IEEE Central Texas Section

THE ANALOG

Volume 56-06

June 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 Communications and Signal Processing 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

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. With the time for vacations approaching, the CTS activity level will be somewhat reduced over the coming summer months.  I hope that y'all will have an opportunity to get away from work and recharge.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the CTS Consultants Network officers for organizing another successful workshop for Consultants.

Kenny Rice
Chairman, Central Texas Section
krice@ieee.org

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Membership Development

Membership only E-learning tutorials

The IEEE a vigorous E-learning program.  In addition to the many tutorials provided at nominal fee, the following are but a few provided at no charge to IEEE members:
  • Village Energy: Understanding Rural Energy Needs
  • Product Development for the other 90%: Lessons Learned
  • IPR Copyrights Tutorial
  • IPR Patents Tutorial
  • IPR Plagiarism Tutorial
  • And many more …..
Watch your inbox for an IEEE Email with details or visit the IEEE Member eLearning website.

Not an IEEE member and have been waiting to join?

Join now with ½ year dues!  Join IEEE and receive 8 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 Jobsite

IEEE maintains a Jobsite to assist engineers in finding jobs, seeing what is available, and determining benefit and salary comparisons.  The site is open to the public but many of the extended capabilities are available through your IEEE Web Account.  See https://careers.ieee.org/

The upgraded Jobsite contains:
  • Schedules of virtual and physical carrier fairs from major employers
  • Webinars on using IEEE job seeker tools and other topics
  • Articles on the latest employment trends
  • IEEE Job Search Widget
  • Rated as one of top 100 job website
Log on and check it out!

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

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News of Interest to the Section

Congratulations to new Senior Members
Both Alexandre Ferreira and Eric Van Hensbergen were elevated to Senior Member at the A&A Review Panel meeting held on 21 April 2012 in Dallas, TX, USA.

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Continuing Education


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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: Omar Magaña email: omagana1@mail.stmarytx.edu

Texas State University - San Marcos (new branch, 2009)
Faculty Adviser: Larry Larson, email: Larry.Larson@TXState.edu
Branch Chair: Jonathan Park, email: jp1563@txstate.edu

Trinity University - San Antonio (https://www.engr.trinity.edu/)
Faculty Adviser: Farzan Aminian, email: Farzan.Aminian@Trinity.edu
Branch Chair: Harold Garza, email: hgarza@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: Shuo Wang, email: Shuo.Wang@utsa.edu
Branch Chair: Devon Johnson, email: DevonJohnson@ieee.org

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Calls for Volunteers


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Local Chapter Activities

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


Topic/Title

Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time

Cost


Reservations

Location

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


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

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

Topic/Title


Speaker
Date/Time
Cost
Location
Notes

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

Topic/title

Speaker

Abstract

Date/time

Location

Cost

Reservations

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.

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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


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 Microcontrollers in Healthcare:  Meeting Home Portable Healthcare Device Requirements
Speaker Donnie Garcia
Speaker Bio Donnie Garcia is a Systems Engineer with Freescale’s Microcontroller Solutions Group.  He is responsible for new product introduction from product definition to development tool requirements, die size trade-offs, and feasibility studies.  As an active member of Freescale’s intellectual property (IP) teams, Donnie defines IP roadmaps and IP for new products, and conducts research and evaluation of competitive products.
Abstract

Portable healthcare devices are evolving into comprehensive gadgets that include advanced communication protocols, stylish user interfaces, and data logging resources.  This evolution cannot come at the cost of key application requirements for long battery life, accurate and reliable measurements, and cost effectiveness.  The Freescale Kinetis K50 ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with integrated analog front end satisfies healthcare device requirements with exceptional low power design and integration of key peripherals such as capacitive touch sensing hardware. 

Date Wednesday,  June 27, 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
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://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/cn/
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/12725
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

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

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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

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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

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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Instrumentation and Measurement Society

Topic/Title


Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time

Cost


Reservations

Location

Notes


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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 No meeting planned for June
Speaker
Abstract


Date/Time
Location
Cost


Reservations
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 Sustainable Energy Engineering
Speaker Dr. M. Ehsani is an IEEE Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer. He has founded and chaired numerous IEEE conferences, committees and societies. Dr. Ehsani has co-authored thirteen books on power electronics, motor drives and advanced vehicle systems. His innovative research work has led to more than 23 US and EC patents, granted and pending. Dr. Ehsani received his BSEE and MSEE degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973 and 1974, respectively. He received his PhD degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981.
Abstract The living film covering the surface of planet Earth is delicately balanced. The conditions for life are created by life. These conditions are complex systems and feedback mechanisms that are poorly understood. Hunity now captures one quarter of the primary productivity of the planet. However, we lack engineering systems to properly manage this productivity at the planetary scale. This resulting in environmental impacts, such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. The broader impact of our present energy and resource management can be divided into three categories:
 
·         Human Society (energy, population growth, food, resource depletion)
·         Economic (economic disasters, economic refugees, wealth imbalances)
·         Resources (finite resources, approaching shortages of finite fossil fuels)

The solution is a new way of thinking and new technologies that he refers to as Sustainable Energy Engineering.
In this presentation, Dr. Ehsani will review the above issues, paying particular attention to sustainable energy production, consumption and the relationship between the two. This will establish the foundations for a holistic sustainable energy production-consumption technology complex. Using this insight, he will then examine some individual technologies.
Date/Time Tuesday, June 26, 2012
6:00 to 6:30 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 IEEE members and accompanying spouses: $11 or $13 for dinners.
Non-IEEE members: $14 or $16 for dinners.
All: $2 for non-alcoholic beverages.
Student members: FREE or $2 for special selections for dinners.
Student visitors and non-meal participants: $3.
A bar is available for those who care to purchase a beer or other alcoholic beverage.
Reservations If you plan on attending, please RSVP by sending an e-mail to ieee.pi2.austin@zxtech.net.
Notes See the map linked from our 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.

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

Topic/Title Medium Voltage Switchgear
Speaker Square D
Abstract


Date/Time  June 21st
6:00 PM Social
6:30 to 7:00 PM Dinner
7:00 to 8:00 PM Speaker Presentation
Location

Acadiana Café
1289 Southwest Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas
210-674-0019
Cost Attendees shall order and pay for their own meals via room waitstaff.
In addition the following fees are due for IEEE:
$2 Members
$5 Non-members
$10 No meal ordered – applies to both members and non-members
Fee waived for students
Reservations Please RSVP to Curtis Cryer @ 210-353-2159, or cbcryer@ieee.org
For more information go to our web site https://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/sanantonio/index.html
Notes

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

Topic/Title
Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Cost
Reservations
Location  
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://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/com_sp/



Topic/Title


Speaker

Abstract

Date/Time

Location


Cost


Reservations

Notes

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Joint Communications and Signal Processing Society - San Antonio (Com/SP)
https://ewh.ieee.org/r5/central_texas/satx

Topic/Title

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 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.

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Technology Management Council - San Antonio (TMC)

https://webinabox.vtools.ieee.org/wibp_home/index/CH05214
Topic/Title TMC SA has no scheduled meetings for June
Speaker
Abstract
Date/Time
Location
Cost
Registration
Notes

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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.

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Conferences, Other Meetings and Events

Local IEEE Conferences, Events or Workshops

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

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

  • June 13, 2012:  Central Texas Electronics Association Electronics Symposium
    In Spansion Auditorium, 5301 E. Oltorf past Memory Lane
    Program:
     
    2:00  -   Registration Begins
     
    2:30  -   Welcome and Introductions
     
    2:35  -   “Cerium Labs Story:  From AMD Until Now,”  Tim Hossain, Chief Scientist, Cerium Labs
     
    3:05  -   “Materials Imaging Techniques,”  Bob Cowden,  Imaging Specialist,  Leica Microsystems
     
    3:35  -   “Physics of Failure,”  Cheryl Tulkoff,  Senior Member of Technical Staff,  DfR Solutions
     
    4:05  -   Break & Networking
                       
    4:20  -   “Practical Applications for the DCM 3D,”
                   Bill Henderson,  Metrology Specialist,  Leica Microsystems
          
    4:50  -   “Oxide Thickness Measurement and Solderability Methodology to Determine Long Term
                   Storage Compatibility of BGAs and QFPs,”
                   Rama Hegde,  Senior Member of Technical Staff,  Freescale Semiconductor
     
    5:20  -   “Transmission Electron Microscopy Overview,”  Lynette Ballast, Ops Director, Cerium Labs
     
    5:50  -   Preview of System Demos and Sample Evaluations Event, Mark Sekulich, McBain Systems
     
    6:00  -   Food & Refreshments Served and More Networking
     
     
    Registration:    RSVP to Bob Baker at:  rjbakeratx@austin.rr.com

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

June 4, 2012: Application Developer Privacy Summit + Happy Hour - Austin
Enjoy free food, drinks and discussion with Austin developers and top
privacy experts Monday, June 4 at Buffalo Billiards, 6-9pm. Why?
Policymakers in the Texas State Capitol and in Washington, DC are deciding
how to protect – and who’s responsible for – user and consumer privacy, and
developers are squarely in the crosshairs. Learn what’s at stake for your
applications and your business, and don’t be left out of the conversation.
REGISTER NOW to secure a space – no cost for developers.

https://privacysummitaustin.eventbrite.com/

June 20, 2012: North Austin Door64 Happy Hour
Who: Door64.com members
When: Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 / 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: The Park, 11601 Domain Drive #200, Austin, TX 78758 [Map]
How (much): Free!
Food: Provided!
Register at: https://door64.com/jun2012n

June 21, 2012: Downtown Austin Door64 Happy Hour
Who: Door64.com members
When: Thursday, June 21st, 2012 / 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Six Lounge, 117 West 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701 [Map]
How (much): Free!
Food: Provided!
Register at: https://door64.com/jun2012

June 23, 2012: SpaceUp Austin 2012
Are you interested in space?  Have you seen the recent news from Google about their ambitious space exploration venture?  Join us for SpaceUp Austin on Saturday, June 23rd, a barcamp-style unconference for both students, enthusists, and professionals to have open conversations about the future of space exploration and commercialization!

June 23-27, 2012: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
The National Convention in San Antonio this coming June.  Here’s a link to the convention site:
  https://www.ashrae.org/sanantonio

June 29, 2012:Austin's Painpoint Job Fair
Over 50 candidates have already registered, some from as far away as Chicago to attend this focused software job fair on June 29th.  A limited number of tables are available for companies hiring Java, .NET, Software QA, or UI/UX developers.  Visit:  Attendee Registration | Employer Registration.

August 3-4, 2012: Texas Linux Fest 2012
Texas Linux Fest 2012 will be held Aug. 3-4 at
the Norris Conference Center in downtown San Antonio.

In its third year, Texas Linux Fest 2012 brings the latest
developments in Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) to the public, and
provides a wide variety of sessions to accommodate everyone from the
newest beginner to the most seasoned developer.

In addition, the event also features an exhibition hall where the
latest Linux distros and FOSS programs will display their wares.

The Call for Papers for Texas Linux Fest 2012 opened April 15, and
speakers are encouraged to get their proposals in early. A more
detailed announcement is forthcoming. The deadline for submissions is
June 1 and speakers will be notified on June 15.To submit your talk
for consideration, email the following information to
info@texaslinuxfest.org

To register for Texas Linux Fest 2012, visit https://register.texaslinuxfest.org/reg6/

For more information, visit https://www.texaslinuxfest.org

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Miscellaneous

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

CAREER FOCUS
  • Aerospace Engineering Careers Still Flying High
YOUR CAREER, YOUR LIFE
  • Telling Secrets of the Hidden Job Market
  • Girls Encouraged to Pursue STEM Careers
FROM THE ENGINEER'S DESK
  • Backscatter: Not My Type
LICENSURE & REGISTRATION
  • Developing New Specifications for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
  • Comments Sought on Existing USPTO Regulations and Patent Application Paperwork Burden
INNOVATION & COMPETITIVENESS
  • Engineering Leaders to Convene to Discuss Future of U.S. Engineering
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
  • Fourth IEEE Green Technologies Conference
SHORT CIRCUITS
  • Your Engineering Heritage: Titanic, Wireless Communications, and the Popular Delusions of Mass Media
  • World Bytes: Animal Wildlife Crossings
  • Tech News Digest

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

June 5, 2012: SciGirls Connect Professional Development
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The University of Texas at Austin
FREE to attend
Space limited to 30 educators
 
Participants attending a full day workshop will:
  • Learn latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM
  • Experience FOUR hands-on STEM activities such as using dough to teach circuits, designing their own wind measurement machine and creating your own experiment to identify mystery plastics
  • Leave with curriculum for 20 hands-on, video enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM
  • Learn how to modify any activity to excite and engage kids in STEM using the SciGirls Seven
  • Discover additional online resources that enhance teaching and learning experiences for all kids
Get all the details and register to attend at
https://txgcp.org/scigirls/.


Career

IEEE Career Alert

Tips, Tools and Gadgets

As I mentioned in an earlier article, I read a lot of books on my iPad.  Sometimes I use the iBook reader, sometimes the Nook reader and other times the Kindle reader.  I find that some files, even though they are not locked, are only available on one format.  One solution to that problem is the application stanza (https://stanza.en.softonic.com).  Stanza is a ebook reader that is available for iOS, Mac OS X and Windows.  One of the features I like is the ability to load an ebook in one format, and save it to another.  That way I can choose the reader I want to use.  I can download to my MacBook, open in stanza, save in the format I want to use, then upload the resulting file to the application on my iPad. 

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.