# Electrical Engineering - Processes Backlog

This document outlines the Phase 2 processes backlog for the Electrical Engineering specialization. Each process is designed to provide structured guidance for common electrical engineering workflows, leveraging the domain's core competencies in circuit design, power systems, digital signal processing, and control systems.

## Table of Contents

- [Circuit Design and Analysis](#circuit-design-and-analysis)
- [Power Systems Engineering](#power-systems-engineering)
- [Digital Signal Processing](#digital-signal-processing)
- [Control Systems](#control-systems)
- [PCB Design and Signal Integrity](#pcb-design-and-signal-integrity)
- [Power Electronics](#power-electronics)
- [Testing and Validation](#testing-and-validation)

---

## Circuit Design and Analysis

### 1. Analog Circuit Design and Simulation

**Process ID:** `ee-analog-circuit-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of analog circuits including amplifiers, filters, oscillators, and voltage references. Covers topology selection, component sizing, SPICE simulation, and performance optimization for noise, linearity, and power efficiency.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define circuit specifications and performance requirements
2. Select appropriate circuit topology and architecture
3. Calculate component values and operating points
4. Create schematic and SPICE simulation model
5. Simulate across temperature, voltage, and process variations
6. Optimize for performance metrics (gain, bandwidth, noise, distortion)
7. Validate design against specifications
8. Document design decisions and analysis results

**Tools:** LTspice, PSpice, Spectre, HSPICE, TINA-TI

**Standards:** IEEE signal integrity guidelines, manufacturer application notes

---

### 2. Digital Logic Design and Verification

**Process ID:** `ee-digital-logic-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of digital logic circuits and state machines using HDL languages. Covers RTL design, timing analysis, synthesis, and verification for FPGAs and ASICs.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define functional and timing requirements
2. Create block diagrams and architecture specification
3. Write RTL code in Verilog/VHDL/SystemVerilog
4. Develop testbenches and verification plans
5. Simulate and verify functionality
6. Synthesize and analyze timing reports
7. Optimize for power, performance, and area (PPA)
8. Generate implementation constraints and documentation

**Tools:** Vivado, Quartus Prime, ModelSim, VCS, Verilator

**Standards:** IEEE 1364 (Verilog), IEEE 1076 (VHDL), IEEE 1800 (SystemVerilog)

---

### 3. Mixed-Signal IC Design

**Process ID:** `ee-mixed-signal-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of mixed-signal integrated circuits including ADCs, DACs, PLLs, and data converters. Addresses interface between analog and digital domains, noise coupling, and system-level integration.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define mixed-signal architecture and partitioning
2. Specify analog and digital block requirements
3. Design analog front-end and digital backend
4. Analyze noise coupling and isolation strategies
5. Simulate mixed-signal interactions
6. Verify timing at analog-digital interfaces
7. Plan floor placement for noise isolation
8. Document integration and test requirements

**Tools:** Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Custom Compiler, mixed-signal simulators

**Standards:** IEEE standards for data converters, JEDEC specifications

---

## Power Systems Engineering

### 4. Power Flow and Load Analysis

**Process ID:** `ee-power-flow-analysis`

**Description:** Guide the analysis of electrical power systems for load flow studies, voltage profiles, and power transfer capabilities. Essential for system planning, operation, and expansion studies.

**Key Steps:**
1. Develop single-line diagram and system model
2. Gather load data and generation schedules
3. Configure power flow solver parameters
4. Run base case power flow analysis
5. Analyze voltage profiles and power losses
6. Perform contingency analysis (N-1, N-2)
7. Identify congestion and voltage violations
8. Recommend system improvements and document results

**Tools:** ETAP, PSS/E, PowerWorld, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, MATPOWER

**Standards:** IEEE standards, NERC reliability standards, regional grid codes

---

### 5. Protection Coordination Study

**Process ID:** `ee-protection-coordination`

**Description:** Guide the design and coordination of power system protection schemes. Covers relay selection, settings calculation, coordination curves, and fault analysis for reliable fault clearing.

**Key Steps:**
1. Collect system data and single-line diagrams
2. Calculate short-circuit currents at key locations
3. Select protective device types and ratings
4. Determine relay settings and pickup values
5. Plot time-current coordination curves
6. Verify coordination between devices
7. Analyze protection for various fault scenarios
8. Document settings and coordination study results

**Tools:** ETAP Star, SKM Power Tools, EasyPower, relay manufacturer software

**Standards:** IEEE C37 series, IEC 60255, NFPA 70E

---

### 6. Renewable Energy Integration Study

**Process ID:** `ee-renewable-integration`

**Description:** Guide the technical analysis for integrating renewable energy sources (solar, wind) into power systems. Addresses interconnection requirements, grid impact, and stability concerns.

**Key Steps:**
1. Characterize renewable resource and generation profile
2. Model inverter/converter control characteristics
3. Perform steady-state impact analysis
4. Analyze voltage regulation and power quality
5. Study fault ride-through capabilities
6. Assess grid stability and frequency response
7. Design protection and control modifications
8. Document compliance with interconnection standards

**Tools:** PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, OpenDSS, PVsyst, HOMER

**Standards:** IEEE 1547, IEC 61850, regional grid codes

---

### 7. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

**Process ID:** `ee-arc-flash-analysis`

**Description:** Guide the analysis of arc flash hazards in electrical systems to ensure worker safety. Covers incident energy calculations, PPE requirements, and labeling compliance.

**Key Steps:**
1. Collect system data and protective device information
2. Build power system model with device characteristics
3. Calculate bolted fault currents at equipment
4. Determine protective device clearing times
5. Calculate incident energy levels
6. Determine arc flash boundaries
7. Specify PPE requirements and labeling
8. Document hazard analysis and safety recommendations

**Tools:** ETAP, SKM Power Tools, EasyPower, IEEE 1584 calculators

**Standards:** IEEE 1584, NFPA 70E, OSHA regulations

---

## Digital Signal Processing

### 8. DSP Algorithm Design and Implementation

**Process ID:** `ee-dsp-algorithm-design`

**Description:** Guide the design and implementation of digital signal processing algorithms. Covers algorithm development, fixed-point conversion, and optimization for real-time performance on DSP processors and FPGAs.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define signal processing requirements and specifications
2. Develop algorithm in floating-point (MATLAB/Python)
3. Validate algorithm performance with test signals
4. Convert to fixed-point representation
5. Analyze quantization effects and word lengths
6. Optimize for computational efficiency
7. Implement on target platform (DSP/FPGA/MCU)
8. Verify implementation against reference

**Tools:** MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy), Code Composer Studio, Vivado HLS

**Standards:** IEEE 754 (floating-point), fixed-point best practices

---

### 9. Digital Filter Design

**Process ID:** `ee-digital-filter-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of digital filters including FIR, IIR, and adaptive filters. Covers specification, design methods, stability analysis, and implementation considerations.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define filter specifications (passband, stopband, ripple)
2. Select filter type (FIR vs IIR, lowpass, bandpass, etc.)
3. Choose design method (windowing, Parks-McClellan, bilinear)
4. Calculate filter coefficients
5. Analyze frequency response and phase characteristics
6. Verify stability (for IIR filters)
7. Implement and test filter structure
8. Optimize for fixed-point implementation

**Tools:** MATLAB Filter Designer, Python scipy.signal, FilterPro

**Standards:** IEEE signal processing guidelines

---

### 10. Communication System Design

**Process ID:** `ee-communication-system-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of digital communication systems including modulation, demodulation, synchronization, and channel coding. Covers system-level design through implementation.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define communication system requirements (data rate, BER, bandwidth)
2. Select modulation scheme (QAM, OFDM, PSK)
3. Design transmitter chain (encoding, modulation, filtering)
4. Design receiver chain (synchronization, equalization, decoding)
5. Simulate system performance over channel models
6. Analyze BER vs SNR curves
7. Implement on target platform (SDR, FPGA)
8. Validate with over-the-air testing

**Tools:** MATLAB Communications Toolbox, GNU Radio, LabVIEW, ADS

**Standards:** IEEE 802.x, 3GPP, DVB standards

---

## Control Systems

### 11. Feedback Control System Design

**Process ID:** `ee-feedback-control-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of feedback control systems including PID controllers, state-space controllers, and advanced control algorithms. Covers modeling, analysis, design, and tuning.

**Key Steps:**
1. Develop mathematical model of plant/process
2. Define control objectives and performance specifications
3. Analyze open-loop system characteristics
4. Design controller structure and parameters
5. Simulate closed-loop performance
6. Analyze stability margins (gain, phase)
7. Tune controller parameters
8. Validate with hardware-in-the-loop testing

**Tools:** MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, Scilab/Xcos, Python Control

**Standards:** ISA-5.1, IEC 61131-3

---

### 12. Motion Control System Development

**Process ID:** `ee-motion-control-development`

**Description:** Guide the development of motion control systems for robotics, CNC machines, and automation. Covers servo drives, trajectory planning, and multi-axis coordination.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define motion requirements (speed, accuracy, acceleration)
2. Select motor and drive system
3. Design velocity and position control loops
4. Implement trajectory generation algorithms
5. Configure servo drive parameters
6. Tune control loops for optimal response
7. Test motion profiles and accuracy
8. Validate system performance under load

**Tools:** MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, PLCopen motion libraries, drive tuning software

**Standards:** PLCopen motion control, IEC 61800 series

---

### 13. Model Predictive Control Implementation

**Process ID:** `ee-mpc-implementation`

**Description:** Guide the implementation of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for advanced process control applications. Covers model development, constraint handling, and real-time implementation.

**Key Steps:**
1. Develop process model (first-principles or data-driven)
2. Define control objectives and constraints
3. Design MPC controller (horizon, weights, sampling)
4. Simulate MPC performance
5. Test constraint handling and feasibility
6. Implement on target controller platform
7. Commission and tune online
8. Monitor and maintain controller performance

**Tools:** MATLAB MPC Toolbox, CasADi, ACADO, vendor MPC platforms

**Standards:** ISA-95, process control best practices

---

## PCB Design and Signal Integrity

### 14. High-Speed PCB Design

**Process ID:** `ee-highspeed-pcb-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of PCBs for high-speed digital applications. Covers stack-up design, impedance control, signal integrity, and power integrity considerations.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define board requirements and constraints
2. Design PCB stack-up for impedance control
3. Plan critical signal routing and layer assignment
4. Implement length matching for differential pairs
5. Design power distribution network (PDN)
6. Apply EMI mitigation techniques
7. Run signal integrity simulations
8. Generate manufacturing outputs and documentation

**Tools:** Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, HyperLynx, ANSYS SIwave

**Standards:** IPC-2221, IPC-2223, IEEE signal integrity guidelines

---

### 15. EMC Design and Pre-Compliance Testing

**Process ID:** `ee-emc-design-testing`

**Description:** Guide the design for electromagnetic compatibility and pre-compliance testing. Covers EMI mitigation, shielding, filtering, and measurement techniques.

**Key Steps:**
1. Identify EMC requirements and applicable standards
2. Apply EMC design rules to schematic and layout
3. Design filtering and suppression circuits
4. Implement proper grounding and shielding
5. Conduct pre-compliance emissions testing
6. Perform immunity testing (ESD, surge, RF)
7. Debug and mitigate EMC issues
8. Document compliance test results

**Tools:** EMC analyzers, spectrum analyzers, LISN, EMC simulation tools

**Standards:** CISPR 32, IEC 61000, FCC Part 15, CE marking requirements

---

## Power Electronics

### 16. Switching Power Supply Design

**Process ID:** `ee-switching-power-supply-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of switching power supplies including DC-DC converters, AC-DC converters, and power factor correction circuits. Covers topology selection, component sizing, and efficiency optimization.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define power supply specifications (Vin, Vout, Iout, efficiency)
2. Select converter topology (buck, boost, flyback, LLC)
3. Design magnetic components (inductors, transformers)
4. Select power semiconductors (MOSFETs, diodes)
5. Design control loop and compensation
6. Simulate steady-state and transient performance
7. Design PCB layout for thermal and EMI
8. Test and validate performance

**Tools:** LTspice, PSIM, PLECS, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, WebBench

**Standards:** IEC 62368, EN 55032, Energy Star

---

### 17. Motor Drive Design

**Process ID:** `ee-motor-drive-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of motor drives including variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, and brushless DC motor controllers. Covers power stage design, control algorithms, and system integration.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define motor and load requirements
2. Select drive topology (voltage source, current source)
3. Design power stage (inverter, gate drivers)
4. Select control method (V/f, FOC, DTC)
5. Implement current and speed control loops
6. Design protection features (overcurrent, overvoltage)
7. Test drive performance and efficiency
8. Validate with motor and load testing

**Tools:** PSIM, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, motor drive IDEs

**Standards:** IEC 61800 series, IEEE 519 (harmonics)

---

### 18. Battery Management System Design

**Process ID:** `ee-bms-design`

**Description:** Guide the design of battery management systems for Li-ion and other battery technologies. Covers cell monitoring, balancing, protection, and state estimation algorithms.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define battery pack requirements and chemistry
2. Design cell monitoring and measurement circuits
3. Implement cell balancing (passive/active)
4. Design protection features (OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP)
5. Develop state estimation algorithms (SOC, SOH)
6. Design communication interfaces
7. Test BMS functionality and accuracy
8. Validate safety and protection features

**Tools:** LTspice, battery simulation tools, BMS development kits

**Standards:** IEC 62619, UL 2580, UN 38.3

---

## Testing and Validation

### 19. Hardware Validation and Debug

**Process ID:** `ee-hardware-validation`

**Description:** Guide the validation and debugging of electronic hardware from prototype bring-up through production release. Covers systematic debug approaches, test procedures, and documentation.

**Key Steps:**
1. Develop validation test plan and procedures
2. Perform visual inspection and assembly verification
3. Execute power-on and smoke test
4. Verify power supply rails and sequencing
5. Test individual subsystems and interfaces
6. Measure key performance parameters
7. Debug issues and implement fixes
8. Document test results and design changes

**Tools:** Oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers

**Standards:** IPC-A-610, manufacturer test procedures

---

### 20. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Review

**Process ID:** `ee-dfm-review`

**Description:** Guide the review of electronic designs for manufacturability. Covers PCB fabrication, assembly, and test considerations to ensure smooth production transition.

**Key Steps:**
1. Review PCB design against fabrication capabilities
2. Check component placement for assembly
3. Verify testability (test points, JTAG, bed-of-nails)
4. Analyze thermal considerations for reflow
5. Review BOM for component availability
6. Check for manufacturing documentation completeness
7. Address DFM findings with design changes
8. Finalize manufacturing release package

**Tools:** DFM analysis tools, CAM viewers, manufacturer checklists

**Standards:** IPC-2221, IPC-A-610, IPC-7351

---

### 21. Environmental and Reliability Testing

**Process ID:** `ee-environmental-testing`

**Description:** Guide the environmental and reliability testing of electronic products. Covers temperature cycling, humidity, vibration, and accelerated life testing to ensure product robustness.

**Key Steps:**
1. Define environmental and reliability requirements
2. Develop test plan based on product application
3. Conduct temperature cycling tests
4. Perform humidity and moisture exposure tests
5. Execute vibration and shock testing
6. Run accelerated life testing (HALT/HASS)
7. Analyze failures and identify root causes
8. Document test results and design improvements

**Tools:** Environmental chambers, vibration tables, HALT chambers

**Standards:** MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068, JEDEC standards

---

## Summary

| Category | Process Count |
|----------|---------------|
| Circuit Design and Analysis | 3 |
| Power Systems Engineering | 4 |
| Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| Control Systems | 3 |
| PCB Design and Signal Integrity | 2 |
| Power Electronics | 3 |
| Testing and Validation | 3 |
| **Total** | **21** |

---

## Implementation Priority

### High Priority (Core Processes)
1. Analog Circuit Design and Simulation
2. Digital Logic Design and Verification
3. Power Flow and Load Analysis
4. Protection Coordination Study
5. DSP Algorithm Design and Implementation
6. Feedback Control System Design
7. High-Speed PCB Design
8. Switching Power Supply Design

### Medium Priority (Specialized Processes)
9. Mixed-Signal IC Design
10. Renewable Energy Integration Study
11. Digital Filter Design
12. Communication System Design
13. Motion Control System Development
14. EMC Design and Pre-Compliance Testing
15. Motor Drive Design
16. Hardware Validation and Debug

### Lower Priority (Advanced Processes)
17. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
18. Model Predictive Control Implementation
19. Battery Management System Design
20. Design for Manufacturing Review
21. Environmental and Reliability Testing

---

## Notes

- Each process should be implemented as a standalone JavaScript module following the babysitter SDK conventions
- Processes should integrate with relevant tools and standards mentioned in references.md
- Consider cross-process dependencies (e.g., circuit design feeds into PCB design)
- Processes should support both educational guidance and professional engineering workflows
