@inproceedings{FuhrmannNiemetz, author = {Fuhrmann, Thomas and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Analysis and Improvement of Engineering Exams Toward Competence Orientation by Using an AI Chatbot}, series = {Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education: Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL2023), Volume 1}, booktitle = {Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education: Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL2023), Volume 1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {9783031519789}, issn = {2367-3370}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-51979-6_42}, pages = {403 -- 411}, abstract = {ChatGPT is currently one of the most advanced general chatbots. This development leads to diverse challenges in higher education, like new forms of teaching and learning, additional exam methods, new possibilities for plagiarism, and many more topics. On the other side with the development of advanced AI tools, pure knowledge will be less and less important, and demands from industry will change toward graduates with higher competencies. Education has therefore to be changed from knowledge-centered toward competence centered. The goal of this article is to use ChatGPT for analyzing and improving the competence orientation of exams in engineering education. The authors use ChatGPT to analyze exams from different engineering subjects to evaluate the performance of this chatbot and draw conclusions about the competence orientation of the tested exams. The obtained information is used to develop ideas for increasing the competence orientation of exams. From this analysis, it is visible that ChatGPT gives good performance mainly where knowledge is tested. It has, however, much more problems with transfer questions or tasks where students need creativity or complex insights for finding new solutions. Based on this result, exams and also lectures can be optimized toward competence orientation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ReindlLausserErikssonetal., author = {Reindl, Andrea and Lausser, Florian and Eriksson, Lars and Park, Sangyoung and Niemetz, Michael and Meier, Hans}, title = {Control Oriented Mathematical Modeling of a Bidirectional DC-DC Converter - Part 1: Buck Mode}, series = {28th International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE) 2023, Pilsen, 6-7 September 2023}, booktitle = {28th International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE) 2023, Pilsen, 6-7 September 2023}, editor = {Pinker, Jiř{\´i}}, publisher = {University of West Bohemia}, address = {Pilsen}, isbn = {979-8-3503-3554-5}, doi = {10.1109/AE58099.2023.10274168}, pages = {1 -- 7}, abstract = {Parallel connection of different batteries equipped with bidirectional DC-DC converters offers an increase of the total storage capacity, the provision of higher currents and an improvement of reliability and system availability. To share the load current among the DC-DC converters while maintaining the safe operating range of the batteries, appropriate controllers are needed. The basis for the design of these control approaches requires knowledge of both the static and dynamic characteristics of the DC-DC converter used. In this paper, the small signal analysis of a DC-DC converter in buck mode is shown using the circuit averaging technique. The paper gives an overview of all required transfer functions:. The control and line to output transfer functions for CCM and DCM relevant for average current mode control as well as for voltage control are derived and their poles and zeros are determined. This provides the basis for stability consideration, analysis of the overall control structure and controller design.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ReindlWetzelNiemetzetal., author = {Reindl, Andrea and Wetzel, Daniel and Niemetz, Michael and Meier, Hans}, title = {Leader Election in a Distributed CAN-Based Multi-Microcontroller System}, series = {2023 3rd International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering (ICECCME), 19-21 July 2023, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain}, booktitle = {2023 3rd International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering (ICECCME), 19-21 July 2023, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {Piscataway, NJ, USA}, isbn = {979-8-3503-2297-2}, doi = {10.1109/ICECCME57830.2023.10252250}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {In a distributed system, functionally equivalent nodes work together to form a system with improved availability, reliability and fault tolerance. Thereby, the purpose is to achieve a common control objective. As multiple components cooperate to accomplish tasks, coordination between them is required. Electing a node as the temporary leader can be a possible solution to perform coordination. This work presents a self-stabilizing algorithm for the election of a leader in dynamically reconfigurable bus topology-based broadcast systems with a message and time complexity of O(1). The election is performed dynamically, i.e., not only when the leader node fails, and is criterion-based. The criterion used is a performance related value which evaluates the properties of the node regarding the ability to perform the tasks of the leader. The increased demands on the leader are taken into account and a re-election is started when the criterion value drops below a predefined level. The goal here is to distribute the load more evenly and to reduce the probability of failure due to overload of individual nodes. For improved system availability and reduced fault rates, a management level consisting of leader, assistant and co-assistant is introduced. This reduces the number of required messages and the duration in case of non-initial election. For further reduction of required messages to uniquely determine a leader, the CAN protocol is exploited. The proposed algorithm selects a node with an improved failure rate and a reduced message and hence time complexity while satisfying the safety and termination constraints. The operation of the algorithm is validated using a hardware test setup.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FuhrmannNiemetz, author = {Fuhrmann, Thomas and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Ideas on Digitally Supported Individualization of Teaching and Learning for Evolving Competency Requirements}, series = {Ninth International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd 23), Val{\`e}ncia, June 19, 2023 - June 22, 2023}, booktitle = {Ninth International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd 23), Val{\`e}ncia, June 19, 2023 - June 22, 2023}, publisher = {Universitat Polit`ecnica de Val`encia}, issn = {2603-5871}, doi = {10.4995/HEAd23.2023.16232}, pages = {1399 -- 1406}, abstract = {The world is changing rapidly, mainly due to the digitalization of all areas of living. A huge amount of information is accessible via the Internet, and since it is no longer possible for individual humans to keep track of it, artificial intelligence (AI) is analyzing this data. In this rapidly changing world, students have to be educated for a successful career during their whole working life. These boundary conditions lead to completely new challenges for the education of students that are unprecedented in this form. Digitalization in education can help to cope with these challenges but can only be a means, not a goal. Personal interaction with students remains the most important task in education to address individual weaknesses and further develop strengths and talents. With the increasing amount of openly available information and the consequently increasing diversity of experiences within the group of students, differentiation is advancing to become the key to successful education. Digitization can help with this challenging task and support communication between students and their experienced instructors. But computers cannot replace human interaction and attempts to improve teaching efficiency by replacing this communication with electronic means endangers the learning success for complex concepts. This article analyzes education demands and possibilities for digitally supported teaching and learning.}, language = {en} } @techreport{GeissLiedlThalhammeretal., author = {Geiss, Florian and Liedl, Lucia and Thalhammer, Florian and Mauderer, Johannes and Meier, Maximilian and Geitner, Florian and Bindl, Jakob and Belz, Reinhold}, title = {FMS-BERICHTE WINTERSEMESTER 2022/23}, editor = {Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Reindl, Andrea}, address = {Regensburg}, organization = {Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg / Fakult{\"a}t Elektro- und Informationstechnik}, doi = {10.35096/othr/pub-6032}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-60324}, pages = {II, 42}, abstract = {Dieser Bericht entstand auf Initiative der Studierenden des Masterstudiengangs Elektro- und Informationstechnik (MEI)", die an der Pflichtlehrveranstaltung „Forschungsmethoden und Seminar (FMS)" im Wintersemester 2022/23 teilnahmen. Diese Lehrveranstaltung hat das Ziel, systematisch an das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten, speziell die Wissenschaftskommunikation, heranzuf{\"u}hren. Daher war geeignete Literatur zu einem individuellen Thema zu recherchieren, Ver{\"o}ffentlichungen auf ihre Relevanz hin zu beurteilen und letztendlich eine eigene Ausarbeitung basierend auf der Literaturrecherche zu erarbeiten und diese in einem Vortrag zu pr{\"a}sentieren. Parallel dazu erfolgte im Theorieteil die entsprechende Hinf{\"u}hrung zu den verschiedenen Elementen der Wissenschaftskommunikation: • Bedeutung der Wissenschaftskommunikation f{\"u}r die Arbeit der Ingenieure in Forschung und Entwicklung • Literaturrecherche, Suchmaschinen, Sichtung und Analyse vorhandener Publikationen, Bewertung der Qualit{\"a}t aufgefundener Fachliteratur, Auswahl geeigneter Materialien f{\"u}r die eigene Arbeit • Aufbereitung und Darstellung der recherchierten technischer Inhalte in Form einer seitenanzahlbegrenzten wissenschaftlichen Ausarbeitung • Einhalten formaler Randbedingungen bzgl. Strukturierung, einschl. Bildnachweise und Zitationsstile • Peer-review-Prozess bei wertsch{\"a}tzender Beurteilung der Leistung anderer • Publikumsangepasstes Aufbereiten komplexer fachlicher Inhalte mit hochschul{\"o}ffentlicher Pr{\"a}sentation der Ergebnisse • F{\"u}hren m{\"u}ndlicher wissenschaftlicher Diskurse Nachdem die Masterstudierenden in der Regel {\"u}ber noch keine eigene wissenschaftliche Forschungserfahrung bzw. -inhalte verf{\"u}gen, lag der w{\"a}hlbare Schwerpunkt der Literatursuche auf der Bearbeitung von vorgegeben aktuellen technischen oder gesellschaftspolitischen Forschungsthemen.}, subject = {Elektrotechnik}, language = {de} } @article{JosephSchummRummeletal., author = {Joseph, Saskia and Schumm, Michael and Rummel, Otmar and Soska, Alexander and Renschke, Michael and Mottok, J{\"u}rgen and Niemetz, Michael and Schroll-Decker, Irmgard}, title = {Teaching finite state machines with case method and role play}, series = {2014 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON 2014) : Istanbul, Turkey, 3 - 5 April 2014}, journal = {2014 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON 2014) : Istanbul, Turkey, 3 - 5 April 2014}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/EduCon.2013.6530275}, pages = {1302 -- 1305}, abstract = {The professional requirements in Software Engineering have become highly volatile due to the complexities of project development and rapid and innovative changes occurring in the field. Therefore, the development of inter-personal and social competences has gained central importance in the training of software developers. This paper will present a concept allowing to acquire competences by using Case Method and Role Play as instruments in several lectures of Software Engineering. By approaching the issue of competence acquisition on a technical as well as on an educational and social level, life-long learning is facilitated and supported.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HaenninenNiemetzSchoepe, author = {H{\"a}nninen, Risto and Niemetz, Michael and Schoepe, Wilfried}, title = {Transition to turbulence in oscillatory superflows}, series = {ETC 2013 - 14th European Turbulence Conference 2020: 2 September 2013 - 4 September 2013, Lyon, France}, booktitle = {ETC 2013 - 14th European Turbulence Conference 2020: 2 September 2013 - 4 September 2013, Lyon, France}, abstract = {The flow of superfluid helium-4 at very low temperatures around an oscillating microsphere has been studied in detail. At small oscillation amplitudes the drag force is linear in velocity amplitude. Above a critical velocity amplitude vc a transition from potential flow to turbulent flow is signaled by a large and nonlinear drag force that scales as (v2 - v2 c ), where vc is found to be independent of temperature (below 1 K) and of driving force. Interestingly, the critical velocity is found to scale as vc ~ √κω, where κ = h/m ≈ 10-7 m2/s (h is Planck's constant and m is the mass of a helium-4 atom) is the circulation quantum of the superfluid vortices and ω/2π is the oscillation frequency ranging from about 120 Hz to 700 Hz. We also observe slightly above vc that the flow pattern is unstable and switches intermittently between potential flow and turbulence. From time series recorded at constant drive and temperature we have investigated the statistical properties of this switching phenomenon. In this talk the universal law vc ~ √κω will be discussed in detail. It can be derived theoretically in various ways: firstly, from a qualitative but very general argument based on the "superfluid Reynolds number" Rs = vl/κ where v is the flow velocity and l is a characteristic length scale, secondly, and in more detail, from Kopnin's equation of the time dependence of the vortex line density, and, finally, we have obtained this law rigorously by dynamical scaling of the equations of motion of vortex dynamics.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemetzFuhrmann, author = {Niemetz, Michael and Fuhrmann, Thomas}, title = {Wie k{\"o}nnen wir Professorinnen und Professoren ein {\"u}berfachliches Studium vermitteln?}, series = {Tagungsband zum 3. Symposium zur Hochschullehre in den MINT-F{\"a}chern (MINT-Symposium), N{\"u}rnberg 25. und 26.09.2017}, booktitle = {Tagungsband zum 3. Symposium zur Hochschullehre in den MINT-F{\"a}chern (MINT-Symposium), N{\"u}rnberg 25. und 26.09.2017}, abstract = {Die Transdisziplinarit{\"a}t ist als wichtiger Innovationsmotor in aller Munde, entstehen doch an den Schnittstellen und in den Zwischenr{\"a}umen der etablierten Wissenschaften neue Ideen und damit die zuk{\"u}nftige Wertsch{\"o}pfung unserer Industrie. Wir alle wurden in der Welt von gestern sozialisiert, f{\"u}r die meisten T{\"a}tigkeiten in der Industrie war tiefes und spezialisiertes Fachwissen essentiell und auch ausreichend. Wir wurden zu Spezialisten ausgebildet und aufgrund dieser Kompetenz in der Arbeitswelt gesch{\"a}tzt und auch auf unsere Professuren berufen. Doch ist dies eine ausreichende Basis, um unsere Absolventinnen und Absolventen auf die neue komplexe Welt ubiquit{\"a}r verf{\"u}gbaren und durchsuchbaren Wissens ad{\"a}quat vorzubereiten? K{\"o}nnen wir mit unserem Mindset aus der Vergangenheit die ben{\"o}tigten {\"u}berfachlichen Kompetenzen f{\"u}r die Zukunft vermitteln? Diese selbstkritische Auseinandersetzung ist schmerzhaft, doch nur durch diese Analyse k{\"o}nnen wir unsere alten Denkmuster in engen Fachdisziplinen ablegen und zu einem neuen vernetzten Denken f{\"u}r eine zukunftsgerichtete Lehre kommen.}, language = {de} } @article{SchoepeHaenninenNiemetz, author = {Schoepe, Wilfried and H{\"a}nninen, Risto and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Breakdown of Potential Flow to Turbulence Around a Sphere Oscillating in Superfluid 4He Above the Critical Velocity}, series = {Journal of low temperature physics}, volume = {178}, journal = {Journal of low temperature physics}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s10909-014-1265-7}, pages = {383 -- 391}, abstract = {The onset of turbulent flow around an oscillating sphere in superfluid 4He is known to occur at a critical velocity where is the circulation quantum and is the oscillation frequency. But it is also well known that initially in a first up-sweep of the oscillation amplitude, can be considerably exceeded before the transition occurs, thus leading to a strong hysteresis in the velocity sweeps. The velocity amplitude where the transition finally occurs is related to the density of the remanent vortices in the superfluid. Moreover, at temperatures below ca. 0.5 K and in a small interval of velocity amplitudes between and a velocity that is about 2 \% larger, the flow pattern is found to be unstable, switching intermittently between potential flow and turbulence. From time series recorded at constant temperature and driving force, the distribution of the excess velocities is obtained and from that the failure rate. Below 0.1 K we also can determine the distribution of the lifetimes of the phases of potential flow. Finally, the frequency dependence of these results is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{NiemetzHaenninenSchoepe, author = {Niemetz, Michael and H{\"a}nninen, Risto and Schoepe, Wilfried}, title = {On the Transition from Potential Flow to Turbulence Around a Microsphere Oscillating in Superfluid 4He}, series = {Journal of low temperature physics}, volume = {187}, journal = {Journal of low temperature physics}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s10909-017-1745-7}, pages = {195 -- 220}, abstract = {The flow of superfluid around a translationally oscillating sphere, levitating without mechanical support, can either be laminar or turbulent, depending on the velocity amplitude. Below a critical velocity that scales as and is temperature independent below 1 K, the flow is laminar (potential flow). Below 0.5 K, the linear drag force is caused by ballistic phonon scattering that vanishes as until background damping, measured in the empty cell, becomes dominant for K. Increasing the velocity amplitude above leads to a transition from potential flow to turbulence, where the large turbulent drag force varies as . In a small velocity interval \% above , the flow is unstable below 0.5 K, switching intermittently between both patterns. From time series recorded at constant temperature and driving force, the lifetimes of both phases are analyzed statistically. We observe metastable states of potential flow which, after a mean lifetime of 25 min, ultimately break down due to vorticity created by natural background radioactivity. The lifetimes of the turbulent phases have an exponential distribution, and the mean increases exponentially with . We investigate the frequency at which the vortex rings are shed from the sphere. Our results are compared with recent data of other authors on vortex shedding by moving a laser beam through a Bose-Einstein condensate. Finally, we show that our observed transition to turbulence belongs to the class of "supertransient chaos" where lifetimes of the turbulent states increase faster than exponentially.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DiehlWolffFuhrmannetal., author = {Diehl, Andreas and Wolff, Lilli and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Niemetz, Michael and M{\"o}rtlbauer, Stefanie and Dirnberger, Sandra}, title = {Compact Freshmen Welcome Seminar for Engineering Students}, series = {Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences}, booktitle = {Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences}, number = {228}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.07.007}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-31034}, pages = {45 -- 52}, abstract = {The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the OTH Regensburg developed and implemented a compact freshmen seminar for the afternoon of the first day of study. The intention of this seminar is to help the freshmen during their transition between school and study without losing lecture time in the first semester. The concept was tested with one small study group at the beginning of the summer semester 2015. To rate the impact of the seminar and to find aspects for continuous improvement an evaluation method was developed and used. Due to the good student resonance during the first run, this introduction seminar was held again in the winter semester 2015/16. It is planned to integrate this seminar as a regular session for all freshmen of the faculty curriculum and monitor the long-term effects of student motivation and success.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BlankBrunnerFuhrmannetal., author = {Blank, M. and Brunner, Stefan and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Embedded Linux in engineering education}, series = {2015 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 18-20 March 2015, Tallinn, Estonia}, booktitle = {2015 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 18-20 March 2015, Tallinn, Estonia}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/EDUCON.2015.7095964}, pages = {145 -- 150}, abstract = {With the availability of cost effective embedded Linux solutions and the increasing complexity of embedded devices because of growing calculation power and communication demand, Linux is getting increasingly interesting as an operating system for the design of embedded control solutions. This is the case for almost all technical applications in electrical engineering like energy distribution systems, high level communication, signal processing or industrial automation. In the engineering master courses at the OTH Regensburg, a lecture is offered introducing students to Linux with a strong focus on embedded applications. This paper describes the concept of the lecture including the laboratory set up and gives some examples of embedded Linux projects performed by students.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{JupkeReindlMeieretal., author = {Jupke, Michael and Reindl, Andrea and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with Digital Droop Parameterization}, series = {26th 2021 International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE): 7-8 Sept. 2021 Pilsen, Czech Republic}, booktitle = {26th 2021 International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE): 7-8 Sept. 2021 Pilsen, Czech Republic}, editor = {Pinker, Jiř{\´i}}, publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers}, isbn = {978-80-261-0972-3}, doi = {10.23919/AE51540.2021.9542920}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {The key for decentralized battery systems is a robust and communication-less control strategy for autonomous power sharing of parallel-connected DC-DC converters. Battery systems improve the reliability and quality of power supply in renewable energy systems and enable power supply for off-grid, mobile applications, including islanded grids, home storage, and electric vehicles. In many cases, components with different electrical properties require different voltage levels. An adaptation is consequently essential and is normally implemented in DC grids for the batteries via bidirectional DC-DC converters. The power flow in both directions can thus be ensured. To achieve a power distribution in parallel connected DC-DC converters, a droop control in the form of a virtual internal resistor can be used. This paper presents a novel approach of a DC-DC converter with a digitally parameterizable droop resistor, whose voltage regulation is based on an analog operational amplifier circuit to ensure low delays and robustness. The droop resistor is adjusted with a microcontroller, which offers the possibility to apply a higher-level control for load sharing via an interface. Mathematical correlations are used to clearly define the parameters of the control. Furthermore, the circuit was completely simulated and tested in the hardware setup. The shown results verify the functionality and indicate only minor deviations. Therefore, this circuit is important for future use in distributed battery systems.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FuhrmannNiemetz, author = {Fuhrmann, Thomas and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Transdisciplinary Bachelor Course Connecting Business and Electrical Engineering}, series = {4th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'18), 2018, Universitat Polit{\`e}cnica de Val{\`e}ncia, Val{\`e}ncia}, booktitle = {4th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'18), 2018, Universitat Polit{\`e}cnica de Val{\`e}ncia, Val{\`e}ncia}, doi = {10.4995/HEAd18.2018.8056}, abstract = {The OTH Regensburg has a broad variety of study programs in technical, business, social and health sciences. Up to now there is no integral connection in the bachelor curricula between business and technical faculties except for some small subjects. The scope of this project is to develop a new course specialization which connects engineering and business thinking. Electrical engineering students should learn basics of business science and how managers think. Business students should vice versa learn fundamentals of engineering and how engineers solve problems. Students from both faculties work together in projects where they act like start-up companies developing a new product and bringing it into the market. It is seen a transdisciplinary effect: These projects gain innovative results between the disciplines compared to student projects of one isolated discipline. Evaluation results from the first two cohorts indicate high student satisfaction, high learning success as well as directions for further improvement.}, language = {en} } @article{SteinkirchnerFuhrmannNiemetz, author = {Steinkirchner, Alfons and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Channel Coded Processor for Enhanced Safety}, series = {International Journal of Future Computer and Communication (IJFCC)}, volume = {6}, journal = {International Journal of Future Computer and Communication (IJFCC)}, number = {2}, publisher = {International Association of Computer Science and Information}, address = {Singapore}, issn = {2010-3751}, doi = {10.18178/ijfcc.2017.6.2.489}, pages = {58 -- 62}, abstract = {Several concepts are known for improving processor safety, all of them having their pros and cons. Some are very resource intensive, others have limited capabilities regarding the provided error safety. In this paper we use research on channel coding of noisy communication channels known from communication theory as an analogy to random bit errors in processors. We incorporate this knowledge into processor design to suggest a new error correction concept by using channel coding in processors. The new concept of a Channel Coded Processor could provide effective implementation of redundancy by the channel coding that enables error correction. The concept could also create a complete chain of redundancy in all areas and components of the processor ranging from the code compiler through the processing hardware to the output of the information.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ReindlMeierNiemetz, author = {Reindl, Andrea and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael}, title = {Scalable, Decentralized Battery Management System Based on Self-organizing Nodes}, series = {Architecture of computing systems - ARCS 2020: 33rd international conference, Aachen, Germany, May 25-28, 2020, proceedings}, volume = {12155}, booktitle = {Architecture of computing systems - ARCS 2020: 33rd international conference, Aachen, Germany, May 25-28, 2020, proceedings}, editor = {Brinkmann, Andr{\´e} and Karl, Wolfgang and Lankes, Stefan and Tomforde, Sven and Pionteck, Thilo and Trinitis, Carsten}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-52793-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-52794-5_13}, pages = {171 -- 184}, abstract = {Due to the transition to renewable energy sources and the increasing share of electric vehicles and smart grids, batteries are gaining in importance. Battery management systems (BMSs) are required for optimal, reliable operation. In this paper, existing BMS topologies are presented and evaluated in terms of reliability, scalability and flexibility. The decentralisation of BMSs and associated advantages are shown. A scalable, reconfigurable BMS based on a distributed architecture of self-organized, locally controlled nodes is proposed. For distributed system control, producers, batteries and consumers each are equipped with a local microcontroller based control unit, which monitors and controls the local parameters with its own computing and communication resources. Features, advantages and challenges to overcome of the proposed approach are described.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HerboldReindlMeieretal., author = {Herbold, Florian and Reindl, Andrea and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael and Kr{\"a}mer, Stefan}, title = {Secure Software Updates: Challenges and Solutions for Embedded IoT Systems}, series = {Proceedings of the 9th Embedded Systems Workshop: July 1-3, 2021 Horomerice, Czech Republic}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 9th Embedded Systems Workshop: July 1-3, 2021 Horomerice, Czech Republic}, editor = {Kub{\´a}tov{\´a}, Hana and Fišer, Petr and Boreck{\´y}, Jaroslav}, isbn = {978-80-01-06858-8}, pages = {5 -- 13}, abstract = {The invention of the internet made the development of intelligent networking of millions of embedded systems possible. This enabled smart buildings, power grids and cities as well as applications in the fields of health, agriculture and industry. These systems frequently perform safety-critical applications and operations. This makes it urgent to protect these sensible systems as effectively as possible. Especially firmware updates are often the weak point in the systems. If unauthorised persons gain access to the system during the update, malware can be injected or sensitive data can be read and stolen. This paper describes the challenges of secure firmware updates. To protect an embedded system from potential attackers, the concepts integrity, authenticity and confidentiality have to be adhered during the update process. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of modifying or reverse engineering the firmware image. Likewise, inadequately protected software can enable the installation of third-party firmware as well as the installation of firmware on a third-party system. Threat prevention is presented with solutions derived from functional safety and IT security. Aspects of protection against errors in the transmission of updates and against attacks aiming to compromise the system are explained. Finally, a possible sequence of a secure update process is examined in detail for a real embedded system implementation. For this purpose, the preparation, transmission and installation of a firmware update in the bootloader are discussed}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ReindlSingerMeieretal., author = {Reindl, Andrea and Singer, Thomas and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael and Park, Sangyoung}, title = {Framework to Test DC-DC Converters Developed for a Decentralized Battery Management System}, series = {2021 International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE): 7-8 Sept. 2021, Pilsen, Czech Republic}, booktitle = {2021 International Conference on Applied Electronics (AE): 7-8 Sept. 2021, Pilsen, Czech Republic}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.23919/AE51540.2021.9542882}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {DC- DC converters control the power flow and thus the power distribution between the components on different voltage levels. They are essential for (dis)charging batteries and influence the safety and stability of the entire battery management system (BMS). Therefore, testing the functionality and the reliability of DC-DC converters is crucial. This is especially true for decentralized battery management systems (DBMS), where multiple nodes communicate to collectively control the system. The used DC-DC converters are modified to parameterize them during operation via microcontroller interfaces. Integrating the communication into the control loop requires an analysis of the control behavior due to additional delays. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework to test DC-DC converters considering the control and communication perspectives. The response time, the control accuracy and stability of these DC-DC converters, e.g., under continuous and abrupt load changes, are measured in automated tests. The dedicated software framework simulates the DBMS and stimulates the hardware components (e.g. electronic loads, data acquisition) via respective interfaces (CAN, RS232). This allows the test of various DC-DC converters with flexibly adaptable load and power generation profiles. An initial application validates the test framework by verifying the aforementioned aspects and thus the applicability of a DC-DC converter within the DBMS.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemetzFuhrmannFarmbauer, author = {Niemetz, Michael and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Farmbauer, Michael}, title = {Comprehensive Amateur Radio Education including Public Outreach}, series = {IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC), 16-16 March 2019, Princeton, NJ, USA}, booktitle = {IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC), 16-16 March 2019, Princeton, NJ, USA}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/ISECon.2019.8882078}, pages = {98 -- 103}, abstract = {An amateur radio lecture was developed and is conducted within the general education program of the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg. This course enables the students to participate in a variety of activities within the university. Different learning formats for communication engineering are carried out in combination with an amateur radio station of the university. Additionally, some of the projects serve as anchor points for increased visibility of the university in local society, e.g. by carrying out public events in connection with the local amateur radio community. It is seen that this course together with the amateur radio station have several positive effects for technical education and university visibility.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ReindlMeierNiemetzetal., author = {Reindl, Andrea and Meier, Hans and Niemetz, Michael and Park, Sangyoung}, title = {Decentralized Battery Management System with Customized Hardware Components}, series = {IEEE 19th Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD), Sustainable Engineering and Technology towards Industry Revolution: 23-25 Nov. 2021, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia}, booktitle = {IEEE 19th Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD), Sustainable Engineering and Technology towards Industry Revolution: 23-25 Nov. 2021, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/SCOReD53546.2021.9652737}, pages = {350 -- 355}, abstract = {With an increasing number of sold electric vehicles (EVs), a large number of used batteries will be at disposal. How to deal with these resources is one of the major challenges in reducing the environmental impact of batteries throughout their entire life cycle. Heterogeneous cell parameters due to the different usage histories are a challenge for second-life use. The effort and cost of remanufacturing required to test and assemble a new battery pack is a further concern. Systems that combine battery packs/modules without full reassembly offer advantages such as cost and reusability. A decentralized battery management system (DBMS) provides a suitable architecture for such systems involving different types of batteries. In this paper, an architecture for a decentralized, battery state-dependent control is shown. The proposed DBMS supports various types of batteries, is scalable and flexibly adaptable for a wide range of applications. Despite the significant advantages, there are increased requirements to meet for the hardware implementation and the applied control strategies. Therefore, the necessary hardware components and their requirements are described and the hardware implementations are provided.}, language = {en} }