The IEEE symbol

 

The IEEE symbol is composed of a four-sided kite, commemorating Benjamin Franklin's famous experiment in electricity. The central feature is the straight and curved arrows, symbolizing the right-hand rule of electromagnetism. The IEEE was formed in 1963 as a merger of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) and the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE). The kite portion of the design was inherited from the AIEE, while the right-hand rule icon was adopted from the IRE. The Institute is basically a non-profit, technical professional association. It is the leading organization in several fields including technical areas ranging from computer engineering, biomedical technology and telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace and consumer electronics, among others. IEEE promotes the development of electrotechnology and allied sciences and the application of those technologies for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession and the well-being of its members.