Adapted from McCormick News Article, January 30, 2007

Yang’s research focuses on embedded systems, computers that reside in devices that aren’t generally considered to be computers. “You have small computers inside of your microwave, dishwasher, TV, and even your car” Yang explains. “Almost every electronic device has a computer, and they all need embedded systems.”

As the popularity of more complex consumer electronics rises, the market size for embedded systems is growing at a rapid pace. The worldwide market was estimated at 45.9 billion in 2004, but is expected to reach 88 billion by 2009.

Reliability and energy efficiency are key concerns when designing embedded systems. “Software problems on your desktop computer can be fixed by downloading patches, but it’s different with your microwave,” says Yang. “You don’t want to need to have someone come to your home to fix a problem.”

Yang is developing novel memory hierarchies for embedded systems, which she hopes will improve the functionality, reliability, and performance of future systems while reducing their cost and energy requirements. While it is complex research, Yang is able to put it into simple terms, comparing data in the hierarchical computer storage system to books. “If you want to read a book, you can either find it on your bookshelf or in the library,” she explains. “It’s going to take longer to get a book out of the library, so you take the books you frequently read and you keep them on your bookshelf.”

Yang’s research focuses on compressing and organizing data. “Her work will have great practical impact,” says Robert Dick, professor of electrical engineering and computer science and Yang’s advisor. “Her ideas are being incorporated into products, such as cell phones that will ship in 2007 and be used by millions of people.”

According to Dick, Yang’s fellowship is well-deserved. “She is an intelligent, serious, and diligent student,” he says. “She has the creativity to develop excellent new ideas and the stamina for the prolonged and grueling effort necessary to make them work well in practice.”

Yang expects to finish her PhD in 2008.