CEPD News 
April, 2015 - Vol 8, Issue 3
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IEEE High Plains Section Meeting

IEEE High Plains Section Presents

Edison and Tesla-The Battle of The Currents 

by John Cowdrey 

   The electrical system we use today, and almost every motor, is based on one of Tesla's designs. Why don't we know more about this genius? Telsa's background is presented, his association with George Westinghouse, the war of the currents, the Ames and Niagara power plants, including the first capital punishment by electrocution in New York.

   John Cowdrey is an electrical engineer, and hydro-power consultant. Most recently, he taught electrical machinery lab at the School Of Mines, and teaches a hydro plant operators school for Denver Water. He was the City of Boulder's hydroelectric technician for 12 1/2 years. 

Date:April 23, 2015
Time:
 06:00PM to 08:30PM
Where:
CSU Lory Student Center Room Number: 324
MAP:
Time:
6:00pm
Website:

 

IEEE Denver Section Meeting

IEEE Denver Presents Dine & Learn: 

Effects of Weak Magnetic Fields on Biological Systems and Potential Health Effects 

by Frank Barnes

    The mechanism by which weak magnetic fields at radio frequencies, RF, that are too small to lead to significant temperature changes can effect biological systems has been under debate for more than 30 years. It is hypothesized that the weak magnetic fields can both change the alignment of the energy levels for radical pairs and shift the population distributions in these energy levels. This in turn can lead to aging, cancer and Alzheimer's.

    Frank Barnes received his B.S. from Princeton University in electrical engineering in 1954, his M.S. Engineer and PhD from Stanford University in 1955, 1956, and 1958. He joined the University of Colorado in 1959.  

Date:April 14, 2015
Time:6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where:
Rock Bottom Brewery  "Promenade Room" 
10633 Westminster Blvd #900 
Westminster, CO 80020
MAP:Click here for Map
Agenda:
6:00 - 6:15 Registration and Appetizers 
6:00 - 7:15 Dinner and Networking 
7:30 - 9:00 Presentation
Please register as space is limited! (Click Here)
Website:http://ieee-denver.org
GPS in Portable Electronics

   GPS stands for Global Positioning System.  This service can provide location, navigation and timing services.  GPS can be installed in various forms of electronics like cell phones, watches, and personal trackers.  GPS can be used to find items that are stolen or lost, track the location and movements of a person, animal or item and used to provide the time for your current location.  A combination of a GPS module with a wireless network module or GSM module a device can know its location and report it back to a user. 

   The GPS system consists of 24 satellites that orbit the earth twice a day.  Each satellite transmits 3 pieces of data, pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data.  The pseudorandom code contains which of the 24 satellites it it.  The ephemeris data contains the satellite health as well as the date and time.  The almanac data tells where the satellite is located throughout the day.  With the information that is transmitted, 3 satellites can determine a 2D position and 4 satellites will provide a 3D position.  For civilian GPS a 1575.2MHz signal in the UHF band is used.  It can penetrate clouds, glass and plastic, but it will not go through solid objects.

   A quick web search for GPS modules shows modules that cost as low as $13.  This technology continues to drop in cost.  By using a module, some of the difficulties of development can be reduced.  With wireless devices, an antenna is already provided as to reduce development risk.  Modules usually provide a standard interface, so the designer can talk to it with a microprocessor of their choice and needs.  Let CEPD know if you would like to design GPS into a device that you are developing and we can help you out.

   Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):

  • The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
  • A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994.
  • Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.
  • A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.
  • Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

 -GB 

Services
If you would like help developing a new product or if you find your project understaffed, CEPD can help you meet your deadlines. Our staff draws on years of diverse product design experience to provide creative and timely solutions for your product needs. Some of our specialties include:
  • DSP
  • Embedded Systems Hardware and Software
  • Data Acquisition
  • Wireless Sensor and Telemetry Systems (Zigbee, Cellular, VHF, Bluetooth, ANT+, etc.)
  • Control Systems
  • Programmable Logic: FPGA / PLD
  • Analog Circuit Design
  • Switching Power Supply Design
  • Battery charging (all chemistries)
  • PCB Design and Layout
  • Analysis,Test and Documentation
Our goal is to provide cost effective and expedient design options for our clients. Our services range from an hour of consultation to large turn-key product development projects. We provide detailed proposals, accurate estimates and time schedules to help you manage each phase of the project. We can offer fixed cost or time and materials proposals to suit your specific needs. There is no cost to you for the initial proposal we create and the initial discussion required! 
Sincerely,

The Staff of CEPD, Inc.
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