Science texts like to present the evolution of knowledge as step-function transitions, from ignorance to wisdom. We used to think the sun revolved around the earth. Then Galileo appeared, and we instantly realized that the earth revolves around the sun. But reality is always messier, as Galileo understood all too well. The transition… Read More
Semiconductor Intellectual Property
Arm Shifts Up With SOAFEE
We’re always hearing about shift-left, advances enabling system designers to start various aspects of their development and validation earlier. In support of this goal for automotive developers, Arm recently announced their Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE). SOAFEE is a software platform (with reference… Read More
Design and Verification IP: Insights From a SmartDV Insider
Just as SmartTV has become a household term, SmartDV has become a well-known name within semiconductor design and verification circles. SmartDV™ Technologies is the proven and trusted choice for Smart Design IP and a range of Verification Solutions™ from Verification IP, including assertion-based and post-silicon validation… Read More
The Arm China Debacle and TSMC
Having spent 40 years in the semiconductor industry, many years working with Arm and even publishing the definitive history book “Mobile Unleashed: The Origin and Evolution of ARM Processors in Our Devices” plus having spent more than 20 years working with China based companies, I found the recent Arm China media circus quite … Read More
Smoothing the Path to NoC Adoption
We’re creatures of habit. As technologists, we want to move fast and break things, but only on our terms. Everything else should remain the same or improve with minimum disruption. No fair breaking the way we do our jobs as we plot a path to greatness. This is irrational, of course. Real progress often demands essential changes where… Read More
CEO Interview: Veerbhan Kheterpal of Quadric.io
It was my pleasure to meet Veerbhan Kheterpal. Veerbhan has founded three technology companies and has full stack expertise spanning software to silicon across Edge & Datacenter applications. Currently, he is a CEO & co-founder of quadric.io, a company that has created a new processor architecture for high performance… Read More
Ultra-Wide Band Finds New Relevance
Do you use Tile or other Bluetooth tracking devices? If so, you know that such devices, attached to your car keys or wallet, created a small stir. A way to track down something you can’t find. Very neat but hardly revolutionary. One of those consumer tchotchkes as likely to be handed out as trade-show swag as purchased.
So why did Apple… Read More
Package Pin-less PLLs Benefit Overall Chip PPA
SOCs designed on advanced FinFET nodes like 7, 5 and 3nm call for silicon-validated physical analog IP for many critical functions. Analog blocks have always been node and process specific and their development has always been a challenge for SOC teams. Fortunately, there are well established and endorsed analog IP companies… Read More
Controlling the Automotive Network – CAN and TSN Update
Cars are hotbeds of systems innovation. I’ve been fortunate to be asked to write about many of these areas, from the MEMS underlying sensors to ISPs and radars, intelligent imaging and sensor fusion. And many aspects of design for safety within the SoCs around a car. But I haven’t written much about the networks connecting these … Read More
Synopsys’ Complete 800G Ethernet Solutions
If I ask the question, “What has grown 4,000x over the last twenty-five years?”, most people will start throwing names of some stocks. Although various stock markets have had crazy run ups and yes, there is a stock that has grown 2,500x over that period of time, the answer to the 4,000x question is not a stock. What if I modify the question… Read More
Rapidus, IBM, and the Billion-Dollar Silicon Sovereignty Bet