Author's Latest Posts


Power/Performance Bits: May 10


Probabilistic bit Researchers at Tohoku University are working on building probabilistic computers by developing a spintronics-based probabilistic bit (p-bit). The researchers utilized magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Most commonly used in MRAM technology, where thermal fluctuation typically poses a threat to the stable storage of information, in this case it was a benefit. The p-bits f... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Synopsys completed its acquisition of MorethanIP, a provider of Ethernet Digital Controller IP supporting data rates from 10G to 800G. The acquisition adds MAC (Medium Access Controller) and PCS (Physical Coding Sublayer) for 200G/400G and 800G Ethernet to Synopsys’ portfolio. The company also provides Time-Sensitive Networking, Fibre Channel, and Ethernet Switching IP for integration into AS... » read more

Blog Review: May 5


Arm's William Wang considers how to increase the performance and programmability of persistent applications through using battery to protect the on-chip volatile cache hierarchy. Cadence's Paul McLellan finds that ransomware is getting more sophisticated, and more difficult to eradicate and defend against, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Synopsys' Jonathan Knudsen digs int... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: May 4


Speculative execution vulnerable again Computer scientists from the University of Virginia and University of California San Diego warn of a processor architecture vulnerability that gets around the techniques used to secure processors in the wake of Spectre. In 2018, Spectre and the similar Meltdown vulnerability were announced. These types of attacks could allow malicious agents to exploit... » read more

Startup Funding: April 2021


April showers brought mega fundraising rounds to the semiconductor industry. In China, a mobile chipset maker looking to go public won significant funding along with partnerships with major smartphone companies. In the US, AI hardware startups are drawing interest with unique processor architectures and business models. Plus, a major test and design services company drew new investment. This mo... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


IP, FPGA, Tools Arm released new details on its new Neoverse N2 and Neoverse V1 platforms. A range of companies announced they will be using the platforms, including Marvell and SiPearl. Aimed at server and HPC workloads, Neoverse V1 uses wider and deeper pipelines compared to the N1 and supports a 2x256bit wide vector unit executing the Scalable Vector Extension (SVE) instructions with sup... » read more

Blog Review: April 28


Arm's Tiago Azevedo explains why it's important to measure uncertainty when using object detection, especially in critical applications such as automotive, and introduces a architecture that can do so while balancing complexity and efficiency. Cadence's Paul McLellan digs into the ISO 21434 standard for addressing and managing cybersecurity risks in vehicles and why it's a good sign for secu... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: April 27


Energy-harvesting shirt Engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a 'wearable microgrid' that harvests and stores energy from the human body to power small electronics. The microgrid consists of three main parts: sweat-powered biofuel cells, motion-powered triboelectric generators, and energy-storing supercapacitors. All parts are flexible, washable and can be screen pri... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Skyworks Solutions will acquire Silicon Labs' Infrastructure & Automotive (I&A) business for $2.75 billion cash. The transaction includes Silicon Labs' power/isolation, timing and broadcast products, intellectual property, and approximately 350 employees. Silicon Labs said it will focus on its IoT business, which includes integrated hardware and software wireless platforms for multiple ... » read more

Blog Review: April 21


Synopsys' Taylor Armerding warns that without making cybersecurity a priority, companies may be positioning themselves as the weak link in the supply chain, and provides some tips for protecting both the company and its customers. Siemens EDA's Simon Favre points to critical area analysis and design for manufacturing as two important strategies to improve IC yield and quality. Cadence's P... » read more

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