1 May 2024 – FROM CONSTRAINTS TO CAPABILITIES: COFROM CONSTRAINTS TO CAPABILITIES: ACHIEVING OPTIMAL COMPUTE SCHEDULES IN HETEROGENEOUS CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

Event co-hosted with the Denver IEEE LMAG Chapter

Title: FROM CONSTRAINTS TO CAPABILITIES: ACHIEVING OPTIMAL COMPUTE SCHEDULES IN HETEROGENEOUS CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

Speaker: Dr. Mehmet Belviranli

Dr. Mehmet Belviranli is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at the Colorado School of Mines. Since transitioning from his role as a Staff Computer Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Fall 2019, Mehmet’s research is driven by a passion for enhancing performance and efficiency within diversely heterogeneous embedded systems. He specializes in developing runtimes, scheduling algorithms, analytical models, extended memory spaces, programming abstractions, and providing OS & architecture-level support to improve the efficiency of heterogeneous computing. His contributions to the field are recognized through his publications in respected HPC and architecture conferences, including MICRO, PPoPP, SC, ICS, DAC, PACT, and DATE. 

Time & Date: 1 May 2024 7PM to 8:30PM Central Time

Virtual meeting

Abstract: Cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as robots and self-driving cars, demand rigorous scheduling to prevent failure, where every millisecond of processing time can be critical. These systems often rely on heterogeneous computing environments, which include CPUs, GPUs, and specialized accelerators, to meet their computational needs efficiently. However, leveraging these diverse processing units to fulfill strict physical constraints remains a significant challenge, as existing scheduling solutions often fall short of addressing the complexities involved in a comprehensive manner.

This talk by Dr. Mehmet E. Belviranli delves into the intricate world of creating efficient compute schedules for CPS that not only cater to their diverse computational hardware but also adhere to real-world constraints critical for system safety. We begin by examining the role of neural network (NN) inference in CPS, exploring strategies to balance energy consumption, latency and throughput by distributing the layers of NN across different accelerators. We then introduce a novel, end-to-end framework that integrates physical constraints, heterogeneous computational resources, and latency considerations into a cohesive mixed-integer linear problem, demonstrating through case studies how this approach yields optimal scheduling solutions under varied conditions.

Through this exploration, we aim to shed light on the untapped potential of heterogeneous computing in enhancing the reliability and performance of CPS. We will also outline future directions in developing a more robust ecosystem for these complex computing environments, highlighting our contribution to this evolving field.

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/event/register/417666

24 April 2024 – Repeat Offender T CrB – An Astronomy Topic

Date and Time: 24 Apr 2024, 04:01 PM to 05:30 PM

HYBRID MEETING: Face-to-face and via Zoom

Location: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin, Texas

Title: Repeat Offender T CrB – An Astronomy Topic

Abstract: The binary star system T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a recurrent nova binary system about 3000 light years away in the CrB constellation. Invisible to the unaided eye normally at magnitude ~10, it is expected to brighten to naked eye visibility m=~2 this year (2024). This only happens every 80 years or so and will be avidly watched by professional and amateur astronomers alike.

Speaker: Clyde Springen of Charles Schwab Inc.

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/event/register/415026

21 March – Estate Planning, Trust and Will

Date/Time: 21 Mar 2024, 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM Central Time

Location: Virtual meeting via Zoom. Zoom ID: 604 353 3501 Passcode will be provided to registrants later.

Title: Estate Planning, Trust and Will

Speaker: Mike Karstens of Charles Schwab Inc.

Speaker Bio: Mr. Mike Karstens joined Charles Schwab in 2020 as a Financial Consultant.  He offers consultations and analysis on topics such as trust and estate planning, risk management and insurance, transfer tax, and postmortem considerations. In addition, he can consult on topics such as charitable gift planning, business formation and succession, and asset protection. It’s a modern approach to wealth management—so you can take ownership of your financial future.

Mike as a Lead Financial Planner, USAA Wealth Management, 2006-2020. Mike is a retired Naval Officer, Navy Pilot, United States Navy, 1975-1995.

Abstract: Springtime is a good time to plan or review our financial future.  We have invited Mr. Mike Karstens of Charles Schwab, Inc. to give a talk on Estate Planning, Trust and he will answer any question you may have in financial services.

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/408968

18 January 2024 – CONTACT SPORT – A BOOK ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HAM OPERATOR COMPETITION

Date & Time: 18 Jan 2024, 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM

Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Speaker: Jim George

Topic: Contact Sport – A Book about one World HAM Operator Competition Event

Abstract: Starting in 1996, a competition event was held once every four years in the Amateur Radio Operator Community. It started in San Francisco, CA, then Slovenia, Finland, Brazil, Rusia and back to US. The goal is for the two-person team to make as many contacts (voice or morse code) as they can within 24 hours window with other ham radio operators around the world. It sounds crazy but it is quite an experience for both the participating teams as well as hundreds of thousands of regular “hams” sitting at their home stations and calling in. The author will give details of the dramatic events, chosen technics and characters of number of competing team from different countries. He will paint the picture of this unique experience from both the perspectives of competitors, the referee, and the folks at home.

Biography: After 38 years in the Semiconductor industry Jim retired in 2002 from Motorola Semiconductor Sector as a Corporate Vice President in Austin, Texas. This allowed Jim more time to pursue reading and try writing after joining a book club. He published his first novel “Reunion” in 2012 which may turn into a movie later.

Jim was offered an opportunity to cover an international Olympic-style competition in New England in the summer of 2014, the WRTC, World Radio-Sport Team Championship, a widely followed competition of 59 teams from 40 countries. A contract for a second book, describing the WRTC, was secured, and the book was published in 2016 in Hard Cover and eBook. The title of the book is “Contact Sport”. Both books can be found in the Amazon.com and selected bookstores in Austin.

Jim graduated from Virginia Tech for his BS EE and Arizona State University for his MS EE.

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/394463

19 October – Biotech and the Convergence of Conventional and Emerging Technology

Date / Time: 19 Oct 2023 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM

Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting

Speaker: Scott Collins of CEO, Chairman of BioAustinCTX

Abstract: Have you ever wondered how genetic engineering and artificial intelligence combine to advance personalized medicine? Curious about the disruptive potential of nanotechnology in drug delivery? And let’s not forget the groundbreaking field of bioprinting, where we’ll explore how the idea of 3D printing was used to revolutionize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

This will be an interactive session where you’ll not only learn about the exciting advancements in biotech but also can have the opportunity to actively participate through questions and discussions.

Led by a knowledgeable biomedical engineer/entrepreneur, this session will explore the powerful synergy that arises when conventional and emerging technologies converge in biotech. We’ll dive into real-life case studies demonstrating this convergence’s transformative impact.

We’ll encourage an open dialogue throughout the talk, welcoming your questions and fostering engaging discussions. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns, as we believe that active participation leads to a deeper understanding and a more enriching learning experience.

Prepare to be captivated by the limitless possibilities that emerge at the convergence of conventional medical approaches and other technology. Envision a future where traditional and emerging technologies seamlessly collaborate, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in medicine, personal health, and beyond.

So, prepare to participate and bring your questions to the table as we embark on this exciting journey together. Join us as we unravel the captivating world of biotech, where the convergence of conventional and emerging technology shapes the future of innovation.

Biography: Dr. Scott Collins is an accomplished and forward-looking CEO, renowned for his diverse expertise and exceptional achievements. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and a successful company sale, he possesses a unique blend of technical and business acumen.

As a visionary leader, Dr. Collins enjoys working with companies, innovators, and organizations to identify the path of least resistance toward commercial success. His multi-disciplinary approach, coupled with a virtual MBA, allows him to offer insightful solutions for raising funds and accelerating growth.

In addition to his role as CEO, Dr. Collins serves as Chairman of BioAustinCTX and advises the New Organ Alliance, contributing to groundbreaking solutions for tissue and organ shortage. He also consults with leading deep tech companies, leveraging his expertise to analyze their technology stack and propel them toward faster success.

With his approach, Dr. Collins remains dedicated to solving big problems and making a positive impact. His strategic initiatives, combined with his background in biotechnology, software development, automation, communications, and business strategy, position him as a trusted innovator and respected leader in the industry.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Dr. Collins remains grounded and approachable, always eager to collaborate with exceptional teams and foster a culture of growth and success. His humility and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact are truly inspiring, making him a respected leader admired by peers and colleagues alike.

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/375804

Video: https://youtu.be/Z625rX9J6V0

14 September 2023 – Technology Innovations for the Aging Roundtable

Host: IEEE Future Tech Forum will hold this complimentary live 90-minute event

Date / Time: 14 September 2023 at 1 PM ET (10 AM PT)

Location: Virtual event via Zoom

Abstract: Joseph Wei of Technology Ventures Group, LLC will moderator and a panel discussing “Innovations for the Aging Population”. The discussion will focus on the key technologies that enable the development of such innovations and examining their impact on the aging population worldwide. The panel will bring together experts from various fields, including healthcare, technology, policy, and academia. They will shed light on the challenges faced by aging populations and the role of innovation in addressing these challenges. The discussion will delve into groundbreaking technologies such as assistive devices, telehealth, smart homes, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence, among others.

Registration (IEEE membership is NOT required): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7016921246305/WN_syAcChm7R0WYrztpIsMOVQ

21 September – RISC-V and the InspireSemi next gen Thunderbird HPC & AI compute accelerator

Date / Time: 21 Sep 2023 / 06:00 PM to 07:31 PM Rescheduled to 5 October

Speaker: Doug Norton of University of Texas at Austin

Bio: Doug Norton is the Chief Marketing Officer at Inspire Semiconductor.  InspireSemi is an Austin-based company delivering a breakthrough next-generation accelerated computing solution for HPC, AI, and graph analytics applications that leverages the open standard RISC-V ISA (Instruction Se Architecture).

Doug began his career in product development at IBM and moved into the sales & marketing organization to expand IBM’s reach into new engineering/scientific markets. He then went on to various senior leadership positions at Cadence Design Systems, CoWare, Newisys, Virtual Instruments, Nimbix, and other early-stage companies.

Doug is also President of the Society of HPC Professionals (SHPCP), a non-profit, vendor-neutral organization whose purpose is to educate and connect the HPC user community, industry, and academia with state-of-the-art technology and best practices. He is also a contributor to the RISC-V International SIG-HPC as well as the RISC-V marketing and events committees. He serves on the Venture Mentoring Service for the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) at The University of Texas and is a technology and business advisor to HealthClicks. Doug earned a BS in Electrical Engineering cum laude from Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Abstract: Doug will give an overview of Austin-based InspireSemi’s disruptive next generation Thunderbird compute accelerator for HPC&AI applications. This RISC-V based “supercomputer-cluster-on-a-chip” packs 1,800 high performance CPU cores (all FP64 double-precision of their own design) onto a single SOC. For maximum/predictable performance and low latency, these CPU cores are all interconnected with their high bandwidth, low-latency mesh interconnect that can connect up to 256 of Thunderbird chips. After 3 years of customer-driven development, the chip is in final verification and will tape out at the end of September to TSMC. He will also share why the team chose to leverage the open hardware RISC-V ISA vs. other options and provide an overview of some of the many initiatives in the thriving RISC-V ecosystem.

RSVP: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/371510

Video of meeting: https://youtu.be/acHtzFi11rM

PDF:

17 August 2023 – Introduction to Solar Weather

Date/Time: Thursday, August 17th, 2023, 6PM

Location: Zoom meeting

Speaker: Lewis Thompson, P. E., of Applied Research Laboratories, University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: High Frequency (HF) Radio propagation is dependent on Solar Weather.  Ultraviolet radiation from the sun creates and maintains the ionosphere.  Solar flares, coronal mass ejections and coronal holes, also from the sun, can deteriorate or disrupt HF propagation.  This presentation will introduce the positive and negative effects of solar weather on HF propagation, and how a HF radio operator can detect and compensate for these effects and maintain HF communications.

Biography: Lewis Thompson is a Senior Engineering Scientist (mostly retired) at Applied Research Laboratories, University of Texas at Austin.  He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas and a member of IEEE and Sigma Xi.  During his 44 years of employment, he worked in the areas of underwater acoustics, and radio communications.  He has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1961 and is now licensed Extra Class.  He held amateur radio positions including President of the Austin Amateur Radio Club, RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) as District Radio Operator (DRO-62) and Assistant Emergency Coordinator for TCARES (Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service). He is presently the VP of Austin Amateur Radio Club.   He joined the Army MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) in 2006 and served as Texas State MARS Director from 2009 to 2011.   He is the Liaison to the Texas Military Forces for Region 6 Army MARS and teaches classes to the Texas Military Forces in HF (High Frequency) radio propagation and antenna theory.

Reservations: Please RSVP using the vTools link https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/367858

Video of meeting: https://youtu.be/iNaHVGASrBs

Slides from meeting: