Abstract :
The response to our initial call for paper was overwhelming with more than 140 papers submitted from 16 countlres. After rigorous review of all the papers by at least two expert reviewers each, 56 papers were accepted for presentation with an acceptance ratio of about 40 percent. We have organized the program into a number of technical sessions, keynote presentations, and tutorials. The technical sessions cover a wide range of topics related to developments in devices, analog and digital circuits and systems and other recent technological advances. The conference wvill be preceded by two major tutorials on December 16. The first tutorial will be given by Dr. Hishamn Haddara, on "Microelectronics industry in developing countries: current status, opportunities and challenges" while the second tutorial will be given by Dr. Ayman Shabra, from Analog Devices, USA, on "Mixed-Signal Design for Wireless Handsets: Current and Future Trends." As chair of the organizing committee, I take this opportunity to thank all the members of the different committees for their outstanding efforts in preparing for this event.