Faculty
Christopher Schmitz
Visiting Lecturer
Research Staff
1714A Beckman Institute, MC-251
405 N. Mathews
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 244-5886
Ph.D. in ECE at the University of Illinois, 2002.
Research Statement:
As a Researcher, I investigate potential signal processing techniques for improving the design of hearing-enhancement devices. For example, a co-located microphone array (fabricated with MEMS devices designed to imitate the functionality of a particular species of fly) is now offering high directivity in a small package...a win/win situation that was at one time believed to be un-achievable. The co-located philosophy has been applied to EM signals resulting in an electrically-small antenna array with big potential for accurate direction-of-arrival estimation. I have pursue interests in digital communication and am drafting a grant to define and deploy a medical-grade wireless protocol to promote the migration of the medical field to wireless technology in a way to improve overall safety and effectiveness.
As a Lecturer in ECE, I have been teaching ECE 459 Communications I as well as teaching/developing course material for both the Digital Communications Laboratory (ECE 463) and Exploring Digital Information Technology (ECE 101). The development work for ECE 101 has provided interactive demonstrations for the techno-savy course. The development work for ECE 463 has revolutionized the class from a non-versitile fixed-hardware system to a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) solution. The course provides the basis for students wishing to continue their education in Senior Thesis (ECE 497/499), Individual Study in ECE (597) or a Master's Thesis. Past projects included basic designs in SDR, GPS, the FM-based Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), HDTV, and FPGA-based PLLs.
Teaching Statement:
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." -- restatement of Einstein
Teaching is vital to the sucess of the University of Illinois. We must always look towards finding simple and fun ways to demonstrate complex ideas and engage our students. Available technology, specifically in A/V equipment, computers and software packages in the classroom, provides access to demonstrative components missing from the classic "chalkboard lecture" while breaking the monotony.
Research Interests:
- Wireless Communication
- Adaptive Signal Processing and Beamforming
- Multiuser Detection
- Acoustic Signal Processing for Hearing-Aid Applications
Undergraduate Research Opportunities:
Undergraduates interested in communication theory are encouraged to discuss potential projects with me. Several projects in the areas of signal processing and communications can be discussed. One example: an FPGA-based system to implement sections of a Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) receiver. RBDS is a digital subcarrier sent with analog FM radio carrying station identification, song title and artist, emergency data, and various other components.
Major Consulting Activities
- Spent three weeks consulting with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tasks included training of staff members on equipment, discussions regarding accreditation, evaluation of current curriculum, recommendations for additional curriculum, and seminars regarding the use of Software-Defined Radio techniques in Communications laboratories. August 2009.