Projects

In the last years the author was involved in several National and International scientific projects. The main ones from the last years, all under the participation of INESC-ID, are briefly described next.

Spread Spectrum project (2001 - 2002) - The author participated in the project POSI – EEI/10249/2001 - Sistema de Transmissão de Elevado Ganho de Processamento para Canais de Rádio Selectivos - 2ª Fase, (High Processing Gain Spread Spectrum Systems for Selective Noise Channels - 2^nd Phase) funded by the FCT. This project aimed at studying and developing new PN sequences for Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum communication systems operating in selective noise channels. The new PN sequences have the advantage of have zero mean, low correlation values and exist in large numbers. The zero mean allows to have high processing gains under the conditions of band-limited noise.

Cortivis project (2002-2005) - The author participated in the project "Cortical Visual Neuroprosthesis for the Blind - CORTIVIS”, funded by the EC under the EC Key Action 6: The Ageing Population and Disabilities. This project aimed at developing prototypes in the field of visual rehabilitation and to demonstrate the feasibility of a cortical neuroprosthesis, interfaced with the visual cortex, through which a limited but useful visual sense may be restored to profoundly blind people. In this project also participated other scientific institutions, namely: Instituto de Bioingenieria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Dept. Physiology. Med., School University of Vienna; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unite de Neurosciences integratives et computationnelles, Gif sur Yvette; Departamento de Arquitectura y Tecnologia de Computadores, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Fuentenueva Granada; Faculte de Medicine de Montpellier; Biomedical Technologies S.L..

OFDM project (2005-2007) - Currently, the author participates and is the head researcher of the project POSC/EEA-CPS/59401/2004 - “Sistema de Comunicação OFDM Adaptativo na Rede de Distribuição de Energia Eléctrica” (Adaptive OFDM Communication System for Power Line Communication), funded by FCT. This project aims at developing a simulation system for communication with adaptive OFDM over power lines. New adaptive techniques are being developed and tested. Another institution participates in this project, namely the Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão - Beja (ESTIG).

MOFACS project (2006-2007) - Currently, the author participates in the project “Mobile Fading Channel Simulator" funded by INESC-ID. The aim of this project is to investigate, assess and demonstrate by means of a prototype, new algorithms for the real-time simulation of mobile-to-fixed and mobile-to-mobile slow-fading channels.

ICONS project (2008-2010) - Since January 2008 the author participates in project ICONS – Intercortical Neuronal Stimulator, funded by FCT. This project aims at implement an IC of the SOC – System on Chip - type, to be implanted in the visual cortex part of the brain in order to provide some useful vision to profound blind people.

PLC Noise (2008-2010) - Since January 2008 he participates in project Noise – Noise Reduction in Power Line Communication Channels, funded by the FCT (Project PTDC/EEA-TEL/67979/2006). This project aims at studying the power line as a physical layer for communications.