This study presents a self-error compensated sequential predictive control (SE-SMPC) technique for three-phase multimodular matrix converters (MMMC). Traditional model-based predictive control (MPC) methods typically require manual tuning of weighting factors and involve significant computational effort. In contrast, the SE-SMPC method addresses these limitations by prioritizing control objectives hierarchically, thereby reducing the number of switching states without sacrificing system performance. A key feature of this approach is its builtin error self-compensation mechanism, which distributes and corrects prediction errors across modules, thereby improving dynamic accuracy. Simulation results show that the proposed controller provides accurate tracking of the load current, significantly reduces the input reactive power and offers high fault tolerance in the event of module failure. In addition, it has been shown to reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) without the need to design complex cost functions. These advantages make it particularly suitable for high-efficiency AC-AC power conversion in various renewable energy applications.

This paper presents the design and simulation of a multimodular power conversion system based on voltage source inverters (VSI), composed of two parallel-connected three-phase modules driving an induction motor. A self-error-compensated predictive current control strategy is proposed to coordinate the modules, enabling dynamic current sharing and fault-tolerant operation. In the event of a failure, the control scheme incorporates the tracking error of the faulty module into the cost function of the operational one, improving performance and continuity. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with improved dynamic response, reduced root mean square error (RMSE), and lower total harmonic distortion (THD) under both normal and fault conditions.

This innovative practice full paper describes a collaboration to incorporate cybersecurity into an Electrical Engineering program. It is widely recognized that there is a need to educate the technical workforce to be prepared against cybersecurity threats. There is a growing recognition of the importance of Cybersecurity in various engineering fields, including Electrical Engineering (EE). However, including Cybersecurity in EE curricula may not be as prevalent or emphasized as in fields like Computer Science or Computer Engineering. For three years the ARMY - DEVCOM - Analysis Center at WSMR has collaborated with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at The University of Texas at El Paso in a multifaceted series of efforts to increase the number of students capable of working on cybersecurity from the physical perspective. In addition, there is a general increase in awareness about vulnerabilities, attacks, and their countermeasures in system confidentiality, integrity, and availability in each cohort. There are four major efforts in the partnership. First, the entire capstone design cohort receives basic training to increase awareness of cybersecurity to be considered as part of the general requirements of all projects. Second, in each cohort, there is at least one team focusing on developing a system solution for a cybersecurity application, such as training devices or demonstration platforms in an unclassified setting. Third, the degree plans of the ECE bachelor's and master's degree programs have evolved to include formal elements of cybersecurity through several courses, including a cybersecurity track within Computer Engineering. Finally, concurrently with other efforts, a group of students is hired by the university to work as interns with the ARMY. In previous years, we presented initial results regarding the number of students who benefitted from these efforts as well as representative systems developed by students. To complete the assessment, we are working on a two-phased explanatory sequential mixed methods study using quantitative data and then explaining the quantitative results with in-depth qualitative data. The initial phase of the study collected quantitative data through surveys for several student cohorts. This will be followed by some interviews with selected individuals to probe or explain those results in more depth. Our initial hypothesis is that the different efforts should increase the number of students aware of cybersecurity considerations in engineering designs as well as their expertise level. Our next question to answer is which methods produce the best results in preparing the specialized workforce to deal with cybersecurity aspects of cyber-physical systems.

Work in Progress: This paper presents the progress in an innovative practice in Cybersecurity Education. It is well-recognized that security is becoming more critical to protect modern infrastructure. Traditionally cybersecurity has been perceived as a skill mainly required in user applications or in the upper protocol layers. However, there are concerns about vulnerabilities in embedded systems or in the lower protocol layers. The range of skills needed must encompass an understanding of cyber-physical systems due to the potential impact on the operation of modern technologies. We report the results of a holistic intervention in an Electrical and Computer Engineering program. The changes go beyond simply adding a cybersecurity class; instead, we have multiple actions disseminated in several aspects of the academic program providing the students with a richer experience. Students learn about cybersecurity through several methods thanks to an ongoing partnership between the US ARMY DEVCOM at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The efforts include steering the academic programs and supporting the creation of a separate degree in Computer Engineering besides the existing Electrical Engineering program. Other interventions involve adding cybersecurity concepts in several courses required by all Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering students. Other efforts include sponsorship of capstone projects and support for graduate teaching assistants specialized in promoting cybersecurity education to entire cohorts. Between fall 2018 and fall 2020, we had an informal collaboration between UTEP and the ARMY group. The formal partnership started in Spring 2021 and has continued through spring 2023. Each semester, at least one capstone project is specialized in designing and building cyber-trainer devices that the soldiers use in WSMR. The projects demonstrate relevant concepts to prepare students in a controlled portable environment. Since the fall semester of 2020, more than 200 senior students have incorporated cybersecurity awareness in their capstone project. In addition, there are six more courses where students get exposure to cybersecurity and an average participation of 60 students per semester. The last student cohort responded to a survey to understand the perceived gains in cybersecurity knowledge. Most students have a positive attitude toward the knowledge received and recognize the importance of the new skills. Some students went even further and decided to pursue careers in the area. Several students applied for internship experiences at the ARMY DEVCOM WSMR facility as part of the collaboration. We got additional funding to expand the traditional research projects and include graduate students.

Work in Progress: This paper presents innovative practices in Cybersecurity Education. This field is becoming a critical skill to protect the modern infrastructure. Traditionally cybersecurity has been perceived as a skill used mainly by computer scientists. However, there are concerns about the communication protocols operating at lower layers because the vulnerabilities closer to the physical systems do not receive the same attention as the user applications and human interactions. Consequently, Electrical and Computer Engineering programs must introduce cybersecurity awareness in those areas. A common solution is the addition of a cybersecurity class in ECE curriculums. We tried a more holistic approach by providing interventions in different aspects of the student preparation providing a richer experience.A partnership between the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Analysis Center (DAC) at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has resulted in students learning about cybersecurity through several methods. The partnership helped define the modification of the curriculum and offered opportunities for new research projects. The efforts include sponsorship of capstone projects and support for graduate teaching assistants specialized in promoting cybersecurity education to the entire cohorts.The specialized teaching assistants offered training to the entire cohort of students participating in the capstone design course to provide everyone with cybersecurity awareness. Some of the capstone projects specialized in designing and building cyber-trainer devices that the soldiers use in the WSMR. Since the fall semester of 2020, three cohorts, including 115 senior students, have benefitted from cybersecurity awareness training. Three major capstone projects were developed, creating cyber-trainers used by the ARMY.Two new courses were added to the Electrical Engineering curriculum, and a new track in security was proposed for a Computer Engineering program. Three graduate students were hired as teaching assistants to help the educational efforts while working on their research projects related to cybersecurity. Several students applied for internship experiences at the ARMY, and some are considering permanent job offerings in the field. Finally, the collaboration has opened other opportunities to apply for traditional research funds in the cybersecurity domain.

This letter addresses the design and implementation of a monitoring station for Global Navigation Satellite Systems signals based on the software-defined radio paradigm. The monitoring platform exploits a digital data grabber based on the use of Universal Software Radio Peripheral devices and a satellite navigation fully software receiver; with respect to a traditional commercial receiver, this implementation solution grants a higher level of flexibility for the processing strategy, enabling the possibility of a deeper analysis of the signals in case of meaningful events, such as ionospheric scintillations or radio frequency interference, through the storage of raw samples. Such an implementation approach yields valuable advantages in critical and remote areas, such as polar regions, where resources are limited and installation, maintenance, and replacement of hardware may be critical.