Biography

Dr. Geoff Knagge received the B. Comp. Sci degree (2001) and B.E. (Hons I) in Computer Engineering (2002) from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He was also awarded his PhD by the University of Newcastle in 2007, and also received the Faculty award for Research Higher Degree Excellence for his thesis work.

His research primarily focuses on the development and optimisation of algorithms for implementation in VLSI devices, including ASICs and FPGAs. This applies to applications to a diverse range of problems, including baseband processing for digital wireless communications technologies, and model predictive control. He is an author on 3 journal articles, 9 published conference papers, 1 US patent, and an additional pending patent.

Geoff's research covers topics in the following general areas:
  • Digital VLSI implementations, with emphasis on efficient and low power techniques;
  • Practical algorithms for improving feasibility of VLSI for digital communications and control;
  • Near optimal algorithms for combinatorial optimisation in VLSI, with application to multiuser detection and MIMO.
Specifically, the major component of his PhD. involved developing a VLSI solution for higher order detection problems, using an optimised low-computation "spherical" based search. As a proof of concept, an ASIC design for an 8x8 MIMO detector was created, synthesised, and routed for fabrication. Additional work has identified methods to further improve the design, and apply it to larger constellations.

His most recent published research was on the Model-Predictive Control project, with recent achievements including the demonstration of linear MPC in an FPGA design. Part of this has involved the development of Geoff is currently working in an industry position, as a Software and DSP Engineer.