Modules

The main objectives of the module

To introduce the student to identification approaches and procedures and to the use of intelligent systems in data investigation, optimisation and management, with a focus on best practice examples.

Module subject

• Intelligent decision support systems

The course introduces the field of intelligent systems, provides basic methods of intelligent systems modelling, the basics of optimisation procedures as building blocks of identification, introduces the basics of intelligent systems management methods and provides examples of intelligent systems applications.

After an introduction to the field of intelligent decision support systems, the principal component method, evolutionary computation methods, neural networks, fuzzy systems and swarming approaches will be discussed. The methods will be experimented with in exercises using the Matlab-Simulink software package with additional libraries (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems – ANFIS and Neural Network Toolbox).

Identification

This course introduces the field of identification of dynamic systems based on measured data. The course will introduce different parameter estimation procedures in static and dynamic systems, with emphasis on the evaluation of the impact of disturbances. The lectures will be continuously complemented with practical identification examples. The quality of the identified model is highly dependent on the setting of the design parameters, so we will pay special attention to this aspect and show examples of good and bad practices in system identification.

After an introduction to the field of identification, we will look at some of the concepts of signal theory and systems theory. Later, we will learn about the least squares method and its derivatives, which are used to estimate system parameters. We will then discuss methods for the identification of non-parametric models, illustrate problems of identification of unstable systems and problems of closed-loop identifiability, and introduce practical problems of identification. In the laboratory exercises, students will also practice the methods on real devices.

Areas of application

The methods and procedures discussed are useful for management, optimisation and planning, monitoring and control of system performance, fault detection and diagnosis. The fields of application are process engineering, autonomous mobile systems, systems informatics and logistics, production management, biological systems and others.

The main objectives of the module

To provide students with concrete knowledge of European technical legislation and infrastructure and the relevant segments of technical product quality.

Module subjects

The aim of the European Technical Legislation and Infrastructure course is to provide students with specific knowledge and skills on European technical regulation. This includes learning about the whole infrastructure in the technical field, from standardisation, accreditation, metrology, total quality management, auditing and certification systems to achieve the best possible results. The student gains knowledge of legislation on technical requirements and safety. A strong emphasis is also placed on environmental issues related to quality. The aim of the course is to demonstrate the activities and procedures to be carried out by the manufacturer in order to be able to affix the CE marking, the mark of conformity with the European directives, to the product. Practical examples are used to consolidate the theoretical knowledge.

The aim of the Technical Quality course is to provide students with concrete knowledge and skills in achieving quality systems. This includes learning about total quality management, auditing and certification of systems, and tools to maximise success. The course teaches students problem-solving techniques using quality tools. In addition to these skills, the student gains knowledge of reliability economy legislation and safety. The laboratory practical allows the theoretical knowledge to be put into practice in real-life examples.

Examination system

Students take both Module B exams at the end of the semester after completing the practicum. By agreement, it is possible to take part of the examination on an ongoing basis during the semester, either through colloquia or a seminar paper.

The main objectives of the module

To provide the student with knowledge of the biomechanical laws of human motion and the synthesis of control of robotic devices that interact with humans. The student acquires fundamental knowledge for the use and development of measuring and robotic devices for rehabilitation, sports and new applications where the translation of solutions from nature into practice is required.

Module subjects

• Biomechanics

This course examines the basic laws of mechanics from the point of view of their application to the understanding and analysis of living systems. The knowledge acquired covers the fields of mechanics of materials and mechanical structures and of motion, with emphasis on rehabilitation and sport. The human biomechanical system is considered from the viewpoints of static, kinematic and dynamic analysis. Joint and muscle mechanics, anthropometry and the basic laws of locomotion are covered through practical examples of the analysis of standing, walking, running and rowing.

• Robots in contact with humans

The course deals with multi-modal interaction between humans and robots in order to upgrade human capabilities. Robots can interact with humans at different levels. They can enable humans to perform tasks more accurately, easily and safely (surgical and diagnostic robotics), haptic robots can simulate interactions that require physical contact between humans and the environment, robots can act as human force amplifiers (exoskeletal robots), they can replace amputated body parts (robotic prostheses), they can provide accurate diagnostics and dosing of drugs inside the human body, and in an industrial environment, the interaction of human and robot can enable more accurate and faster performance of tasks.

The main objectives of the module

To learn about the importance of the development and integration of skills in electronics and photonics, which are reflected in many modern electronic devices, from smartphones with advanced displays to electronic systems with optical transmission and fast data processing.

Module subjects

In the first course, Testing Electronic Circuits, we will learn about the most common faults that occur in today’s electronic circuits and how to detect and correct them as quickly as possible, as any subsequent troubleshooting is extremely time-consuming, costly and damaging to a company’s reputation. In order to test the performance of electronic circuits and systems more efficiently and quickly, we will learn about methods for automatic testing of circuits and the most important procedures for designing circuits with testing in mind.

In the second course, Photonics, we will focus on a segment that has recently become increasingly important – photonic integrated circuits – after reviewing the various state-of-the-art solutions and open challenges in the broader field of photonics. We will learn about the basic building blocks of integrated photonics, existing circuit solutions and design some simple photonic circuits in laboratory exercises. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the open challenges of photonics, to learn the meaning and understand the operation of the building blocks of photonics, in particular photonic integrated circuits. We will also learn about other current building blocks of modern photonics.

The main objectives of the module

To give students a broader view of the energy supply problem. The basic characteristics, technical possibilities of exploitation, economic indicators and perspectives in the use of primary energy resources both globally and in the Slovenian context will be presented. The advantages and limitations of using sustainable sources to meet energy needs will be explained.

Particular emphasis is placed on alternative sources of electricity, their use and the possibility of integrating them into the power system in the light of power quality and power system stability.

Module subjects

Alternative Sources of Electricity and Energy Markets: students will be introduced to technologies for generating electricity from alternative sources and how they compare with conventional methods. The emphasis is on technologies, the way energy is converted into electricity. Students will learn about the technical, economic and environmental impacts of alternative energy technologies.

Energy: The role of energy resources in the development of civilisation and society, a global view of energy supply, the distribution of energy resources and basic energy conversion. Energy sources and their origin and basic characteristics, basic physical principles and exploitation technology, global potentials, efficiencies, basic economic indicators of exploitation, consumption trend, stocks and consumption in Slovenia. Dilemmas and technical problems of meeting energy needs with energy from sustainable sources, environmental impact of energy conversions, economic evaluation of meeting energy needs, future outlook.

The main objectives of the module

To provide students with an often overlooked awareness of the interplay of technical improvements in the construction of modern electronic power devices, which would not be so intense without knowledge of the material properties of the basic building blocks and their fabrication technologies. The research trend in the latter is dictated by the increasing demands on the energy efficiency of converter devices and their penetration into areas where reliability and safety are of key importance.

Module subjects

The course Electronic Power Systems provides a broad overview of power conversion in a wide variety of power devices and systems from the point of view of reliable and safe operation. It provides a more detailed insight into the operation and design of switched-mode power supply systems, from the selection of power elements to the optimisation of internal control loops. Attention is also paid to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), in particular: the sources and propagation modes of electromagnetic disturbances, measures and components to reduce EM disturbances, and EMC compliance procedures and tests. The aim of the course is to train the student to analyse converter devices in depth and to independently design, realise and optimise switchgear converter devices.

The Materials and Technologies course deals with materials in the field of power electronics. It describes in detail the procedures for the determination of material properties and gives a more detailed insight into: crystallography and selected crystal structures, metallic materials, metal solubility, alloys, cold forming of metals, selected metallic materials and their properties, electrical contact materials, contact voltage, thermoelectric phenomena, electrochemical cells, hydrogen and fuel cells, resistive materials, superconducting materials, solder and soldering protectors. In magnetic materials, we shall look in detail at the subdivision of magnetic materials, the magnetic moment in ferromagnetic materials, magnetic anisotropy, domains and barriers, the technology of manufacturing soft and hard magnetic materials, and practical examples of the use of magnetic materials. The treatment of insulating materials or dielectrics focuses in detail on: types of polarisation in materials, dielectric losses, thermoplastics, thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, gases, liquids, inorganic dielectrics.

The main objectives of the module

To provide students with knowledge in the design of modern terminal devices and services. The content highlights the necessary building blocks of service systems, from sensor data capture, processing and connectivity, to user interfaces and the associated user experience.

Module subjects

The course Terminal Devices and User Interfaces provides basic knowledge in the field of human-machine communication. It provides an overview of the field of human perception and information processing, the characteristics of input/output devices, their connectivity and their architecture and functionality. Emphasis is placed on understanding the operation of terminal equipment, input/output technologies and associated techniques, sensors and biometrics, and visual, auditory and haptic interfaces. Students also learn the basics of user interface design, development and evaluation procedures, taking into account the specific constraints of different terminals and ensuring the best user experience. In laboratory exercises, students design and implement a selected user interface and a simple mobile application in several steps.

The course Mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT) introduces students to the new technological revolution known as the Internet of Things (IoT). It presents the features of modern mobile and wireless networks supporting IoT communications, such as NB-IoT, 5G, LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi 6 and IoT network protocols. In addition, the audience is introduced to mobile IoT devices, cloud IoT platforms, as well as the technologies that enable advanced IoT applications today: cloud computing, mass data processing, security approaches and artificial intelligence. Students learn about IoT service areas: smart cities, factories of the future, intelligent buildings, modern agriculture, transport systems, e-health, smart energy grids, etc.
In laboratory exercises, students work in teams to solve a concrete problem and build an IoT application with an associated IoT device, advanced communication technology and a connection to a cloud platform.”

The main objectives of the module

To acquaint the student with the basic knowledge of operational management of production processes and the introduction of intelligent methods in the field of industrial informatics, which is the basis for the management of modern complex technological processes.

Module subjects

• Production Management (3-0-2)

An implementation-oriented view of operational management techniques. Application of modern information technology tools in the planning and management of production processes. Advanced task planning and scheduling, production performance measurement and monitoring, project planning and management.

• Industrial Informatics (3-0-2)

Learn about the field of industrial informatics. Familiarisation with computer tools for data management, discrete simulation, development of complex control systems. Monitoring, control and management of technological processes and associated user interfaces.

• Seminar: Intelligent Governance (1-0-4)

Learn about intelligent management methods and how to apply them in practice. In-depth independent project-oriented work on real-world modelling, simulation or management problems.

Mode of work

Laboratory exercises in the module involve working with professional software tools used in the analysis, planning and management of manufacturing and related processes. The seminar takes the form of project assignments.

Applicability of the skills acquired

The ability to develop and use advanced management information systems, incorporating computational intelligence techniques, enables the efficiency of production, transport and infrastructure technology processes that underpin modern lifestyles to be increased.

The main objectives of the module

To introduce students to advanced visual and auditory perception techniques and technologies in intelligent multi-sensory systems that put humans at the centre of their attention.

Module subjects

• Imaging technologies

To learn about advanced speech technologies that enable humans to communicate most naturally with devices in ambient intelligence systems and to become familiar with the various computational tools that enable the construction of such systems.

• Speech technologies

To learn about advanced speech technologies that enable humans to communicate most naturally with devices in ambient intelligence systems and to become familiar with the various computational tools that enable the construction of such systems.

• Seminar in biometric systems

An introduction to the basic principles and building blocks of biometric systems and examples of such systems for automatic human recognition. Carrying out a seminar project involving the development of a selected example of a biometric system and an investigation of its possible application in security and surveillance systems.

Mode of work

The module will introduce students to computing tools and programming languages such as Matlab, C/C++, OpenCV, Java, Netbeans, Weka, Sphinx and FreeTTS.

Applicability of the skills acquired

Development and deployment of building blocks for ambient intelligence systems, including visual and auditory sensing and biometrics. Development of systems that automatically detect, recognise, track and adapt to the human and their needs in support of their functioning, safety and comfort.

The main objectives of the module

To present current aspects of the provision of interactive services and broadband in both operator and business environments. We will provide you with the conceptual and technical aspects of the different systems and the related economic aspects – both globally and in the Slovenian context. We will explain the advantages and limitations of using individual networks to meet the needs of different ICT information and communication services.

Module subjects

The purpose of Networks 2 is to provide an in-depth overview of the building blocks, mechanisms and modern concepts of networked systems, such as the evolution of the packet backbone (EPC) and next generation mobile systems (5G). You will learn about new connectivity methods and Network and System Resource Virtualisation (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN). You will understand advanced concepts, architectures, protocols and service models for carrier and business environments and build on this knowledge by working hands-on with carrier and business equipment. The written part of the course is replaced by hands-on work on the equipment.

The aim of the course Telecommunication Services is to provide an introduction to modern telecommunication services in terms of the technologies used, architectures, distribution methods and the way in which services are developed. You will learn about the operation of interactive services in IPTV systems, the operation of web and mobile applications, the operation of solutions in the field of the Internet of Things, etc. You will also learn about user interface design and user experience (Ux) evaluation.

Satellite communications and navigation
Acoustics in communications