Research Topics

 
Sensor interface IC: R/C/V/I sensors read out by an AFE and ADC
Topic 1

Sensor Interface ICs

Every sensor—a strain gauge, a MEMS accelerometer, an electrochemical cell, or a photodiode—produces a small electrical signal that must be digitized before any algorithm can use it. For a given sensing device, the readout circuit largely determines the accuracy of the whole system. We develop energy-efficient analog front-ends (AFEs) and data converters for resistive, capacitive, voltage, and current sensors, and co-design the interface with MEMS transducers to collect richer information per unit energy.

  • AFEs and data converters for R/C/V/I sensors
  • Interface IC co-design with MEMS sensors
Integrated sensing systems: CMOS temperature sensor, image sensor with edge processing, optical blood flow sensing
Topic 2

Integrated Sensing System

Demand for highly integrated sensors is growing rapidly, from thermal management of processors to machine vision and health monitoring, where compact sensing nodes must deliver information rather than raw data. We integrate sensing, readout, and processing into single-chip or tightly packaged systems, including CMOS temperature sensors with low-cost trimming, image sensors with near-sensor processing that cut data bandwidth and energy for edge AI, and miniaturized blood flow sensing systems for point-of-care use.

  • CMOS temperature sensor
  • CMOS image sensor with edge processing
  • Optical blood flow sensing system
Voltage, current and clock references with low drift over temperature
Topic 3

Reference Circuits for Readout ICs

Behind every precise measurement are building blocks the user never sees: voltage references, current references, and on-chip clocks. Their stability over PVT sets the accuracy of an ADC, the bias of an AFE, and the timing of duty-cycled sensor nodes. We design ultra-low-power, low-drift references and energy-efficient oscillators that let complete sensing systems run accurately without external components or costly calibration.

  • Voltage/current/clock reference

As the technology landscape evolves, these topics may be updated from time to time in line with our group’s research goals.


Research Grants

 
  1. Principal Investigator (PI), “Smart Fleet: An AI-Driven Sensing and Optimization Platform for Next-Generation Qatar's Smart Transportation,” HBKU Research Matching Fund Program Cycle 1, 2026–2028.
  2. Principal Investigator (PI), “Integrated Aerial-Ground Intelligent Sensing and AI Platform for Resource-Efficient and Sustainable Agriculture in Qatar’s Arid Climate,” HBKU Flagship Research Grant Cycle 3, 2025–2027.
  3. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “Multi-Mode 2D/3D Image Sensor Chip for Next-Generation Intelligent Machine Vision,” Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), ARG02-0421-240247, 2025–2028.
  4. Principal Investigator (PI), “Light and Sound for Improved Artificial Vision,” Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), ARG01-0522-230274, 2024–2027.
  5. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “A Homecare Blood Flowmetry Device for Patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease – Towards Field Application,” HBKU Innovation Fund – 5th Cycle, 2022–2023.
  6. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) and Research Mentor, “Design and Implementation of Certificateless Cryptography for IoT Applications,” Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA), GSRA8-L-2-0430-21021, 2021–2023.
  7. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “Endpoint Secured Multi-sensor Interface Chip for IoT Applications,” National Priorities Research Program (NPRP), NPRP13S-0122-200135, 2021–2024.
  8. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “A Miniaturized High-Dynamic Range Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Biosensing System for Biomedical Applications,” HBKU Thematic Grant – 1st Cycle, 2021–2023.
  9. Principal Investigator (PI), “3D Printing Based on Self-assembled Molecular Building Blocks for Materials Design and Bio-applications,” HBKU Thematic Grant – 1st Cycle, 2021–2023.
  10. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “A Blood Flowmetry Homecare Device for Diabetes Patients,” HBKU Innovation Fund – 2nd Cycle, 2020–2021.
  11. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “Electric Grid Failures–Don’t Wait Until They Happen,” National Priorities Research Program (NPRP), NPRP11S-0104-180192, 2019–2022.
  12. Principal Investigator (PI), “Low-cost Wearable Self-Powered Wireless Sensors Network for real-time human activity and health monitoring,” National Priorities Research Program (NPRP), NPRP11S-0110-180246, 2019–2022.
  13. Lead Principal Investigator (LPI), “Line-Tracking Smart Car with Edge-based Path Recognition and Dual-PID Control Strategy,” Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP), UREP21-136-2-055, 2018–2019.
  14. Principal Investigator (PI), “Smart Wearable Sensing Platform with Wireless Communication and Embedded Processing for Health Monitoring Applications,” Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP), UREP19-220-2-069, 2017–2018.

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