Lecture Series Archive

Abstract – Advances in sensor, communication, and computing technology are transforming understanding of environmental processes on a global scale. Despite the promise that new cyber-technologies hold, much more research and training are needed to advance this new field. Unfortunately, student access to networks needed for real-world experiences is typically limited at undergraduate institutions. The SSU Preserves is working with Farid Farahmand and other faculty in SSU’s Engineering Science Department to construct a wireless sensor network at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve. The project builds on existing senior capstone projects and Master’s degrees to create a small high-speed wireless network that: (a) Collects and transmits sensor data that can be used by classes on campus, (b) Interfaces with sensors and software designed by engineering and computer science students, (c) Introduces students in other disciplines to fundamentals of engineering, instrumentation, and measurements needed for a technologically literate society, (d) Creates opportunities for professional employment experiences for Engineering Science students.

Dr. Claudia Luke, Director of SSU Preserves, earned her Ph.D. in Zoology at UC Berkeley. She has 20 years of experience directing 6 university field stations for the University of California and California State University systems. She has worked extensively with partners and collaborators to build regional research, management, and education collaborations in the areas of watershed management, fire management, habitat connectivity, and habitat enhancement. As Reserve Director for San Diego State University, she supported the development and use of a 4,000-acre wireless sensor network, which included obtaining a $1.2 million collaborative grant to explore the efficacy of fire sensors in enhancing community safety.

Abstract – Ever wondered how can be cell phones and other electronic gadgets produced so inexpensively that service providers are giving those away for just about a few Dollars? One example is a recent iPhone3 deal for 99 cents… Even if some cost is recovered with monthly locked-in fees, production cost is counted barely 18-23% of actual consumer price. So how are these complicated Silicon chips manufactured and fully tested for under a Dollar? Ever increasing system requirements and mushrooming number of cell channels in USA, Japan, and Europe – require 25-30 different type, altogether few hundred actual measurements done during production of these devices. Consumer expectation is that these phones are fully tested, and all functions work properly. In this presentation we are going to take a quick look at every step of the challenge: automated test system, handler interface, on-wafer measurements, DUT board design, high frequency signal and power integrity! Come and take part of the technical journey the practicing engineer needs to cover in production of these tools of our everyday life.

Mr. Bela Szendrenyi is a lead contributor of the development team in the Test Cell Innovation Group at Advantest America, Inc. He has an MSEE in Telecommunications from the Technical University of Budapest, Hungary. In 1984 Bela joined the Research Institute of Technical Physics for the Hungarian Academy of Sciences where he participated in the high frequency GaAs device development as a Research Fellow. In 1991 he moved to Canada, then few years later to California, where he worked for Gigahertz Technologies, Maury Microwave Inc., Agilent Technologies, and Verigy Inc. companies on various high frequency and high speed programs. Bela and wife, Gyongyi, have two university-age kids and they all live in Santa Rosa. In his free time he likes various sport and outdoor activities, with family.