Quantum leaps [it high-end computing]

Systems based on quantum processing techniques could represent a new era in high-performance computing ? but they will not necessarily be suitable for every application. Philip Hunter reports.     

I-V maps [educational circuit simulation]

A graphical circuit mapping technique is introduced for purposes of visualization and instruction. The technique is oriented toward mainly planar circuits which operate from fixed power supply rail voltages, and which are typical of most integrated circuit designs. The I-V map allows a simultaneous representation of all voltages, currents and power dissipations, and can be constructed to scale, which then gives accurate magnitude information. The I-V map proves valuable to recognizing current and voltage distributions, elements of high power dissipation, and as a classroom instructional tool for Kirchhoff's laws     

Hierarchical state estimation using a fast rectangular-coordinatemethod [power system analysis computing]

A hierarchical computing scheme for power system state estimation is developed by carefully considering mismatches arising from the system decomposition. The method makes use of an extension of a fast second-order load-flow method that allows a fixed Jacobian matrix to be used in the hierarchical algorithm. In the problem formulation, the power network is decomposed into two or more subsystems; the interaction among them is taken into account through the tie-line bus voltages. The hierarchical structure of the method consists of two levels: the upper level, where the optimal tie-line bus voltages are evaluated; and the lower level, where the optimal states of each subsystem are determined by minimizing a cost function that involves the entire system. Three test cases using the method are reported here and the test results are compared with those obtained by another hierarchical power system state estimation method     

Books [Network]

It represents the single largest industrial investment in human history, and the US National Academy of Engineering has declared it the greatest engineering achievement of the previous century. Yet the only time most of us give the electricity grid a second thought is on those rare occasions when it fails.     

Nanodielectrics [Editorial]

The 26 papers in this special issue present some of the significant advances in nanodielectrics in the last five years.     

Watching you [editorial]

I counted the security cameras on my way to the office this morning. I spied over 100. They are everywhere. There are 32 of them within 200 yards of the London house where George Orwell wrote `Nineteen Eighty-Four?. What does this mean, except that CCTV is a good business to be in?     

News [briefing lastest]

A British company claims to have created a low-cost hydrogen-generating technology that could prove to be as important an innovation as the first computer.     

Highlights [President's Message]

The year 2009 has been a productive year for the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS). We have accomplished a great deal in enhancing the quality of conferences and publications, owing to the tremendous efforts from our volunteers and staff. I take great pride in recognizing the achievements of our members. Across the globe, we are fortunate to have innumerable examples of significant progress. It is my pleasure to report to you the past year's highlights.