Group for digital systems and computer networks

group leader

assoc. prof. Ante Kristić, PhD

associates

assoc. prof. Duje Čoko, PhD
assist. prof. Vesna Pekić, PhD
assist. prof. Marina Prvan, PhD

other researchers

Sebastian Karl Mladen Haupt, MScEng

Group description

The research group focuses on computer networks, wireless communications, digital system design, and dana analysis. Its expertise includes the design of digital circuits implemented on programmable logic devices and application-specific integrated circuits (FPGA and ASIC), the development of real-time dana processing systems, and the design of flow control and Quality of Service (QoS) algorithms for packet-switched networks. The group also applies machine learning methods for the analysis of complex datasets and contributes to the development of advanced detector systems for high-energy physics experiments, including the CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL).

Expertise and know-how

  • Digital logic design using programmable logic architectures (FPGA)
  • Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design
  • Machine learning-based data analysis
  • Real-time data processing
  • Flow control in packet-switched computer networks
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • MAC protocols for wireless communication networks
  • CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) upgrade

Research infrastructure

The research group has access to a wide range of programmable logic development platforms. These include educational Spartan Starter Kit boards, Nexys Video FPGA boards, adaptive System-on-Module platforms such as the Kria KV260, hybrid systems combining conventional processors with programmable logic (PYNQ-Z1), and advanced FPGA platforms for instrumentation software development based on the Virtex UltraScale+ VCU118 device.

 

In addition, the group operates a laboratory equipped with ten personal computers and holds licenses for professional software tools required for digital system design and implementation, including the Cadence ASIC design suite with TSMC technology libraries and the AMD/Xilinx Vivado Design Suite.

 

Laboratories

  • B419

Equipment

  • AMD Virtex UltraScale+ FPGA VCU118 Evaluation Kit
  • Nexys Video AMD Artix-7 FPGA Board
  • AMD Kria KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit
  • PYNQ-Z1 Development Board
  • Spartan-3E Starter Kit
  • Cadence ASIC Design Suite
  • AMD Vivado Design Suite

Key projects and references

Members of the research group have participated as researchers or principal investigators in the following projects:

  • CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter Upgrade (CMS-HGCAL)
  • Beyond the Edge: FPGA- and AI-Based Systems for Time-Critical Applications
  • DATACROSS – Advanced Methods and Technologies in Data Science and Cooperative Systems
  • Control Systems for Photovoltaic Power Plants (SURFER)
  • Internet of Things: Research and Applications

Four members of the research group have received the University of Split Recognition Award for their contribution to the University’s development and international visibility.

The head of the research group is the inventor of the first patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with the University of Split and FESB as assignees:

  • Devices Using Self-Adapting Medium Access Control Protocol (US Patent No. 10,165,597 B2).

Collaboration opportunities

Based on the expertise of its members, the research group welcomes collaboration with academic researchers and industry partners in the following areas:

  • Real-time data processing
  • Development of hardware and algorithms for real-time data processing
  • Machine learning-based data processing algorithms
  • Big data processing and analytics
  • Design and evaluation of communication protocols