustainability and IoT. Furthermore, she shared invaluable insights into studying in German universities, offering aspiring scholars a glimpse into the educational opportunities available in her home country.
Read MoreUniversity of Moratuwa’s ENTC Undergraduates Shine at 2024 Carrier Fair
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (ENTC) at the University of Moratuwa is proud to announce the success of their annual Carrier Fair, held on January 5, 2024. This event brought together talented ENTC undergraduates from Batch 19 and leading companies, fostering connections and opening doors to exciting opportunities.
The Carrier Fair served as a platform for Batch 19 students to showcase their skills and potential to prospective employers. The event provided a valuable opportunity for companies to connect with the University of Moratuwa’s brightest minds and identify future talent ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce.
Highlights of the Event:
- ENTC undergraduates from graduating class interacted with representatives from leading companies.
- Students gained valuable insights into the industry and explored potential career paths.
- Companies identified highly skilled and motivated individuals to join their workforce.
The University of Moratuwa continues its tradition of excellence in nurturing future engineers. The ENTC department’s commitment to providing students with practical experience and industry exposure ensures they are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.
ENVOYAGE 2023: A Confluence of Ideas and Innovation
Colombo, Sri Lanka – October 30, 2023
ENVOYAGE 2023, an industry forum and dinner organized by the Electronic Club of the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (ENTC) at the University of Moratuwa, unfolded with resplendence and fervor at the prestigious Galadari Hotel on Lotus Road, Colombo 01.
Gathering a diverse cohort of academic luminaries, ENTC alumni, industry leaders, and students, the event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and insight into the future of the electronic and telecommunication industries.
Participants engaged in lively discussions, envisioning the future of electronic and telecommunication engineering. Collaboration between academia and industry was emphasized, driving innovation, and addressing challenges. For students, ENVOYAGE 2023 offered insights from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a chance to navigate the field confidently. The event balanced academia with entertainment, fostering camaraderie through interactive sessions and cultural performances. Attendees bonded, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the ENTC community. ENVOYAGE 2023’s success highlights the department’s dedication to excellence and its role in shaping Sri Lanka’s engineering landscape. Departing participants carry renewed inspiration, committed to advancing knowledge and technology in the industry.
ExMo Engineering Exhibition 2023
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa organized the ExMo engineering exhibition from 27th to 29th July 2023. The event was a grand success, with as many as 50,000 attendees including students from other universities, school children, parents, and technology enthusiasts.
All the departments of the faculty participated in the exhibition, showcasing their innovative projects and research. The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering was one of the major attractions at the event. The exhibits included final-year projects, Spark projects, Sri Lanka Robotics Challenge (SLRC) projects, biomedical engineering projects, and other innovative endeavors.
In addition to these exhibits, ENTC hosted boot camps related to machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and Arduino. These boot camps provided participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in an entertaining manner.
Attendees were taken on guided tours of Analog, Digital, Telecom, SLT-Mobitel, UAV, and Biomedical laboratories. During these tours, laboratory equipment and associated projects were showcased.
The ExMo engineering exhibition was a platform for students to showcase their technical skills and creativity in designing and building innovative projects. It was also an opportunity for technology enthusiasts to learn about the latest trends in engineering and allied disciplines. The success of the event is a testament to the quality of education and research offered by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa.
ENTC ExMo video is here.
Read MoreDepartment Receives a Laboratory Equipment Upgrade with Four Tektronix TBS1052 Oscilloscope
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering of the University of Moratuwa has received a laboratory equipment upgrade with four Tektronix TBS1052 Oscilloscopes. The oscilloscopes were acquired through funding from the SPARK project, which seeks to recognize individuals and groups who devise unique, innovative, socially, and environmentally responsible solutions that foster significant positive transformations in society, industry, and the broader environment. The TBS1052 Oscilloscope is a digital storage oscilloscope that provides affordable performance in a compact design. It comes with a 7-inch WVGA TFT color display, up to 2 GS/s sampling rate, bandwidth of 50 MHz, and dual channel frequency counters.
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering has about 25 workstations each in both analog and digital electronics laboratories, enabling about 50 students to be accommodated simultaneously. Each workstation has a dual-tracking power supply, an analog multimeter, a digital multimeter, a signal generator, and a digital storage oscilloscope. The new Tektronix TBS1052 Oscilloscopes will replace old ones and support regular laboratory classes and SPARK projects.
The University of Moratuwa has always been at the forefront of innovation and research in electronics, telecommunications, biomedical engineering, and allied disciplines in engineering. The success of the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering is a testament to the quality of education and research offered by the university.
Picture source: https://www.tek.com/en/datasheet/digital-storage-oscilloscope-tbs1000c-series-datasheet
Read MoreDepartment of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering of the University of Moratuwa Wins First Runners-up in RISC-V Processor Design & Verification Challenge 2023
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering of the University of Moratuwa has added another feather to its cap by winning the **first runners-up** place in the RISC-V Processor Design & Verification Challenge held in Bangalore, India on September 18th and 19th, 2023¹.
The competition was organized by DVCon India and was aimed at promoting innovation and creativity in processor design and verification. The teams were required to design and verify a RISC-V processor that could meet the performance and power requirements of modern computing systems. The winning team from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, comprising Janindu Leelananda and Thishakya Bandara, demonstrated their technical prowess by developing a processor that could deliver high performance while consuming minimal power.
The University of Moratuwa has always been at the forefront of innovation and research in electronics, telecommunications, and allied disciplines in engineering. The success of the teams from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering is a testament to the quality of education and research offered by the university².
Congratulations to Janindu Leelananda, Thishakya Bandara, and the entire team from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering for their outstanding performance in the competition!
For more information about the contest, please visit [DVCon India’s website](https://dvcon-india.org/invite-for-global-design-contest/).
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering Wins Top Places in SLIIT’s RoboFest 2023
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering of the University of Moratuwa has won laurels in the recently concluded robot competition organized by Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). The teams representing the department secured first and second place in the competition held on 24th and 25th September 2023.
The competition was a platform for students to showcase their technical skills and creativity in designing and building robots that could perform various tasks. The teams from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering demonstrated their expertise in robotics by developing robots that could navigate through obstacles, pick up objects, and perform other complex tasks with ease.
The University of Moratuwa has always been at the forefront of innovation and research in electronics, telecommunications, and allied disciplines in engineering. The success of the teams from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering is a testament to the quality of education and research offered by the university.
Congratulations to the winning teams from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering for their outstanding performance in the competition!
: https://www.sliit.lk/annual-events/robofest/ : https://ent.uom.lk/
Spark Challenge Crowns Champions After Electrifying Grand Finale!
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the University of Moratuwa buzzed excitedly on June 7th, 2023, as the Spark Challenge 2022/23 held its much-anticipated pitching Session. Teams brimming with innovative ideas battled it out, leaving the judges with a tough decision.
Five teams were chosen to advance to the Grand Finale following the session, marking the culmination of nearly a year of brainstorming and development. At the finale, which was held on the 11th of June 2023 at the Civil Auditorium, the top five competitors presented their final pitches. After an exciting final round, the winners were invited onto the stage. Team Spectro, who proposed a solution to the energy crisis where biological processes of green algae could be used to produce hydrogen power, emerged as the second runner-up of the challenge. Then the first runner-up award went to the team Techstatic, who implemented a product which had the capability of warning the farmers about the fertilizing requirements after analyzing the soil condition. Then, finally, the winner was the Team Pathfinders, who came up with a solution for picking up the right balance of chemical composition for different crops.
A true engineer must engage in professional-level projects that address real problems the world faces. The SPARK challenge will reward individuals and groups that create unique, innovative, socially, and environmentally responsible solutions to bring about significant positive transformative impact on society, industry and the wider environment. We had many students getting engaged with electronic-telecom projects over a period of one year under this challenge.
Congratulations to all the participants who poured their hearts into the competition! The Spark Challenge continues to be a breeding ground for Sri Lanka’s brightest minds, fostering solutions for a sustainable future. SPARK challenge will continue with another episode in 2024.
Read MoreENTC Career Fair
The Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (ENTC) at the University of Moratuwa hosted a successful career fair for its graduating class on March 7, 2023. The event attracted numerous organizations that specialize in electronics, electronic design automation, telecommunication, machine learning, data science, and software development, among other related fields.
The ENTC department is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, which enable students to reach their fullest potential. This is achieved through the contributions of high-caliber academic staff, talented students, carefully designed curricula, state-of-the-art technologies and research, and a well-received student experience. The department offers two highly sought-after specializations, B.Sc. Honors in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering and B.Sc. Honors in Biomedical Engineering.
The ENTC curricula are carefully designed, current, and industry-relevant, and provide students with the skills to reach the frontiers of technology. The department has identified the thematic areas of communications, reconfigurable and embedded systems, robotics and automation, computer vision and pattern recognition, and biomedical technologies as areas of advancement. The forward-looking and diverse academic staff, with higher degrees from well-known universities around the world, facilitate this endeavor.
To foster research, the department offers M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees. The taught M.Sc. programs in Telecommunication and Electronics and Automation attract students from industry. These education programs prepare students for challenging careers in industry and academia in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.
The graduates of the department are exceptionally talented. Only the top performers out of the 250,000 students who sit for the country-wide advanced level examination are admitted to the B.Sc. Eng. Hons degrees at the University of Moratuwa. Out of this already selected group, a student must excel in the semester 1 examination to be able to follow the programs at ENTC, which admits only 116 students. This places the department’s graduates within the top 0.01% of their age cohort.
Students at ENTC experience a technologically advanced, supportive, and friendly environment. Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and industry-standard software make students ready for professional work. The five-storied building houses these laboratories and provides space for studying, engaging in projects, and recreation. Students organize exhibitions, industry forums, and talent shows inculcating harmony and leadership. The students foster a sense of social responsibility, manifested through activities such as the E-care community service program, one of many activities of the E-Club, the student organization of the department. Students greatly benefit from this fruitful life experience the ENTC family offers.
The rich academic culture, talented students, research, facilities, supportive environment, and qualified faculty enable the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering to produce multi-faceted graduates who excel in industry and research. With such a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the department continues to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
