| Research activities |
The Computer and Control Systems Division conducts its research activities primarily within the Electronic Systems Laboratory (ESL). The ESL is the birthplace of SUNSAT, South Africa's first satellite, and home to the research and development activities of two active NRF Innovation Fund Projects, one on tele-medicine development and another focusing on micro-satellite imager development. Research in this division focuses mainly on the dynamics and control of autonomous platforms e.g. low earth orbiting satellites, unmanned fixed and rotary wing aircraft, underwater vehicles etc. |
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Aeronautical Systems |
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Current aeronautical systems research focuses on control, automation and system identification for a wide variety of aircraft and applications, including fixed wing, rotary wing (helicopter) and dirigible unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as full-scale gliders and manned aircraft. Successful flight demonstrations of advanced research activities include automated take-off, landing and aerobatic flight of various aircraft. A strong test flight, certification and regulation research drive is also supported, with a manned test aircraft currently under construction, which will be based at a local airfield. More detailed information, publications and demonstration videos may be found at http://staff.ee.sun.ac.za/tjones/.
Contact Prof T Jones for more information on this research activity. |
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Biomedical Electronics |
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Research topics include physiological modelling and aids for the disabled, as well as tele-medicine applications.
Contact Dr MM Blanckenberg for more information on this research activity. |
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Computer Systems |
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Research is focused on real-time computing for control and communication systems, dynamic reconfigurable data flow and FPGA-based architectures. Efforts also include the development of ultra-high speed superconducting Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) digital logic circuits, solving critical timing issues and creating CAD tools for the automated design of VLSI RSFQ circuits. Facilities include extensive PC-based computing emulation software and circuit prototyping.
Contact Mr A Barnard for more information on this research activity. |
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Control Systems |
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Research is undertaken on the development of advanced system simulators, non-linear system design (such as solid state laser controllers) as well as control of both airborne and space vehicles, actuation, estimation and automation techniques. Know-how and research are also fostered in the field of system identification. Other research topics include distributed control of loosely coupled systems, servo systems and chemical process control. Facilities include a large commercial position and rate-table and a kinematic air-table.
Contact Prof WH Steyn or Prof T Jones for more information on this research activity. |
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Satellite Systems |
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The primary focus is to provide research support to the local South African satellite industry. The group participates currently in the attitude control development, experimental payloads and ground station support for SumbandilaSat, South Africa’s second remote sensing micro satellite. Some student research projects are focused on the development of a nanosatellite for demonstrating satellite formation flying. Research into new, innovative, low-cost technology that can be used on future small satellite is at present our main contribution. Areas of specialisation include satellite attitude and orbit control systems, satellite sensors, onboard computer and data handling systems, radiation tolerant design, image processing, power systems, low thrust propulsion systems and electro-optical camera design. The satellite work is also sponsored in part by South African space industry. Facilities include a satellite ground station, environmental testing chambers and electromechanical prototyping.
Contact Prof WH Steyn for more information on this research activity. |
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Underwater Systems |
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A strong multi-disciplinary research drive focuses on underwater navigation, path planning, sense-and-avoid, SONAR and communications technologies, as applied to unmanned underwater vehicles.
Contact Mr J Treurnicht for more information on this research activity. |
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| Research staff |
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Mr A (Arno) BARNARD |
| Computer Systems |
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Dr MM (Mike) BLANCKENBERG |
| Biomedical electronics |
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Mr MJ (Thinus) BOOYSEN |
| Computer Systems |
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Mr JAA (Japie) ENGELBRECHT |
| Satellite Systems |
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Prof T (Thomas) JONES |
| Aerospace control systems |
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Prof WH (Herman) STEYN |
| Satellite systems and control |
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Mr W (Willem) SMIT |
| Computer Systems |
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Mr J (Johann) TREURNICHT |
| Robust control systems |
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