IEEE Central Texas Section

THE ANALOG

Volume 56-01

January 2012

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

Archives of The Analog can be found on the CTS web site here.

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

General Interest

Chairman's Column

Membership Development

News of Interest to the Section

Continuing Education

Student Branches

Calls for Volunteers

Local Chapter Activities

Antennas & Propagation/Microwave Theory and Techniques

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

Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Laser and Electro Optics Society

Life Members Affinity Group

Joint Power and Energy, Power Electronics, Industrial Electronics, and Industrial Applications Societies - 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

Conferences, Events and Other Meetings

Local IEEE Conferences, Events and Workshops

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

Miscellaneous

Latest issue of IEEE-USA Today's Engineer

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Events and Information

Career

Tips, Tools and Gadgets

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

IEEE Regional News

General Interest

Chairman's Column

Dear CTS members,

My name is Kenny Rice, the new Chairman of your Central Texas Section of IEEE, and I'd like to thank everyone that participated in our very first on-line voting for CTS officers, using the new vTools voting tool. Please join me in congratulating the other newly elected Section officer; Vice Chair-San Antonio - Ron Seaman, Treasurer - Don Drumtra and Secretary - Zhuo Li. I would also like to thank our past Chairman, Tom Grim, for his leadership of the section during the last two years.

A very special thanks goes to Thuy Dao who has served as the Section's Vice Chair-Austin for the past 2 years. Thuy has accepted a position as the Electron Devices Society Vice Chair for Regions 4-6 and will be stepping down as the Section's Vice Chair-Austin. She has agreed to stay on as the Section's Conference/Workshop Chair, so she will still be involved with the Section.
 
In IEEE I have been the CTS Treasurer for the last four years. I'm a Senior Member of IEEE. I have been Local Chair for several Conferences and workshops, including the 2011 IEEE-USA Annual Meeting, the 2010 I2MTC, the annual Austin Chamber of Commerce Brain Party, the Metro Area Workshop and the IEEE 125 Anniversary celebration. I am the Finance Officer for Globecom 2014, which will be held in Austin in 2014.

I have lived in Austin since the early 1980's, and a I am consultant in the Semiconductor Industry, which I have been involved with since moving to Austin. I am a native Texan, born in Houston.

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

Back to TOP

Membership Development

Have you renewed your IEEE membership for 2012?

It is easy to forget and easy to put off.  If you haven’t renewed your IEEE membership, or don’t know if you have, go to your MYIEEE account NOW and check at https://www.ieee.org/myieee  or call 800 678-4333.

OR just renew now to avoid loss of any of your IEEE benefits at https://www.ieee.org/renew .

If you have already renewed, thank you for being part of the Central Texas Section and the IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional association. We have a lot planned in the CTS for 2012.

Visit https://www.ieee.org/membership to view all YOUR benefits of IEEE membership.

IEEE GOLD Hosts Upcoming Professional Development Webinar

The IEEE Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) sponsors webinars covering a variety of topical areas of interest to the new engineer as well as the engineer well into their carrer.  There are recorded webinars are available for IEEE members as well as for non-members.  These webinars cover professional development, technical development, as well as IEEE’s humanitarian initiatives.

Go to https://www.ieee.org/gold and browse the recorded webinar topics and check out what’s coming in 2012.
 
Did you know about IEEE – IEEE Spectrum

As a member of IEEE you have exclusive download privileges to view a rich content of IEEE Spectrum articles and features.  Check it out at https://www.ieee.org/spectrum

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

Back to TOP

News of Interest to the Section


New IEEE Fellow
Dr Haran Chandra Karmaker of TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company in round Rock was recently informed that he will be elevated to IEEE Fellow effective this January.  His elevation is the result of his contributions to the analysis, design and standards of large electrical machines.  Congratulations to Dr. Karmaker!

New Senior Members
Congratualtions to the following Central Texas Section IEEE members who were recently elevated to Senior Member: Kristi Hummel, Charles Lefurgy, Haiyan Luo, and Brian Young. 

Report says Austin Top in State for Startups
A report from Texas Entrepreneur Networks (https://https://texasenetworks.com) says that Austin was the top location for startup funding in Texas for Q3. Central Texas received $280.40M in investments.

Back to TOP

Continuing Education


January 9, 2012: Geek Austin, Introduction to Bash Shell Scripting

January 12, 2012: Geek Austin, Intermediate PHP Programming

February 6, 2012: Geek Austin, Introduction to SQL using MySQL

February 21-22, 2012: White Box/Black Box Software Testing in an Agile Environment , UT CLEE
Black box and white box are test design methods. Black box test design treats the system as a "black box", and does not explicitly use knowledge of the internal structure of the software to test the system. Black box test design focuses primarily on testing functional requirements...

Agile testing is a software testing practice that emphasizes testing from the perspective of customers who will utilize the system. It represents the close collaboration between the test creator and the developers in order to ensure that the test scripts can be rapidly created and are robust in the test environment. Agile testing does not emphasize rigidly defined testing procedures...   See https://lifelong.engr.utexas.edu/epd/course_1.cfm?course_num=1398. 


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: Alex Scheuermann, 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

Back to TOP

Calls for Volunteers

Judging Opportunities for the Central Texas Regional Future City Competition
Judging opportunities exist for the 2012 Central Texas Future City Regional Competition.  The competition is scheduled for Saturday January 21, 2012 at Texas State University in San Marcos.  An on-line judging of city simulations and research essays will be accomplished prior to the competition. Materials are available and software for judging cities is available for download free of charge.  Judging on the day of competition includes judging student presentations and models.  For more information or to volunteer, please contact Dean Schneider at d.schneider@ieee.org.
 
The Future City Competition is an integrated, multidisciplinary, holistic approach to relevant issues and is a strong example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education that addresses national and state academic content standards.  The program asks 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from our local area to team with engineer-volunteer mentors to create — first on computer and then in large, three-dimensional models — their visions of the city of tomorrow.  

Back to TOP

Local Chapter Activities

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

 University of Texas, Austin
ACES 2.402

Notes

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

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title

No meeting 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/

Topic/Title

No meeting planned at this time
Speaker
Date/Time
Cost
Location
Notes  For more information, please visit https://cpmtaustinchapter.org/ or contact Nanju Na at 512-286-9677

Back to TOP

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

Topic/title

 Multi-dimensional testing

Speaker

 Forrest Breyfogle
In a professional career spanning over a quarter century, Forrest Breyfogle has established himself as a leading edge thinker, a prolific author, an innovative consultant, a world-class educator, and a successful business executive.  He recently completed a five-book set, Integrated Enterprise Excellence,  that provides radical management advancements in the utilization and integration of scorecards, strategic planning, and process improvement. Mr. Breyfogle was named Quality Professional of the Year for 2011 by Quality Magazine. He also received the prestigious Crosby Medal from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) in 2004 for an earlier book, Implementing Six Sigma, 2nd ed..  Forrest is currently located in Austin, Texas where he founded Smarter Solutions, Inc. in 1992.

Abstract

 With computer software and hardware testing, often logic pass/fail failures occur because of combinational issues. For example, one state of a factor may not work when exercised in unison with particular state conditions of two other factors.

It is typically impossible to test all possible combinations of input parameters when trying to ensuring that no one combination can cause a failure.  Multi-dimensional testing is an approach for efficiently testing a logic pass/fail response given multiple combinational input considerations. With this strategy, a carefully selected small number of possible subset factor combinations can yield a satisfactory test of combinational effects (not to be confused with interaction effects).  For this test methodology, several quantifiable “test coverage” statements are available. A computer program can be used to provide test designs for any number of factors and levels considerations.

It will be also shown how this test methodology can be integrated within an overall enhanced business management system, which, among other things, provides predictive scorecards.

Date/time

 Tentative: Wednesday, January, 18, 2012

Location

 HP facility in Austin. The address is 14231 Tandem Blvd, Austin, Tx 78728.

Cost

 None

Reservations

 Pizza and Drinks

Notes

Follow the Austin chapter on Twitter @AustinIEEECS, and please feel to tweet with our tag for relevant content to our community.

We've officially launched the LinkedIn group for our the Austin chapter of the IEEE Computer Society.  Feel free to sign up at the following URL:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4064900.

Back to TOP

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

Dinner, $15 Members, $4 students, $18 Non-Members
Reservations

Please email Dr. Djaffer Ibaroudene, dibaroudende@stmarytx.edu , or call (210) 431-2050
Notes See website for directions and parking,
  https://www.ieee-cs-cts.org

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title The Evolution of Engineering Codes of Ethics.
Speaker Bob Hunter
Speaker Bio Bob obtained BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.  His industry experience includes quality control, patent engineering and, for over 30 years, regulatory compliance engineering.  Bob's latest book includes several chapters on engineering ethics and will be the subject of a "show-and-tell" at the meeting.
Abstract

Engineering codes of ethics remained relatively static for many years after 1947. It is interesting and instructive to see how they have changed in the last two decades.

Date Wednesday,  January 25, 2012
Networking at 6:00 pm;  Business and Program from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location PoK-e-Jo’s,  2121 W. Parmer Lane at Lamplight Village,  Austin  TX  78727
Do a friend a favor.  Bring your colleagues to grow the Consultants Network.
Cost

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

Reservations
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

Back to TOP

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

Back to TOP

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

 Meeting Location: Rio Grande Conference room at SVTC
Map: https://www.sematech.org/corporate/map.htm

Notes

 Sponsoring the Solar Technology Workshop, September 16.  See IEEE Meetings section for details. 

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist 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 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

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

Back to TOP

Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Topic/Title

The A/D Converter - Looking Beyond the Specifications

Speaker

 Jerome Johnston, Intersil
BSEE, More than 30 years experience in analog system design; scientific research instrumentation; instrumentation for Measurement While Drilling (oil wells); weigh scale instrumentation; and most recently, 20 plus years of experience in analog to digital converter development and support.

Abstract

 Some basic Analog to Digital Converter specifications will be reviewed. Then the presentation will go beyond the specifications to reveal a broad gamut of ADC issues, such as explaining that even a specification may not tell you what you need to know. Various ADC behaviors, quirkiness, and even cryptic issues that are not defined or revealed in product specifications will be exposed. Sources of some difficult to debug system issues will also be presented. And you will want to get warned about how some ADCs can enter the Twilight Zone, so that you can understand why your data went wacko. The ADC may meet it specifications, but will it measure what you intend to measure?

Date/Time

 January 16, 2012 - Reception 6-6:15pm, Presentation 6:15-7:30pm

Cost


Reservations

https://ieeectsiandmjan2012.eventbrite.com  or email Kristi.Hummel@ni.com

Location

 National Instruments Building C 1S13, 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, TX 78759

Notes


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 Informal visit to 10BitWorks.com, the San Antonio Hackerspace
Speaker
Abstract

The San Antonio Hackerspace is a workplace for makers and builders.  It has places to work and equipment to use, shared by the members.  It also has modest facilities for training and presentations.  There are always new projects being built (e.g., a 3-D printer, a robot, a CNC machine), or skills being taught.  Don't expect it to look like a showplace.  It looks like a cross between a garage and the set of "Sanford & Son".  It's a hackerspace!
Date/Time January 21, 2012
11:30 AM Lunch
1:00 PM Tour
Location The San Antonio Hackerspace is located in the main room of an old motorcycle shop at 1020 Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78210. It shares the building with two other tenants. Park on McKinley but walk out to Roosevelt. Enter through the second door, closest to the highway.  There's a sign "10BitWorks" on the door.
Cost


Reservations So we'll have a headcount, please RSVP to Tom O'Brien t.p.obrien@ieee.org or 210.481.3443
Notes
 The IEEE Life Member Group and the San Antonio chapter of IEEE ComSoc will meet on Saturday, 21 January, for an informal visit to 10BitWorks.com, the San Antonio Hackerspace.  The tour will begin at 1 PM.

Before the tour, we will meet for lunch at 11:30 AM, at J Anthony's Seafood Cafe (3015 S Presa).


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

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title Imaging the Edge of Our Solar System
Speaker Maher A Dayeh of Space Science and Engineering division, Southwest Research Institute

Dr. Maher Dayeh is a research scientist experienced in space and atmospheric data analysis and instrumentation. His research interests include heliospheric physics (space weather, solar energetic particles, heliospheric and magnetospheric energetic neutral atoms emissions), atmospheric electricity (lightning initiation, cloud electrification, runaway electrons, lightning x- ray imaging), and the development of novel radiation and particle detectors.

Dr. Dayeh is among the IBEX Science Team at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and is currently working on the analyses of datasets from several NASA, NOAA, and European Space Agency missions (IBEX, ACE, SoHO, Wind, Ulysses, STEREO, and GOES). He is also involved in the development of particle detectors for space applications.

Dr. Dayeh has authored and co-authored 27 refereed publications in space and atmospheric physics, and presented 47 contributed talks/posters at national and international conferences and workshops.
Abstract The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission has provided us with all-sky images of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) formed in the interaction region between the solar wind and the interstellar medium. Observations revealed a “ribbon” of enhanced ENA emissions across the sky that was never anticipated before by any model or theory. ENAs can travel hundreds of astronomical units unaffected by electric and magnetic fields and can therefore be used to probe distant places in the universe. In this talk, I will present an overview of the IBEX spacecraft, mission objectives, and discuss the scientific discoveries obtained by IBEX from different regions within our solar system and beyond.
Date/Time Tuesday, January 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
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 (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.

Back to TOP

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 Please RSVP to Christina Gaydos @ 210-658-7250.
Notes

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title Update on the Hazard Based Standard: IEC 62368
Speaker Lal Bahra, Worldwide Regulatory Compliance for Dell Inc.
Abstract What's been changing in IEC 62368 since its implementation? Is there a co-mingling with 60950 in the future?
Date/Time January 17, 2011   6:30 - 8:00pm
Cost None
Reservations None
Location Dell Parmer Campus, Parmer South Building 4, Victoria Conference Room (just inside the visitor’s entrance)
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.

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


Reservations

 For reservation, please check https://comsoc102611.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 thist time

Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time

Location


Cost

Reservations


Notes

Back to TOP

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

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes Receipts and Certifications for PDHs will be available.  Doug will have a limited number of copies of his book available for purchase.

int meeting with the Women in Engineering chapter

Contact Leslie Martinich (lmartinich@ieee.org) for more information about the Austin TMC.

Back to TOP

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 Aldaco’s.
Registration Please email Michael Frye (mfrye@uiwtx.edu) an RVSP by Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Notes

Back to TOP

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

Topic/Title No meeting scheduled at thist time
Speaker
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes Receipts and Certifications for PDHs will be available.  Doug will have a limited number of copies of his book available for purchase.

Joint meeting with the Austin Technology Management Council chapter

Contact Leslie Martinich (lmartinich@ieee.org) for more information about the Austin TMC.

Back to TOP
Conferences, Other Meetings and Events

Local IEEE Conferences, Events or Workshops

May 14-17, 2012: 2012 IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Industry Technical Conference, San Antonio

J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, TX, USA
https://www.ieee.org/conferences_events/conferences/conferencedetails/index.html?Conf_ID=18155

May 30 - June1, 2012: 2012 IEEE International Conference on IC Design & Technology (ICICDT)

Freescale Semiconductor 7700 W Parmer Lane, Austin, TX, USA https://www.ieee.org/conferences_events/conferences/conferencedetails/index.html?Conf_ID=19537

June 3-8, 2010: 2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC)

Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX.  https://www.ieee-pvsc.org/


Non-IEEE Meetings and Events of interest suggested by the membership
January 3, 2012: Agile Austin Meeting
Time:     6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:     BancVue Office, 4516 Seton Center Parkway Suite 300, Austin, TX 78759
Speaker:     Julie Chickering - Agile Coach, Rally Software Development
Title:     Kanban System Design
 
Description:     Kanban, like all Lean-Agile approaches, is based on fundamental principles from which specific practices are derived. Together these provide mechanisms to foster improvement and manage the flow of work. One of the identifying characteristics of a mature Kanban team is its ability to leverage core concepts to foster the emergence of more evolved practices.
Based on real world coaching experiences, Julie will review core Kanban concepts, as well as advanced topics such as complex board patterns, WIP limits and policies. She welcomes your questions.
More Info:    https://www.agileaustin.org or info@AgileAustin.org

Back to TOP

Miscellaneous

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

FEATURE
Career Focus: App Development
YOUR CAREER, YOUR LIFE
Top 10 Ways To Screw-Up Your Engineering Career
Is Your Resume Marketing You as an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet or Gourmet Dining?
SHAPING PUBLIC POLICY
Policy in the Cloud: Part II -- Issues Engaging Policy-Makers
What Does it Take to be an IEEE-USA Government Fellow?
Washington Tech Digest
BACKSCATTER
How to Invent
U.S. COMPETITIVENESS
The Future of U.S. Manufacturing
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Do NOT Publish That Article (if you care about U.S. patent rights)
SHORT CIRCUITS
Engineering Hall of Fame: Henry Ford
World Bytes: Another Year

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Events and Information

February 24, 2012: Moody's Mega Math Challenge
The M3 Challenge spotlights applied mathematics as a powerful problem-solving tool, as a viable and exciting profession, and as a vital contributor to advances in an increasingly technical society. Scholarship prizes total $115,000. The Challenge is entirely Internet-based. Each high school may enter up to two teams of three to five junior and/or senior students. Deadline: February 24, 2012. All the details online: https://m3challenge.siam.org/.

March 1, 2012: Noyce Teaching Fellows program at Trinity University
As you may be aware, our nation faces a teacher shortage in the critical need areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Noyce Teaching Fellows program is funded through assistance by the National Science Foundation and recruits working professionals with an academic degree in a STEM field. Fellows receive a full cost-of-attendance scholarship to attend Trinity’s nationally-recognized, one-year teacher certification program. They also receive a $12,000 stipend annually during their four-year commitment in the classroom.
 
Trinity is seeking to reach interested candidates in or near the San Antonio area.  The current brochure for the Noyce Scholars program may be found at
https://www.trinity.edu/departments/Education/Special_Programs/Fellows.pdf .

March 1, 2012: 2012 Kavli Science & Engineering Video Contest
Students, grades 6-12, are invited to submit entries to the 2012 USA Science & Engineering Festival Kavli Science Video Contest. Videos should explore the main contest theme," Save the World through Science and Engineering." Students should use their imaginations and investigative skills to tackle global challenges, explore new frontiers, and discuss the inventions that help mankind and improve life on our planet. Top entries will receive cash awards and the best videos will be shown at the Festival Expo April 27-29, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The first place winner will also receive a travel stipend to attend the Expo. Submission deadline: March 1, 2012.
Details: https://www.schooltube.com/contests/2012-kavli-save-world-through-science-engineering

March 12, 2012: National STEM Video Game Challenge
Inspired by the Educate to Innovate campaign, President Obama's initiative to promote a renewed focus on STEM education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge aims to motivate interest in STEM learning among America's youth by tapping into students' natural passions for playing and making video games. The 2011 Challenge features two competitions, a Youth Prize (grades 5-8) and a Developer Prize (open to emerging and experienced game developers). Deadline: March 12, 2012.
Details: https://www.stemchallenge.org/Default.aspx

Career

IEEE Career Alert
eWeek Careers at https://eweek.com

Tips, Tools and Gadgets

Do you have a mobile device app to aid in your design process?  I saw an episode of the video podcast GeekBeat.TV a few weeks ago that reviewed an app for Android devices that allowed the creation and simulation of electronic circuits.  EveryCircuit (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.everycircuit.free&hl=en) is available from the Adroid App store and comes in a free and a $10 version.  I have downloaded the free version to my phone and tried it out.  It comes with example circuits and has nice animation showing how the circuit operates. The work area is on the small side, at least on a phone, but it seems to function well. 

Those with IOS devices are not left out.  They can download the $9.99 app iCircuit from iTunes that also allows for the design and experimentation with circuits. 

Do any of you use these or other similar apps on your mobile device for work or hobby applications?  Do you have any you would like to recommend?

If you have comments, or suggestions as to something I should mention in a future issue, please let me know at john.purvis@ieee.org.  I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions.