Let’s take a look at the tremendous penetration of intelligent vision in so many and various applications. A few years ago, computer vision algorithms were implemented in applications directly linked with imaging, like computational photography for smartphones and cameras. We can mention today a bunch of segments like automotive,… Read More
Semiconductor Intellectual Property
Webinar: Hassle-Free Bluetooth 5 SoC Design
Bluetooth has always been a popular communication protocol for short-range applications, but now anticipating BT5 it’s really moving into the big leagues as a significant option for IoT applications. The new standard combines ultra-low power with significantly higher range and higher performance. Ultra-low power is always… Read More
Dassault Systemes Hosts New Microsite Focused on IP Reuse Challenges
I recently wrote an article about networks-on-chip (NoC) and how Systems-On-Chip integrated circuits (SoCs) are becoming increasingly more complex and heterogeneous in nature. While researching for that article I came upon a new micro-site by Dassault Systemes that goes into great detail about the operational challenges… Read More
Executive Interview: Joe Rowlands, Chief Architect at NetSpeed Systems
Joe has devoted his career to understanding and designing cache coherent systems and has been granted over 95 patents on the subject. For the past four years, he has been Chief Architect at NetSpeed, a developer of network-on-chip SoC interconnect.… Read More
Intel Spreadtrum ARM SoCs
In June of 2013 Edward Snowden copied and leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA). His actions exposed numerous surveillance programs that many governments around the world reacted to, including China. In September of 2013 China Vice Premier Ma Kai declared semiconductors a key sector for the … Read More
Moving from SRAM to DDR DRAM in Safety Critical Automotive Systems
Until now, most of the processors contained within automobiles could be served by SRAM, at the exception of infotainment systems relying on a more powerful CPU connected to DRAM, but these systems are non-safety-critical. Advanced Driver Awareness Systems (ADAS) and self-driving vehicle systems demand powerful processors… Read More
ARM and Open Silicon Join Forces to Fight the IoT Edge Wars!
I spent the last several days doing a deep dive into the world of IoT security and what I’ve learned has scared the pants off me. Various analysts predict that there will be over 30 billion connected IoT devices by the year 2020 growing from 9.9 million in 2013. A quick audit of my home identified over 40 connected devices including everything… Read More
How ARM designs and optimizes SoCs for low-power
ARM has become such a worldwide powerhouse in delivering processors to the semiconductor IP market because they have done so many things well: IP licensing model, variety, performance, and low-power. On my desk are two devices with ARM IP, a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smart phone and a Google tablet. Most of my readers will likely have… Read More
Enter the Cellular IoT
You could be forgiven for thinking that wireless in an IoT device must be Bluetooth-5 or Zigbee or Thread. After all, that’s what ARM has introduced as a part of their IoT solution and they have market weight that is difficult to dismiss. However those options aren’t the only game in town. There is already some level of (second… Read More
Flex Logix is a Different Kind of IP Company!
The embedded FPGA business has been getting quite a bit of press lately so it is definitely worth a closer look. Intel started it all when they acquired the #2 FPGA company Altera for $16.7B last year. Microsoft is also a big FPGA fan for search and deep learning. In fact, Microsoft’s commitment to FPGAs, specifically Altera FPGAs,… Read More
Musk’s new job as Samsung Fab Manager – Can he disrupt chip making? Intel outside