I, Kalpan Mehta, am currently pursuing Master of Science in Computer Engineering at New York University. I am in my final semester and actively looking for full time opportunities in the field of Computer Engineering and related.

 

At present, I am working as a graduate assistant for Prof. Ramesh Karri where I am analyzing the performance of Post Quantum Cryptography Algorithms (such as RAINBOW and CRYSTALS - Dilithium) after implementing them on the FPGA. I use the Vivado High Level Synthesis tool to convert the PQC algorithms in C to synthesizable RTL. I have to change different modules of the PQC algorithm to make them synthesizable and improve their performance. After each change I test the algorithm on a test-bench that verifies the functionality of the algorithm on 100 testcases. This entire experience has solidified my understanding of the C/C++ fundamentals and made me aware of the FPGA design flow from C to RTL level.

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My interests in this field began during my undergrad where I worked with the professor to develop a 8 bits custom MIPS Microprocessor. We designed the Microprocessor in Verilog and merged the functionality of the next address block into the ALU. We then analyzed the performance and published its results. I then went on to make a fully funcional 32 bit MIPS Microprocessor in VHDL for the course Advanced Hardware Design at NYU. i verfied the functioning of the processor on almost 20 testcases. This entire process helped me gain valuable knowledge in the field of Digital Logic Design and the syntax of VHDL/Verilog. I am now comfortable writing in both VHDL as well as Verilog and have made multiple other projects to gain more confidence with the languages. 

 

My first practical experience was at the Indian Space Research Organization where I designed a PID temperature controller circuit for the laser diode. The accuracy of the PID controller was a very critical part as the change in temperature would result in the change of frequency of the laser diode. I first designed the circuit on a breadboard and tested its functionalities using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters. Once, I was confident that my designed circuit was correct I used the KiCAD PCB design tool to design the schematic diagram of the PCB. I chose IC LM 324 -a quad op-amp IC as the active component of the circuit while resistors and capacitors acted the passive components connected to the IC. I chose LM 324 as the active component because its input offset voltage is only 2mV which gives me better accuracy for the temperature controller as well as the operating temperature of 0-70 degree C is well suitable for the overall application of the circuit. In the end, I successfully delivered a working prototype of the temperature controller with an accuracy of 2 degrees.

 

My participation in the Embedded Systems Challenge, where I made a prototype Virtual Keyboard on a Freescale MK20DX256 MCU (Arm Cortex-M4), helped me gain valuable experience in the field of microcontrollers. I wrote an embedded C code and enabled the Analog to Digital Convertors of the MCU. I used a Flex sensor to detect the note that was supposed to play. The input of the flex sensor was converted to a digital value by the AD Convertor. Based on the value, a different note would play. I also interfaced with the audio shield with the microcontroller for the sound output. 

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In order to keep my self up to date in the field and learn about the ongoing research in this field, I have attended and volunteered for multiple competitions and events. I have participated in the Hack@DAC 2019 at Design Automation Conference in Las Vegas where I worked on a RISC V SoC in System Verilog to find security vulnerabilities. I have also been an organizer for HackNYU 2020 where we delivered a healthy and sanitary Hackathon for almost 350 students amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. I have also volunteered for Embedded Systems Week 2019 and Cyber Security Awareness Week 2019.