IEEE CAS Seasonal School on Intelligent Memory & Sensor at the Edge (IMS 2023)
The IEEE CAS Seasonal School on Intelligent Memory & Sensor at the Edge was hosted at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on April 14, 2023, as an inclusive event dedicated to students and professionals to promote discussions on the rapidly developing field of processing-in-memory and processing-in-sensor at the edge and cover cross-layer design challenges. The venue was designed (i) to offer two presentations by students and early-stage researchers on various design aspects of in-memory/sensor computing, (ii) to engage new students interested in device, circuit, architecture, and application in these new topics; and (iii) to offer five tutorials and talks by the leading researchers from prominent universities and industry on various potentials/challenges of in-memory/sensor computing.
The event was publicized by website and the participant registration was also done through the website. Over thirty-five undergraduate, graduate students, postdocs, and faculties were registered for the event. The program started with breakfast and coffee followed by two 10-min short presentations by Ph.D. students, Aseel Zeinati on the topic “Switching Devices for Neuromorphic Computing” and Mahmoud Nazzal on “Graph Neural Networks at Edge”. Following the short presentation, the tutorial session started. An introduction of IEEE CASS’s activities and membership benefits was provided by Dr. Shaahin Angizi, Vice Chair of the ED/CAS Chapter. After that, the first tutorial was given by Dr. Maryam Parsa of George Mason University on “Bayesian Brain-Inspired Computing”, where she talked about key aspects of neuromorphic computing, including what it is, why it is important, how it works, and when it can be used. Through various case studies, she examined different learning approaches within neuromorphic computing, such as Bayesian and evolutionary learning, and neural architecture search for algorithm-hardware codesign.
The second tutorial was given by Dr. Yao Ma of the New Jersey Institute of Technology on “Understanding and Enhancing Graph Neural Networks with A Unified Framework”, where he presented a unified framework of GNNs by connecting them with the graph signal denoising problem. This framework offers a novel and principled approach to designing GNN architectures that meet various demands. He further illustrated the versatility and potential of the unified framework with some examples. After the second talk, an excellent lunch was served to the attendees. The program continued with the third tutorial given by Dr. Adnan Siraj Rakin of Binghamton University (SUNY) on “Exploring Security and Privacy Challenges through Adversarial Weight Perturbation in Deep Learning Models”, where he introduced the algorithm/hardware co-design works for energy-efficient DNN in his group, from both the sparse and low-rank perspectives. He showed the benefit of using structured and unstructured sparsity of DNN for designing low-latency and low-power DNN hardware accelerators. The fourth talk was given by Dr. Shaahin Angizi of the New Jersey Institute of Technology on “Smart Edge for Neural Network Acceleration”, where he focused on a new in-sensor architecture called AppCiP as a sensing and computing integration design to efficiently enable AI on resource-limited sensing devices. At the end, Dr. Ajay K. Podar of Synergy Microwave gave a talk on “Design Challenges in High-Frequency Low-Phase Noise Signal Sources”, where he presented a practical design approach for low-phase nose signal source targeting frequency from 10 MHz to 100 GHz operating frequency ranges. At the end of the tutorials, an additional question-and-answer session was conducted for general discussion. The program ended with closing remarks by Prof. Durga Misra, Chair of the ED/CAS Chapter and Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of NJIT.
The entire event was managed by Dr. Shaahin Angizi and Dr. Durga Misra of the ECE Department of NJIT.
The webpage of the event and full program can be also found on the NJIT website:
https://web.njit.edu/~sa2564/IEEE_CAS_Seasonal_School.html
This report is contributed by
Shaahin Angizi, CAS/ED Chapter Vice-Chair, and
Durga Misra, CAS/ED Chapter Chair, IEEE North Jersey Section
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IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CASS) Forum themed Impact and Future of Chips Successfully Held in Xiamen
On June 2nd, 2023, 2023 IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CASS) semiconductor forum was successfully held in the Science and Art Exchange Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China. This forum was sponsored by IEEE CASS and jointly held by the Department of Micro/Nano Electronics of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Department of Microelectronics and Integrated Circuit of Xiamen University.
The forum themed “Impact and Future of Chips” and had attracted more than 60 students from Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Xiamen University, Tongji University, and Nanjing University. The forum invited several honored guests from academia, industry and investment area to share their profound insights from multiple aspects and dimensions.
The first guest speaker Prof. Li Yongfu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University shared his experience in benefiting from attending IEEE CASS as a student, introduced the background of IEEE CASS and the benefits of joining as a student member. In addition, he encouraged students to attend more activities related to the microelectronic industry, actively explore the truth and the unknown, and progress steadily and far in academic research.
The second guest speaker Associate Prof. Dou Yuhang from Xiamen University reported on the theme “Development and challenge of integrated circuit EDA technology under large-scale trend”. She vividly elaborated on the function and tools of EDA products. Beginning with the development of domestic EDA products, she discussed in depth the future trend, possible technological challenges, and corresponding research of EDA technology.
During the break, Lou Yuqing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Hu Ao from Huazhong University of Science and Technology shared their experience in attending and holding CASS activities as student members in the IEEE CASS Shanghai student branch and Wuhan student branch, respectively. They announced that as a platform for inter-university communication activities, the IEEE CASS student branch would continue to promote cooperation and communication to better serve the student members.
The third guest speaker Associate Prof. Pan Dongfang from University of Science and Technology of China reported on “Fully integrated isolated DC-DC Converter Overview”. He begins with the research background of isolated DC-DC converters and discussed two types of fully-integrated high-efficiency isolated converters, which enlightened the students.
Ms. Zhang Yingming, the vice president of Walden international, as the last guest speaker, delivered a talk themed “The Meaning of Learning” to share her twenty years’ experience in the semiconductor industry. Based on her reflections on her study and personal life, she encouraged students to open their minds and think in multiple aspects, to build up fully and release sparingly, and become valuable people to the society.
In the end, organizer representative Assistant Prof. Qi Liang delivered the ending speech. He described the purpose of establishing the IEEE CASS semiconductor forum in China, expressed hopes to cultivate talents for the Chinese semiconductor industry, and wished that the forum could continue to expand its scale and influence to attract more outstanding young students so that we can firmly support the development of Chinese integrated circuit industry together.
This report was contributed by
Guoxing Wang and Yongfu Li
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Discovering 3D Printing through CASMiLe E-Learning Platform
IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CASS) Malaysia Chapter has successfully organized an event on 3rd April 2023 for Discovering 3D Printing through the CASS MiLe E-Learning Platform. This event took place at Thinker Spaces 2.0, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia. Students from the first to fourth year from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering participated in this physical event, with 42 participants. A total of ten lecturers from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department were also invited to attend, including the lecturers involved in the production of the CASS MiLe module for 3D printing, namely Dr. Huda, Dr Diyana and Dr Anas.
The program began with a welcoming speech from the program's advisor, Ts. Dr. Mohd Nazim Mokhtar. Then, it continued with the membership drive session led by the chair of IEEE CASS Society Malaysia, Dr Mohd Amrallah Mustafa who shared the benefits and advantages of joining IEEE CASS Society for students. The program was continued by having a comprehensive and informative session on the CASS MiLe E-Learning Platform led by the vice president of IEEE CASS Society (Education and Communications), Dr Fakhrul Zaman Rokhani. The students were introduced to this new learning platform on how to use it, how to obtain the study material, and how to access free learning videos such as the learning videos on 3D printing. Then, after the students all have done watching the videos about the 3D printing technology through the CASMiLe E-Learning platform, they all proceed to another practical and demonstration session on using the Ultimaker 3D printing machine with the help of UltimakerCura software. A third-year representative of the IEEE Student Branch, Nurul Syafiqah Ismail gave a brief explanation of how the 3D printing process will take place by the process of creating the 3D model first in Solidwork or Autocad then slicing it in Cura before the information will be sent as a GCODE that the 3D printer can be read. Next, the first year representative of the IEEE Student Branch, Muhammad Hafiy, demonstrate it physically to all students. He printed 4 letters for “IEEE” using the Ultimaker Machine that we borrowed from the PutraMakers UPM. All credit thanks to Dr Tarmeeze, a lecturer from the Department of Food Processing Engineering representing the PutraMakers that have taught and explained how to use the UltiMaker Machine with the help of Mr Hisham, the technician from the PutraMakers Lab to these two representative students for them to understand well and explain it back to the participants. A big thanks also to PutraMakers University Putra Malaysia, led by Prof. Madya Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz, who permitted us to borrow the UltiMaker Machine, the latest technologically advanced 3D printing machine. Lastly, we end our program with an Iftar together in the foyer of the faculty of engineering, University Putra Malaysia. Everyone seemed to be happy at the end of the program and all of the participants obtained so much useful knowledge after joining this event.
This report was prepared by
Nurul Syafiqah Binti Ismail
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CASIF 2022: Bioinformatics and AgriFood Electronics (BAFE)
The agri-food sector is facing global challenges that can be met with support from emerging electronics technologies. At the same time, it is also important to consider sustainable development goals in the engineering design for agrifood systems.
On 15 December 2022, IEEE CAS Malaysia Chapter organized a one-day forum on Bioinformatics and Agri-food Electronics (BAFE) to empower the CAS community in helping innovation for agri-food sectors. MRANTI Park, a research accelerator for technology & innovation commercialisation in Malaysia, hosted the industrial forum. Panellists consisted of an expert from Kulim (M) Sdn Bhd, a leading oil palm plantation company; and two professors from local research universities who are experts in environmental and agricultural research. A roundtable discussion was conducted to spark a collaborative effort among 24 participants from various agri-food disciplines.
Figure: A forum followed by a roundtable discussion among participants at the CASIF’s 2022 Bioinformatics and Agri-food Electronics (BAFE) program.
This report was prepared by
Samsuzana Abd Aziz
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IEEE CASMakers Program: Machine Learning for Biomedical Applications Hybrid Workshop
The CASMakers Outreach Program is an outreach program to empower makers in helping innovation in Circuits and Systems technology solutions. The ability of makers and innovators can be enhanced by leveraging recent disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Realising that, the IEEE CAS Malaysian Chapter, Putra Makers Space of Universiti Putra Malaysia and IEEE IPB University Student Branch Indonesia had successfully organised a “Machine Learning for Biomedical Applications” hybrid workshop in November 2022. The hands-on workshop covered topics on leveraging artificial intelligence in human-robot interaction and liver segmentation by Dr Luthffi ISmail, and utilising deep learning for cervical cancer identification by Dr Toto Haryanto. Around 93 participants attended physically and virtually; were introduced to running machine learning on Jupyter Notebook and Python v2.7 software.
Figure: Participants introduced to basic principles of machine learning for biomedical applications at the Computer lab of the Department of Computing Knowledge, IPB University, Bogor Indonesia
This report was prepared by
Samsuzana Abd Aziz
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IEEE CASMakers Program: DC Motor Hardware in the Loop (HIL) on FPGA 1-Day Hybrid Workshop
The CASMakers Outreach Program is an outreach program to empower makers in helping innovation in Circuits and Systems technology solutions. The ability of makers and innovators can be enhanced by leveraging recent disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things.
Realising that, the IEEE CAS Society partnering with CAS Malaysia and Thailand chapters had successfully organised a “DC Motor Hardware in the Loop (HIL) on FPGA” 1-Day hybrid workshop in Novermber 2022. Prof. Natta Jindapetch gave the hands-on workshop to around 30 participants on how to run DC Motor HIL on FPGA hardware.
Figure: Participants were introduced to basic principles of FPGA programming and controlling DC motors using Hardware in the Loop.
This report was prepared by
Samsuzana Abd Aziz
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IEEE CASMakers Program: Drone Operation Proficiency and Ariel Mapping Technique
The CASMakers Outreach Program is an outreach program to empower makers in helping innovation in Circuits and Systems technology solutions. Recent disruptive technologies such as drone technology could enhance the ability of makers and innovators in circuits and systems.
Realising that, the IEEE CAS Society partnering CAS Malaysia Chapter, Putra Makers Space of Universiti Putra Malaysia and Technerve Sdn Bhd, a local drone company; had successfully organised a “Drone Operation Proficiency and Aerial Mapping Technique” 3-Day workshop in November 2022. The workshop covered multiple topics from regulations to drone flying. Around 30 participants including IEEE members, students and engineers were involved.
Figure: Participants were introduced to basic principles of drone operation and aerial mapping.
This report was prepared by
Samsuzana Abd Aziz
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Institution to Industry Forum
II Edition 27th May 2023 to 10th June 2023 Organised by IEEE CASS Bangalore Chapter
The Institution to Industry event, organized by the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter, aimed to prepare students graduating within the next year for the requirements of the industry. Focusing on both hard and soft skills development, the event provided technical sessions and special workshops to equip students with the necessary competencies. In addition to technical knowledge, the event also offered guidance on interview preparation and resume writing. Notably, the event emphasized the SEMISKILL program, which aimed to develop the technical skills needed to excel in the growing semiconductor market.
The second edition of the 'Institution to Industry' forum took place from May 27 to June 3, 2023. It featured 12 sessions on various topics of VLSI Design and Embedded Systems, along with 2 sessions focused on HR-related topics. To cater to different preferences and circumstances, 6 sessions were conducted online, while an equal number took place in a physical event.
The forum primarily targeted 3rd and 4th year B.E. students and MTech students interested in pursuing a career in the VLSI industry. By providing networking opportunities, the event facilitated connections between students and professionals already established in the field. The overwhelming response to the event was evident, with over 80 registrations, including participants from eight different colleges in Bangalore. The inclusiveness of the event was demonstrated by the presence of over 40 CAS members and more than 30 women participants.
The event was organized in three phases spread across a two-week timeframe. Phase 1 consisted of in-person technical and HR sessions. The event commenced on May 27, 2023, at the B N M Institute of Technology in Bangalore, with the inauguration of the IEEE CASS BNMIT Student chapter. This momentous occasion was graced by Mr. Kishore Kumar Sharma O, Chair of IEEE YP Bangalore Section and Specialist at BOSCH Global Software Technologies, as well as Prof. Eishwar N Maanay, the Dean at B N M Institute of Technology. Mr. Ayan Datta, Chair of IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter and Technologist at Western Digital, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the relevance and benefits of IEEE membership, motivating the students to leverage this platform for their professional growth.
The first phase of the event featured a series of HR and technical sessions. Prof. Prabhavathi P (BNMIT) welcomed the participants, followed by an overview of the workshop delivered by Mr. Jayesh Tanwani (Intel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.), the Organizing Chair of I2I 2023. Mr. Jayesh and Mr. Hariprasad Bhat (Lekha Wireless Solutions) shared valuable insights into the numerous career opportunities available in the VLSI industry. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including Digital design using Verilog, CMOS fundamentals, Verification, Analog design, and HR-related subjects such as resume writing and exploring career opportunities.
During the event, Mr. Chandrashekar B U from Synopsys enlightened the students about the design cycle and the diverse career paths available in product companies at each stage. The speakers were greatly appreciated by the students and were presented with saplings as tokens of gratitude, symbolizing growth and appreciation. The event marked a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the knowledge and insights necessary for successful careers in the VLSI industry.
Pictures 6,7,8 – Networking lunch with IEEE CAS members/Participants with IEEE CAS Bangalore chapter Execom.
Mrs. Suman Dwivedi delivered an enlightening session on "CMOS Fundamentals," providing students with a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect. Following the session, the participants enjoyed a delightful lunch while engaging in meaningful conversations with Execom Members. These interactions allowed them to discuss their interests and explore various career options. To ensure a seamless experience for participants seeking CAS Memberships, a dedicated counter was set up to assist students.
The sessions gained further momentum with Mr. Kumaraswamy K V from NXP sharing valuable insights into digital design using Verilog. Mrs. Srobona Mitra from Qualcomm highlighted the significance of verification and job prospects in the Design Verification domain. Dr. G. S Javed concluded the technical sessions with an enthralling presentation on analog design titled "Ace the Analog Design Interview," captivating the students for an entire hour.
To conclude the day's activities, Mr. Jayesh and Mr. Hariprasad Bhat conducted a mock interview session. This session provided participants with a clear understanding of the interviewer's mindset and expectations during the hiring process.
In the event there was a membership desk which was setup to encourage participants to become IEEE CAS Society member
The face-to-face event was followed by seven days of virtual sessions, where industry experts delivered technical topics online and one on one mentoring sessions.
In summary, the Institution to Industry event organized by the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter proved to be a resounding success. Through its comprehensive program, the event prepared students for the industry by focusing on developing their hard and soft skills. With an impressive lineup of technical sessions, HR workshops, and mock interviews, participants gained valuable insights and guidance to excel in their careers. The overwhelming response, high attendance, and positive feedback from attendees further attest to the event's impact and effectiveness in bridging the gap between academia and industry
This report was contributed by
Ayan Datta, Chair, IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter
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IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter Senior Membership Drive: Recognizing Excellence and Fostering Leadership
We are pleased to present a comprehensive report on the highly successful Senior Membership Drive organized by the IEEE Circuits and Systems (CAS) Society Bangalore Chapter. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the event, including its objectives, activities, outcomes, and future implications.
Event Overview
The Senior Membership Drive, conducted by the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter, took place on 11th March 2023, at RV College of Engineering new seminar hall as a one-day face-to-face program. The event focused on highlighting the significance of IEEE senior membership and motivating potential candidates to apply. The drive aimed to create awareness about the benefits and opportunities associated with senior membership while fostering a sense of community and leadership within the IEEE CAS Society.
Photo 2 (left) : Opening address by IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter Chair on 11th March 2023.
Key Activities and Presentations:
The event commenced with an energizing virtual talk by Mr. Ayan Datta, Chair of the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter. Mr. Datta's passionate speech encouraged all attendees to consider applying for senior membership, emphasizing the importance of building a strong leadership pipeline within the society.
Event Schedule:
Dr. Anand Mohan, an esteemed IEEE Fellow and IEEE CAS member, delivered an engaging talk on the benefits of becoming an IEEE Senior member. His insights and experiences motivated the participants, reinforcing their decision to pursue senior membership.
Photo 3 (right): Dr. Anandmohan highlighting the benefits of IEEE Senior Membership.
Dr. Prasidh R., an accomplished IEEE Senior member from Qualcomm, captivated the audience with his technical talk on "Improving Power Efficiency of RF Amplifier." This session provided valuable knowledge and practical insights into enhancing power efficiency, leaving the attendees inspired and informed.
Photo 4 (left): Dr. Parsidh delivering technical talk.
Participant Engagement and Mentorship
Over 40 enthusiastic participants actively participated in the Senior Membership Drive. To facilitate a seamless application process, each applicant was assigned a mentor. These mentors played a crucial role in guiding and supporting the applicants, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary information and resources to complete their applications successfully.
Photo 5 (above): Event Photo
Regular virtual sync sessions were conducted to address any queries or challenges faced by the applicants. These sessions created an environment of collaboration and shared learning, encouraging the applicants to overcome hurdles and submit their applications confidently.
Application Results and Impact
The Senior Membership Drive yielded impressive results. Out of the 17 dedicated applicants, 16 applications were approved based on the merit of their submissions. This outcome reflects the high quality of applications and the commitment of the applicants to excellence in their respective fields.
The successful completion of these applications has contributed significantly to the growth of the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter's senior membership. We are proud to announce that the chapter now boasts 58 senior members, further strengthening our community of experts and leaders.
Acknowledgments and Recognition
The meticulous organization and seamless execution of the event were made possible by the efforts of Dr. Shylashree, Secretary of IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter, Mr. Jayesh, Vice Chair of the Member Activity Committee and Mr. Sriniket. Their dedication and attention to detail played a vital role in ensuring the success of the Senior Membership Drive.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the new senior members of IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter. Your achievements have been recognized and celebrated through various channels, including announcements on our official LinkedIn page. We are immensely proud to have you as part of our community and look forward to your continued contributions.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The Senior Membership Drive served as a catalyst for growth, not only in terms of individual senior memberships but also in expanding the overall membership base of the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter. By nurturing talent, promoting excellence, and fostering a collaborative environment, we are laying the foundation for future advancements in the field of circuits and systems.
We express our sincere gratitude to all the participants, mentors, IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter Execom and volunteers who contributed to the success of this event. Your unwavering commitment to the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter and the pursuit of excellence is truly commendable.
As we conclude this Senior Membership Drive, we eagerly anticipate the future initiatives and events that will further empower our members and elevate the field of circuits and systems. There are many more applications in pipeline which would be reviewed soon.
Stay connected and watch out for more exciting updates from the IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter as we continue to forge new paths and create a thriving community of talented IEEE Senior members.
This report was contributed by
Ayan Datta, Chair, IEEE CAS Bangalore Chapter