Research opportunities for MEng Students at UofT
The projects listed on this page are for current (or incoming) MEng students at UofT.
MEng students may complete a project under ECE2500Y in our team, or participate as a part-time reseaerch assistant. Note that the workload of ECE2500Y is equivalent to three ECE 1000-level courses. The requirements by the ECE department can be found in the following link: https://www.ece.utoronto.ca/graduates/degree-programs/meng/
If you are interested in applying for these positions, please email the following materials to Prof. Xilin Liu at xilinliu at ece dot utoronto dot ca:
1. A cover letter stating the research project that you are interested in and relevant experience
2. Latest CV
3. (Unofficial) transcripts of undergraduate and master’s studies
4. Sample of publications (if applicable)
Please include ECE2500Y or MEng in your email title
Project 1: Development of a Miniature, Wireless Brain-Computer Interface
Human brains are among the most complex and mysterious objects in the known universe. The emerging brain-computer interface (BCI) technology can create direct communication pathways between the brain and the external world, which creates unprecedented opportunities for truly understanding the brain and treating brain diseases [1]. Specifically, more than 385,000 Canadians are living with stroke and spinal cord injuries. BMI has shown promising potentials for the rehabilitation of these conditions and greatly improves the life quality of these patients [2].However, most existing BCI systems use rack-mount equipment for neural recording, stimulation, and signal processing, which significantly limits the experimental paradigms, especially during pre-clinical experiments in animal models. In this project, we aim to develop a miniature, wireless BCI device using a new generation microprocessor that is capable of running advanced signal processing algorithms (including deep learning). The microprocessor will interface with the brain bi-directionally via a state-of-the-art neural interface chip (for neural stimulation and recording) and communicate with computers via Bluetooth. The main outcome of this project is a battery-powered, miniature BCI prototype that can be used in a broad range of high-impact rehabilitation research and experiments.
The student will be working on advanced real-time embedded system programming, system integration, and miniature PCB prototyping (neural engineering knowledge is NOT required for this project). The student will work with a top interdisciplinary research team with expertise in electrical engineering, data science, neural engineering, and neuroscience. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion during our research and we strongly encourage students from underrepresented communities to join.
References:
[1] M. Zhang et al., “Electronic neural interfaces,” Nature Electronics, vol. 3, Apr. 2020.
[2] L. I. Jovanovic et al., “Brain–computer interface-triggered functional electrical stimulation therapy for rehabilitation of reaching and grasping after spinal cord injury: a feasibility study,” Spinal Cord Series and Cases, vol. 7, 2021.
Requirements:
Project 2: Multi-channel Neural stimulator design in 180nm CMOS
Implantable neural interfacing technologies, especially electrical neural stimulators, are crucial for treating neurological disorders by directly modulating nerve activity, thereby restoring functions such as movement, sensation, and pain control in patients with conditions like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries. These technologies offer targeted and adjustable interventions, enhancing patients' quality of life and enabling precise medical treatments that were previously unattainable.A primary concern in the design of invasive neural stimulators is safety, as residual charge can lead to tissue damage and electrode dissolution. Consequently, achieving charge balance is essential in electronic circuit design. The current mode stimulator is frequently utilized for this purpose. An ideal current mode stimulator can regulate the amount of charge irrespective of the load impedance. Such a stimulator requires a current source with high output impedance and precise current accuracy, ensuring minimal mismatches between channels.
In this project, the student is expected to design a neural stimulator using CMOS circuits with the 180nm PDK from TSMC. The student will engage in circuit design, simulation, layout, and post-layout verification, with the chip being taped out through the MPW service.
References:
Thurgood, Brandon Kimball, et al. "A wireless integrated circuit for 100-channel charge-balanced neural stimulation." IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems 3.6 (2009): 405-414.
Requirements:
Statement on Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI):
Evidence clearly shows that increasing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation and creativity. I am committed to promote EDI in my research team and student training environment. I strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups, to join my team.Back to other research opportunites.
Updated on 06/28/2024
