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Startup Funding: April 2020


It was another strong month for automotive startups, with one autonomous trucking company in China drawing a massive $100M investment. Another hot area was optimization of machine learning deployments, including one new company launch. Quantum computing, etch equipment, and mmWave feature in this month's look at twenty-two startups that collectively raised $375M. Semiconductors & design ... » read more

Blog Review: May 6


In a blog for Arm, Javier Fernandez-Marques of Oxford University digs into how to make the best use of quantized neural network models and why it's so important to consider what algorithms will be running when deciding which model architecture to implement, and which quantization strategy to adopt for the model. Synopsys' Taylor Armerding explains why, with a largely remote workforce, it may... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: May 5


CMOS-compatible laser Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (C2N), STMicroelectronics, and CEA-Leti Grenoble developed a CMOS-compatible laser for optical data transfer. Comprised of germanium and tin, the efficiency is comparable with conventional GaAs semiconductor lasers on Si. Optical communications provide much higher data rates, and are be... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Nvidia completed its $7 billion acquisition of Mellanox. The acquisition, initially announced over a year ago, brings Mellanox’s high-performance networking and interconnect technology to Nvidia's server efforts and gives the company full end-to-end offerings in the data center space. To date, this is the largest acquisition in Nvidia's history. Tools & IP Synopsys debuted its 3DIC Co... » read more

Blog Review: April 29


Arm's Paul Whatmough checks out SCALE-Sim, an open source cycle-accurate simulator specifically for neural processing unit (NPU) architectures. Mentor's Neil Johnson shows how a complete verification methodology requires complementary deployment of multiple techniques, with different options at each level of abstraction. Cadence's Paul McLellan checks out challenges in automotive reliabil... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: April 28


Flat microwave reflector Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a new flat reflector for microwaves that could improve communications while providing a better form factor. It also breaks reciprocity, effectively turning it into a one-way mirror. The flat reflector can be reconfigured on the fly electronically, allowing it to be used for beam steering, customized focusing,... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Tools & IP Codasip unveiled its Codasip SweRV Core EH1 Support Package, which provides support for Western Digital's open source RISC-V-based core. The support package provides a comprehensive set of tools and components needed to design, implement, test, and write software for a SweRV Core-based SoC with support for leading EDA open and commercial flows. A free basic version is available ... » read more

Blog Review: April 22


Mentor's Shivani Joshi takes a look at the benefits of adding ground planes in PCB design to improve signal integrity and reduce electrical noise and interference. Cadence's Paul McLellan points to the gradual adoption of 3D packaged systems, the role of mobile in driving adoption, and the rise of chiplets. Synopsys' Taylor Armerding shares some tips for productive remote teamwork from th... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: April 21


Focus-free lens Researchers from the University of Utah developed a new lens that doesn't require focusing. They present it as an alternative to the multiple lenses common in smartphone cameras. "Our flat lenses can drastically reduce the weight, complexity and cost of cameras and other imaging systems, while increasing their functionality," said research team leader Rajesh Menon from the U... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Si2 launched an industry-wide survey to identify planned usage and structural gaps for prioritizing and implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning in EDA. A recently formed Si2 Special Interest Group is conducting the survey as part of an effort to identify where industry collaboration will help eliminate deficiencies caused by a lack of common languages, data models, labels, and... » read more

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