THE MAGAZINE FOR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Circuit Cellar Online offers articles illustrating creative solutions
and unique applications through complete projects, practical
tutorials, and useful design techniques.

THE DUST FLIES

by Tom Cantrell

Start ı It's a Small World ı Cosmic COTS Motes ı That's Kode with a "K" ı Dust Buster ı Down and Dirty ı Sources and PDF

Often itıs hard to discern the connection between what goes on in the lofty, hallowed halls of higher education and the real world. As a member of IEEE, I can testify that you need look no further than one of the countless academic-driven, proceedings-type publications. Here, people with doctorates and other big brains on campus do battle over mysterious, ceremonial matters that seem more about bragging rights than anything a practicing engineer might use.

Yes, I understand the importance of fundamental research and development, and that todayıs rocket science is tomorrowıs 9 a.m.-to-5 p.m. technology. For example, you wouldnıt be reading this article if it werenıt for the Internet. Years of arcane research and reams of articles and dissertations finally delivered something the average Joe and Jane can use every day.

Berkeley is best known for itıs highfalutin breakthroughs in areas such as RISC, UNIX, and networking. Great stuff if youıre Sun or Cisco, or into set-top boxes and PDAs, but of less relevance to the average embedded engineer. But, what about hacking a tiny operating system on an AVR? Working with the bluest of blue-collar light, temperature, and pressure sensors? Doing bombing runs with hopped up model planes? That doesnıt sound like homework or, for that matter, any kind of work to me. That sounds like fun.

NEXT

Circuit Cellar provides up-to-date information for engineers. Visit www.circuitcellar.com for more information and additional articles.
For subscription information, call (860) 875-2199, subscribe@circuitcellar.com or subscribe online. ıCircuit Cellar, the Magazine for Computer Applications. Posted with permission.