Active noise control is the suppression of unwanted noise via destructive interference using a digital signal processing system with sensors and actuators. The goal of this research is to achieve significant performance gains and computational complexity reductions in active noise control technology through fundamental research in multichannel algorithm design and analysis, to enable the wider use of this technology in industrial and consumer markets. These efforts include: 1. the development of computationally-efficient, gradient- based adaptive controllers employing simplified updating strategies; 2. the application of least-squares and orthogonalization methods for robust and statistically-efficient filter adaptation; 3. the design of multichannel subband implementations of active noise controllers using adaptive infinite impulse-response filters; and 4. analysis and development of multichannel system identification methods that require a minimum of processing capability and that provide robust performance in time-varying situations. The research effort includes both system simulation and hardware development to verify the underlying principles, performances, and constraints of real-world active noise control systems. To be most useful, an engineering education must forge a relationship between the capabilities of various technologies and the needs of the community at-large. The goal of this effort is to maintain the relevance of an engineering education by bringing the industrial, societal, and academic communities closer together through individual and group interaction. Activities to foster this interaction include: 1. promoting joint university/industry technical projects through participation in the University of Utah Engineering Clinic Program; 2. incorporating research activities in active noise control within the undergraduate and graduate curriculum through individual clas s projects; 3. developing an integrated electrical engineering curriculum through departmental committee work; and 4. reaching out to the community through Engineering Career Days and the advising of prospective transfer students. The educational effort involves the design of new course projects, committee work at the Department level, and extensive interaction with students, other educators, and members of the local community.
