IEEE Central Texas Section

THE ANALOG

Volume 54-10

October 2010

Newsletter of the Central Texas Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc.

Published monthly. Deadline for inclusion is the 27th day of the previous month. Send submissions, comments, questions to John Purvis, Editor, john.purvis@ieee.org

CONTENTS

1. Section Activities

Chairman's Column

Membership Development

Austin Vice-Chair's Column

San Antonio Vice-Chair's Column

Section & Chapter News

Continuing Education

Student Branches

Calls for Volunteers

2. Chapter Activities

Multiple Chapters

Chapter Meeting Notices

Antennas & Propagation/Microwave Theory and Techniques

Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Joint Circuits and Systems/Solid-State Circuits

Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology

Computer Society - Austin

Computer Society - San Antonio

Consultants Network

Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Electron Devices Society

Engineering in Medicine and Biology

Graduates of the Last Decade

Laser and Electro Optics Society

Life Members Affinity Group

Power Engineering Society - Austin

Power Engineering Society - San Antonio

Product Safety Engineering Society

Joint Signal Processing/Communications Society - Austin

Joint Signal Processing/Communications Society - San Antonio

Technology Management Council - Austin

Technology Management Council - San Antonio

Women in Engineering

3. News & Information

September issue of IEEE-USA Today's Engineer

4. Local Conferences

5. Other Conferences

IEEE EXTERNAL LINKS

IEEE

IEEE-USA

IEEE Region 5

IEEE Central Texas Section

Call for Papers

IEEEXplore - full text access to IEEE Publications

What's New at IEEE

SocietyNews from IEEE

IEEE Standards Association

The Spectrum Online - The Magazine for Technology Insiders

1. Section Activities

Chairman's Column

Some of you may wonder what we are doing to greet new members to the Central Texas Section.  I think it might be instructive to share the email that Leslie Martinich composed and sends to every new member and every newly arrived member of the section.  What you can do is to ask new colleagues if they are IEEE members.  If they are, offer to take them to a chapter meeting that fits your professional interests; if not, offer to take them to the same meeting, but also recruit them to be IEEE members.

From: Leslie Martinich [mailto:lmartinich@ieee.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 3:05 PM
To: <addressee>
Subject: IEEE Welcome to Central Texas
 
Hello <Addressee>,
Welcome to Central Texas!
 
The officers and members of the IEEE Central Texas Section (CTS) would like to welcome you to the IEEE, to our local Section, and invite you to become active in one of our many Societies or in the Section.  The heart and strength of IEEE is its members, and we encourage you to get involved!
 
A few introductory notes about the CTS.  We comprise the geographic area that includes both Austin and San Antonio, and, as of end of 2009, had about 4,700 members. We have a Section Chair as well as the normal leadership committee members, and, uniquely, have 2 Vice-Chairs that each focus on one of the two cities.  We have ~15 active technical societies that have regular meetings and are the host of many IEEE conferences, local and international.
 
Our primary information conduit is our monthly newsletter, the Analog.   The bulk of the Analog is the technical society information – meeting schedules, speakers, and the like, but it also includes general news of interest, student society information, requests for volunteers, and (local) conference announcements.  We are very conscious of spam, and make a concerted effort to only send two or so emails/month to our members – the Analog at the beginning of the month, and a mid-month reminder around the 15th.  As a result of joining IEEE, you have been added to the list.  As of the end of 2009, we had about 7,800 subscribers to the Analog via the list-serve, so we reach a large audience.
 
We invite you to check out our website ( https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/ ) for more information including back copies of the Analog.   If you don’t see a Society in your area of interest and want to start a new technical Society, our Membership Director can locate all the IEEE registered members of that Society in our Section to help you get started.
 
Please contact any one of us, the CTS leadership, if you have questions, need contacts, or think we can provide any more help.   Our names and contact info can be found at: https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/aboutus.html
 
Again, welcome to the IEEE and to the Central Texas Section, and we look forward to meeting you and working with you!

Tom Grim
Chairman, Central Texas Section
t.grim@ieee.org

Back to TOP

Membership Development

SENIOR MEMBER UPGRADE EVENT - WEDNESDAY, November 3, 2010

“Supersize” your IEEE Membership - Upgrade to Senior Member Grade

If you have a BS degree in engineering and seven or more years of professional experience you are eligible to apply for upgrade to Senior Member Grade.  Complete upgrade information, including requirements can be found at:

https://www.ieee.org/seniormember

If you meet the requirements but never seem to have the time to complete an application, The Central Texas Section (CTS) is planning a Senior Member Event for Wednesday November 3rd in South Austin. (A similar event will be held next spring in the San Antonio area.) Senior members who have been through this process will be at the event providing assistance in reviewing your application to insure a successful review by the IEEE Awards and Advancement (A&A) Committee.  After the event, we will manage that the required references are written by CTS senior members.  Light refreshments will be provided.

If you are an IEEE Senior Member or Fellow and would like to meet and contribute to your fellow CTS IEEE members, we are in need of between 10 and 20 of you to support the November 3rd Senior Member Event and subsequent reference writing.  If you have never participated in a CTS event come on out and have some fun, No experience required.

For more information, please send me an Email at J.Redfield@IEEE.org

Joe Redfield
CTS Membership Development Chair
J.Redfield@ieee.org
210-522-3729

Back to TOP

Section & Chapter News

The Central Texas Section Welcomes New Senior Members
A few of the Section have recently been elevated to Senior Member. Please join us in congratulation them: Muhammad Hussain, Peter Soosay, Yang Zhang, Rouwaida Kanj, and Christopher Smith.

2011 National Electrical Code Change Review
The Austin PES is sponsoring a Code Change Class for the 2011 National Electrical Code.  This is a full day instructional class taught by Mr. James Stallcup.  The class is will be held October 15, 2010 in downtown Austin, TX.  This class is only being offered one day, and will be limited by the room capacity.  Sign up now to guarrentee your seat in the class!

Attendees will be given an 8.0 PDH certificate upon completion of the class.  The class will be held Friday, October 15 at the City of Austin Bldg, 721 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas. The cost is $175 for Non IEEE members, and $130 for IEEE members. The cost includes class, lunch and refreshments, and James Stallcup’s book: "2011 Illustrated Code Changes. "

Download this pdf registration form.

Back to TOP

Continuing Education

Nothing this month

Back to TOP

Student Branches

St Mary's University - San Antonio (https://engineering.stmarytx.edu/ieee/)
Faculty Adviser: Djaffer Ibaroudene, email: dibaroudene@stmarytx.edu
Branch Chair: Ug Igboanugo, email: uigboanugo@mail.stmarytx.edu


Texas State University - San Marcos (new branch, 2009)
Faculty Adviser: Larry Larson, email: Larry.Larson@TXState.edu
Branch President: Eduardo Gonzalez, email: eg1196@txstate.edu


Trinity University - San Antonio (https://www.engr.trinity.edu/)
Faculty Adviser: Farzan Aminian, email: Farzan.Aminian@Trinity.edu
Branch Chair: Paurakh Rajbhandary, email: paurakh.rajbhandary@trinity.edu


University of Texas at Austin (https://ieee.ece.utexas.edu/)
Faculty Adviser: Sriram Vishwanath, email: sriram@ece.utexas.edu
Branch Chair: Erik Eyberg, email: chair@ieee.ece.utexas.edu


University of Texas at San Antonio (https://www.utsaieee.org/)
Faculty Adviser: Yufang Jin, email: Yufang.Jin@utsa.edu
Branch Chair: Kevin Messenhimer, email: kmessen@gmail.com


Student Member News


Back to TOP

Calls for Volunteers

None this month

Back to TOP

2. Chapter Activities


Multiple Chapter Events

Joint Section / San Antonio Computer Society
Joint Section meeting Thursday September 16, 2010 with the San Antonio Computer Society Chapter.  The meeting will feature the 6th Annual Student Night by Various Local University Students, and will be held at MEB Room 322,
Moody Engineering Building, Trinity University (Directions). See San Antonio Computer Society Chapter information below for more details. 

Back to TOP

Chapter Meeting Notices

Antennas & Propagation/Microwave Theory and Techniques
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/ap_mtt/


Topic/Title

 Compressive sensing: a move from digital to analog sampling

Speaker

Dr. Christopher B. Smith

Abstract

 TBD

Date/Time

Wednesday, October 6

Cost

None

Reservations

Must RSVP attendance and any special dietary requirements to jeremypruitt@ieee.org

Location

 Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX

Notes

 Food Provided

Back to TOP

Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Topic/Title

 Proactive Transmit Opportunity Detection in Cognitive Radio Networks 

Speaker

Dr. Ahmed Tewfik, Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering and the Chairman of the ECE Department at the University of Texas Austin

Abstract

The wide proliferation of wireless services and applications with increasing bandwidth needs is rapidly creating a spectrum shortage.  However, the problem is caused primarily by inefficient legacy spectrum allocation and utilization policies, so that even when some applications suffer from lack of bandwidth, there is idle capacity in the band they are using or other bands. The FCC, ITU and other regulatory organizations have adopted, or are exploring, alternative spectrum usage policies and regulations to address the issue. The new policies and regulations support an open spectrum policy implemented by cognitive radios and overlay transmissions implemented via ultrawideband technology and/or cognitive radios. This talk describes a revolutionary approach for addressing spectrum scarcity and unlocking hidden communication capacity thereby increasing the reach and utility of wireless connectivity. The non-traditional communication technique studied in this research effort detects transmission opportunities that occur when incumbent primary users enjoy signal to noise ratio values that are higher than the minimum value required to maintain their quality of service. It then judicially exploits these opportunities while preserving the current quality of service of the primary users.

Date/Time

Monday, October 18th - Reception: 6-6:30pm, Presentation: 6:30-7:30pm 

Cost

None

Reservations

RSVP:  https://ieeeimsocietyctxoct10.eventbrite.com/

Location

 National Instruments, Building C - 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, TX 78759 

Notes

First meeting of new Chapter


Back to TOP

Joint Circuits and Systems/Solid-State Circuits
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/ssc_css/

Topic/Title

IEEE Distinguished Lecture: Learning From Nature to Make Machines See and Robots Walk

Speaker

Dr. Betty Prince, CEO Memory Strategies International

Bio:
Dr. Betty Prince is CEO of Memory Strategies International. She has 35 years experience in the semiconductor industry having worked with Texas Instruments, N.V. Philips and Motorola in memory technology and marketing management, at R.C.A. in the development of an early microprocessor and at Fairchild in semiconductor process technology. She is author of the books: Semiconductor Memories (1982), Semiconductor Memories 2nd Edition (1992), High Performance Memories, (1996, revised 1999) all published by John Wiley & Sons, Emerging Memories - Technologies and Trends, (2002) published bySpringer, and Modern Memories to be published by John Wiley & Sons. She is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE, an IEEE SSCS Distinguished Lecturer, and served on the Technical Advisory Board of IEEE Spectrum magazine. She was founder of the JEDEC JC-16 Interface Standards Committee, co-chair of the JEDEC JC-42 SRAM standards group and U.S. representative to the IEC SC47A WG3 Memory Standards Committee. She has served on the Technical Advisory Boards of: Cavendish Kinetics, Emerging Memory Technologies and Silicon Access Networks and was a Director of Mosaid Technologies. She holds patents in the memory, processor and interface areas. She has a B.S. and M.S. in physics and math from the University of New Mexico and the University of California, an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas with doctoral dissertation on fractal modeling.

Abstract

This talk will cover the basics of phase change memory technology including the switching properties of chalcogenides, characteristics and timing parameters, cell types such as a confined cell characteristics, multi-level cell characteristics, access transistor types, and scaling issues. An overview of various issues associated with these memories will be given such as resistance drift due to structural relaxation, crystallization behavior, write current optimization, oscillatory behavior, electromigration, and phase separation. Various applications that have been proposed will be considered along with potential substitution for conventional memory types.

Date/Time

Tuesday, October 12, 6:30-7:30

Cost

none

Reservations


Location

UT Campus ACES 2.402

Notes

Refreshments: Cookies, soft drink

The joint Circuits & Systems/Solid State Circuits Societies normally meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. This meeting is open to the public and interested parties. Additional details will be posted at the website. If you have any questions about this meeting or this group, please contact renhaoxing@ieee.org or zhuoli@ieee.org

Back to TOP

Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (CPMT) - Austin
https://cpmtaustinchapter.org/

No meeting scheduled at this time.

Back to TOP

Computer Society - Austin
https://www.austin-cs.org/

Topic/title

 Software Development Productivity through Process Customization and Automation

Speaker

 Ryan Gritz, The Knot, Inc. and Bob Hardister, Overwatch Systems

Ryan Gritz is the Director of QA and Release Engineering for The Knot Inc.  He has experience in growing QA organizations, implementing company-wide SDLC processes, release management, implementing Agile processes, and ALM.  At The Knot he led and coordinated the implementation of TFS to manage the company’s SDLC processes.  As the company evolved from a waterfall approach to Agile development, he evolved the SDLC within TFS, implemented and grew release management processes, and grew the QA organization to follow this growth domestic and internationally.

Bob Hardister is a Principal Systems and Software Administrator for Overwatch Systems, Textron Inc. here in Austin. His experience spans from business process reengineering through management of software product development. As a Senior Manager for Deloitte Consulting, Bob led systems analysis and procurement for state government business process re-engineering projects in Kentucky, Michigan and Texas. He has introduced and implemented CMMI and Agile development for multiple software organizations, most of which were supported using Microsoft’s Team Foundation Server (TFS). He and Ryan are co-founders of the Austin TFS User Group.

Abstract

 This presentation will explore the potential benefits of process development and automation for application lifecycle management (ALM). The current version, ALM 2.0, describes a vision for the application development infrastructure that provides functional integration of the software development lifecycle from high-level customer requirements to code check-in, testing, release and deployment. This talk will address the potential of ALM 2.0 to improve collaboration and productivity through cross-functional process automation. To illustrate the issues, a specific example will be presented involving SCRUM software development supported by Microsoft’s Visual Studio ALM toolset including Team Foundation Server (TFS). The presentation will describe the “out-of-the-box” high level workfl! ows, how these can be adapted and automated to facilitate implementation and reduce process overhead. The presentation will show TFS 2008 and a live demonstration of the new TFS 2010 features.

Date/time

Wednesday, October 14 2010
6:30 pm Networking and Gathering
7:00 pm Call to Order, Announcements
7:15 pm Presentation, with Q/A
8:45 pm Door Prize, Meeting Evaluation, Adjourn

Location

 Microsoft Technology Center: Austin

Quarry Oaks Atrium
Bldg. 2 - 2nd Fl.
10900 S. Stonelake Blvd.
Austin, TX  78759

Cost

None

Reservations

None

Notes

Joint meeting with Austin SPIN

Back to TOP

Computer Society - San Antonio
https://www.ieee-cs-cts.org/

Topic/Title

TBD
Speaker

Dr. Jianhua Ruan (https://www.cs.utsa.edu/~jruan/) from the Computer Science Department at UTSA
Abstract TBD
Date/Time

Thursday October 21, 2010
Location

hospitality suite at Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center at St. Mary's University. The map and driving direction will be posted on the society's website.
Cost

None
Reservations

None required
Notes See https://www.ieee-cs-cts.org for directions and parking information. This meeting is open to the public.

Back to TOP

Central Texas Consultants Network Affinity Group
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/cn

Topic/Title Li-ion Batteries and Electric Vehicles
Speaker Joel Sandahl
Speaker Bio Joel Sandahl is the CEO of ZX Technologies (ZXTECH), a technology consulting firm.  He has been providing business and technical leadership to companies for more than 35 years.  Mr. Sandahl has founded five technology companies, selling two of them to Fortune 100 companies.  He has served in senior management for a number of Fortune 500 companies.  For the past five years, he has been leading business and technology developments in the Li-ion battery industry.  His clients include some of the largest Li-ion battery producers.
Abstract

Electric vehicles (EV) are beginning to come to the market in record numbers of model types as well as units.  Will they be successful?  A key factor in EV design is the energy source.  Most of the newer EV designs are based on Li-ion batteries.  Mr. Sandahl will provide his perspective on Li-ion batteries and electric vehicles in terms of technology, design considerations and evolution of the industry.
Date

Wednesday, October 27, 2010,  Networking at 6:00 pm, Business and Program from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(Please note the meeting day for 2010: 4th Wednesday of the month.)

Location

China Star Restaurant, 6134 Hwy 290 E, Austin TX. Westbound access road of 290E, just east of IH 35
Cost

$5.00 minimum charge for the restaurant. Supper is at optional extra cost.
Reservations

Not required. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Notes

For more information, contact Ed Gordon, ebg@ieee.org, or Kai Wong, kaiwong@ieee.org

Do a friend a favor. Bring your colleagues to grow the Consultants Network.

More information on Consultants Networks: https://www.ieeeusa.org/business/whatis.asp

Back to TOP

Electromagnetic Compatibility Society
https://ewh.ieee.org/mu/ctx-emcs/

No meeting scheduled at this time.

Topic/title

The Exotic World of Metamaterials and its Relevance to EMI/EMC Engineers

Speaker

Omar Ramahi     Univ. of Waterloo

Abstract

Date/time

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Time: 6:30 PM Social, 7:00 PM Meeting

Location

National Instruments

Cost

Reservations

none

Notes

Food and refreshments are provided. See the EMC Society Chapter web site at https://ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/chapters/centraltexas/index.html for more information and directions. This meeting is open to the public.

Back to TOP

Electron Devices Society
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/eds/

Topic/Title

 Engineering Ethics and Practice 

Speaker

 Lance Kinney

Abstract

 This presentation will update you on recent changes to professional engineering laws and rules, important issues related to engineering practice and ethics, and other issues related to being a Professional Engineer in Texas.

Date/Time

 October 28, 2010

6:00-7:30pm - Seminar

Refreshments


Reservations


Location

  Rio Grande Conference room at SVTC  (view map)

Notes

 Please visit the website for additional information regarding the workshop and registration:
https://www.ieee.org/stw
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/stw/

Back to TOP

Engineering in Medicine and Biology
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/embs/index.html

Topic/Title Welcome to My World: The Clinical Conundrum of Lymphedema
Speaker

Rachel Fey-Larsen, PT
President, Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness, Inc.


Rachel Larsen PT, is president of Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and practiced in the neurological and orthopedic setting for eight years prior to establishing Forté in 2002. She is a regular guest instructor at the UTHSCSA Physical Therapy Department, a contributing author for the Fifth Edition of “Beards Massage, Principles and Practice of Soft Tissue Manipulation,” and a frequent lecturer on the subject of musculoskeletal disorders related to cancer treatment. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Texas Physical Therapy Association, and a Lifetime Member of the UTHSCSA PT Alumni Association. She is also a sponsor and committee member for the non-profit organization, DIVA (Deriving Inspiration and Vitality through Activity), which offers free group exercise and nutrition classes for breast cancer survivors.
Abstract This month we return to the Welcome to My World talks by local clinicians.  This series is intended to provide insight into the clinical issue and rewards of an array of challenging clinical conditions.   Of the many such challenges, lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, disfiguring, and potentially disabling consequence of injury to the lymphatic system.  Those injuries are often secondary to surgical treatment of primary illnesses, most commonly breast cancer.  The condition is under-recognized, underreported, and undertreated, affecting millions of patients in the US alone.  Ms Larsen’s physical therapy practice in San Antonio’s Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness, which she heads, emphasizes treatment of lymphedema.  She has literally written-the-book and brings a great deal of passion to her work.
Date/Time

Wednesday October 20, 2010

7:00 – Dinner    
8:00 –  Presentation   
Cost


Reservations

Please email Royce Johnson  ( johnsonr@Kci1.com )
so that we have a head count for dinner.
Location

KCI R&D,  6203 Farinon Dr.,            Last KCI building on your right
San Antonio, TX  78249                     as you travel west on Farinon.
Notes

Back to TOP

Engineering Management
https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/ems

The Engineering Management Society has become the Technology Management Council. Information about meetings can be found in the sections for Technology Management Council - Austin and Technology Management Council - San Antonio

Back to TOP

Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Affinity Group

Topic/Title OwnEnergy and Wind Farm Development in Texas and the Southwest Region
Speaker

Nathan Vajdos – OwnEnergy
Abstract Presentation on community wind power development in Texas and how OwnEnergy is assisting in the development of locally owned wind farms.
Date/Time

Wednesday, October 27 from noon to 1:00 pm
Cost

None
Reservations

Please email Jeffrey Langston (axu913@my.utsa.edu) an RVSP so that sufficient sandwiches can be ordered and that a parking permit can be issued along with parking and location information.
Location

Marian Hall Ballroom, University of the Incarnate Word
Notes This will be a joint meeting with IEEE TMC and the University of the Incarnate Word American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM) Student Branch.

Sandwiches and sodas be will be provided.

For more Information contact Jeffrey Langston (axu913@my.utsa.edu). 

More information on GOLD: https://www.ieee.org/membership_services/membership/gold/index.html

Back to TOP

Laser and Electro Optics Society

No meeting scheduled at this time.

For more information, contact Ray Chen

Back to TOP

Life Members (LM) Affinity Group - San Antonio

Topic/Title Tour of the San Antonio Toyota Plant
Speaker Scott Atkinson will present information from recent Life Member Board meetings and activities.
Abstract

We have reserved 24 places in this tour of the Toyota Plant.  Anyone who wants to participate must make a reservation and only the first 24 people will have places on the tour.  It is important that everyone be prompt and follow the guidelines below.  The tour will take 1.5 hours. 

Date/Time Thursday, October 21, 2010. 11:30am
Location

Toyota Texas Manufacturing
1 Lone Star Pass
San Antonio, TX 78264
Directions: Meet at the visitor center and park in the lot.
Map:
https://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=1%20Lone%20Star%20Pass,%20San%20Antonio%20TX
Cost

None. There will be no group lunch for this meeting.

Reservations

Required
Send reservations to Tom O'Brien
tpobrienjr@earthlink.net
Notes IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
  • No carry-on is permitted in the Visitor Center, including purses, backpacks, briefcases, or bags of any kind. Please leave them in your vehicle.
  • Personal transportation is required while traveling on the TMMTX campus.
  • A valid photo ID will be required for each adult scheduled for the tour.
  • Cameras are allowed in the Visitor Center, but must be checked in at the registration desk before the plant tour. No cameras or camera phones are allowed in the manufacturing facility
Clothing Requirements
  • Since this is a tour through an operational manufacturing facility, there is a certain dress code that must be followed without exception:
  • Long pants (no skirts, no shorts)  Shirts must have sleeves (short sleeves acceptable: no sleeveless or cap sleeves)
  • Midriffs must be covered
  • Closed toe shoes must be worn. (No sandals or open toe shoes).
  • Safety glasses and hard hats will be supplied and must be worn at all times during the tour.
NOTE: After check-in, visitors will drive themselves to another building so anyone not signed in by 12:00 noon will miss the tour!

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2011
The following officers have been nominated for 2011:
Chair – Ernest Franke
Vice Chair – Tom O’Brien
Sec/Treas – Scott Atkinson
Webmaster – Bob Harris
Additional nominations may be made by email to the Secretary, Scott Atkinson at
          s.atkinson@ieee.org

An election will be held at the October meeting. 


More information on LM: https://www.ieee.org/societies_communities/geo_activities/life_members/index.html

Back to TOP

Power and Energy Society - Austin
https://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/austin

Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at this time
Speaker
Abstract


Date/Time


Location

El Gallo Mexican Restaurant
2910 S Congress
Austin, Texas
512-444-2205
Cost

$11 or $13 for IEEE members and accompanying spouses
$14 or $16 for non-IEEE members
$2 for Drinks
Student members FREE and $2 for specials
$3 student visitors, and non-meal participants
Reservations

Please RSVP if you plan to attend. To reply or for further information, please contact Kevin Ewing via email at kewing@shermco.com.
Notes

The bar will be available to those who care to purchase a drink or beer. When you order, you will have a choice from nine special selections and six traditional combinations on our menu.

Back to TOP

Power and Energy Society - San Antonio
https://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/sanantonio

Topic/Title

No meeting at this time
Speaker


Abstract

Date/Time
Location

Grady's BBQ, 6510 San Pedro, San Antonio (210-806-8036)
Cost

$10 members, $15 non-members, Free for students

The price includes drink (iced tea or water), tip and tax. Barbeque meal includes brisket, beans and potato salad.
Reservations

RSVP to Christina Gaydos via e-mail at chris@grubbengineering.com or via phone at (210) 658-7250.
Notes

For more information please go to our web site at https://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/sanantonio

Back to TOP

Product Safety Engineering Society
https://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/pses/

Topic/Title

No Meeting this Month - Product Safety Symposium in Boston
Speaker
Abstract

Date/Time


Cost


Reservations


Location


Notes

Next meeting planned for Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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 6:30pm, with the program starting at 7:00pm. For further information about the PSES, please contact Dale Ritzen at (512) 651-5338.

Back to TOP

Joint Signal Processing/Communications Society - Austin
https://www.cts-comsoc-sp.org/

Topic/Title

 No meeting scheduled at this time

Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time


Location


Cost


Reservations


Notes

Check our website https://www.cts-comsoc-sp.org for details.

Back to TOP

Joint Signal Processing/Communications Society - San Antonio
https://www.cts-comsoc-sp.org/

Topic/Title

 San Antonio Public Safety Communications System: Overview and Issues

Speaker

William Davenport

Abstract

 The San Antonio Fire Department is faced with many telecommunications challenges for its public safety first responders. The challenges start with being spread over a large geographic area (412 sq. miles), working with multiple agencies, and serving the 7th largest US metropolitan population (US Census-2008). SAFD is implementing new systems to tackle its needs, including computer aided dispatching, replacing legacy analog radios with P25 digital communications, integrating with other voice, video, and data networks, and moving into and sharing new frequency bands. Representatives from the SAFD Technical Services Division will present the current fire telecommunications system architecture, highlight key features, and discuss lesions learned and issues that remain.

Date/Time

Tuesday, October 27th 2009 at 6:30 - 7:30pm

Location

UTSA Campus: Meeting Room to be announced

Cost

 $5 for non-members, students, members Free

Reservations

Please RSVP to Brian Kelley at dr.brian.kelley@gmail.com.

Notes

Check our website https://www.cts-comsoc-sp.org for details.

Back to TOP

Technology Management Council - Austin
https://www.austin-tmc.org/

Topic/Title TBD
Speaker TBD
Date/Time Wednesday, October 13, 2010 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location Satay Restaurant
3202 West Anderson Lane
Austin TX 78757 (map)
Cost $12 for IEEE members, $14 for non-IEEE members
Registration Register here
Notes This meeting is free and open to the public. See https://www.austin-tmc.org for details and to RSVP.

Contact Doug Russell for more information about the Austin TMC.

Back to TOP

Technology Management Council - San Antonio
https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/ems

Topic/Title OwnEnergy and Wind Farm Development in Texas and the Southwest Region
Speaker Nathan Vajdos – OwnEnergy
Abstract Presentation on community wind power development in Texas and how OwnEnergy is assisting in the development of locally owned wind farms.
Date/Time Wednesday, October 27 from noon to 1:00 pm
Location Marian Hall Ballroom, University of the Incarnate Word
Cost None
Registration Please email Michael Frye (mfrye@uiwtx.edu) an RVSP so that sufficient sandwiches can be ordered and that a parking permit can be issued along with parking and location information.
Notes This will be a joint meeting with IEEE GOLD and the University of the Incarnate Word American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM) Student Branch.

Sandwiches and sodas be will be provided.

Contact Nils Smith (nils.smith@ieee.org) for information about the San Antonio TMC.

Back to TOP

Women in Engineering Affinity Group
https://www.austin-wie.org/

No meeting scheduled at this time.

More information on WIE: https://www.ieee.org/membership_services/membership/women/women_about.html

Back to TOP

Non-IEEE Meetings of interest suggested by the membership
October 5, 2010: Agile Austin 
  • MeetingTime:     7:00pm - 9:00pm
    Location:     Microsoft Technology, Quarry Oaks Atrium, Bldg. 2 - 2nd Fl., 10900 S. Stonelake Blvd. Austin, TX 78759
    Speaker:     . Gary Allison, VP of Engineering, Convio
    . Jason Burns, VP of Product Development, 360training
    . Israel Gat, former VP of R&D, BMC Software
    . Erik Huddleston, CTO, Dachis Group
    . Tim Stanley, Senior VP of Operations, Ultra Electronics
    . Beth Weeks, VP of Engineering, Zilliant
    . Torsten Weirich, CTO, Acorn Systems
    . Jack Yang, Dir of Engineering, HomeAway
    Title:     Executive Panel: How can we help?
     
    Description:     This panel will provide a forum for all members of the Agile Austin community (practitioners, managers, and executives) to come together. The executive panel will come prepared to share how they became Agile executives, what that means for them, and to offer their experience to other organizations. The panelists are also here to listen and learn what the community needs and how they can help. (In fact, the idea for this panel came from an Agile Austin executive.)

    There will be plenty of open Q&A, but planned topics include:
    .    Benefits and drawback of using Agile
    .    What do executives want from Agile teams?
    .    What measures do executives use to measure the business?
    .    What advice would the panel give to other executives?

    This is a rare opportunity ask, listen, and engage with some of the Austin's own Agile executive leadership. Invite your co-workers, invite your managers, and invite your own executives.
     
    Speaker Bio:    
     
    Additional Information
    Cost:     Free
    Map Directions:     From Mopac, take Braker Lane exit. Turn West on Braker Ln to Balcones Center Dr, then turn Right to Stonelake Blvd. Turn left on Stonelake Blvd.
    From 183, take Braker Lane exit. Turn East on Braker Ln to Stonelake Blvd. Turn left at Stonelake Blvd. (map)
    More Info:    www.agileaustin.org or info@AgileAustin.org
    Agenda:     Sign-in and Networking     6:00 - 6:30 PM
    Announcements, Presentation 6:30 - 8:00 PM
    Q&A and Networking     8:00 - 8:15 PM
    SIG Open Space     8:15 - 9:00 PM
     
    Proof of Attendance forms will be provided for PMI (PDU), ASQ (RU) and PDMA (PDH) re-certifications
October 13, 2010: Austin ASQ (American Society for Quality)  https://www.austinasq.org
  • Topic/Title: With the Best of Intentions
    Speaker:  Robert K. Henderson, MS and PhD degrees in Mathematical Statistics  from SMU  as well as an MBA from the University of Delaware 
    Date/Time: Wednesday October 13th, 2010 from 5:30 - 8:00 PM
    Cost: None Reservations Not necessary  Location: Marie Calendars 9503 Research Blvd Ste 400
    Network and learn at the monthly Austin ASQ meeting!  Austin ASQ meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm for networking with the presentation starting at 6:45 pm
October 23-24, 2010: Austin Science and Engineering Festival Expo.
  • Held at the Austin Convention Center 10:00-5:30PM. As a satellite event of the USA festival, the Austin Science and Engineering Festival will also be held in October in Austin, Texas. The Austin Festival will showcase the remarkable technology of Austin. The Austin festival plans to host events throughout the community from October 2–22. The Festival culminates in a two-day Expo at the Austin Convention Center with over 100 science & engineering exhibits of hands-on, fun science and engineering activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Further information can be found at https://www.austinsciencefestival.org/.  

Back to TOP

3. News & Information

September issue of IEEE-USA Today's Engineer includes these features:

  • Make a Great First Impression - in Person and Online - By Marketing Yourself Remarkably
  • Home Stretch for the 111th Congress
  • Employment Meltdown Solutin: Technology + Talent + Teamwork = Jobs
  • Needed: Support for Professional Science Master's Degrees
  • STEM Education: Are we Begining to See the Light?
  • The Engineer's Pledge
  • IEEE Day: 7 October 2010
  • FE Other Disciplines Module: Not the Easy Option
  • IEEE-USA Toolkit
  • Plans Outlined foCarbon Capture and Storage
  • Your Engineering Heritage: The IEEE Archives
  • Worl Bytes: Scouts of America 100th Anniversary

Read more.

Back to TOP

4. Local IEEE Conferences

  • October 4-6, 2010: 2010 IEEE Bipolar/BiCMOS Circuits and Technology Meeting - BCTM at the Austin Radisson Hotel & Suites. For more information see https://www.ieee-bctm.org/.

  • October 7, 2010: 2010 IEEE Workshop on Compact Modeling for RF/Microwave Applications (CMRF). https://cmrf.ewi.tudelft.nl. Austin, TX

  • October 25-27, 2010: IEEE 19th Conference on Electrical Performance of Electronic Packaging and Systems (EPEPS) on October 25 - 27, 2010 at the Austin Crowne Plaza Hotel. For more information see https://www.epeps.org.

  • November 2-4, 2010: 2010 IEEE International Test Conference (ITC) at Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center. For more information see https://www.itctestweek.org/.

  • February 12-16, 210: 2011 IEEE 17th International Symposium on High Performance Computer Architecture (HPCA), Rivercenter Marriott Hotel, San Antonio, TX.  Further information can be found here.
  • February 22-24, 2010: 2011 IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium (SAS), Hyatt Regency San Antonio, TX.  Further information can be found here.  
  • March 3-6, 2011: 2011 IEEE-USA Annual Meeting, "Engineering in Motion: Engineering Policy & Technology in Transportation & Energy," Austin, TX, Renaissance Austin Hotel.  Further information can be found here.

5. Other Conferences & Workshops

These conferences have been brought to our attention by section members

Back to TOP