Statement Of Purpose

Priyanka Gaggar Applying for MS in Electrical Engineering Fall 2010 Statement of Purpose We are in an era of the ‘Information Revolution’ driven by telecommunication. Communication has evolved from analog telephones to 3G wireless cell-phones in the past decade. This growth has revolutionized the world in the way we work, think and interact. With the developments in wireless networking, the freedom to access information ‘anytime, anywhere’ is in the offing, thereby redefining the concept of connectivity. Hence, the future belongs to an ‘IP everywhere and over everything era’, packed with wireless interfaces and intensive networking. However, there are many challenges that arise in this interconnected world like maintaining security, routing, enhancing multimedia networking, etc. Extensive research is required to tackle them. It will be an exciting time in the academies to learn and participate in this campaign. I would like to do my masters in EE majoring in wireless communication and networking. Background: I have been brought up in a family with good academic background. Listening to my father discussing about the engineering giant Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) that he is working for and stories of successful scientists and leaders etc. shaped my character. I enjoyed physics and mathematics in school for its preciseness and logic base. After completing SSC, I decided to take up Diploma in Engineering as I wanted to develop the basic concepts of engineering before entering Bachelors degree. I completed my Diploma in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Larsen & Toubro Institute of Technology. Diploma course was of 4 yrs Industry Integrated which included 1 year Inplant training in 2 companies. I undertook my first 6 months training at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T’s) Heavy Engineering Department (HED). I undertook the next 6 months of industrial training at L&T Infotech, Network Operation Center. Here I got an opportunity to do something different besides the electronics stream. My job here was to design learning website for L&T Infotech and develop various software. I got an opportunity to learn different software related programming. I secured 1st position in diploma with 81%. I have been felicitated by Chairman & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro Group of Companies & by the President (Electrical & Electronics), Board member of Larsen & Toubro Group of Companies, Mumbai for academic excellence. Having performed exceptionally well, I was offered an entry into sophomore year of undergraduate engineering degree in Mumbai University. I attended an online seminar by the telecom guru-‘Sam Pitroda’ in my sophomore year. His views on the ‘telecom boom’ and its importance for economic growth inspired me. My mind dwelt on his innovative ideas and I considered telecommunication was rightly the subject of my preference. I also began enjoying the core subjects such as signal processing, wave propagation and mobile communication systems. My participation in college level networking contests also brought interest in computer and wireless networking. I was particularly fascinated about wireless sensor networks, about devices communicating multimedia amongst them. With the help of my professors, I went ahead to undertake a detailed study about the different networking protocols. I learnt a good deal about Personal Area Networks, something which appealed to me. I was keen to learn about the entire process of authentication and confidentiality of data in a multi network environment.

Priyanka Gaggar Applying for MS in Electrical Engineering Fall 2010

Project Experience:

1. Electronic Telephone Demonstrator (Diploma- Engineering) My interest in communication has been instrumental in conceptualizing my final year project in Diploma “Electronic Telephone Demonstrator”. Electromechanical or rotary dial telephones have been in use for nearly a century. The working of these telephones could be easily demonstrated and understood as mechanical movements such as making & breaking of the contacts by rotary dialers, which are visible & hence quite easy to assimilate. Unlike its mechanical counterpart, the electronic telephone does not have visible movements and therefore it needs a different demonstration model and some electronic test equipment for observing its operation. The telephone demonstrator that we developed was designed on modular basis to demonstrate the functions & facilities of the following units: • Hook switch • Polarity Guard • Electronic Switch • Speech Processor • Ring Detector • Current Limiter • Dialer • Loop Simulator • Anti-sidetone circuit • Music on hold 2. Coil Drives (On going B.E project) In the final year of B.E we are building a project for Larsen & Toubro Ltd. I am currently working on a project called “Coil Drive”. Coil Drives are a type of contactors. Coil Drives are designed in such a way that it can be directly connected to high-current load devices. It is used to switch a large amount of electrical power through its contacts. In industries high power motors are being used and so very high voltage is required to run them. Heat losses are at a greater extent. No device can work above a pre determined temperature value. Power saving is a very important aspect that should be considered. Hence Coil Drives are used in devices to switch more than fifteen amperes of current or in circuits which are rated more than a few kilowatts. Coil Drives take only required amount of voltage and hence reduces losses. It is being controlled by a microcontroller. It is mostly used for devices consuming more power. It saves substantial amount of power and hence allows the coil to stay cooler. This device is designed with features to control and suppress the arc. Working in the project has taught me to divide responsibilities amongst the fellow team members, and work as a unit for the completion of the project.

Priyanka Gaggar Applying for MS in Electrical Engineering Fall 2010

Area of Interest: With a more comprehensive reading and brainstorming, I have realized that my interest deals precisely with WLANS, network routing, wireless networking protocols and network security. Most of these courses are offered at your university. What I found most appealing in your university is the research going on networking dealing with real media signals. With my knowledge on image compression techniques, I believe I can be a part of this research. I will be looking forward to avail the experience of the professors and the labs to the best of my abilities and enhance my knowledge. Extra and Co-Curricular: During the school days, I completed my training with Indian Navy as a Cadet for five years. These 5 years of Navy training helped me develop physical strength. I learned the principles of discipline & punctuality which is very necessary to lead life in a systematic way. I was trained in various activities like Sea sailing, karate, horse riding, parade etc. Also, my course of Diploma in Engineering allowed me to complete two terms of 6 months each in an industrial environment. This helped me develop my work ethics and interpersonal skills substantially. I have been a member of IEEE-the student body in our college. It was under this capacity, where I got an opportunity to volunteer Robot Wrestling competitions where various colleges participated. Aspirations: My long term goal is to be a part of the global development of improved connectivity to the remotest locations. I have taken a keen liking to being a part of an international culture and develop my credentials in a more comprehensive manner to be a part of the transformation. I expect opportunities aplenty right now and in all future to come for the professionals with the right mind and proper perspective. Application of the technology to wider fields with great ramifications will be verily true and the opportunities to contribute one’s mite will be ever appreciated. It is my mission to be there right in the middle and feel the fulfillment of what I have been. I am confident that Penn State University is the right place where I could see fruition of my budding ambitions. I look at getting admission into the institute, as a major step forward and a personal landmark achievement. I am sure with persistent efforts, I shall be able to develop my engineering skills to the standards set by the institute and be a worthy alumnus. It will provide me a good opportunity to be a part of this global village culture and work with students from different nations.