IEEE Central Texas Section

THE ANALOG

Volume 54-12

December 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

Latest 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

 

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

Back to TOP

Membership Development

New to the IEEE?

The IEEE has developed a website,  HYPERLINK "https://www.ieee.org/start" www.ieee.org/start , specifically to support new IEEE members in navigating though the IEEE.  Along with the information on the site, IEEE has created a new member orientation the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM EDT and 3:00 PM EDT.

If you are a new member to IEEE OR just want to refresh yourself on what the IEEE offers to its members, check out the site and the orientation.

Opportunity to make a difference as an Engineer!

As an IEEE member, or simply as an Engineer, we get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future engineers AND have some fun at the same time!  See the CTS web site or the URLs below for additional details on the listed opportunities.

Science Fair Judge – Yes it is Science Fair season again.  There are a number of science and engineering focused high schools in the CTS area that host Science Fairs each year. Commitments are typically a half day.  Below are those Science Fairs known to the CTS.

IEEE Central Texas Future Cities Competition mentors and judges.  This is a competition of student teams, typically from a school in creating a future city model an simulation.  This years event will be held January 15th in San Marcos.
To register as a Judge, contact Dean Schneider at d.schneider@ieee.org or call 210-385-1008. To be a mentor, contact Andrew Hunt at achunt@lan-inc.com or call 210-3221-4353.

Go make a difference and have some fun!

Did you know about IEEE – IEEE.tv

Offered as an exclusive benefit of members, IEEE.tv Member/Basic offers members-only programming.

IEEE.tv Member/Basic included highlights from IEEE conferences, interviews with leading IEEE authors, technology reports from IEEE Spectrum, and coverage of special IEEE events and people.

Check out the new monthly programming at https://www.ieee.org/ieeetv

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

Back to TOP

Section & Chapter News

Central Texas Future City Competition
The Central Texas Future City Competition will be held on January 15, 2011 on the campus of Texas State University.  We are in need of mentors and judges.  Mentors will be assigned a specific team to work with for the entire time.  Judging can be done remotely - we provide the SimCity software and the metrics to judge the city, or if writing is more your thing, you can judge the essay from the comfort of wherever you may be.  We also need judges the day of the competition for the model of the City and the presentations.

Contact Andrew Hunt (ACHunt@lan-lan-inc.com) for mentoring options - there are teams needing mentoring in Austin! or Dean Schneider (d-schneider@tamu.edu) for judging.

Back to TOP

Continuing Education

IEEE Continuing Ed Gets Makeover
The IEEE program that offers members discounts on continuing  education courses has been upgraded. The Continuing Education  Providers Program, formerly known as the IEEE Education Partners  Program, now has more participating institutions and offers steeper  discounts. Read about the changes at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17257/32170

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

Central Texas Discover Engineering: Five Steps for Volunteers to Get Involved
Engineer volunteers visit classrooms and lead hands-on activities that demonstrate teamwork and logical processes while discussing their jobs and their enthusiasm for engineering. Learn about our volunteer opportunities and how you can join in sharing the world of engineering with local students, elementary through high school:
  • Sign Up
  • Select Your School Preferences
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Provide Feedback
  • Stay Involved
Learn more about volunteering and how to get involved on the Central Texas Discover Engineering website.

Back to TOP

2. Chapter Activities


Multiple Chapter Events

None planned for this month

Back to TOP

Chapter Meeting Notices

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


Topic/Title

 No meeting planned at this time

Speaker


Abstract

Date/Time

Cost


Reservations


Location

Notes

Back to TOP

Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Topic/Title

 No meeting planned at this time

Speaker


Abstract

Date/Time


Cost

None

Reservations

RSVP: https://ieeectxinstmsmtnov2010.eventbrite.com/

Location

 National Instruments, Building C Room 1S13 - 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

No meetings planned at this time

Speaker



Abstract


Date/Time

Cost

Reservations


Location


Notes


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

 No meeting scheduled at this time

Speaker

Abstract

Date/time

Location

Cost

Reservations


Notes


Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title

No meeting planned at this time

Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time


Location

Trinity University
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 Holiday Social and Networking Event
Speaker
Speaker Bio
Abstract

You are invited to share an evening with your fellow consultants and enjoy some holiday cheer.  CTCN will provide the snacks.  You buy your favorite beverages.
Date

Wednesday, December 15, 2010,  Networking & socializing from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm

Location

Opal Divine's Marina, 12709 N. Mopac, Austin, TX 78727.  Just north of Parmer Lane and near Fry's Electronics.
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 next meeting of the Cen-Tex Chapter of the EMC Society is planned for January 19, 2011. Check the calendar and the RSS feed for details.

Speaker

Abstract

Date/time

Location


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.

For meeting information, contact Ross Carlton at ross.carlton@ieee.org or 512-683-6392

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title

 The next meeting of the Cen-Tex Chapter of the ED Society is planned for January 27, 2011.

Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time

Refreshments


Reservations


Location

Notes

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at this time
Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Cost


Reservations
Location


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 No meeting scheduled at this time
Speaker


Abstract
Date/Time


Cost
Reservations


Location


Notes

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 The Impact of Engineering: A Case in Point
Speaker Dean Schneider, who coordinates the K-12 educational activities of the Central Texas Section
Abstract

Many people just expect things to work and never wonder why it does. This presentation gives a short introduction to the importance of engineering in our society and presents a specific example where engineering has made a difference in the lives of people living in underserved communities along the Texas - Mexico border. It will conclude with a presentation about what your IEEE Central Texas Section is doing to address the future of engineering in our State and Nation.
Date/Time Wednesday, December 1, 2010

11:00 am - 11:30 am - Gathering and informal conversation
11:30 am - 12:15 pm - Lunch
12:15 pm -   1:00 pm - Program
Location Earl Abel's Restaurant, 1201 Austin Highway
Cost

$10 per person
Reservations Please RSVP to Bob Harris (boss@ieee.org) and indicate preference for
beef, chicken or vegetarian menu so suitable arrangements can be made
Notes The December meeting will be a social meeting and spouses are especially invited.


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

Sequin, TX Steel Mill Tour
Speaker
Abstract

We will tour the Melt Shop, Caster and Rolling Mill.  The main
power substation (outdoors & in the center of the plant) will be viewed
from outside of the fence.  The tour will require walking up stairs and
a distance of one to two miles.
 
Children under 18 years will not be allowed on the tour.
Date/Time

Saturday December 4
Location The Address:
CMC Steel Texas
1 Steel Mill Drive
P.O. Box 911
Seguin, Texas 78155
 
 
Directions from downtown Austin to the steel mill (approx. 57 miles).  There are two ways to go, depending on your preference:
One----
I-35 South to New Braunfels.  Take Exit 189 for TX46/ TX337 and head south-east for 8.3 miles.  Turn left onto CR 104 (Rudeloff Rd). This road will go west for less than one mile then turn south (left).  Stay on this road and as you cross Seguin Rd you will notice you are on FM 1620.  The plant is less than one mile from the left turn in the road (one-half mile south of Sequin Rd).  The plant will be on your right hand side.
 
Two----
I-35 South to San Marcos.  Take Exit 204A for TX123/ TX82 and head south for almost 24 miles.  Turn west (right) on I-10.  Take exit 605 for FM 464 and go west for less than ¼ mile.  Take a right on FM 1620 and look for the plant on the left hand side in about one-half mile.
 
From San Antonio.
I-10 East to Seguin.  Take exit 605 for FM 464 and go west for less than ¼ mile.  Take a right on FM 1620 and look for the plant on the left hand side in about one-half mile.
Cost
Reservations

Please RSVP by Tuesday morning November 31 to Mike Noth  mikenoth@ieee.org on the number of people are coming.
Notes

Recommended Dress:   Long trousers - jeans, long sleeve shirts and
tennis shoes (no sandals or open toes;  There is dust and grease in the
plant that may get on your clothes.  We usually provide a white throw
away (very light) jacket.
 
Safety Glasses & Hard Hats: Are provided, but people may bring their own
if desired and safety glasses will fit over prescription glasses.
 
Meeting place:  to be determined;
 
Food:  to be determined; this will add to the length of time on site;
The tour could take approximately 1 1/2 hours; 

Check the web site for further information, or contact Kevin Ewing

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title

No meeting planned for December
Speaker


Abstract


Date/Time
Location


Cost

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

R
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

Recap - Product Safety Symposium in Boston
Speaker Gary Schrempp - Dell, Daniece Carpenter - Dell
Abstract

Covering the following presentations from the Symposium:

  • Overview and Images from the Symposium - Daniece
  • Keynote Address by Dean Woodard of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Daniece
  • Automobile Sudden Acceleration - Gary
  • Mechanical Testing - Gary
  • Interlock Systems – Daniece
  • Regulatory Labeling - Gary
  • Protective Earthing - Gary
  • Available Symposium Papers
Date/Time

Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Cost

None
Reservations

Not required
Location

Dell Parmer South Campus Confirm location on Chapter Web site
Parmer South Building S4
Victoria Conference Room
701 East Parmer Lane, Austin
Notes

Official election of Chapter Officers will occur at this meeting

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 planned at this time

Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time


Location

AT&T Labs - 9505 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759

Cost

Admission is Free

Reservations

https://mimo-wireless.eventbrite.com

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

 No meeting scheduled at this time

Speaker


Abstract

Date/Time


Location


Cost

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 No meeting scheduled at this time
Speaker
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes

Contact Doug Russell for more information about the Austin TMC.

Back to TOP

Technology Management Council - San Antonio

https://webinabox.vtools.ieee.org/wibp_home/index/CH05214
Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at this time
Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes

Contact Roxanne Constable (constabler@sbcglobal.net) 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
Tuesday December 7
Event:     Agile Austin Meeting
Date:     December 7, 2010
Time:     6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:     Microsoft Technology Center, Quarry Oaks Atrium, Bldg. 2 - 2nd Fl., 10900 S. Stonelake Blvd. Austin, TX 78759
Speaker:     Paul Brownell, Principal at Growth Acceleration Partners
Title:     If Nothing Else: Measure Percent of Stories Achieved
 
Description:     If you measure nothing else, measure percent of stories achieved.

In Scrum the most powerful measurement is the percentage of stories achieved in a sprint. It gives you a concrete way to measure success that does not drive non-agile or unhealthy behavior from the team. It helps to improve focus on results (working software), predictability, and understanding the definition of done. We will explore the benefits and uses of this metric for the Scrummaster, Product Owner, and team. This will include examples of common development pitfalls, how to spot them using this metric, and options for what to do about it.

More Info:    https://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

Thursday, December 9
STEM WOW! Showcase
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Texas State Capital
Legislative Conference Center E2.002
A WOW! is the culminating event in each apprenticeship when students "teach back" what they have learned over the course of the semester. Witness students sharing their content knowledge of:
  • Robotics
  • Civil engineering
  • Video Game Design
  • Math Gave Design
  • Boggy Creek Water analysis
  • Imagining Mars-Space Exploration
Learn about Citizen Schools and the important 21st Dentury Skills that students in middle school are mastering. Please RSVP

Tuesday, December 14
Capital Macintosh User Group
Bob "Dr Mac" LeVitus returns this December to give his annual State of the Mac address. Dr Mac has been busy of late, producing new PSA’s sponsored by CapMac for Channel Austin’s use on their three public access channels. In the PSA’s Dr Mac gives helpful tips and tricks for using Macs, iPhones, iPods and iPads. Come see Dr Mac give his assessment of where Apple is and where it will be going in the next year plus get an inside look at the blooper reel from the tapings for Dr Mac’s PSA’s.

The next CapMac General Meeting will be held on December 14th, 2010. CapMac General Meetings are held at Sherlock's Baker Street Pub located at 9012 Research Blvd (US Hwy 183) near the intersection with Burnet Rd in the Furniture Row Shopping Center. Ample parking is available infront of the Pub.

Further information on the Web https://www.capmac.org/?cat=3

Back to TOP

3. News & Information

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

  • Feature Stories: 
    • Consulting 101
    • Forensic Engineering: Is it for you?
    • IEEE Members Give "Thumb Up" to IEEE Member Group Insurance Program
  • U.S. Innovation & Competitiveness 
    • Outlook for Key S&T Competitiveness Legislation Uncertain
    • Do Taxes Affect Innovation and Jobs?
    • Smart Grid Needs More Broadband Spectrum, Researchers Contend
    • NIST Realigns Labs to Improve Decision Making, Strengthen Interdisciplinary Research
  • Energy Outlook
    • Biofuel Review Part 5: Impact on Water and Biodiversity
  • From the Engineer's Desk
    • Ten Secrets of Successful Tech Support
  • Resources
    • IEEE-USA Toolkit
    • Tech Digest: November

Wednesday December 8

Introducing IEEE Humanitarian Technology Webinar Series
IEEE has launched a series of free webinars showcasing how engineers are applying technology to solve pressing humanitarian challenges. The first webinar in the Humanitarian Technology Webinar Series, which is to be held on 8 December at 15:00 GMT, deals with Mobile Web Technologies for the Developing World. For more information and to  register, visit https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17311/32170

The Tech Museum of Innovation: Exhibits
https://www.thetech.org/exhibits/online/

Based in San Jose, the Tech Museum was designed to inspire people through documenting the world of science and technology through hands-on, interactive activities. If visitors can't make it down to their headquarters in California, this online series of exhibits is a nice surrogate for an in-person visit. The site always highlights three exhibits, and the most recent exhibits have included a "MPG Marathon" and "The Satellite Site". In the "Satellite Site", visitors can use graphics and interactive images to learn how satellites work, what they do, and also peer into the anatomy of these remarkable devices. In the "MPG Marathon", visitors can create their own energy-efficient hybrid car and then race it against two opponent cars to see how it performs in real-time. Finally, the site also contains eight archived exhibits that cover earthquakes, lasers, and a "robot zoo".


Back to TOP

4. Local IEEE Conferences

  • 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

Back to TOP