IEEE Central Texas SectionTHE ANALOG |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume 52-08 |
August 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Newsletter of the Central Texas Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. Published monthly. Deadline for inclusion is the 25th day of the previous month. Send submissions, comments, questions to Kevin Nickels, Editor, k.nickels@ieee.org CONTENTS1. Section Activities
2. Chapter Activities
3. News & Information
4. Local Conferences5. Other ConferencesIEEE EXTERNAL LINKS
|
1. Section ActivitiesChairman's ColumnAs we prepare for our Fall planning meeting to be held later this month, it's shaping up to be an exciting season ahead. Sections Congress will happen in September in Quebec City, several new symposia are well along in the planning phases, and special celebrations are underway (even more than usual) ---- at our University of Texas at Austin student chapter. On September 18th, more than 300 section leaders from all 10 IEEE regions will descend upon Quebec City for four days of workshops, panel discussions, and tutorials aimed at making the volunteers more effective. The Central Texas Section will be supporting a handful of the 300 to develop the priority issues for the IEEE to be addresses in the next three years. Check out a status report from the Sections Congress of 2005 at https://www.ieee.org/ web/volunteers/sections-congress/2005/index.html Several new symposia for this coming season are being developed, including that on ICICDT 2009, and in collaboration with National Instruments, the Wireless Hives Networks (WHN) conference. WHN are communities of wireless devices for distributed tag, sensor, perimeter monitoring, ecological survey, actuator applications where the same production process is used to make the shrinkable logic and memory as well as the non shrinkable parts, display, antenna , photovoltaic supply, etc. However, taking into account WHN and their underpinning printed electronics technologies (carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, crystalline silicon) and their device economics, this technology stands to dominate future semiconductors in communications in specific and in electronics in general. Again, watch for opportunities to engage in this and other symposia within our area in the near future. If you haven't heard, our UT student chapter has been recognized by the Member and Geographic Activities Board as the recipient of the Student Branch Membership Growth Award. When one considers they beat out student chapters around the world in receiving the award for membership growth, they are truly to be congratulated. Again, thanks for all you do for the profession. Garrett Polhamus Back to TOP Membership DevelopmentLooking for other options for insurance? IEEE strives to ensure that you excel not only in your professional life, but that you thrive in your personal life as well - That's why your membership gives you access to affordable rates on group insurance plans. It is all the more reason why John Meredith, 2007 President of IEEE USA, is excited to introduce the new online version of our popular IEEE-Sponsored Insurance Program Catalog. Visit the new online IEEE insurance catalog, with an introduction from John Meredith today for more information on IEEE's specialized group insurance plans - including life, dental, disability, cancer, accident, travel and more - all delivering high quality coverage at competitive rates. Joe Redfield Back to TOP Section & Chapter NewsSolar Technology WorkshopThe Solar Technology Workshop is dedicated to bring together experts in the convergence area of microelectronics and solar energy. The goals in developing this workshop are three-fold:
The workshop will be held September 5, 2008 , at Freescale Semiconductors in Austin, Texas. The workshop was established with the support of IEEE Central Texas Section and Freescale Semiconductor to provide a forum for learning and for open discussion in all areas of Solar Technologies and their applications. Registration and more information is at https://www.ieee.org/stw. Contact Thuy Dao thuybdao@ieee.org 512-895-1574 for more information. Senior Member UpdateContratulations to Chen Yihang, CTS's newest Senior Member. Senior Membership is the highest grade for which IEEE members can apply, and provides professional recognition for technical and professional excellence. San Antonio Council for the Cooperation of Engineering and Scientific Societies (SACCESS) Meeting
Back to TOP Continuing EducationNew E-Books on Plug-In Hybrids and Survivor PlanningTwo new IEEE-USA E-Books are now available. The first E-Book, "Plug-In Hybrids: Electrification, Fuel Economy and the Environment," is part one of a three-part series from the IEEE-USA-sponsored symposium, "Plug-in Hybrids: Accelerating Progress 2007." The second E-Book, "Survivor Planning: What Every Spouse Should Know," is a concise, step-by-step guide to compiling and organizing important personal information in advance of your or a family member's death. https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/11902/146372 Webinar Topics WantedTo expand the scope of the Tech Insiders Webinars IEEE Spectrum offers, the editors are seeking your input on what topics you'd like to see covered. Send in your ideas by completing a survey at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/11967/40069599 Back to TOP Student BranchesBranch Liaisons Needed St Mary's University- San Antonio (https://ieee.stmarytx.edu/) Trinity University - San Antonio University of Texas at Austin (https://ieee.ece.utexas.edu/) University of Texas at San Antonio (https://www.utsaieee.org/) Student Member NewsIEEE Ethics Contest Gets "Second Life"The IEEE Ethics Competition for student members of Region 2 has come a long way since it was first held in 2005. This year the ethics scenarios, programmed in advance, entered the virtual world. They were presented via the popular three-dimensional online world of Second Life. For more information, visit https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/12171/40069599 Back to TOP 2. Chapter ActivitiesMultiple ChaptersBack to TOP Joint Circuits and Systems/Solid-State Circuits
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Topic/Title | Web 2.0: The Future of the Internet and How it Affects You |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Web 2.0 refers to the propensity of recent Internet applications to be more collaborative and provide for a richer user experience. Web 2.0 is about harnessing collective intelligence and eliminating the software release cycle Ð it's about providing services, not products.Ê Much of the agile software development mindset is rolled up into the phrase.Ê It's about trusting users as co-developers of content or even of technology. Web 2.0 includes a social dimension, greater openness and transparency in process. It includes the use of new technologies. It has a more open style and a "keep it simple" approach. Many of these attributes go hand in hand. For example, open-source technologies tend to be simple, transparent and lightweight.Ê It's more of an attitude than a specific architectural protocol. How does Web 2.0 affect you? Do you use a computer? Does your company have a web site? Do you market yourself to potential customers on the Internet? Do you do any business at all over the Internet? Yes? The question is how does it NOT affect you. |
| Speaker | Curt Finch is the CEO of Journyx, a global provider of web-based software that is located in Austin, Texas. Thousands of customers worldwide automate payroll, billing and project accounting using Journyx software today. Journyx is the first and only company to establish Per Person/Per Project Profitability (P5), a proprietary process that enables customers to gather and analyze information to discover profit opportunities. Curt earned a B.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 1987 and he has been creating software or managing software teams ever since.Ê After stints at McDermott International and IBM, he helped launch TKG, a venture-backed firm that was acquired by Veritas (now Symantec) for over $40 million. Curt created the world's first web-based timesheet application and the foundation for the current Journyx product offerings in 1997, and has co-authored 7 patents on behalf of Journyx.Ê He is a frequent speaker at major events and conferences, has many articles published in numerous business magazines, and his latest book, "All Your Money Won't Another Minute Buy: Valuing Time as a Business Resource" is available in most online bookstores. Curt resides with his wife, children and numerous animals in Austin. |
| Date/Time | 6:30pm-8:15pm, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 6:30 p.m. Networking and Gathering 7:00 p.m. Presentation, with Q/A 8:15 p.m. Summarize, Evaluate, Adjourn |
| Cost | none |
| Reservations | not required |
| Location | National Instruments, 11500 N. Mopac Expy Bldg C, Rooms 1S13, 1S14, 1S15 - see map |
| Directions |
|
Back to TOP
The San Antonio Computer Society will be on summer break until our September 2008 meeting
Back to TOP
Do a friend a favor. Bring your colleague to grow the Consultants Network attendance.
The Consultants web directory is to be found at https://www.alesu.com/xltrp/ieeecons/listzero.htm
Do the Consultants Network a favor. Give a talk or get a speaker for one meeting this year. Email the bio and summary to the Chairman.
Back to TOP
No meeting in August for the EMC Chapter.
Back to TOP
The EDC has two meetings in August.
| Topic/Title | Unified Compact Modeling of Emerging Multiple-Gate MOSFETs |
|---|---|
| Abstract | In this talk, we present solution methods towards such a unified MOS compact model based on the unified regional modeling (URM) approach, as well as paradigm shift needed for modeling future generation MOSFETs. Regional/explicit solutions are available for the generic doped a-DG in accumulation, depletion, weak/volume-inversion regions, and approximate solutions in inversion region for the two gate's surface potentials. The unified solutions are obtained with transition functions, which contain the essential physics captured in the regional solutions that are otherwise difficult to obtain, and can be applied to terminal current/charge models with physical layer thickness and doping scalability. When the silicon body is undoped, without assuming either carrier type being at equilibrium, both carrier imrefs would be at non-equilibrium and, hence, bipolar conduction could result, which will be dependent on the contact type. The results demonstrate a first step towards unification of MOS compact models for the existing bulk/SOI and emerging MG MOSFETs with seamless transitions and selectable accuracy. |
| Speaker | Dr. ZHOU Xing, Ph.D. Division of Microelectronics School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Nanyang Technological University |
| Speaker Bio | Xing Zhou received the B.E. degree from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 1983, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, in 1987 and 1990, respectively. From 1990 to 1991, he was a research associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering, the University of Rochester, where he worked on hot-carrier injection phenomena in MOS devices, as well as development of CAD tools for mixed-signal circuit simulation. From 1992 to 1995, he was a research fellow in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where he worked on Monte Carlo and numerical modeling of semiconductor and optoelectronic devices as well as mixed-signal circuit modeling and simulation. He is currently a tenured associate professor in the same school at NTU, as well as program director and lab supervisor of the computational nanoelectronics group. His current research focuses on development of compact models for circuit simulation for conventional and emerging nanoscale MOS devices. |
| Date/Time | Thursday August 7, 2008 6:00-7:30PM |
| Refreshments | 6:00-6:30PM |
| Reservations | RSVP to frank.wang@amd.com. We need an accurate count to purchase refreshments. |
| Location | SEMATECH Room F-C - Map at https://www.sematech.org/corporate/map.htm |
| Topic/Title | Resonant Chemical Surveillance Tags |
|---|---|
| Abstract | In this talk an overview will be presented of efforts to develop a variety of chemical sensors, including self-contained wireless, un-powered resonant chemical surveillance tags for detection of chemical vapors. We are currently extending our work on single resonant rf (radio frequency) tags that have already demonstrated the ability to sense a variety of conditions. These sensors are interrogated in a non-contact manner and rely on resonance to transmit information about the state of tag. We have begun testing a resonant chemi-tag coupled to a photodiode in contact with chemiluminescent compound to provide the transduction path. We will also discuss a net of purely passive coupled, resonant tags exhibiting collective phenomena to form a single sensing surface, with the goal of enhancing the overall sensitivity of detection. There is an important distinction between the behavior of a single resonant tag sensor and the collective behavior of a coupled array of resonant sub-elements. It is this collective behavior we hope to harness to increase the chemical sensitivity of the overall surface beyond that of a single tag. |
| Speaker | Dean P. Neikirk, Microelectronics Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin |
| Speaker Bio | Dean Neikirk is currently the Cullen Trust for Higher Education Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. (1984) in applied physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1984, and has been at the University of Texas at Austin since 1984. His research spans such diverse areas as very high frequency (THz) devices to chemical sensors. Dr. Neikirk is also heavily involved in electromagnetics, and the use of IC fabrication techniques to build electromagnetic devices. His work includes research on micromachined devices for use as infrared, chemical, and civil infrastructure sensors. |
| Date/Time | Thursday August 28, 2008 6:00-7:30PM |
| Refreshments | 6:00-6:30PM |
| Reservations | RSVP to frank.wang@amd.com. We need an accurate count to purchase refreshments. |
| Location | SEMATECH Room F-C - Map at https://www.sematech.org/corporate/map.htm |
See EDC web link for future meeting dates, past meeting presentations: https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/eds/
Back to TOP
EMBS will not be having technical meetings over the Summer. Look for our next meeting in September!
Back to TOP
For more Information contact Jason Polendo jpolendo@ieee.org
Back to TOP
For more information, contact Ray Chen
Back to TOP
We are looking for a few more volunteers to round out our Chapter's planning Committee. We currently have three, Scott Atkinson, Bob Harris and Ernest Franke. We meet monthly for lunch to review IEEE, Central Texas Section and Chapter activities. Interested folks should contact scott.atkinson@fullarmorgroup.com or 210-481-4932.
If a Life Member is not receiving email from our Chapter, please contact Scott Atkinson at scott.atkinson@fullarmorgroup.com or 210-481-4932.
For more information, contact Scott Atkinson
Back to TOP
| Topic/Title | Engineering Ethics |
|---|---|
| Speaker | David Howell, PE, TBPE. David Howell became the Director of Licensing for the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE) in October 2005. The Licensing Division processes all applications and renewals from engineers seeking to be licensed professional engineers in the State of Texas as well as processing all firm registrations and implementing the continuing education program. David began his engineering r career in 1989 with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). During his tenure with TCEQ, David was involved with technical and managerial environmental engineering positions regarding regulation of air, water, waste, and site remediation. David received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1989 from the University of Texas, El Paso. He earned his license to practice as a professional engineer in the state of Texas in 1997. |
| Date/Time | Tuesday, August 26, 2008 6:00 PM Social 6:30 to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 to 7:30 PM Business Meeting 7:30 to 8:30 PM Program 9:00 PM room closes for the benefit of long distance drivers and early risers |
| Dinner | Dinner is free for full-time students $12 or $20 for IEEE members and accompanying spouses $15 or $23 for non-IEEE members |
| Location | El Gallo Mexican Restaurant
, 512-444-2205 2910 S Congress Austin, Texas |
Back to TOP
| Topic/Title | Harmonics |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Lane Bradford, Eaton |
| Date/Time | Thursday, Aug 28 - 6:00 PM Social, 6:30 PM Dinner, 7:00 PM Program |
| Cost | $10 members, $15 non-members, **FREE** for students (Cash only please, no checks or cards) |
| Reservations | Please RSVP to John Brogan @ 210-353-3375 or jabrogan@ieee.org |
| Location | Grady's BBQ, 6510 San Pedro, San Antonio (210-806-8036) |
| Notes | See website for more information. |
As always you do not have to be an IEEE member to attend.
August 28 - Lane Bradford -- (Eaton Electrical) - "Harmonics"
Back to TOP
We encourage you, others in your organization, or other interested parties to participate in our meetings. The PSES meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30, with the program starting at 7pm. For further information about the PSES, please contact Dale Ritzen at (512) 651-5338 or Gary Schrempp at gary_schrempp@dell.com.
Back to TOP
| Topic/Title | Social Networking |
|---|---|
| Speaker | |
| Date/Time | Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:30pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Reservations | Please RSVP to Steve Crowl scrowl@ieee.org so that we may provide a guest list to our host. |
| Location | AT&T Labs - 9505 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759 |
| Directions | Yahoo Map |
| Abstract | Do you remember when social networking was face-to-face? This month's meeting will be a social/networking event. Each of us have talents and gifts that we can share with others. So, instead of sitting back and listening to a presenter, you can be the speaker. Come tell us about yourself. We'd like to hear what you have to say. |
Upcoming Meetings:
Back to TOP
The Austin Chapter of the Technology Management Council is looking for volunteers to help with chapter planning, program, web site administration and more!
Join us for lunch if you are interested in helping with plans for 2009.
Where: North by Northwest 10010 Capitol of Texas highway
When: Wednesday August 6, 11:30-12:30
RSVP: Leslie Martinich lmartinich@ieee.org so that I can make the reservation.
Contact Leslie Martinich (lmartinich@ieee.org) for more information about the Austin TMC.
Back to TOP
Contact Nils Smith (nils.smith@ieee.org) for information about the San Antonio TMC.
Back to TOP
Women in Engineering has been an Affinity Group of the Central Texas Section since the Fall of 2002.
Back to TOP
IEEE has its seventh and newest council, one dedicated to the rapidly growing field of biometrics. Learn how the council was started and what work it's already doing at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/12013/40069599
How safe is your defibrillator? The flight of this question across the Internet earlier this year helped fuel the buzz at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, in Oakland, Calif., in May. IEEE members outlined how implanted defibrillators were vulnerable to hacking. Read on at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/12016/40069599
IEEE Member Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay loves speed. Not the highway kind--the data transfer kind. The mixed-signal design engineer with Texas Instruments in Dallas was among this year's 14 young engineering stars named "The New Faces of Engineering" by the National Engineers' Week Foundation. Read about the work that got him this recognition at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/12021/40069599
For those in charge at Kiva Systems, a start-up in Woburn, Mass., the biggest problem in selling their inventory distribution system isn't technical. It's psychological. They face the challenge of convincing customers to switch from conventional warehouse services to a fleet of mobile robots. Read on at https://www.spectrum.ieee.org/jul08/6380
More than 100 years ago, one of the first hydroelectric plants built for below-freezing temperatures began supplying power to Winnipeg, Man., Canada. To honor this engineering breakthrough, IEEE named the plant-- the Pinawa Hydroelectric Station--an IEEE Milestone in Electrical Engineering and Computing. Learn about this station's history at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/12175/40069599
There's an alternate way to make ethanol: gasify biomass and then convert the gas into liquid. Its leading advocate, Khosla Ventures, the investment firm that started some of the biggest software companies around, thinks it could be the next insanely great thing. We spoke with the firm's point man on the effort. Read on at https://spectrum.ieee.org/jul08/6443
Back to TOP
These conferences have been brought to our attention by section members
Please visit our website at https://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/cpmt/tc7/ast2008/ , and find out all of the important information for our 2008 conference. We are still soliciting presentations for the workshop (papers not required). Our conference is growing every year, and we hope to see you at the historic Benson Hotel in Portland in October.
Back to TOP