Association & Activities
The Electronics and Communication Robotics and Automation Student Association (ELECTRAA)
ELECTRAA association aims at enhancing the technical knowledge of students by conducting various programs like organizing expert lectures, workshops, seminars, industrial visits, Intra & inter-department technical competitions, and in bringing out the passion, intelligence, and creativity in them for bridging the gap between Academics & Industry. It also helps to create the ability to understand and effectively communicate engineering and related concepts, and nurture entrepreneurship and leadership qualities to enhance their roles in providing service to society.
Association & Activities 2023 – 24
Hardware for AI: Empowering the Future of Deep Learning
On Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, ELECTRAA, the Department of Electronics Students Association, organized a technical talk titled “Hardware for AI.” Dr. Kala S, the esteemed Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication at IIIT Kottayam, graced the event as the chief guest and resource person.
The discussion centered on the intricacies of hardware tailored specifically for artificial intelligence (AI), with a primary focus on deep learning technologies. Dr. Kala S shared invaluable insights into the indispensable role played by hardware infrastructure in driving advancements in AI.
Throughout the session, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in the design of AI hardware. These challenges encompassed the demanding computational requirements, constraints related to memory bandwidth, and the imperative for energy-efficient solutions. The discussion extensively explored various hardware accelerators such
as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Each accelerator’s unique strengths and its application in AI workloads were thoroughly examined.
Moreover, the discourse ventured into emerging trends and future trajectories within the realm of AI hardware. Notably, discussions touched upon the burgeoning significance of edge AI, the potential transformative impact of quantum computing, and the evolution of neuromorphic computing architectures.
Visit to Pallivasal Hydro Electric Power Station ,Idukki
Water is channeled from Mattupetti and Kundala dams through four 3 km-long penstocks, which then divide into six upon entering the power plant. The facility houses six generators, with three producing 5 MW each and the other three generating 7.5 MW each, totaling a maximum capacity of 37.5 MW.
Currently, two turbines with a 5 MW capacity are inactive due to a penstock leakage issue. Active turbines include three with a 7.5 MW capacity and one with a 5 MW capacity, contributing to a total production of 27.5 MW. However, the observed capacity during the visit was 18.6 MW due to some turbines operating below their full capacity, likely due to vibration issues.
Monitoring various parameters such as load, pressure, and temperature is facilitated by a hydraulic floor connected to an upstairs control room. The old control room, utilizing mechanical switches, was replaced with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software in 2002, offering advanced supervisory control and monitoring capabilities.
An ongoing project signals efforts to expand the power capacity of Pallivasal Power Station to 60 MW, showcasing a commitment to further harnessing hydroelectric potential in the region.
