IEEE Central Texas Section

THE ANALOG

Volume 55-05

May 2011

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


Published monthly. Deadline for inclusion is the 26th 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

Systems, Man and Cybernetics

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

I just returned from the IEEE Region 5 meeting, where the Central Texas Section was named as Best Large Section in the Region for 2010.   In addition, the Texas State Student Branch was awarded the Outstanding Small Student  Branch Award.

This is a result of the level of activity the section leaders and volunteers show.  You all are outstanding in chapter and affinity group activity, with 17 Society Chapters, two Technical Council chapters, and four Affinity Group chapters.  The section and chapters are active in support of the IEEE-USA Professional Activities goals, with an active program of encouraging local teachers to attend Teacher In Service Programs that help them do a better job of encouraging their students to excel in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skill areas.  Dean Schneider is the Student Activities Chairman responsible for this work. 

He and Dawn Roberson, our Vice Chair in San Antonio, are leading the Future City program, where junior high students design a city in Sim City, and prepare a paper and presentation on a new theme each year.  2011 is the second year that the section has sponsored this activity, which leads to the winning student team and their teacher getting a free trip to the national Futures Cities competition in ?Washington, DC during Engineers' Week in February.  They can always use more volunteers, in particular, paper judges and mentors for each of the student teams. 

Another area that the section excels in is support of the five Student Branches in our universities that have Electrical Engineering programs.  Student branch monetary support from the Section helps the student branches with their programs.  However, student branch support must come out of locally generated funds.  This need is the reason we encourage the chapters to have small conferences that generate a surplus.  Those surpluses, in addition to funds from other locally sponsored activities, are necessary to our continued support of the student branches.  This year we are funding the student branches out of section reserves, but next year, we may be down to our reserves limit, and unable to continue the generous student funding.  You can help with this challenge by working with your chapter officers to sponsor a chapter conference that has a surplus. 

The section excels in aspects of Membership Development.  Joe Redfield's process for generating and vetting Senior Member applications is something that other sections are implementing, as a result of his visibility in Membership Development activities both in /region 5 and in the IEEE as a whole.

We enjoy the services of our Vice Chairs in Austin, Thuy Dao, and in San Antonio, Dawn Roberson.  They are charged with supporting the local chapters in each city. 
They provide mentoring to the chapter leaders, including local meetings o chapter chairs to discuss section and chapter management. 

Our newsletter, The Analog,  continues to attract very good editors, currently  and is well supported by its editor, John Purvis and the leaders of all the committees and chapters of the section. 

I need to apologize to other volunteers that I should be thanking for earning us the Best Large Section Award, but I can't detail everyone who has nade a contribution to the success of the Central Texas Section without overfilling this space. 

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

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Membership Development

myIEEE Membership Portal

myIEEE is a members personalized gateway into IEEE membership. Log in today (IEEE Web Account required) for a comprehensive view of IEEE membership and the latest IEEE has to offer.  See https://www.ieee.org/myieee
  • View a quick summary of the latest IEEE news and activities
  • Access your individual Society memberships and subscriptions
  • Connect with your local IEEE Section and volunteer leadership
  • Find upcoming conferences in your technical area
  • Learn more about individual benefits
  • Read the latest news from IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Standards News, and The Institute
  • View special-interest programs on IEEE.tv

Not an IEEE member and have been waiting to join?

Join now with half year dues!  Join IEEE and receive 9 months of membership for the price of six.  If you have been away from IEEE for more than a year, you can re-join for half price!

Did you know about IEEE

IEEE GOLD Webinar - The IEEE has an ongoing focus on Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) members.  Each month there is a free webinar covering topics that are pertinent to the new engineer.  Examples of past webinars that are available for immediate viewing are:
  • Project Management – Two Brains are Better than One: Right-Brained Project Management by Dr. Michael Aucoin
  • Professional Networking -  Fearless Networking for Engineers by Elizabeth Lions
  • People Skills – People Skills in a Completive Environment" by Joe Lillie. 

You DO NOT need to be a GOLD member to participate. For more information and a listing of available recorded Webinars, see https://www.ieee.org/membership_services/membership/gold/events

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

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Section & Chapter News

5th Annual Brain Party
Thank you, Central Texas engineers!!!  A one-of-a-kind celebration for a one-of-a-kind community, the Brain Party is in its 5th year with co-hosts, the Austin Chamber of Commerce and IEEE.

Featuring great food and live entertainment, all local engineers and IEEE members are invited to attend this “Cinco de Mayo” themed networking event on May 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at National Instruments, 11500 North Mopac Expressway. Just submit your name, email address, company, and title to tdaniels@austinchamber.com to register for the event.

Admission at the door with business card or student ID. For more information, please contact Tiffany Daniels (tdaniels@austinchamber.com).

Sponsored by: Cirrus Logic, Gemalto, National Instruments, IEEE Central Texas Section and the Austin Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to Central Texas Section members recently promoted to Senior Member
At the March meeting of the Admission & Advancement (A&A) review panel Byeong Lee and Sanjay Shakkottai were both elevated to Senior Member status.  

Do IT Employment Figures Undercount IT Workforce?

The IT workforce has been hit hard by the spate of layoffs attributed to the global economic downturn. But U.S. government statistics overstate the case, unintentionally making it seem that people with IT skills are virtually unemployable, says David Foote head of IT workforce analysis firm Foote Partners. Foote says that the U.S. Department of Labor’s occupational classification system is outdated and does not take into account the fact that the modern IT professional workforce brings IT skills and expertise to business units outside traditional IT departments. The undercount is significant, says Foote, with “barely 20 percent” of IT worker accounted for in government statistics.  Read on.

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Continuing Education

Two IEEE Webinars Now On Demand
Two new webinars are now on demand at spectrum.ieee.org. Check out :
  • "Digitizing the Power Grid Part 1: Fundamentals of Grid Sensing and Analytics," which covers electronic power monitoring and distribution technologies, as well as an advanced algorithm for flicker detection, power sensors, ADC architectures, and a GPS-synchronized distributed phasor measurement unit. Watch the webinar at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17909/32170
  • "Using MATLAB to Simulate and Optimize Multiphysics Designs" shows how MATLAB extends Comsol's multiphysics modeling capability with tools for scripting, data analysis, and algorithm development. Watch the webinar at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17910/32170

Upcoming Classes / Workshops from GeekAustin
RAILS
In May, GeekAustin will be hosting a beginning Rails class We will announce the instructor and publish the course outline in the next week. The registratation is not yet online yet, but if you would like to get your name on the list and receive the pre-course survey, send a note to rails@geekaustin.org

We have quite a few classes and workshops in the queue for the rest of the year and will be scheduling them based on demand and instructor availability. As always, if there are any topics you'd like to see, don't hesitate to send a note to classes@geekaustin.org.



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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



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Calls for Volunteers

May 7, 2011
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Tournament
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, May 7 - Tournament Volunteering
Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive
Volunteer positions are still open for those interested in participating in the event.  All volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, and a FIRST® Tech Challenge T-shirt. EVENT VOLUNTEERS are needed for are needed for set-up, check-in, crowd control, hospitality, and load-out.  TECHNICAL VOLUNTEERS are needed to serve as judges and robot inspectors.  Those with engineering, technical, or Human Resources backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Contact Rachel Wilkinson at rwilkinson@skillpointalliance.org to volunteer.

May 12, 2011
21st Century College & Career Conference for 8th Graders in San Antonio
Thursday, May 12, 2011
8th graders from across the San Antonio area are invited to explore their options and begin preparing for the world of opportunities around them and in college and careers. Over 500 students are planned to attend and volunteers are needed to for a variety of activities:
1. Lead an Interactive Session - 45 minute hands-on activity/presentation for up to 40 kids exposing students to what they might experience in the workplace, 21st century skills, how to prepare for college, how to write a resume, etc.
2. Lead a Lunch & Learn - 45 minute session to teach students about important soft skills needed in the workplace, and engage students in conversations about their futures.
3. Sponsor a booth for the College & Career Expo Session
4. Donate door prizes for teachers and/or students.
Contact Joules Webb at Joules.Webb@esc20.net if you can help out.

GOLD Launches Mentoring Connection Webinar
Are you interested in becoming a mentor or finding a mentor to help with  your professional development? If the answer is yes, check out a free new IEEE Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) webinar aimed at
helping mentors and mentees connect with each other. Learn more at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17953/32170

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2. Chapter Activities


Multiple Chapter Events


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Chapter Meeting Notices

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


Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract

Date/Time

Cost


Reservations


Location


Notes

We are looking for anyone interested in presenting at our next meeting.  If interested please contact Jeremy Pruitt @ jeremy.pruitt@ieee.org

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Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Topic/Title

High fidelity, surface mount, optical MEMS Microphones

Speaker

Dr. Neal A. Hall of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Texas, Austin

Neal A. Hall received the B.S. degree from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1999, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, in 2002 and 2004, respectively, all in mechanical engineering. From 2004 to 2006, he was an Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Fellow with Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. In 2007, Neal founded Silicon Audio, a high-tech startup developing MEMS acoustic sensors. He joined the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Texas, Austin as an Assistant Professor in January 2009. His research interests include silicon micromachining, acoustics, optics and photonics, and transducers.

Abstract

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) optical microphone that measures the interference of light resulting from its passage through a diffraction grating and reflection from a vibrating diaphragm (JASA, v. 122, no. 4, 2007) is described. In the present embodiment, both the diffractive optical element and the sensing diaphragm are micromachined on silicon. Additional system components include a semiconductor laser, photodiodes, and required readout electronics. Advantages of this optical detection technique have been demonstrated with both omnidirectional microphones and biologically inspired directional microphones. In efforts to commercialize this technology for hearing aids and other applications, a goal has been set to achieve a microphone contained in a small surface mount package (2 mm x 2 mm x 1 mm), with ultralow noise (20 dBA), and a broad frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz). Such a microphone would be consistent in size with the smallest MEMS microphones available today, but would have noise performance characteristics of professional audio microphones significantly larger in size and more expensive to produce. The unique challenges in our effort to develop the first surface mount packaged optical MEMS microphone will be presented. Dynamic models used for simulating frequency response and noise spectra of fully packaged microphones will be presented and compared with measurements performed on prototypes.

Date/Time

May 16, 2011 - Reception 6-6:15pm, Presentation 6:15-6:30pm

Cost

None

Reservations

RSVP https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/6519 or respond to Kristi.Hummel@ni.com

Location

National Instruments Building B Briefing Center, 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, TX 78759

Notes



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

Topic/Title

IEEE CASS Distinguished Lecture:  Energy Harvesting - from Devices to Systems

Speaker

Prof.Yiannos Manoli, IMTEK, University of Freiburg, German

Yiannos Manoli received the B.A. degree (summa cum laude) in physics and mathematics from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1978, the M.S. degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980, and the Dr.-Ing. Degree in electrical engineering from the Gerhard Mercator University in Duisburg, Germany, in 1987. In 1985, he joined the newly founded Fraunhofer Institute of Microelectronic Circuits and Systems, Duisburg, Germany. From 1996 to 2001, he held the Chair of Microelectronics as full professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany. In July 2001, he was appointed Chair of Microelectronics, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Germany. Since May 2005, he also serves as one of the three directors at the “Institute of Micro and Information Technology” of the “Hahn-Schickard Gesellschaft” (HSG-IMIT), Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. His current research interests are the design of low-voltage/low-power mixed-signal CMOS circuits, electronics for energy harvesting and embedded microsystems, sensor read-out circuits as well as A/D-converters. In 2000, he had the opportunity to spend half a year on a research project with Motorola (now Freescale) in Phoenix, AZ. In 2006, he spent his sabbatical semester with Intel, Santa Clara, CA. Prof. Manoli received the Best Paper Award from the European Solid-State Circuits Conference (ESSCIRC 1988) for the paper “A Self-Calibration Method for Fast High-Resolution A/D and D/A Converters.” His group has received awards at PowerMEMS 2006, at MWSCAS 2007, and at the IEEE International Conference on Microelectronic Systems Education (MSE-2007). The last award was dedicated to Spicy VOLTsim (https://www.imtek.de/svs) a web-based application for the animation and visualization of analog circuits which also received the Multi-Media-Award of the University of Freiburg in 2005. When the Technical Faculty introduced the Best Teaching Award in 2008 Professor Manoli was the first to receive this honor. Professor Manoli has served on the committees of a number of conferences such as ISSCC, ESSCIRC, DATE and ICCD, and was Program Chair (2001) and General Chair (2002) of the IEEE International Conference on Computer Design (ICCD). He is a member of Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, IEEE, VDE and of the Editorial Board of the “Journal of Low Power Electronics”

Abstract

Energy harvesting (also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging) is the process by which energy is derived from external sources (e.g., solar power, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, and kinetic energy), captured, and stored. Frequently, this term is applied when speaking about small, wireless autonomous devices, like those used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks. (https://www.wikipedia.org) The talk covers both the transducer concepts and devices used to convert ambient energy into electrical power and also the circuits required to drive these components at the right operating point to achieve a high efficiency. The introduction explores the applications and systems where energy harvesting can be applied to power autonomous devices with functions such as readout of remote sensors, observation of the environment, surveillance of buildings and industrial plants. Some systems convert kinetic energy from motions and vibrations by using piezoelectric, electrostatic and electromagnetic concepts. The result is an AC output power. Electrostatic or capacitive harvesting is based on the effect that vibrations separate the plates of a variable capacitor, thus converting mechanical into electrical energy. Mechanical strain on piezoelectric devices can generate electrical current or voltage and vibrating magnets moving past a coil can be used to gather electrical power. Other concepts use electrochemical, photovoltaic or thermoelectric concepts to provide a DC energy source using fuel cells, light radiation or heat gradients. Thermoelectric generators, for example, are built up as a junction of two different materials. By connecting many devices in series a usable voltage can be achieved at the presence of thermal gradients. These power sources deliver low levels of usable energy, thus any system will have to seek ways to maximize the effectiveness. So diverse the energy sources are, even more wide ranging are the transduction principles that can be applied to convert the available energy to electrical power. Each one of these schemes will require a different circuit technique for achieving an optimal conversion. This adaptive control has to be intelligent enough to always find the optimum without itself requiring too large amounts of energy. Here lies a major challenge for low-power and low voltage electronics.

Date/Time

Tuesday May 10
6:30PM - 8:00PM

Cost


Reservations

https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_registration/register/6577

Location

UT Austin Campus ACES 2.402 https://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/ace.html

Notes

IEEE SSCS Distinguished Lecture

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

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

No meeting scheduled at this time.

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

Topic/title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract


Date/time


Location


Cost


Reservations


Notes


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

Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Location  
Cost


Reservations

Please email Djaffer Ibaroudene, dibaroudene@stmarytx.edu  , or call  (210) 431-2050 by Wednesday, April 20, 2011 so we can have a good head count for the pizza.

Notes See website for directions and parking,
  https://www.ieee-cs-cts.org

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

Topic/Title Wind Energy in Texas
Speaker Mark Kapner, P.E.,  Senior Strategy Engineer,  Austin Energy
Speaker Bio Mr. Kapner was instrumental in developing and running Austin’s GreenChoice Program, the nation’s leading renewable energy marketing program.  He originated the “dual storage media” system for integrating off-peak wind energy and solar thermal to produce utility-scale dispatchable energy.  Kapner also helped to launch Plug-In Partners, the Austin Energy-lead campaign to persuade the automobile industry to build plug-in hybrid vehicles.  He has 30 years of experience in energy technology and environmental engineering and policy.  Prior to coming to Austin,  Kapner launched TerraSolar USA, a solar photovoltaics company based in New Jersey.  He was a research and development manager in the New York Power Authority where he developed demonstration projects in energy storage, biomass energy, solar, and cogeneration.  Kapner spent ten years as a consultant to federal government agencies, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.  He has a BS in Engineering Science from the State University of New York and a Masters in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Abstract

This presentation will address:  Historic growth and current generation mix;  Factors that contributed to dramatic expansion of wind;  Impact of wind on system operations;  and Adding transmission to accommodate more wind - policy initiatives.

Date

Wednesday,  May 25, 2011

Networking at 6:00 pm;  Business and Program from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Location

PoK-e-Jo's,  2121 W. Parmer Lane at Lamplight Village,
Austin,  TX 78727

Cost

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

Reservations Not required.  All interested parties are invited to attend.  For more information, go to:  https://www.ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/cn/index.htm
Notes


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

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

No meeting scheduled at this time.

Topic/title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract


Date/time


Location


Cost

Reservations


Notes


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

Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract


Date/Time


Refreshments


Reservations


Location


Notes


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

Topic/Title For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)
Speaker Patrick Felty, the Alamo Regional Director for FIRST 
Abstract Presentation on FIRST
Date/Time Wednesday, May 18
6:30 PM
Cost

Dinner cost is $10 for IEEE members and $15 for non-members. Students are free.

Reservations RSVP with Brett Moore (brett.moore@ieee.org) for an accurate dinner head count.
Location

KCI North Campus, 6203 Farinon Drive, San Antonio, TX, 79249

Notes Light dinner followed by the presentation

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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

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Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Affinity Group

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker


Abstract
Date/Time


Cost
Reservations


Location


Notes Welcome from the new Chair of IEEE CTS GOLD,

It is my pleasure to serve as the Chair for CTS GOLD.  I am excited about implementing Social Events, Networking Events, Workshops/Seminars, Focus Groups, Career Guidance Mentorship, and much more. 

I am usually tied to a computer deep in the basement, as most Information Technology workers are, so I am truly excited to plan and participate in events that get me away from staring at a screen.  I enjoy any chance to be outdoors, especially if it is with Remote Control 1/8 scale gas powered buggies, which is one of my favorite hobbies.  I will plan an R/C event if other members enjoy R/C as well, just utilize my contact details below to let me know. 

As the GOLD Group matures, events, discussions, and useful resources will be posted on the following sites.
Events: https://goo.gl/d8D0D
Linkedin Group: https://goo.gl/aVi3O
Facebook Group: https://goo.gl/2wQ4Z

I am planning a kickoff event, so make sure you visit the resource pages above to get the latest news.

Thank you,
Troy Green
Chair, IEEE CTS GOLD
troy.green@ieee.org

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

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

GOLD Launches Mentoring Connection Webinar
Are you interested in becoming a mentor or finding a mentor to help with  your professional development? If the answer is yes, check out a free new IEEE Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) webinar aimed at
helping mentors and mentees connect with each other. Learn more at https://bmsmail3.ieee.org:80/u/17953/32170

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Laser and Electro Optics Society

No meeting scheduled at this time.

For more information, contact Ray Chen

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Life Members (LM) Affinity Group - San Antonio

Topic/Title Tour of San Antonio Museum of Art, followed by lunch on the River
Speaker
Abstract

The group will enjoy a comprehensive tour of all of the museum's collections, led by an expert docent. The tour will be followed by a pleasant lunch at the museum's "Cafe des Artistes", overlooking the newly renovated Museum Reach of the San Antonio River.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is located at 200 Jones Avenue, in the historic former Lone Star Brewery. Admission is free for members, and is $8 for the general public, $7 for seniors (65+).

Lunch will follow at "Cafe des Artistes" and is about $10 per person.

Arrive at 10 AM. Ample free parking is available across the street.

Date/Time Thursday, May 19
10:00 AM through lunch.
Location
Cost


Reservations RSVP to Tom O'Brien, t.p.obrien@ieee.org
Notes


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

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

Topic/Title

Power Meter Metrology

Speaker Ed Schneider of Cirrus Logic

Ed Schneider received a BSEE from the University of Washington in 1990 and a MSEE from Washington State University in 1992.  In the 19 years since graduation, Ed has worked for Cirrus Logic, IBM and Oasis Silicon Systems/SMSC.  His passion is analog and mixed signal IC design.  Schneider has had an opportunity to work on some highly diverse products including PLLs used in super computers, consumer audio gear, automotive fiber optic and wire line networking and hard disk drive read channels.   He is currently working on power products, including power factor correction circuitry and power meters.   In the course of his work on these projects he has been an author on six US patents.  He managed Cirrus Logic’s Power Meter IC design group for two years, and lead development of state-of- the-art metrology ICs.  When not involved in IC design, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and 8 year old daughter. 
Abstract To support recent smart grid initiatives, many residential and industrial power meters are getting a refresh to facilitate communications between the meters and the utility provider.  This is a noticeable shift in power meter deployment, as until recently, power meters were installed during construction of a residence or commercial facility and seldom, if ever upgraded.   In addition to the communication upgrades the measurement or metrology is also getting an update.  This presentation focuses on metrology for the new breed of power meters. The goal of power, or watt hour, metrology remains simple but difficult: the highly accurate measurement of current and voltage to determine power, and then the integration of power over time to measure energy or watt hours.   The new meters must be more accurate, have a wider dynamic range work with more types of current sensors, while remaining highly reliable.  In addition, meters capable of reporting additional power measurements, such as power factor, and harmonic content are becoming common place.  The talk will outline key metrology fundamentals, and discuss some future trends in metrology.
Date/Time Tuesday, May 24, 2011
 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
Location  El Gallo Mexican Restaurant, 512-444-2205
2910 S Congress (directions below)
Austin, Texas
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
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.
Reservations

Please RSVP - if you plan to attend please reply to this invitation. To reply or for further information, please contact Steve Pearson via email:  pearssteve@gmail.com

Notes

There is a large parking lot in front of and on the south side of the restaurant. The meeting will be held in the party room to the left of the cashier’s counter.

Directions:          (See the map linked from the Website, https://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/)

From I –35:  Exit at Oltorf and drive west. At S. Congress, turn left (south). El Gallo is about 500 feet past the next traffic light (Cumberland), on the right (west) side of Congress, directly across from the entrance to St. Edward’s University.                    

From Ben White Blvd. (US290/SH71):  Exit at S. Congress Avenue and drive north. El Gallo is about 600 feet past the next traffic light (Woodward), on the left (west) side of Congress directly across from the entrance to St. Edward’s University.

Check the web site for further information

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker


Abstract


Date/Time
Location


Cost


Reservations
Notes

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

Topic/Title

To be determinied

Speaker To be determinied
Abstract Planning a joint meeting with the EMC Society.  Please watch for details in the mid-month update or on the CTPSES website: https://PSESCentralTexas.yolasite.com
Date/Time

To be determined

Cost

None

Reservations

Not required

Location

To be determined

Notes


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.

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

Topic/Title

The Future of Mobile Debate: Native Apps vs. Web Apps

Speaker

Andrew Donoho, Donoho Design Group and C. Enrique Ortiz, About Mobility

C. Enrique Ortiz (CEO) is an Austin, Texas-based mobile technologist, product-strategist, developer & author. He has been creating mobile apps and webapps since the days of WAP and J2ME. An Austin Technology Incubator alumnus and entrepreneur, he is very active in the Austin mobile-technology scene. Enrique is founder/organizer of MobileMonday Austin, Android Dev Austin and the Austin Wireless Alliance. He also is an Advisory board member for SXSW Interactive and a number of Austin Startups. Enrique is co-author of the book Android in Action 3rd Edition, and he co-authored the Mobile Information Device Profile for Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME): Professional Developer’s Guide. A contributing author to a number of mobile-developer websites, including IBM developerWorks, he also blogs at About Mobility. Enrique enjoys helping entrepreneurs and Startups establish operations and grow in Austin.


Andrew W. Donoho has a small mobile device consulting firm, Donoho Design Group, L.L.C., which concentrates on iPhone development. In addition to developing applications for clients, he has personally developed two REST networking based applications for iOS devices: weLost™ and ch@tter™. This work is the natural extension of his over 25 year history of developing with Apple and web networking technologies. He has experience in developing 3D visualization software, designing hardware and crafting web standards (XHTML, SVG and UPnP). He is trained in experimental physics with a degree from the University of Texas at Austin and lives in Austin with his wife.

Abstract

The speakers have had plenty of discussions with colleagues and friends about native apps, written to run directly on the operating system, versus mobile web app, written to run in a mobile browser. There is no right answer -- only questions and positions. This debate, in public and on stage, will refine your view of the choice. There will be many breaks in the debate for you, the judges, to ask refining questions of the participants. This will be fun.

Date/Time

Thursday, May 19, 2011
6.00-7.30PM

Location

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

Cost

None

Reservations

https://modeb.eventbrite.com/

Notes



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

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

Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract


Date/Time


Location


Cost


Reservations


Notes


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Systems, Man & Cybernetics Society

Topic/Title

No meeting scheduled at thist time

Speaker


Abstract


Date/Time


Location


Cost


Reservations


Notes

For further information, contact David Akopian david.akopian@utsa.edu

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes

Contact Doug Russell for more information about the Austin TMC.

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Technology Management Council - San Antonio (TMC)

https://webinabox.vtools.ieee.org/wibp_home/index/CH05214
Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Location
Cost Attendance is free. You will need to pay for your lunch at the SwRI Cafeteria.
Registration Please email Michael Frye (mfrye@uiwtx.edu) an RVSP by Monday, April 4.
Notes

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

The Central Texas Chapter of Women in Engineering is looking for volunteers.

Would you like to help with the organization and planning for our Fall Launch of a sponsorship program, aimed to help young engineers with their careers? Would you like to help plan our programs?

We will be hosting regular events building communications skills among our members, with brief talks and opportunities to polish your presentation skills.

And we will embark on a program to match up individuals with sponsors/mentors to help them with their careers.

If you would like to participate, please send an email to Leslie Martinich, lmartinich@ieee.org and let me know your area of interest:
  •    planning
  •    sponsoring/mentoring
  •    speaking at events
  •    web site
  •    other:

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

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Non-IEEE Meetings & Events of interest suggested by the membership

May 3, 2011
Agile Austin Meeting for May
Event:     Agile Austin Meeting
Date:     May 3, 2011
Time:     6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:     Microsoft Technology Center, Quarry Oaks Atrium, Bldg. 2 - 2nd Fl., 10900 S. Stonelake Blvd. Austin, TX 78759
Speaker:     Steven "Doc" List, Principal Consultant with ThoughtWorks
Title:     The Agile Lego Game
 
Description:     Come learn the fundamentals of Agile practices while having an amazing amount of fun at the same time! Play the Agile Lego Game and experience and learn how Agile works in a non-threatening environment. Playing the Lego game is one of the best ways to introduce people and teams to agile in a fun environment. This game originally created at ThoughtWorks, has been used all over the world, is great fun, and is a tremendously effective learning tool.

Did I mention that it's fun?
 
Speaker Bio:     Steven "Doc" List (generally known as Doc) is currently a principal consultant with ThoughtWorks, a highly respected international technology consulting company. Doc's focus is on organizational transformation and agile adoption, including coaching, assessment, and training.

Doc is an experienced software technology professional with a career spanning three decades. Doc has worked on all types of hardware and operating systems, multiple languages and environments. Doc maintains a long-term focus on the core skills and strategies of management, leadership, team-building, and individual growth, and is an experienced presenter and public speaker, business and agile coach, and trainer and workshop leader. Doc is also a recognized expert Open Space facilitator.
 
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:    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

May 10, 2011
Central Texas Electronics Association, Electronics Design & Manufacturing Symposium
Program:
 
3:00  -  Registration Begins
 
3:30  -  Welcome and Introductions
 
3:35  -  "3M's High Speed Cable Products"
              Bill Ballard,  3M
                   
4:05  -  "MTBF: Your Mileage May Vary…"
              Ed Tinsley,  Dell
      
4:35  -  Break & Networking
 
4:45  -  "LDI Imaging, LDI Solder Mask, Silkscreen, and Vision Drilling”
              Bryan Fish,  Streamline Circuits
 
5:15  -  "Touch Screens:  Staying on Point in 2011 and Beyond"
              Michael Woolstrum,  Touch International
 
5:45  -  Closing Remarks
 
6:00  -  Food & Refreshments Served and More Networking
 
 
Registration:
 
RSVP to Bob Baker at:  rjbakeratx@austin.rr.com
 
There is no charge for SMTA and IMAPS members;  $10 for all non-members
 
Event Location:
 
3M Innovation Center, Hill Country Room, 6801 River Place Blvd in NW Austin
Right turn off RR-2222 going west and follow signs to Innovation Center parking area

May 18, 2011
Austin Innovators and Entrepreneurs Series (AIES)
Join us May 18th for our unique Austin Innovators and Entrepreneurs Series (AIES) event, sponsored by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the IBM Venture Capital Group.The venue for this event will be the University of Texas Club in downtown Austin.
 
This time only, AIES is integrating with IBM SmartCamp. IBM SmartCamp is an exclusive global program bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and experienced mentors who want to build a smarter planet. Be there live to see the SmartCamp Austin finalists present their innovative, smarter planet solutions!  
  • Doors open and registration begins at 3:00
  • IBM SmartCamp Austin finalist presentations from 3:30 - 5:00 pm
  • Keynote speakers and award presentations from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
  • Networking reception from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
If you are not able to attend the entire event, we encourage you to take the opportunity and join us for the keynote speakers beginning at 5:30.
 
We're pleased to have the following keynote speakers join us:
  • Scott Case, CEO of Startup America will be speaking about Startup America and sharing his views for the Austin entrepreneurial community
  • Jim Corgel, IBM General Manager, ISV & Developer Relations will be speaking about what IBM SmartCamp is doing in the local and global community and what IBM Global Entrepreneur brings to you.
Space is limited, so please register now for Austin Innovators and Entrepreneurs Series. If you have any questions, please contact us at Austin Innovator & Entrepreneur Series (AIES).

June 19-25, 2011
First Bytes Computer Science Camp at UT Austin
The Department of Computer Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin will host First Bytes, Version 9.0 - a free one-week residential program for high school women - designed to dispel myths about computer science and intrigue these young women with the potential of computing and the excitement of problem solving - June 19-25, 2011. Application forms and more information available on line.  All portions of the application must be submitted or postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2011.


June 24-25, 2011
The Texas Symposium on Software Engineering (TSSE)
Although the previous decades have yielded many significant achievements, the 6th decade (2010’s) of software engineering brings us a focus on ensuring that software is constructed to standards that meet the lifetime demands that will be placed on it. This requires our attention to such matters as: architectural pattern quality, requirements dynamics, ubiquity, mobility, verifiability, security, evolvability, measurability, effective lifecycle paradigms and total cost/benefit of ownership.  Emerging technology in these areas will enhance our ability to manage the increasing complexity and ubiquity of modern software systems, as well as boost overall system quality and reduce costs and vulnerabilities.
 
TSSE is a regional software engineering conference sponsored by the UT Center for Advanced Research in Software Engineering (UT ARiSE), providing a forum for managers, practitioners, researchers and educators to discuss the most recent trends, experiences and concerns in the field of software systems engineering.  In order to accelerate community learning, this conference will identify and discuss the critical issues impacting software engineering professionals and their organizations in the next decade. 
 
TSSE offers an exciting program of events, including keynote talks, presentations, panels, tutorials, and poster sessions. The event will be complemented by a set of social opportunities, providing further venues for discussion and networking.
 
Register by May 15th for a 20% discount.
For more information see the conference web site at  https://tsse.ece.utexas.edu

November 5-6, 2011
Second Annual Texas Science and Engineering Festival (TSEF)
It is with great enthusiasm that MAES announces the Second Annual Texas Science and Engineering Festival (TSEF).

The Texas Festival is modeled after the highly successful Austin Science and Engineering Festival. With an estimated 20,000 people in 2010, attendance at the first Austin Science and Engineering Festival (ASEF) proved that STEM is fun!

Fueled by the best scientific and educational resources in the area all geared towards making science interesting, relevant and fun, the ASEF committee worked in partnership with the community to develop an annual initiative to engage and excite Texas in the wonders of science and engineering.

This year we expand the festival to the entire state of Texas with the first state-wide Texas Science and Engineering Festival. The Texas Science and Engineering Festival will be an even larger celebration, jam-packed with the smiling faces of our future scientists and engineers as they explore the myriad of STEM-related activities – lectures, exhibitions, plays, workshops, and more. There will be something for everyone!

As a partner, your name and logo will be prominently displayed on the Festival website. There is no funding required from our partners. Partners are encouraged to:

• promote the festival
• provide volnteers

Where Will You Be When Science Takes Over Texas?

The two-day Expo will be held at the Austin Convention Center on November 5-6, 2011. We invite you to become a partner of the Texas Science and Engineering Festival.

This will be a great opportunity for your organization to gain additional public awareness and recognition. Please join us in encouraging the youth of America to embrace and pursue the opportunities available in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Join us at the Texas Science and Engineering Festival, one of the largest celebrations of science and engineering. We look forward to another exciting, interesting and fun festival.

You can find out more at https://texassciencefestival.org


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3. News & Information

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

TODAY'S ENGINEER FEATURED ARTICLE
Career Focus: Is Now the Right Time for Engineers to Become Entrepreneurs?
Apple. Microsoft. Google. The list of huge companies that began as tiny entrepreneurial startups is legendary, long and varied. But are the same opportunities available for today's engineers? Is it a good time to hang out your shingle, or to work for a startup?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • Entrepreneurs' Network Celebrates 20 Years of Entrepreneurship Education
  • White House and Industry Leaders Partner to Promote Entrepreneurship
YOUR CAREER, YOUR LIFE
  • The Quiet War on Innovation
  • FROM THE ENGINEER'S DESK
  • Backscatter: In Praise of a Job Well Done
YOUR CAREER, YOUR LIFE
  • Retaining Talent: How Do Your Employees Really Feel about Working for You?
  • Urgent Retirement Planning for Boomers
PATENT REFORM
  • House Introduces Patent Reform Bill
LICENSURE & REGISTRATION
  • Which PE Exam Should You Take?

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4. Local IEEE Conferences

5. Other Conferences & Workshops

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