EDN Innovation: Awards season comes to technology

Engineers rarely receive the same fame as those that toil in some higher profile professions. But I don't know of a job that demands a better combination of technical savvy, theoretical knowledge, and creative thought process.

By Maury Wright, Editorial Director -- EDN, 2/6/2008

We've just announced the finalists for the 18th edition of our EDN Innovation Awards program. We strive to recognize the brightest technologies and engineers each year, and this year we have a ballot full of innovation.

Every year, the Innovation Awards coincide with some well-known awards in the entertainment industry. We consider ours far more important. This year, our voting process will coincide with national presidential primaries. I certainly hope that all eligible voters turn out for both the Innovation and the presidential contest. To be eligible to vote in Innovation, we ask only that you wade through tough ballot choices, carefully consider the outstanding finalists, and make your selection.

Engineers rarely receive the same fame as those that toil in some higher profile professions. But I don't know of a job that demands a better combination of technical savvy, theoretical knowledge, and creative thought process than electronics engineering. Our 2007 salary and career survey indicated that those aspects of the job are more important to working engineers than the financial rewards.

Everyone needs a nice "attaboy" now and then. We think the winners that emerge from our multistage Innovation selection process deserve a fancy banquet and party. If our program includes your work, congratulations and good luck.

You will find a list of the finalists and voting information at www.edn.com/innovation18. This year, we have 19 product/technology categories plus the EDN Innovator of the Year, which recognizes an engineer or engineering team. We also include a category for the best article contributed to EDN in 2007.

The number of Innovation categories is at an all-time high. The expanded roster is due in part to the popularity of the program and the sheer number of entries. Frankly, the trend of specialization in everything from analog ICs to test equipment demanded the expansion. With so many application-specific products, our editors and judges have an increasingly difficult time making apples-to-apples comparisons. I think you will agree as you peruse the list that there is just more innovation today than ever before. Moore's Law advancements have brought unprecedented processing power, the transition to digital media, and a vast array of applications. Meanwhile, analog technology has kept up and provides the quality user experience as the interface to the real world.

When you view the finalists list, you will find short descriptions of the innovation in each of the entries. In the case of Innovator, you will also learn a little of the biographical background of the entrant. And, in the case of the best contributed article, you will get a pointer to the article. Please take the time to participate in our program. The finalists deserve your consideration, and you may one day find your own work or yourself on the list.

I also encourage anyone who can be in San Jose, CA on April 14 to consider attending the banquet. Tickets cost $110 ($99 if you buy before Feb. 15), and you can buy them at the www.edn.com/innovation Web link. The fee covers a cocktail party, a nice dinner, some outstanding entertainment, a chance to recognize your peers, and entrée to an Oscar-worthy afterparty. See you in San Jose, and happy voting.