Program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Research project title

Development of a Novel Relative Humidity Sensor

Research description

We will explore the use of inexpensive radios that operate in the Industrial, Medical, and Scientific (ISM) bands, to make integrated relative humidity measurements.  Our hypothesis is that the effect of relative humidity on the delay between a transmitter and receiver separated by ~500 m is large enough so that we can measure the delay using simple electronics.  The electronics will most likely consist of the phase detector sub circuit found in commercial phase-looked loop ICs.  We will perform experiments at the facilities of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering (a unit of the College of Engineering).  This work is publishable in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Undergraduate minimum qualifications

The student should have taken courses, in electronics. For example, 55:041 at the University of Iowa. Even more desirable would be if the student has taken advanced courses in electronics such as 55:141 at the University of Iowa.

Undergraduate role

The student will help design and build the electronics. The student will help plan the experiments. The student will conduct the experiment and data acquisition. The student and mentor will perform data analysis. The student will help prepare a journal paper.