The Evolving Digital Journey Of The Electronics Value Chain


Digitally transforming how the electronics value chain is traversed will unlock the full innovative potential of system design companies all over the world. By augmenting desktop authoring tools with integrated, native cloud applications that seamlessly connect companies with the electronics value chain, design teams will be empowered to confidently deliver on aggressive requirements, schedules... » read more

Next-Generation Distributed Static Timing Analysis On The Cloud


Ever-growing chip size and complexity put pressure on every step and every electronic design automation (EDA) tool in the development flow. More decisions must be made at the architectural stage, stressing virtual prototypes and high-level models. Simulations become slower and consume more memory. Formal verification struggles to achieve full proofs. Logic synthesis and layout have a harder tim... » read more

Differentiation And Architecture Licenses In RISC‑V


I was discussing with a colleague about the concept of architecture license in RISC-V. I realized that, in the open-source world, it can be a little tricky to grasp. In a traditional processor IP model, there is a clear distinction between an off-the-shelf IP license that gives some level of configuration but no customization and a fairly expensive architecture license enabling ... » read more

True Wireless Stereo Earbud Charger Cradle


During the last few years, Bluetooth-connected earbuds and headphones have gained significant market share over their wired ancestors. Especially, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds gained massive popularity with approximately 300M+ units sold in 2021. Technically, these earbuds resemble in-ear hearing aids, except that they offer advanced features such as wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) and ... » read more

Optimizing NoC-Based Designs


Semiconductor development is currently in a phase of rapid evolution driven by the combination of new technologies and methodologies. The technique of combining multiple functions into systems-on-chips (SoCs) is continuing to grow in complexity. Rapid advancement in new technologies for market segments like data centers, robotics, ADAS and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) are re... » read more

Electronics And Sustainability: Can Smart Engineering Save The Planet?


We just celebrated Earth Day 2022 with great fanfare. In discussions with my favorite Gen Z family member, I sense genuine concerns that sustainability goals seem like a tall order. Let’s review the contributions the electronics industry can make to sustainability. First, defining sustainability seems to lead to three main pillars—environmental, social, and economic sustainability. I fou... » read more

Formal Verification Ensures The Perseverance Rover Lands Safely On Mars


By Joe Hupcey III and Kevin Campbell Safely landing a spacecraft anywhere on Mars is a complex, high-risk challenge. Even worse, the most scientifically interesting areas of the planet are guarded by boulders, ditches, and tall cliffs — land formations that aren’t very welcoming to vehicles. Such was the case with the Mars Perseverance Rover's Landing Site: Jezero Crater. It’s not an e... » read more

Measuring The Complexity Of Processor Bugs To Improve Testbench Quality


I am often asked the question “When is the processor verification done?” or in other words “how do I measure the efficiency of my testbench and how can I be confident in the quality of the verification?” There is no easy answer. There are several common indicators used in the industry such as coverage and bug curve. While they are absolutely necessary, these are not enough to reach the ... » read more

Low Earth Orbit Satellites For More Reliable Internet


Working from home may have reduced the stress of commuting, but it put a heavy strain on the power grid and ate into energy reserves. Still, with utilities such as electricity and water, it's possible to buy or borrow from adjacent grids or territories. The same cannot be said for internet service providers. They cannot just borrow from another service provider. Instead, their customers woul... » read more

Continuous Integration And Deployment Flows With Virtual Prototypes


Not so long ago, embedded software developers huddled side by side in chilly bring-up labs, integrating and testing their code on physical prototypes of the final systems. Beyond the inconvenience, there were two major issues with this approach. The cost of replicating prototypes across a large software team was considerable, and these systems had to be maintained and managed. It became common ... » read more

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