Current Issue Home / Current Issue
16 April 2006

News & Analysis | Technical Features | Opinion | Interview
News & Analysis
IC design flow integrated
Synopsys offers its customers the Pilot Design Environment, an integrated RTL-to-GDSII design system tailored to each customer's design infrastructure.

TI rolls out developer Wi-Fi kit for DaVinci
TI's newest developers' kit is specially designed for CE manufacturers who wish to embed 802.11b/g capabilities within a DaVinci evaluation module.

PWI spec charged for battery apps
A newly released PowerWise interface spec promises enhanced power-management interconnect capability to multidomain SoCs in battery-powered, handheld devices.

Configurable platform caters to video
A 260,000-gate platform based on an ARC 700 family core aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of smart phones, PDAs and personal media players.

Startup plans HD media processors
On industry newcomer Vivace's drawing board are media processors that can play high-definition video while consuming less than half a watt of power.

Guest users get pass to network
The Intelligent Network Access Control extends network management to guest users, contractors and other clients with limited access to the corporate network.


•  Editorial Calendar

•  Contact the Editor

•  Free Subscription

•  Previous Issues
Specs flap is mobile TV's next test
Speakers at the recent DVB World warned that the incompatibility of two protocols developed to deliver interactivity and content protection to handsets could irreparably splinter the emerging market.

Intel Core ups ante in battle with AMD
Like proud fathers showing off pictures of their newborns, top executives at Intel exuberantly unveiled details of the company's Core microarchitecture at the recent Intel Developer Forum held in San Francisco.

Compatible 8bit, 32bit processors on the way
As more of its customers seek performance headroom, Freescale Semiconductor plans to offer compatible versions of its high-end 8bit and 32bit processors, including software development tools, late this year.

White-LED chips lit for efficiency race
Nichia has developed a white-LED chip with 100lumen/watt efficiency, with volume production expected this year.

Partners to rev PowerPC
AMCC and Intrinsity have joined forces to design a PowerPC core that could operate in the 3GHz range.

Niche strategy brings success in Taiwan
Small companies in Taiwan are exploring niche opportunities that promise high-margin returns in a bid to shield themselves from cutthroat competition at home and abroad.

Internet security video ICs to soar
Rapidly expanding markets for IP cameras and video servers are expected to boost sales of security-related DSPs and MPEG encoders in the years ahead.

This year's IIC-China is largest so far
While the annual event unleashed the best and latest in power management and automotive electronics, it was its size that stole the show.

Vendors warm to SystemVerilog
Despite Synopsys' skepticism, synthesis vendors appear strongly supportive of a proposed standard SystemVerilog synthesis subset.

Java preps dive into real-time role
Java is expected to play a bigger role in real-time applications, particularly in the military, unmanned aircraft, newly deployed systems and telematics.

Multiple drive concepts for machine tools
Discover the various possibilities for selecting main, feed and auxiliary drives for the tasks that machine tools need to carry out.

Software must take full advantage of multicores
The benefits of CPUs and DSPs can be realized only if the software is adapted to leverage the characteristics of the multicore platform.

Securing systems for networks
For embedded system designers forced to sacrifice reliability in favor of time-to-market, here are tips on how to choose the right architecture and design for higher levels of reliability.

Preventing code theft
Worried about letting your code out into the wild? Learn a few tricks to protect your code against piracy, industrial espionage and theft.

Back to Top

Technical Features
TD-SCDMA: The new 3G battleground
This new technology from China Wireless Telecoms Standard Group promises not just huge savings for network operators, but a smooth transition from 2G to 3G services as well. (PDF file)

Developing multisector base stations for WiMAX
A multisector base station can be developed by using multiple TDD or FDD reference boards tightly synchronized with other base stations to minimize signal interference. (PDF file)

The case for real-time visibility in SoC designs
Visibility into an SoC requires a mix of hardware and software mechanisms to collect data within the chip itself. (PDF file)

Video coding on embedded DSPs
Embedded DSPs significantly boost systems that require multiple codecs and low power consumption. (PDF file)

Use a 16bit MCU to drive smart sensor transmitter
Second-generation 4-20mA transmitters use a microprocessor and data converter to condition the signal remotely. (PDF file)

Symmetry and spin-offs in high-speed PCB design
Through symmetry and spin-off analyses, methods of controlling impedance and reducing distortion can yield bonus signal integrity and EMC benefits. (PDF file)

Temperature-aware design of mixed-signal chips
A detailed 3D temperature analysis helps designers and architects better understand temperature gradients across the chip and how those gradients affect chip performance. (PDF file)

RF test aids in design of in-vehicle radio
The widespread use of in-vehicle modules has necessitated new RF test chambers designed for modules with radio interfaces-based mainstream wireless standards. (PDF file)

Back to Top


Opinion
Newton: A lesson in product design
Electronic engineers and marketing professionals would do well to learn from this lesson in history—the need for close collaboration as seen in the story of the Apple Newton.

Cutting the last wire
Wireless power transmission has long been focused on the megawatts/milliwatts. Reno Rossetti insists it's time we bring this technology to portable wireless applications.
Talkback

eeForum:
Demystifying Vietnam
What does Vietnam offer that a rising number of top-tier semiconductor companies are setting up and expanding operations there?

more

 
Top tech resources
 
Go to top