Inference Moves To The Network


Machine-learning inference started out as a data-center activity, but tremendous effort is being put into inference at the edge. At this point, the “edge” is not a well-defined concept, and future inference capabilities will reside not only at the extremes of the data center and a data-gathering device, but at multiple points in between. “Inference isn't a function that has to resid... » read more

A New EDA Paradigm Emerges In Computational Software


Cadence has a new white paper out on Computational Software. I've written on these topics before, most recently in the posts: Computational Software System Analysis: Computational Software at Scale To set the scene, here is the abstract from the white paper: Electronics technology is evolving rapidly, becoming pervasive in our lives. There are more smartphones in use than there a... » read more

Improving Test Coverage And Eliminating Test Ecapes Using Analog Defect Analysis


While the analog and mixed-signal components are the leading source of test escapes that result in field failures, the lack of tools to analyze the test coverage during design has made it difficult for designers to address the issue. In this white paper, we explore the methodology for performing analog fault simulation of test coverage based on defect-oriented testing. In addition, we look at h... » 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

The Murky World Of AI Benchmarks


AI startup companies have been emerging at breakneck speed for the past few years, all the while touting TOPS benchmark data. But what does it really mean and does a TOPS number apply across every application? Answer: It depends on a variety of factors. Historically, every class of design has used some kind of standard benchmark for both product development and positioning. For example, SPEC... » 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

Full-Duplex Wireless Remains A Promise And A Challenge


Wireless bandwidth capacity could double if we could use full-duplex communication. Unfortunately, that’s not as easy as it sounds. People are working hard on it, but we’re mostly not there yet. Full duplex seems easy. In fact, so easy that it was possible with the first basic telephones. There was one loop between each phone and the central office, and that one loop carried conversation... » 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

Math And Electronic Design Automation


Even though our teenage children may not show it the proper appreciation (yet), math is often referred to as the "universal language." And it is, even in EDA. Whenever I’m asked what the heck I do in my day job, I often fall back on analogies—a lot of them refer to building houses. For the geekier ones among us, I have even invoked The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's Slartibartfast to ex... » read more

Practical Processor Verification


Custom processors are making a resurgence, spurred on by the early success of the RISC-V ISA and the ecosystem that is rapidly building around it. But this shift is amid questions about whether processor verification has become a lost art. Years ago custom processors were common. But as the market consolidated around a handful of companies, so did the tools and expertise needed to develop th... » read more

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