WATT’S   NEW

 

NEWSLETTER   OF   THE   BALTIMORE   SECTION   OF   THE   IEEE

 

JANUARY   2010

 

 


The web site for the Baltimore section of the IEEE is:

 

https://ewh.ieee.org/r2/baltimore

 

The web site for the Baltimore section newsletters is:

 

https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r2/baltimore/WattsNew/IndexWattsNew.html

 

 


IN THIS ISSUE:

 

1.       Results of the Baltimore Section 2010 Election

2.       Communications Society Meeting

3.       Extended course on Printed Circuit Board Design

4.       Power and Energy Society Officer Elections for 2010

5.       Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS)

6.       Robot Challenge

7.       IEEE-USA Webinar

8.       Seminar on Wireless Communications & Networking

9.       Lecture on the Search for Life in the Universe

10.    Talented EE Engineers Seeking Employment

11.    Baltimore Region Conferences

 

 


1.             Results of the Baltimore Section 2010 Election

 

The final results are in for the election. The section officers for the New Year are:

 

Section Chair - Anna Romaniuk

Section Vice Chair - Alan Pressman

Section Treasurer - Walter Willing

Section Secretary - John Blake

 

An unusual occurrence for this year's election was that we had an exact tie in the election tally for Vice-Chair. Interpreting IEEE bylaws, the election was determined by the executive committee of the section. The determination was made via secret ballot among the members present excluding the candidates themselves from the vote.

 

We wish to both thank David Kisak for his service as Section Chair and JF Mergen for his service as Secretary.

 

Bill Semancik

Chair, Nominations and Elections Committee

Baltimore Section

 

 


2.             Communications Society Meeting

 

Title:

Photon Generation for Quantum Information

 

Speaker:

Nicholas A. Peters

University of Illinois

Present affiliation: Telcordia Technologies

 

Date:

Tuesday, January 12

 

Time:

5:30 PM:   Food.

6:00 PM:   Talk begins.

 

Location:

National Electronics Museum (NEM)

1745 W. Nursery RoadLinthicumMD 21090

410-765-0230

https://www.nationalelectronicsmuseum.org

 

 

Abstract:

 

According to Schroedinger, ``Entanglement is the characteristic trait of quantum mechanics.'' But for an idea that has been around since the first half of the twentieth century, the most simple entangled quantum system a pair of two-level systems still yields new and interesting physics. We will discuss generation of exotic entangled photon pairs, their ``concentration,'' and how their quantum nature enables a non-intuitive form of quantum communication called remote state preparation. Further, we will examine several ways of benchmarking entangled states. Finally, we will discuss progress on a quasi-deterministic single-photon source based on spontaneous parametric downconversion.

 

 

Biography:

 

Nicholas A. Peters is a Senior Scientist in the Telcordia Applied Research organization. Dr. Peters holds a B.A. Summa Cum Laude in Physics and Mathematics from Hillsdale College. He received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics specializing in quantum information science and optics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests span fiber and bulk optics with emphasis on using single-photon interferometry and nonlinear optics for precision metrology, optical communications and quantum information applications. He has carried out multiple experimental and theoretical studies on quantum key distribution in fiber optic networks, single photon sources, and photonic entanglement generation for quantum communications and optical quantum computing.

 

 


3.             Extended course on Printed Circuit Board Design

 

Continuing EE Education program for CEU credits: Extended course on Printed Circuit Board Design

 

Due to the high level of interest and the tremendous knowledge and experience of the speaker, Dan Smith, the Baltimore Section of the IEEE decided to extend the successful PCB course from November 21, 2009 by including three more sessions offering related up-to-date material. We hope that many EE engineers in the Baltimore region who deal with printed circuit boards will take advantage of this excellent course (free of charge):

 

A PROGRAM of ADVANCED PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD DESIGN:

PCB DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS USING HDI (High Density Interconnect)

 

Abstract:

DESCRIPTION: Although designing with HDI (High Density Interconnect) technology has been possible in the PCB industry for over 25 years, only a limited number of US companies and PCB Designers have actually used HDI microvias in their designs. This three presentation series will provide essential knowledge of the PCB Design Process, focusing on the how and when using HDI design methodologies are both practical and financially necessary. Several PCB design process equations (i.e. predictive analysis, object spacing, etc…) will be introduced and used throughout these presentations, so attendees will be required to bring a calculator (must have ln key).

 

Presentation I – Creating a HDI Design       (Jan 9, 2010)

This first presentation will show the students all of the steps required when creating a design with HDI methodologies.

Content:

Predictive Analysis Equations: Should this board be routed with HDI (or not)?

Stackup: Number of Signal Layers Required Equations

Why you should create three routing strategies at the start of the design

Predictive Analysis Equations for creating BGA fanout

Creating Channels and Boulevards to Increase Routing Density

General Fanout Methodologies and Exceptions

Interactive Autorouting Strategy

 

Presentation II – Signal Integrity and Power Integrity Performance Using HDI   (Feb 27, 2010)

High Density Interconnects (HDI) and microvias have benefits for more than just High-density and Fine Pitch BGAs. The High-frequency performance of HDI is superior to through-holes (TH) because of its lower inductance and capacitance and elimination of stubs.

This presentation highlights the electrical performance benefits of HDI-microvias for not only improvements in signal integrity but reduction in power-supply impedance, resonances, current-density, decoupling capacitors and noise (power integrity). EMI/RFI improvements are also documented in examples for OEM tests.

Content:

HDI Signal Integrity Benefits: Circuit Noise Management

HDI Power Integrity Benefits: Power Distribution Network (PDN)

HDI Circuit Card Assembly Benefits: Eliminate 90% of Decoupling Capacitors

HDI Circuit Card Performance Benefits: Reduce EMI/RFI

 

Presentation III – Testing, Documenting, Retrofitting, and Other Valuable HDI Topics (March 27, 2010)

The third presentation addresses the remaining topics that will complete the perspective of the HDI design methodology. Attendees will learn about a variety of testing standards, how to properly document a HDI design, how to retrofit a TH (through-hole) design into a HDI design, and finally, a look and some next generation HDI inventions that are on the horizon.

Content:

The pros and cons of testing a HDI Design

Documentation – what you don’t state in your notes can cost you $$$

Process steps when retrofitting a TH design with HDI technology

Design methodologies from thinking “outside of the box”

 

 

Speaker’s bio:

DAN SMITH has been involved in all aspects of the PCB design process for over 30 years (Concept through Manufacturing), and over 24 years experience using a variety of EDA tools to design PCBs, Flex, Thick film and ICs. He has worked as a librarian, designer, and programmer at Motorola, US Robotics, and Shure Brothers. Smith is the author of several US software patents that have reduced design process bottlenecks. He has taught internationally, and has co-written training materials, industry articles, and several internal company and IPC standards. He is a member of IPC and the IEEE.

 

 

Additional info:

The courses are free to IEEE members. Non-members will also be considered, subjects to available slots. Course participants are eligible for CEU credits from IEEE.

 

The seminars take place on Saturdays morning at the National Electronics Museum (former Historic Electronics Museum):  1745 W. Nursery Rd., Linthicum, MD   

 

Course applicants please contact Dr. Boris Gramatikov, Director for Continuing EE Education for the Baltimore Section, at:  bgramat@jhmi.edu. Please include your IEEE member number and the name of your current employer in your requests for registration. Please check also the CEEE/CEU web site at:

 

https://ewh.ieee.org/r2/baltimore/continuing_education/CEEE.htm

 

 


4.             Power and Energy Society Officer Elections for 2010

 

The IEEE PES is looking for interested individuals who would like to take on a leadership role within the IEEE Power and Energy Society for 2010. Prior leadership experience is not necessary. If you would like to learn more about the positions that are open or are interested in filling a role within the society to help us to continue to provide high quality activities and events from our membership, please contact:

 

Alan.Pressman@constellation.com.

 

 


5.             Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS)

 

The Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS) - January 25-28 2010 - San Jose, CA

 

It’s not too late to register for the next Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS) to be held January 25-28 2010 in San Jose, CA. RAMS is the premier symposium for the Reliability and Maintainability disciplines, with additional strong tracks in Quality and Safety. Discounts are available now for advanced registration with an additional $150 discount for IEEE members! 

 

RAMS consists of both paper sessions and an award winning Tutorial Program for R&M techniques and technologies. Come visit our R&M Exhibit area – Where all of the major suppliers of R&M analysis tools are available in one place!

 

Please visit our website www.rams.org for registration information, details for tutorials and paper sessions, as well as other RAMS activities.

 

 


6.             Robot Challenge

 

On April 17 and 18, 2010, IEEE will be holding the 14th Annual Robot Challenge for High School teams at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, and in a month or two we will be actively seeking volunteers to act as Judges, Administrators and Photographers.

Most of the volunteers will obtain their preparation and training the day of the event, but we have been requested by some, to provide them with more detailed training.

 

For those who would like to obtain a better understanding on how the robot is built and operated, you are welcome to attend a teacher/mentor/judge's workshop that will be held on Saturday, January 23 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, 21230, from 10AM to 2 PM (lunch will be provided). The presentation will cover the building and walking of the Robot as well as the construction and programming of the Automation option.

 

There will be no charge for the training or the lunch, but you will need to let us know if you would like to attend by sending an e-mail to Nevilleed@aol.com (Subject: Robot Challenge). You may also let us know if you would like to help with the event but do not plan to attend the special training on 1/23).

 

 


7.             IEEE-USA Webinar

 

You are invited to an IEEE-USA Webinar.

 

Title:

There's no Crying in Business: How Women Can Win in a Male-Dominated Industry

 

Date:

28 January 2010

 

Time:

2pm ET

 

Moderator:

Roxanne Rivera

 

Registration link:

https://www.ieeeusa.org/careers/webinars/

 

As president and CEO of a successful construction company for 22 years, renowned speaker Roxanne Rivera, author of the new book, There's No Crying in Business, has learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. She believes that women who aspire to work in such male-dominated fields as construction, engineering, medicine and mathematics, among others, still continue to face a well-fortified gender barrier.

 

In this IEEE-USA webinar, Rivera comes to share her lessons for success, including an overview of lessons learned during her years as a female business owner. Rivera will also outline a few tools and strategies contained in There's No Crying in Business that women can use to be successful in their work environments. Though she focuses on male-dominated businesses, the advice she provides will benefit all women, in whatever industry they are employed.

 

About Roxanne Rivera

 

Rivera worked her way to success in the male-dominated construction industry, building her company from two employees and $1,200 in the bank, to a business that in is last years had consistent yearly revenues of approximately $13 million, employing more than 100 people.

 

Rivera has been appointed to several national advisory committees, most recently by Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics, where she was the only businessperson on the committee. Rivera has also spoken at and conducted seminars throughout the country on such topics as Communication in the Construction Industry and Women in Construction. Currently, she serves as CEO of Syntactics Communication Skills, LLC, a company that offers presentation and speaking skills training and coaching to executives at every level.

 

Register:

https://www.ieeeusa.org/careers/webinars/

 

 


8.             Seminar on Wireless Communications & Networking

 

One Day Seminar on Wireless Communications & Networking for Military & Commercial Applications

 

Presented by: Scott R. Bullock, PE

 

Wireless Communications and Networking

One Full Day Seminar: 8:00am – 5:30pm

When: Feb 19, 2009

Where: Ramada Inn, 7835 Parkway Dr., Hanover, Maryland 21076

Special seminar rates for hotel stays, 410-712-4300 mention the seminar.

Cost of the Seminar: $549

Includes a copy of the textbook, presentation materials, and lunch.

10% Discount for IEEE members or more than 3 in a group.

 

Please join us for a one-day seminar which covers both Wireless Communications and Networking.  This course is intended for engineers, managers, and support personnel that want to broaden their understanding of the current techniques that are being used for wireless communications and networking.  This seminar covers a wide range of topics including; digital modulation/demodulation techniques, error detection & correction, spread spectrum, multiple access, orthogonality, satellite communications, networking including cellular, WiFi, WiMAX, LTE, 3&4G, cognitive radios, jammer mitigation, adaptive processes & more. OFDM, MIMO, MULTI-H, FEC, TURBO, COGNITIVE, ADAPTIVE, CP-PSK, QAM, ISI, MANET. Each participant will receive a copy of the presentation and a copy of the book, Transceiver and System Design for Digital Communications", 3rd  edition 2009 Scitech publishing,

 

https://www.scitechpublishing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=491

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Scott R. Bullock has over 30 years in Wireless Spread Spectrum Communications.  He received his BSEE degree from Brigham Young University in 1979 and his MSEE degree from University of Utah in 1988. He has worked and consulted for several companies including TI, L-3Comms, Omnipoint, E-Systems, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman holding positions of Fellow, Director, Senior Director, and VP of Engineering.  He has successfully taught this course for 15 years with updates to include the newest technologies.  Mr. Bullock holds 18 patents in the field of wireless communications and is the author of two Communication and Networking books; Transceiver and System Design for Digital Communications, 3rd Edition, Scitech Publishing 2009, and Broadband Communications and Home Networking, Scitech Publishing 2000, along with several technical articles.  He was a guest lecturer for the graduate students at Polytechnic University on “Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum and Multiple Access Technologies”, and has held adjunct professor positions at several colleges.  He developed the first hand-held PCS digital telephone using CDMA/TDMA hybrid, set the standard for the data link used in GPS landing systems and presented a paper on the D8PSK data link at the AIAA/IEEE 14th DASC conference, developed the wireless LPI/LPD anti-jam data link to replace the wire for the TOW missile, and many other data links, wireless communications, and networks.

 

 


9.             Lecture on the Search for Life in the Universe

 

Topic:

The Search for Life in the Universe

 

Speaker:

Jim O’Leary

Senior Director, IMAX/Planetarium, Maryland Science Center

Host, Skywatch, WYPR

 

Location:

National Electronics Museum (NEM)

1745 W. Nursery RoadLinthicumMD 21090

410-765-0230

https://www.nationalelectronicsmuseum.org

 

Date:

February 3, 2010

 

Time:

7:00 PM

 

Cost:

$10.00 – proceeds benefit NEM

 

Contact:

Anne Mech

anne.mech@ngc.com

410-765-0230

 

 

Abstract:

 

Over the last two decades, we have made amazing discoveries about the possibilities of life beyond Earth.  Exotic life forms here on Earth have shown that life can exist in extreme conditions, and several moons of our own solar system may have similar environments.  Beyond our solar system, the growing number of exoplanets tells us that our planetary system is not unique.  What are the possibilities that we are not alone in the universe?

 

 

Speaker Biography

 

With 30 years experience in informal science education, Jim oversees the IMAX/Planetarium department at the Maryland Science Center.  He is Executive Producer of the recent IMAX film Dinosaurs Alive 3D and has produced dozens of programs for the Center’s Davis Planetarium, some of which have played in more than 600 planetariums worldwide.

 

He oversaw the renovation of the Science Center’s rooftop Observatory to include computer control and video links to the Science Center exhibit floors, co-produced the IMAX film The Human Body with the BBC and Discovery Pictures, and produced four live conversations between astronauts aboard the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle with Baltimore City school students.  He is the recipient of numerous educational outreach grants from NSF and NASA.

 

He also co-hosts the weekly Skywatch program on local NPR-affiliate WYPR, exploring recent news and discoveries in the worlds of astronomy and space science.  He observes the sky from his home in Perry Hall, Maryland.

 

 


10.         Talented EE Engineers Seeking Employment

 

If IEEE members are seeking new employment and would like to post a short description in our newsletter, please send the description to me at ronald_aloysius@ieee.org. If your resume is posted on-line, you may refer to that posting and send me the URL.

 

We have one announcement for this month.

 

********************

JAY S. GAMERMAN

2414 Lightfoot Drive

Baltimore, Maryland 21209 

H 410-484-4756

C 443-604-8915

jay.gamerman@ieee.org

 

Looking for a Senior Engineering position with a local electronic system manufacturer.

 

As a Senior Electronics Engineer, my comprehensive background has been in electronic product design and development.  I’ve worked in a broad range of areas including high reliability industrial, military, medical and cost sensitive consumer fields.

 

My extensive experience includes:

   * Team leader of a multi-disciplined design group of seven engineers and technicians

   * Analog and digital system circuit design, integration, performance testing, and writing system specifications

   * “Outside the box” thinker who can hit the ground running

 

My current resume is on the IEEE website and can be viewed by the public.  You can also use my Linkedin URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygamerman

********************

 

 


11.         Baltimore Region Conferences

 

The following conferences are planned for Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia. This list can be used for planning purposes and also represents potential volunteering opportunities.

 

 

Conference: 2010 11th Joint Magnetism and Magnetic Materials - INTERMAG Conference

Conference Dates: 17 Jan - 21 Jan 2010

Location: Washington Marriott, Washington, DC, USA

Conference Web Site: https://www.magnetism.org

 

Conference: 2010 IEEE International Radar Conference

Conference Dates: 10 May - 14 May 2010

Location: Marriott Crystal Gateway, Arlington, VA, USA

Conference Web Site: https://www.radar2010.com/

 

Conference: 2010 IEEE 37th International Conference on Plasma Sciences (ICOPS)

Conference Dates: 20 Jun - 24 Jun 2010

Location: Marriott Norfolk Waterside, Norfolk, VA, USA

Conference Web Site: https://www.eng.odu.edu/icops2010

 

Conference: 2010 American Control Conference - ACC 2010

Conference Dates: 30 Jun - 02 Jul 2010

Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, Baltimore, MD, USA

Conference Web Site: https://www.a2c2.org/conferences/acc2010/

 

Conference: 2010 IEEE 60th Annual Broadcast Symposium (BTS)

Conference Dates: 20 Oct - 22 Oct 2010

Location: The Westin Alexandria, Alexandria, VA, USA

Conference Web Site: https://www.ieee.org/bts/symposium

 

Conference: 2010 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)

Conference Dates: 25 Oct - 30 Oct 2010

Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA, USA

Conference Web Site: https://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/