- Bede Liu, a pioneering IEEE Life Fellow in digital signal processing, died at 91. His work enabled modern technologies like cellphones and streaming, with low-power DSPs tracing back to his 1970s/80s research. - Liu co-authored a foundational DSP textbook and held 12 patents, advancing mathematical algorithms for signal analysis and compression. His 250 papers shaped the field’s theory and practice. - He mentored 53 doctoral students, including Google/IBM leaders and Internet architect Robert Kahn, highlighting his impact as a mentor and scholar. - Liu’s research drove innovations in multimedia, communications, and automation, while addressing media integrity and copyright in his later work.

- **High-voltage electronics** face corrosion risks from humidity, causing failures in EVs, wind farms, and data centers. CELCORR uses simulations to predict and mitigate these issues. - **Multiphysics models** simulate condensation and electrochemical migration (ECM) to identify corrosion risks, helping design humidity-resistant electronics. - **Corrosion often hides** as an unknown failure cause, but simulations reveal its impact, enabling proactive design improvements. - **Collaborative research** with industry partners leverages COMSOL to test PCB designs and optimize robustness against moisture-induced failures.

- K.J. Ray Liu received the IEEE Haraden Pratt Award for transformative leadership, including boosting diversity in IEEE Fellow nominations and restructuring global board representation. - Liu, a retired professor and IEEE Fellow, transitioned from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry to a US academic and entrepreneurial career, founding Origin Wireless. - He pioneered VLSI and signal processing research, authoring over 900 papers, 250 patents, and advancing ambient sensing tech for security and health monitoring. - Liu’s work reshaped IEEE’s global equity efforts, emphasizing inclusive representation and fostering innovation in digital signal processing and wireless tech.

- State Grid’s Shanghai subsidiary led a trial reducing peak computing load by 97.8 MW, China’s largest city-level adjustment. - 16 data center operators, including Alibaba and China Telecom, participated in the grid coordination test. - Trial aimed to flexibly manage AI data centers, using green energy surpluses and scaling back during grid strain. - Shanghai’s trial marked the first full technical pipeline run, involving power modulation, backup generators, and task shifting.

- **Transformer Challenges**: Power transformers face non-ideal conditions like harmonics and inrush currents, requiring accurate electromagnetic simulation for performance assessment and saturation risk identification. - **FEM Methodology**: A step-by-step finite-element approach covers geometry, materials, coil definitions, solver setup, and result analysis in frequency and time domains. - **Simulation Validation**: Results show accurate magnetic fields, validated current ratios, and stable transients, proving FEM’s effectiveness in transformer design and analysis. - **Partnership**: The hub collaborates with IEEE Spectrum Magazine to explore tech trends and provide engineering insights through its content and resources.

- Solid-state transformers are emerging as a smaller, more efficient alternative to aging iron-core transformers in data centers and grids. - Hyperscale Power raised €5M to develop a compact, high-frequency transformer, aiming to outpace competitors in size and efficiency. - Startups like Amperes and Heron Power have raised over $330M, signaling rapid growth in the solid-state transformer market. - Data centers’ rising power demands make solid-state transformers critical for scaling, with delays risking progress in AI and cloud infrastructure.

- David Weston built a successful tech career in EMI/EMC with only a radio/TV certificate, defying early academic limitations. - Self-taught and driven by passion, he became an expert in electromagnetic compatibility through hands-on learning. - Founded EMC Consulting, helping clients meet regulatory standards for over 40 years as a retired IEEE life member. - His memoir highlights engineering as a personal, creative field, aiming to inspire diverse participation in STEM.

- Ukrainian engineers face life-threatening risks repairing power grids after Russian attacks, with injuries rising 50% and 48 deaths since the invasion. - Oleksiy Brecht, a grid mastermind, died coordinating repairs, using creative solutions to restore power amid shortages and constant bombardment. - Russia’s relentless attacks on energy infrastructure, including drones and missiles, have forced Ukraine to adapt with trained teams and international support. - Brecht’s posthumous recognition as a “Hero of Ukraine” highlights his critical role in maintaining energy security during the war.

- Steinmetz envisioned 1 million U.S. EVs by 1924, highlighting his foresight in electric transportation. - His work on magnetic hysteresis and AC circuits revolutionized electrical engineering and power grid design. - His 1914 Detroit Electric car, now displayed at Union College, symbolizes his EV advocacy and innovation. - Over 200 patents and theories on power systems, education, and engineering methods shaped modern electrical engineering.

- Zhu Ziqiang, new chair professor at PolyU, continues research on high-efficiency permanent magnet motors. - These motors are core technology for electric cars, high-speed trains, wind turbines, robots, and household appliances. - His globally renowned work focuses on improving motor efficiency for advanced applications. - Research advances renewable energy and automation technologies.

- Hyperscalers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft explore HTS tape to boost AI data center efficiency, reducing heat and space needs. - HTS cables cut resistance, enabling higher power capacity in compact designs, though require cryogenic cooling with liquid nitrogen. - Microsoft partners with Veir to develop HTS tech, balancing high costs with benefits in space-constrained, high-demand scenarios. - HTS may scale economically with improved manufacturing, offering reduced losses and flexibility for future data center growth.