Welcome to IMS 2016

This year’s Microwave Week is set to take place May 22-27 at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco. The IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS) is clearly the main spectacle, as the flagship event of the RF/microwave industry each year. Attendees will be given the opportunity to learn about a vast number of topics concerning RF/microwave technology. In addition, the IMS exhibition will have over 600 participating companies, including 67 first-timers. Microwave Week also consists of the IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) Symposium and the 87^th Automated RF Techniques Group (ARFTG) conference, which are both co-located with IMS.

IMS will offer technical sessions, interactive forums, panel sessions, workshops, short courses, and application seminars. A number of STEM activities are planned for the event, allowing young people to gain access to the RF/microwave world. The RF Bootcamp, which is a 3/4-day course for newcomers to the microwave arena, will be held on Wednesday, May 25. A variety of topics will be discussed during this workshop, with the goal of providing the basics of RF to those who attend.

Message from the General Chair

According to Amarpal Khanna, who is the IMS 2016 General Chair, a large number of themes will be discussed at IMS. Topics include 5G, automotive radar, wearable electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), medical applications, and satellite-communications (satcom). The themes will be discussed during keynote talks, panel sessions, and technical presentations—beginning with the opening plenary session on Monday until the closing ceremony on Thursday.

Keynote Speakers

This year’s keynote speakers are Dr. Martin Cooper, Dr. James Truchard, and Prof. Jan M. Rabaey. Dr. Cooper will present the plenary session, “The Birth and Death of the Cell Phone.” He is recognized for leading the development of the first handheld mobile telephone, which was introduced in 1973. Expect plenty of insight into the future of wireless technology in this session.

Dr. Truchard will present the closing ceremony, “Software’s Role in Next-Generation 5G RF and Microwave Systems.” This discussion will explore the vital role of a software-based approach to enable wireless communications. For those interested in a possible sneak-peek at next-generation RF/microwave systems,  this presentation is a must.

Exhibition

Of course, the exhibition is always a very exciting part of the IMS experience. Over 600 companies will be exhibiting this year, showcasing the latest and greatest state-of-the-art technology. Everything from materials, devices, components, subsystems, design/simulation software, and test-and-measurement equipment will be on display. Industry leaders will be ready and willing to answer any purchasing and technical questions.

Microwave application seminars, or MicroApps, will be conducted in conjunction with the exhibition. These 20-minute technical seminars give IMS exhibitors the opportunity to present the technology behind their products. A large number of state-of-the-art products and processes will be discussed by various industry professionals.

Students and Young Professionals

IMS will also include a number of events for both students and young professionals. Student design competitions will allow registered student teams from around the world to apply RF/microwave engineering design principles. Students have the opportunity to present their own work in competition. Young professionals will also be represented at IMS, notably at this year’s special session and complimentary reception. 

IEEE RFIC Symposium and ARFTG Conference

Both the IEEE RFIC Symposium and the ARFTG conference will be co-located with IMS. These two events have a great deal to offer attendees, including technical sessions, workshops, and much more.

The RFIC Symposium will demonstrate some of the latest developments in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave integrated-circuit (IC) technology and innovation. The symposium begins Sunday, May 22, with workshops and short courses. These will be followed by two plenary talks and a reception. On May 23 and 24, there will be presentations of contributed papers, as well as lunchtime panel sessions.

The 87^th ARFTG conference, “Measurements for Emerging Communications Technologies,” will take place Friday, May 27. A wide range of topics related to RF/microwave test-and-measurement will be discussed.

Enjoy the show!

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