NESPAK Celebrates 50th anniversary on Pakistan Resolution Day

on 26/06/2023

NESPAK celebrated its 50th anniversary ceremony on Pakistan Resolution Day, March 23, 2023, with great enthusiasm and pride. The event was held at NESPAK headquarters in Lahore.
NESPAK is one of the largest and most prestigious engineering consulting firms in Pakistan, providing top-quality engineering and consultancy services both locally and internationally. The company has been instrumental in the development of Pakistan’s infrastructure, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of distinguished guests comprising former Managing Directors of NESPAK, Vice Presidents, important Clients, engineers, and industry experts. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.
Addressing the audience, NESPAK Managing Director Dr. Tahir Masood highlighted the company’s achievements and contributions over the past 50 years. He emphasized the company’s commitment to providing quality services to its Clients and the nation, saying, “NESPAK is a national asset, and we take great pride in serving Pakistan and contributing to its development.”
The ceremony also included a documentary showcasing NESPAK’s journey over the past 50 years, highlighting the company’s significant projects and achievements, and a prize distribution among winners in different sports categories. In connection with the 50th anniversary celebrations, NESPAK also organized a family gala for children of Company employees on February 24, 2023, and Women’s Day on March 8, 2023.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing NESPAK’s 50 years of excellence in engineering and consultancy services. The company plans to continue its commitment to excellence in the years to come, serving Pakistan and contributing to its development and progress.

High Integration Nature of Microcontroller

on 26/06/2023

Automotive engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office equipment, appliances, power tools, toys, and other embedded systems are just a few examples of the automatically controlled goods and gadgets that use microcontrollers. Microcontrollers make it affordable to digitally control even more devices and processes since they are smaller and less expensive than designs that require individual microprocessors, memories, and input/output devices. In order to control non-digital electronic equipment, mixed signal microcontrollers are frequently used. Microcontrollers are a popular and affordable method of data collection, sensing, and controlling the physical world as edge devices in the context of the internet of things. A system on a chip is similar to a microcontroller in modern parlance, but it is less complex. However, a system on a chip typically combines cutting-edge peripherals like a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a Wi-Fi interface controller as its internal microcontroller unit circuits. A system of the chip may connect external microcontroller chips as motherboard components.
At this time, the majority of microcontrollers had concurrent variations. One contained an EPROM program memory that could be wiped by ultraviolet radiation thanks to a transparent quartz glass in the package’s lid. For prototyping, these erasable chips were frequently employed. The other version was either a mask-programmed ROM or a PROM variant which was only programmable once. For the latter, the abbreviation OTP, which stands for “one-time programmable,” was occasionally used. The PROM was typically the same type as the EPROM in an OTP microcontroller, but the chip packaging lacked a quartz window, making it impossible to expose the EPROM to UV light, which prevented it from being erased.
Because RAM and non-volatile memory are integrated on the same chip as the CPU in microcontrollers, they may not incorporate an external address or data bus. The semiconductor can be housed in much smaller, less expensive packaging by using fewer pins. It is more expensive to integrate the memory and other peripherals onto a single chip and test them together, but doing so frequently lowers the net cost of the embedded system as a whole. Even though the price of a CPU with integrated peripherals may be slightly higher than the price of a CPU with external peripherals, having fewer chips usually enables a smaller, less expensive circuit board, reduces the labor needed to assemble and test the circuit board, and also tends to lower the defect rate for the finished assembly. Due to this integration, fewer chips, less wiring, and less circuit board space are required to create identical systems than if separate chips were used. Additionally, each pin on devices with a low pin count, in particular, may connect to a number of internal peripherals, with the pin function being determined by software. As opposed to if pins had specific functions, this enables a part to be used in a larger range of applications. Since their invention in the 1970s, microcontrollers have proven to be extremely popular in embedded systems.
Some microcontrollers employ the Harvard design, which separates the memory buses for instructions and data to enable parallel accesses. When a Harvard architecture is employed, the bit size of the processor’s instruction words may differ from the size of internal memory and registers; an example would be 12-bit instructions used with 8-bit data registers.
It can be challenging to choose which peripheral to integrate. The operating frequencies and system design flexibility of microcontroller vendors are frequently exchanged for customer-driven time-to-market demands and overall lower system costs. Manufacturers must strike a compromise between the need to reduce chip size and the addition of new functionality.

‘Jubilee Corporation is a wonderful partner for its understanding of technology.’
Cheaper cost is nothing but a loss of time and resources, believes Julien

on 26/06/2023

T hough Jubilee Corporation is undoubtedly a big name in the engineering world in Pakistan, the company’s understanding of modern technologies and engineering surely transmits signals to its international partners—Lovato Electric—makes it a distinct engineering concern in Pakistan. The level of satisfaction comes from Lovato through its representative for Asia Pacific region Julien Mermillon who talked to ER during Multitopic Sympoisum 2023 hosted by IEEEP in Karachi. Here is his interview for our readers.
How is Lovato’s relationship with Jubilee Corporation?
It’s a great pleasure to work with Jubilee Corporation. They are very competent people with high technical skills. At Lovato, we sell quite complex engineering solutions, mainly focusing on energy management, metering, control, and protection equipment. Today’s topic was dynamic power factor correction, which is part of power quality solutions. But mainly, we are focusing on metering equipment to understand power quality and the energy consumption. This is about how the energy is spent and if the energy supplied to a facility has proper power quality to avoid any issues. Jubilee Corporation is providing a complete mix of solutions by Lovato, including what we discussed in the Symposium. This solution provides great efficiency at a reasonable cost suitable for the facilities of Pakistan.
The people are conscious of the cost here despite the importance of technology. How is it possible to offer efficient systems at lower costs?
The matter of cost is always, like we say, a balance between CapEx and OpEx. You can invest in technology with cheap products and solutions, which may last only two years. It means you have lost your valuable time and money. A quality product can last for 15 years, which is generally what Lovato is offering. We use the best quality parts in our products. Let’s assume that the product is a box, and inside this box are electronics. Our electronics are made up of premium quality parts, which ensure long product life. It may be higher in cost initially, but over time, it is much cheaper than replacing a low-quality product three or four times in the same period. Lovato Electric is a main player in this category. We are a family-owned business, which means that the company is reinvesting its money to improve the product, not to please shareholders. We are making the best product at the best price, which means that we are expensive than low-quality products available in the market. Our customer is satisfied with the quality of our products.
Many people in the engineering sector believe the Chinese are a big challenge. Are they a challenge for your company too?
They are a challenge for the entire world, especially from the business point of view. Luckily, they target different market segments. Usually, they bring some very cheap solutions at the cost of low durability and reliability. Maybe you don’t see it here, but they also bring some very advanced solutions, which came to be at the same price as us. The main difference between Chinese and western or Japanese, or Korean companies is that we cannot afford to have low-cost and low-quality products due to the high cost of labor. If you install some low-cost equipment and you need to replace it after a few months, that will cost you a huge labor cost. This will also disturb the production process of the facility and reduce operational efficiency. So, in the end, it is a different market segment. Some people may want to try it, but others would not go for it.
You are also looking after the Asia Pacific region for Lovato. What is the landscape there in terms of metering and such solutions?
I would say, as compared to Lovato’s historical market, there are quite massive developments that involve huge numbers of meters to monitor energy consumption accurately. We have sold one of the biggest metering systems. It’s a competitive and challenging market, but I must say it is also a land of opportunity. Our partners, like Jubilee Corporation, are doing a great job representing Lovato products in their respective market.
While working with Jubilee Corporation, has Lovato had any thought to engage in any joint venture to manufacture products and provide systems in Pakistan?
Lovato is a family-owned business, and we don’t have many factories around the world. We have three manufacturing facilities in Italy. We are a medium size company, and we are focusing on staying efficient. We have no factory outside Europe. Time will tell us if we move on to the stage where we start manufacturing somewhere else outside Europe. I believe Pakistan could be a very high potential market for us. I am always pleased with the Jubilee Corporation team because they are probably the most technical people and well-accustomed to Lovato products. When we have some training sessions to check how much knowledge is assimilated by our partners, we are pleased to see that they are at the top of the list. By Manzoor Shaikh

Dr. BS Chowdhry and Dr. Amjad Hussain Attended IEEE R10 Annual Meeting in Vietnam

on 26/06/2023

The 2023 IEEE Region 10 Annual Meeting was recently held successfully in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, after three years of virtual and hybrid meetings. Prior to the annual general meeting (AGM), a technical workshop sponsored by the Global Energy Interconnection Department and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) was held at the HCM City University of Technology on March 3. Over 100 leaders and delegates from IEEE Sections and Council in the region, as well as R10 ExCom members, attended the AGM. The IEEE dignitaries present were IEEE President, Professor Saifur Rahman, IEEE President Elect, Thomas Coughlin, IEEE-VP MGA, Jill Gostin, and IEEE Executive Director, Sophia Muirhead, who attended online, and Region 2 Director, Andrew Lowery. The meeting also received support and valuable advice from members of the R10 Nomination and Advisory Committee, including past IEEE President, Prof Toshio Fukuda, and past R10 Directors – Prof Akinori Nishihara, Prof Kukjin Chun, and Prof Janina Mazierska. Two special speakers from Region 8, Peter Nagy and Prof Mousmi Chaurasia, MGA Training Committee, were also invited.
During the meeting, there were speeches by IEEE senior leaders and speakers, reports and plans from various Chairs of R10 Committees, training and poster sessions, and presentations from flagship event organizers – TenSymp, R10 HTC, and TenCon in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The two-day event also included an award banquet with a cultural show, a half day of team bonding activities, and a dinner at an offsite restaurant. The feedback from delegates was positive, with lively discussions and active networking during the two days over breakfast, tea breaks, lunch, dinner, and even on the bus.
The success of the event was due to the contributions of all volunteers who are committed to the mission and vision of IEEE, and the assistance from the professional and efficient staff at the IEEE Asia-Pacific Office and IEEE Beijing office. The outcomes and success of the event were a result of the cooperation and dedication of everyone involved. It is also essential to recognize that human interactions cannot be replaced by online contacts. Finally, the organizers are confident that they will make Region 10, hundred percent, and express their gratitude to everyone who made the event possible.

Pakistan Cables signs MoU with Steam Pakistan

on 26/06/2023

Pakistan Cables signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pak Alliance for Math & Science Welfare Trust (PAMS) to partner with employee volunteering through STEAM Pakistan. STEAM Pakistan is a collaboration between the Malala Fund and the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training.
Pakistan Cables will partner with STEAM Pakistan by putting forward volunteers that will promote subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) among students of secondary classes of Government schools through experiential learning.
Pakistan Cables Ltd. is an active advocate of the UN’s sustainable development goals – SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Female Empowerment). Previously rolled out ASCEND, its flagship initiative, to promote science and engineering-related fields by offering scholarships and internships among female students among leading public sector engineering universities of Pakistan. The collaboration for STEAM Pakistan is the second major initiative by the Company illustrating its commitment to youth empowerment.
Pakistan Cables Ltd. Founded in 1953, Pakistan Cables is the premiere and most reputable cable manufacturer in Pakistan. Being the only wire and cable manufacturer listed on the PSX since 1955, it is also a member company of the Amir S. Chinoy group. The company has the largest geographical footprint in Pakistan with a presence in over 180 cities. It is ISO9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified, and various cables type tested by KEMA, Netherlands.
STEAM Pakistan is a collaboration between the Malala Fund and the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training. The overall objective of STEAM Pakistan is to improve the learning outcomes of students enrolled in government schools across the country. The project also aims to develop cognitive and critical thinking abilities among students through targeted sessions and activities, with a particular focus on girls’ education. The Pak Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS) is the lead implementing partner for STEAM Pakistan, with its head office in Islamabad, STEAM Policy Units in Karachi and Lahore, and a STEAM Policy Unit in Gilgit.
To date, STEAM Pakistan has enabled interactive Safeer sessions directly impacting over 7,500 school children in more than 170 government schools in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Gilgit. Impact activities include inspirational talks, hands-on learning, and career counseling by professionals on a variety of topics such as engineering, space exploration, marketing, mountaineering, climate change, and public policy to trigger their imagination.