MULTICORE COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE LABORATORY (multiCAL)

Research within the multi-core Computer Architecture Laboratory (multiCAL) is weaved around two intertwined strands. The primary research strand focuses on the interconnection backbone of next-generation multi-core chips; both homogeneous Chip Multi-Processors (CMP) and heterogeneous Multi-Processor Systems-on-Chip (MPSoC). More specifically, we analyze the effects and contributions of the on-chip communication fabric on the overall architecture of the microprocessor, and we investigate how the processor’s operation can be aided by carefully re-architecting the interconnect structure. The two elemental objectives driving our research are: (1) Optimization of the interconnect itself (i.e., efficient and seamless flow of data between communicating entities), and (2) Participation of the interconnect in the operation of the system (i.e., enabling the interconnect to transcend its modus operandi from a mere transfer agent to a pro-active processing actor). A secondary research strand within multiCAL delves into the architectural design and implementation of the processing cores themselves, covering a wide gamut of application domains: (1) Lightweight, ultra-efficient embedded microprocessors, (2) Desktop-class, wide-issue, superscalar microprocessors, (3) Application-specific processing engines, such as Digital Signal Processors (DSP), video/audio multimedia processors, Graphics Processing Units (GPU), communication processors, etc., (4) Reconfigurable processing architectures, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and customizable co-processors, and (5) Server-class microprocessors employed in datacenters and High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters. The laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art high-end servers/workstations for full-system simulations and digital system development, and FPGA-based hardware emulation engines for prototyping purposes. [Image courtesy of Intel Corp.]
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

EMBEDDED AND APPLICATIONS SPECIFIC SYSTEMS-ON-CHIP LABORATORY

The Embedded and Application-Specific Systems-on-Chip Laboratory focuses its research and teaching mission towards the design, development, implementation and verification of low-power, high-performance and highly reliable systems-on-chip, suitable for embedded and mobile environments. Systems-on-chip (SoCs) integrate both software (such as drivers and operating system components) and hardware components on a single chip. Modern SoCs vary from general-purpose embedded microprocessors to highly complicated hardware architectures used in critical environments, as well as general-purpose chip multiprocessors. The design and development of these ubiquitous systems requires extensive knowledge of reconfigurable hardware (FPGAs), digital integrated circuit design, computer architecture, interconnection networks and software engineering principles. Research focuses on both development of new systems, and improvement of existing systems, through the use of hardware emulation engines and state-of-the-art tools and methodologies.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

HOLISTIC ELECTRONICS RESEARCH LABORATORY

The Holistic Electronics Research Lab conducts research into electronic circuits & systems using an approach that emphasizes the importance of a whole solution. Our methods combine analogue, mixed-signal and asynchronous digital integrated circuit design with custom sensor design (MEMS and optical) in order to find solutions for bio-related or biomimetic systems. We apply our philosophy using state-of-the-art and upcoming technologies in microelectronics, microsystems and nanosystems.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

The objective of the Telecommunications and Networks Laboratory is to support the research and teaching needs of the faculty members of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the areas of wireless communications, multimedia networking, network modeling and performance analysis, networking technologies, fiber-optic communications, middleware for applications with real-time requirements, video technologies and telecommunication hardware devices. The long term objective of the Telecommunications and Networks laboratory is the establishment of a close collaboration with the industry, via the solicitation of a number of industrially funded research projects. Through these projects, the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department are exposed to the needs of industry, and become aware of the structure and operation of the telecommunications sector. The Telecommunications and Networks laboratory also aims at providing the necessary infrastructure for cutting-edge research in the communications and networking area, thus enabling our members to become involved in multi-disciplinary research at the national and international arena.

BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND APPLIED OPTICS (BIAO) LABORATORY

The objective of the Biomedical Imaging & Applied Optics Laboratory is to bridge the gap between science and medicine and explore the development of new optical imaging and diagnostic techniques and their applications in clinical situations. Optical technologies have shown great promise over the years. They are, however, still in their infancy and require further development and integration with current medical practice. This area has the potential to significantly improve the diagnostic and therapeutic options of modern health care systems and directly impact patient prognosis and outcome. Current interests include the implementation of diagnostic technologies for the early detection of pre-malignant and cancerous lesions of the skin and the gynaecological and gastrointestinal tracts as well as identification of bacterial infections. The BIAO Laboratory strives to integrate the identification of diagnostic challenges, development of new diagnostic technologies, clinical validation and human studies and transfer to industry.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

ELECTROMAGNETIC MEASUREMENTS AND SPECTRUM CERTIFICATION LABORATORY

The Electromagnetic Field Measurements and Spectrum Certification Laboratory has been established through the collaboration of the Departments of Physics (Prof P. Razis) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (Dr G. E. Georghiou and Prof C. D. Charalambous) of the University of Cyprus. The Lab aims to provide high quality scientific knowledge and research in the area of electromagnetic fields and to better inform the community on questions regarding possible health effects due to exposure to such fields. The team collaborates with major institutions and companies abroad and has already established research projects with key players in Cyprus, such as the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.  The Lab aspires to promote world class research in the area of electromagnetic measurements and the application of Electromagnetics. It aims to provide a state of the art infrastructure for measurements and research as well as high quality educational programs in the area of electromagnetic fields and their application at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Finally, the Lab aims at fulfilling its obligation to the community, that is, giving an unbiased and well informed view on the long term effects of electromagnetic fields and new technologies evolving based on electromagnetic fields.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

Our team at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cyprus are delighted to announce the successful completion of the first Photovoltaics Park of its kind in Cyprus, situated at the New Campus of the University of Cyprus. Recognising the potential importance of the area of Photovoltaics for the future energy needs of Cyprus, we have instigated a collaboration with the Institute of Physical Electronics, University of Stuttgart, Germany, one of the pioneering research centres of excellence in Europe in the field of Renewable Sources of Energy and in particular in Photovoltaics and Solar Cells. The PV Park has materialised through a research project recently funded by the BMU (The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Energy) in Germany. Our team has secured the installation of a PV park worth over 200000 euro at the University and has also received further funding through the European Union and more specifically through an INTERREG program. In addition we are in the process of finalising the details for our participation in other European projects in the near future.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

NETWORK RESEARCH LABORATORY

The mission of the Network Research Laboratory is to conduct basic and applied research in the area of communication networks. The main focus of the lab is on control issues and Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning in wired and wireless networks. The research areas of interest include resource allocation, admission and congestion control, traffic engineering and scheduling for packet networks, audio and video streaming, cellular, ad-hoc and sensor networks.
For more information, visit the laboratory webpage

ELECTRONIC DESIGN, TEST AND RELIABILITY LABORATORY

The continuing scaling of circuit technology enables the integration of complete systems and even complete computer multi-clusters on a single chip. At the same time, very deep sub-micron and nanometer devices are subjected to a growing number and types of manufacturing as well as wear-out defects. The Electronic Design, Test and Reliability laboratory conducts research in the areas of computer aided design, testing and reliability of modern VLSI circuits and systems. Research focuses on state-of-the-art CAD algorithms for automatic testing, diagnosis, and verification, applicable to large-scale VLSI circuits as well as reusable embedded cores integrated into whole chip-level architectures such as SoCs, NoCs, and large-scale on-chip multiprocessors. On-going topics of research include automatic test generation and diagnosis techniques for various fault types (including timing and other deep-submicron/nanometer induced faults), circuit testability analysis (sensitization and hazard detection analysis), design for testability and diagnosis, microprocessor test, semi-formal methods for logic and timing verification and analysis, and symbolic techniques for test and verification (BDDs and SAT). We also have a strong interest in fault tolerance and reliability, especially for next-generation VLSI systems such as large-scale multicore chips. The laboratory is extensively equipped, including high-end servers/workstations and state-of the-art CAD tools (Synopsys, Cadence, and Mentor Graphic) for development and simulation purposes, as well as several FPGA-based prototyping systems and high-end logic analyzers.