On October 29, 2023, the Division of Engineering Science lost one of its most ardent supporters and engaged alumni. ECE Professor Emeritus Kenneth C. (‘K.C.’) Smith (EngPhys 5T4, ECE MASc 5T6, PhD 6T0), died at the age of 91 as one of the most well-known and beloved engineering educators.
Along with co-author Professor Emeritus Adel Sedra (ECE), Smith wrote the undergraduate textbook Microelectronic Circuits, known among generations of students simply as ‘Sedra/Smith’. Now in its 8th edition and translated into many languages, this iconic textbook has sold over a million copies since its first publication in 1982 and influenced learners—including most EngSci students—for over 40 years.
The book was revolutionary when it was published as it took a new approach to teaching what was (and remains) a rapidly developing technology. “This textbook dives right into useful applications of amplifiers before expounding on the details of the constituent transistors, allowing students to understand and experiment with interesting applications of microelectronics right away,” ”, says ECE Professor Tony Chan Carusone (EngSci 9T7, ECE PhD 0T2), who worked with Smith and Sedra to create the 8th edition. “I recall K.C. once giving an inspiring summary about how electrical engineers traverse many levels of abstraction to handle the tremendous complexity of modern electronic systems. This extremely valuable concept is deeply embedded into the book.”
Smith’s co-author remembers him as an inventive engineer who developed simple and intuitive transistor models. “K.C.’s approach to transistor circuit design established a new way for teaching electronic circuits,” says Sedra. “It was an important element in the textbook and the highly innovative digital circuit design course he taught to generations of graduate students.”
In addition to his work as a renowned scholar and educator, Smith was also a strong supporter of the Division of Engineering Science and its students. He served as chair of the Division’s Board of Advisors and was a frequent attendee at the annual Engineering Science Education Conference where he generously shared his time with current students well past his retirement. ”K.C. was a proud graduate of Engineering Science, and was a staunch supporter of the program,” says Professor Emeritus Mark Kortschot (EngSci 8T4, ChemE MASc 8T5) who led the Division from 2011 to 2016. “He served as the Chair of our inaugural Board of Advisors and provided strong support together with a generous helping of good humour. K.C. made a very significant impact on the world, both professionally and personally, and I am grateful that I had a chance to work with him.”
Smith supported future generations of EngSci students by establishing the Kenneth Carless Smith Engineering Science Research Fellowship. This award provides ongoing funding for students participating in the Engineering Science Research Opportunities Program. “Thanks to Professor Smith and his family’s generosity, many students have had the chance to spend a summer in a research lab alongside leading experts in diverse fields,” says EngSci director, Professor Natalie Enright Jerger (ECE). “There is no substitute for this direct experience of being embedded in a vibrant research group and learning from more senior mentors.”
Please read more about Professor Smith in the full obituary on the ECE website.
A fund has been set up to honour Professor Emeritus K.C. Smith’s legacy to the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Donations are welcome.